01
Crochet Basics for Confident Beginners
Start crochet with confidence through Stitch Ledger's basics hub covering stitches, gauge, abbreviations and how to read patterns for beginners.
A crochet companion magazine
Stitch Ledger helps beginners learn crochet stitches, read patterns, find trusted free projects and crochet hats and blankets for charity today.
Learn Crochet, Patterns and Charity Making
Start with the basics
Browse by shelf
Four shelves, one workbasket
Each shelf below opens its own page with every article it holds: start where your next project needs you.
02
Trustworthy Free Crochet Patterns
Find trustworthy free crochet patterns for blankets, hats, scarves and toys, plus smart tips for reading instructions, checking gauge and choosing yarn.
03
Crochet for Charity and Warm Up America
Join the charity crafting tradition from Warm Up America started by Evie Rosen in 1992 with seven by nine sections and easy ways to give now.
04
Learn Crochet by Watching
Learn by watching step by step crochet lessons in the spirit of original video pages, from starting chains to finishing handmade projects today.
Shelf 01
Learn the Basics
Stitches, abbreviations, gauge and pattern reading: the shelf every beginner consults before starting a project.
Learn the Basics
Basic Stitch Definitions from Slip Knot to Treble
Learn slip knot, chain, slip stitch, single, half double, double and treble crochet with clear definitions, uses and simple ways to practice each stitch.
Learn the Basics
Understanding Gauge and Gauge Swatches
Understand what crochet gauge means, how to make and measure a swatch, count stitches and rows, and adjust hook or tension when gauge differs.
Shelf 02
Patterns and Back Issues
Twelve back issues from 2012 to 2014 plus a guide to free patterns shared today: pick a project with steady technique.
Patterns and Back Issues
From the Archive: Issue 1 Fall 2012
Revisit Fall 2012 Issue 1 with weekend throw, hats in the round, baby blankets and Halloween trick or treat bags for first confident projects.
Patterns and Back Issues
Issue 2 Winter 2012 in Review
Explore Winter 2012 Issue 2 with quick colorful gifts, cozy cowls, holiday patterns and the Purple Stitch Project for warm seasonal making joy.
Patterns and Back Issues
Issue 3: Cables and Texture
Discover Issue 3 crocheted cables, textured scarves and wraps, soft baby blankets and a Valentine wreath for learning rich stitch texture today.
Patterns and Back Issues
Issue 4 Spring 2013: Motif Magic
Enjoy Spring 2013 Issue 4 motif magic with Super Squares tote, crocheted quilts and twenty three projects for home and fashion style to make now.
Shelf 03
Crochet for Charity
Blankets, hats and comfort items for neighbours and hospitals: what charities request and how to give.
Shelf 04
Watch Lessons and Fixes
Step by step lessons, half double crochet in close-up and errata notes: correct tension, edges and counting.
Watch Lessons and Fixes
How to Make Half Double Crochet
Master half double crochet step by step, see where it fits between single and double, and use it for hats, scarves and cozy blankets with ease.
Watch Lessons and Fixes
Pattern Errata and Corrections
Understand why pattern corrections happen, revisit the Issue 1 beanie mix up, and learn what to do when a pattern changes mid project today.
Watch Lessons and Fixes
Contact Stitch Ledger Editors
Reach Stitch Ledger with questions about free patterns, back issues, charity projects and basic stitches for beginners and families in the US.
From the charity shelf
Crochet for neighbours and hospitals
Warm Up America sections, Project Linus blankets, chemo caps and preemie hats: size ranges and fibre notes before you start.
Open an issue
Dossiers from the archive
Each dossier below revisits one back issue or one skill page: open the one that matches your next make.
Patterns and Back Issues
From the Archive: Issue 1 Fall 2012
Revisit Fall 2012 Issue 1 with weekend throw, hats in the round, baby blankets and Halloween trick or treat bags for first confident projects.
Patterns and Back Issues
Issue 6 Fall 2013: Red Scarves and Zigzags
Bundle up with Fall 2013 Issue 6 Red Scarf Project, foundation stitches and ziggety zag afghans for cozy cold weather giving and heartfelt charity.
Patterns and Back Issues
Issue 7: Christmas at Sea and Fall Afghans
Stitch Fall comfort with Issue 7 Christmas at Sea scarf for seafarers, linked stitches and warm afghans and lap robes to share with neighbors.
Patterns and Back Issues
Issue 5 Summer 2013: Lace and Linus Blanket
Relax with Summer 2013 Issue 5 lacy shawls, Project Linus baby blanket and airy summer throws for warm weather comfort and gifts to cherish.
Patterns and Back Issues
Issue 3: Cables and Texture
Discover Issue 3 crocheted cables, textured scarves and wraps, soft baby blankets and a Valentine wreath for learning rich stitch texture today.
Patterns and Back Issues
Issue 11 May 2014 and the Final Issues
Follow Issue 11 May 2014 plus Tunisian crochet from Issue 9 and the final 2014 run that closed twelve issues of learning and creative inspiration.
Learn the Basics
Understanding Gauge and Gauge Swatches
Understand what crochet gauge means, how to make and measure a swatch, count stitches and rows, and adjust hook or tension when gauge differs.
Watch Lessons and Fixes
How to Make Half Double Crochet
Master half double crochet step by step, see where it fits between single and double, and use it for hats, scarves and cozy blankets with ease.
About Stitch Ledger: how the magazine reads its sources and who the guides help. The small print lives on the legal notice page.