January 9, 2025, rang in the first episode of Loose Endz with Mikey, aka me. Meet Shanice, a Canadian lover and trucker from the West. Immediately, I recognized she was sitting in the driver's seat of a semi-truck. Instant connectivity with me, as life on the road as a long-haul truck driver can be demanding....
Crochet and Knitting Advice
For crochet beginners, the Crochet Crowd offers valuable advice to navigate the world of yarn. Their tips focus on understanding the fundamentals of crochet, providing insights into the "how," "what," and "why" of working with yarn. This guidance serves as a helpful resource for new enthusiasts looking to enhance their skills and enjoyment of the craft.
Top 20 Crochet Blogs Starting 2025 Globally Are... I'm Surprised
What crochet designers do you trust the most!? Feedspot is a platform that regulates the popularity, overall operations, content building and metric analytics that go unseen. To be frank, 2024 has been a Mr Toad Wild Ride of navigating where a crochet host, channel and blog fits into the mix. With the introduction of AI,...
How to Make Perfect Fringe For Crochet Scarves
Fringing a project can be the final touch to elevate a project's visual look. Learn how to steam and cut it. The scarf here is using Caron Little Crafties. This yarn brand has 20 colours inside the package. I used 17 of them. I wanted the ends of the strips of colours to have a...
What is Mikey's Personal Stitch Gauge? + Tutorial
Every crocheter has their stitch gauge. Gauge is the unit of measure in which your hands operate to create a finished stitch. Some crocheters are loose, others are tight, and some are of the recommended ball size. Designers provide a gauge when a crochet pattern is made; it allows crocheters to match the indicator by...
Crochet Beginning Chain Counts & Worksheet
My Beginning Chain Worksheet illustrates. This worksheet assumes straight rows back and forth. At the bottom of the article is the worksheet for chevrons (waves) for changing sizes too. People ask, a lot, on how many chains to start with. We have done the research to determine the average chains that start typical sizes. I...
What Are The Stitch Counts After First Crochet Chain?
When crocheting across the chain for the first time, crocheters want to know how many stitches they will come up with when they skip chains to form the first stitch. Below is a crochet diagram to illustrate how it is counted. Single Crochet Chain count - 1 chain = final count. (100 chains would be...
Donate or YouTube Membership to Support The Crochet Crowd
After sixteen years of teaching, laughter, tears, and support, The Crochet Crowd has remained firm in providing free education and inspiring creativity to all its viewers worldwide. We Have Two Options I feel the Journey Membership on YouTube is the biggest bang for your dollar as you get so much back. . . We strive...
Loose Endz with Mikey Podcast
A new vision is ahead of Loose Endz with Mikey, a podcast by Mikey with regular crocheters like you. A goal for a very long time has been to talk to everyday crocheters, as many podcasts tend to interview celebrities or people known in the industry. My goal is to speak to non-influential people, as...
New Crochet Diagram Symbol - Repeat Connector
I'm an advocate of crochet diagrams due to the intentional usage of these diagrams that do not require English to be known to follow the crochet pattern. It's globally inclusive. Introducing the Repeating Connector symbol developed by me, Michael Sellick, with the help of the Membership Level on YouTube for feedback. The Problem It Fixes...
The Crochet Crowd Subscriber Weekly Giveaways
For the next two months, we are running a weekly giveaway for our website subscribers as a testing trial. Our newsletter goes out once a week. When you sign up, you only use your email address and name. You will find our sign-up automatically on the home page of our website and below. Gifts may...
Afghan Size Calculator
How do you figure out afghan sizes? I have created a formula to calculate the chain counts needed to get to the sizes you need. The formula will also calculate stitch sets for those who require a pattern, such as a wave afghan to stay in balance for stitches. Sizes of afghans have been provided...
How to Read Crochet Diagrams + Beginner Diagram Tutorial
The art of reading a crochet diagram is a method I prefer over reading written words. It's like teaching yourself hieroglyphics but for crochet. The symbols mean something and are a language all to itself. For myself, my first crochet book, when I was fourteen, had written words and diagrams for each pattern. Standard Crochet...
