Sunday, July 13, 2025

Easy Mesh Crochet Stitch, Free Pattern & Video Tutorial


If you're looking for a light, airy stitch that’s perfect for summer projects, you’re going to love this easy mesh crochet stitch

Whether you’re dreaming of a handmade market bag, a beach tote, or even a breezy cover-up, this stitch creates a beautiful openwork texture that’s both practical and stylish.

This pattern features only two repeating rows, making it beginner-friendly and ideal for quick makes. The result is a strong yet flexible fabric — just right for summer essentials.



YarnArt Begonia – a 100% mercerized cotton yarn, category 2.


Hook size D, 3.25 mm

Multiple of 4, plus 3. (For the sample shown I started with ch 55)


Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, *ch 3, skip next 2 ch, sc in each of next 2 ch* across.


Row 2: turn, ch 1, sc in 1st sc, ch 2, skip next sc, 2 sc in next ch-3 space, *ch 3, 2 sc in next ch-3 space* across to last 2 sc, end with ch 2, skip next sc, sc in last sc. 


Row 3: turn, ch 1, sc in 1st sc, sc in next ch-2 space, ch 3, *2 sc in next ch-3 space, ch 3* across to last ch-2 space, ends with sc in last ch-2 space, sc in last sc. 


Repeat Rows 2-3 for the pattern.


If you are a visual learner, watch the step-by-step video tutorial on my YouTube channel


Happy crocheting! 


Thursday, July 10, 2025

Exciting News! The Water Lily Summer Top Pattern is Now Available


I’m thrilled to share that the written pattern for my newest design — the Water Lily Lacy Summer Top — is now available in my Etsy and Ravelry shops!

This airy and elegant top has been a true labor of love. Many of you have been eagerly waiting for the pattern, and I didn’t want you to miss the chance to make it while summer is still in full swing. 

So even though the video tutorial is still in the works, the written pattern is ready and up for grabs now!


The Water Lily Top is worked with a beautiful and delicate lace stitch that reminds me of floating water lilies; that’s how it got its name. The stitch creates a lovely texture and drape, and it's available in 11 custom sizes, from XS to 5XL.

Because this lace design depends on full stitch repeats (you can’t just add half a repeat), I developed a special sizing system to preserve the stitch integrity while keeping everything proportional. 

The pattern has already been professionally tech edited, ensuring that it's clear, consistent, and beginner-friendly for those familiar with garment-making.


To ensure everything works as intended, I crocheted the top myself in three different sizes: XS, Small, and XL. I wanted to be 100% sure that the proportions work across different bodies — and they do!

Currently, another talented crocheter is testing the pattern in a Plus Size. Since that’s a larger project, it might take her some time to finish. But because so many of you have reached out wanting to make the top before summer ends, I decided to go ahead and release the pattern now.

The fair market value for a crochet garment pattern like this, worked in a complex lacy stitch and fully graded across all sizes is around $8 on Etsy and Ravelry. 

However, for this early release, I’m offering the pattern at a special price of $5.49.

Once the video tutorial is published, the pattern price will increase to reflect its full value. So if you’d like to make this stunning summer top and save a bit in the process, now is the perfect time to get your copy! You can always redownload the updated version from Etsy or Ravelry!


A video tutorial for the main lace stitch is already available on my YouTube channel, and the full step-by-step garment tutorial is coming soon!

Everything you need to crochet the Water Lily Top is included in the pattern, so you can get started with confidence!

You also have my 100% support! If you have any questions or need help at any point, just reach out and I’ll be happy to assist you.

Happy crocheting! 

Buy this pattern on Etsy

Buy this pattern on Ravelry




Sunday, July 6, 2025

Free Crochet Baby Blanket Pattern for Beginners

I'm happy to share one of my very first crochet designs — a sweet and simple baby blanket pattern I created back in June 2015. This pattern has now been retired from my Etsy and Ravelry shops, and I'