Meet Mikey & Retreaters at Jimmy Beans Wool
Meet Mikey, Wendy, Anita, Tiffany, Stephanie, and Tiffany from Daisy Farm Crafts, plus over 100 crochet retreaters, at Jimmy Beans Wool on Friday, October 4, 2024, between 9:30 and 12 noon. Jimmy Beans Wool is at 891 Trademark Drive, Reno, NV 89521. Their phone number is (877)JBW-KNIT or 877-529-5648. Retreaters will be bused in from...
What Are The Yarn Weight Standards?
Here in North America, the yarn companies come together as a collection to work together voluntarily with the Yarn Craft Council of America. You will see standard information that appears on the ball bands of companies who cooperate to make the labels easier for consumers to use. Balls bands have logos on the ball to...
Master List of Crochet Hook Sizes + Learn How to Gauge
Crochet hook sizes matter. New crocheters may not notice a difference until they stare at a yarn aisle and see all the different sizes. I recommend hook sizes when making a purchase for the first time. Look for 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, or 6.5 mm. For our USA friends, that size is H,...
What Are Sections of a Retail Shop Called?
In retailer terms, the layout of the store has terminology that is used behind the scenes. It's based on consumer behaviour of following a path and directing people's attention. The Racetrack The racetrack is the main walkway surrounding the store. It's usually more expansive, and with aisles on both sides, a person can wander the...
Musk Ox Farm - Palmer, Alaska Tour & Retreat Space
If you ever find your way to Anchorage, Alaska, visit the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer. According to their website, "The Musk Ox Development Corporation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. There are many ways you can be a part of the work that we do here at the Musk Ox Farm." My new friend Cindy...
Can I Take A Crochet Hook on a Plane?
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration, Crochet Hooks can be brought in carry-on and checked baggage. You can check the TSA Website Here. I've never had an issue taking a crochet hook or knitting needles in most of the places I have visited. For Canadians, you can also...
Walk Through The Door... Taking A Chance with Crystal at Bag-O-Day
Crystal at Bag-O-Day Crochet and I share more viewers on YouTube than any other channel. The background stories of what creates a YouTube Host are not always explicit, but in this video released hours ago, Crystal shares that I was her push to start after her husband gave her the seed to begin something new....
How Many Metres Needed Crochet or Knit Yarn Projects?
We have the answers for the average metres required. It's not guessing; it's mathematics. Yarnspirations figured out how many metres to purchase for the average project. Of course, some projects are yarn pigs like the crocodile or textured stitches, but this will give a closer idea. This doesn't tell you colour breakdowns if you are...
How Many Yards Needed Crochet or Knit Yarn Projects?
Many wonder whether they will have enough yarn to complete a project. It's not guessing; it's mathematics. Yarnspirations figured out how many yards to purchase for the average project. Of course, some projects are yarn pigs, like the crocodile stitch or textured stitches, but this will give a close idea. This doesn't tell you colour breakdowns if...
How to Join YouTube Membership & Upgrade
In December 2022, we introduced a new portion of YouTube called YouTube Membership. This is a level above the subscription level. And no, we haven't switched the channel so that all the tutorials are at the membership level. Select videos are, but there's a reason for it. I'll explain below. Since 2008, we've kept patterns...
What Are the Changes Needed for Foundation Crochet Rows? + Tutorial
Many clothing patterns require you to start with a foundation row instead. This means that you won't be making a chain but building the stitches as real stitches for the first row. Due to foundation instructions eliminating out the turning chains on the first row, it changes the stitch counts. Crochet Diagrams The symbol, as...
Knitting Abbreviations Master List + Tutorials
Abbreviations in knitting patterns. Some of the terms shown have links directly to a video tutorial to show you the skill set. Reading the patterns will get easier once you become familiar with the terms. This list has been compiled with the help of our friends at Yarnspirations, as well as terms Mikey has run...
What is Perfect Phasing at Yarnspirations?
Yarnspirations, over the years, continues to push forward on the technology. Some yarns, such as Bernat Mosaic, had the technology, and others in a roving-based yarn, but in recent years, the concept for polyester and acrylic yarns are now here and are called Perfect Phasing with Yarnspirations. In past years, some yarns like Red Heart Super Saver...
What Are The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certification for Yarnspirations?
Yarnspirations introduced OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certification over 8 years ago to some of their yarn products. Like you, the people behind the scenes have real families, including babies and small children. A standard of testing through an independent lab was introduced, especially the baby yarns itself. Since Red Heart Yarns went for sale and Spinrite...
What are the Standards for Abbreviations in Crochet Patterns?
Designers are encouraged, and it is much easier for crocheters to access the abbreviations at the beginning of the pattern. Abbreviations should be placed alphabetically so the crocheter can access this like a dictionary to quickly find the instruction. More complex abbreviations that go beyond the basic standard should have instructions on how to do...
What are the colour order standards for crochet patterns?
In standards of crochet patterns, the ordering of the colour is strategic. Not all designers follow this, but there is a method to the madness. Colours in patterns are assigned a letter in uppercase. An example such as below shows this. The designer is telling you that E is being used which is the colour...
List Crochet Gauges for Substituting Yarns
Matching yarns together for gauge substitution from the manufacturer's suggested gauge can be tricky. The manufacturer's suggestion is based on the science of having perfect conditions, but your hand(s) may never match what the yarn brand will require of you. We have put together for Red Heart, Bernat and Lily Sugar'n Cream. What may be...
Make it Happen: Start A Local Stitch or Craft Group
Now is the time to start planning to create or lay the groundwork for a new stitch or craft group for the fall. When something is missing from your life, you may not be aware that a local group already exists, or maybe it's time for you to put in the legwork to make one....
How Do You Price Your Crochet Projects?
How Much Do Crocheters Charge for Projects? How much do you charge for a crochet project is one of the most asked questions. Is there a formula for figuring it out? Many people have different opinions and they can be wildly different from each other: We have crocheters, like me, who are happy to crochet...
How Many Chains to Start a Blanket or Afghan?
DOWNLOAD THE FREE CHAIN START TABLE We are constantly asked how many chains we need for specific-size Afghans. Using my crochet hook and measuring tape, I figured out the average chain counts you need to do to get close to the size you want. The worksheet provided assumes 4-ply worsted medium yarn. Those include brands...
Crochet Health Exercises for Hands
Early in 2024, I noticed I was losing the feeling in my hands and arms. I started to attend therapy at the Hawthorn Clinic in Kentville, Nova Scotia. I didn't need a referral, so I went in to book acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic. Daniel had been going there as he tripped on a PuppiDawg...
Yarn Store: Rewards in Nova Scotia
Locals have been telling me about Rewards for years. I've lived here since 2018, and I haven't been to Rewards yet. It's a store of home decor, toys, and other things that I struggle to describe. My local group told me recently, "You should have listened to us sooner!" Well, they are right, but don't...
12 Slip Stitch Techniques for Double Crochet in the Round
As a new crocheter, you may not realize there are several ways to cheat the crochet patterns. One way is to avoid things you may strongly dislike about crochet, such as joining at the end of the rounds. Have you ever been behind someone in line at the coffee shop and noticed the slip stitching...
How to Determine What Side Is the Yarn Tail Is On... Right or Left? + Tutorial
You've lost your way, and you cannot determine which side is the right side (RS) or the wrong side (WS). The answer is in the location of the beginning yarn tail. To keep orientation, I highly recommend not removing this tail until the end of the project. If the 1st row is considered the right...
Where is Jeanne Steinhilber, Crochet Designer?
An increasing number of people have been asking about Jeanne as they haven't seen any new designs or seen her admin on our social media pages. Jeanne Steinhilber joined my team in 2015 with fresh ideas and a desire to learn and design. She became a friend and an integral part of The Crochet Crowd...
Design Secret: More Circle Crochet Look, Please
Circles in crochet aren't circles at all; they are a mathematical growth spurt and depending on the designer, the circles can appear more circles by a simple trick. In most designs, the circle is growing at the same spot. While the circle is small, it's harder to see that it will eventually be a flat-sided...
The Crochet Crowd Book
The Crochet Crowd's only book came out in September 2021 after a year of development. Featuring Michael Sellick, Daniel Zondervan and a list of other friends to make some patterns for the book. Those people included Jeanne Steinhilber, Anita Grover, Megan McHugh and Kathleen Nolen. You can pick it up at your favourite bookstore and/or...
Review: Kollage Square Crochet Hooks
Kollage Square Crochet Hooks are made both in the United States and Canada. I was really on the fence about these hooks because the promise of ergonomic hooks depends on the individual. I had to enlist my friend Kelly to give me some blunt feedback. You should know this is a review with no bonuses...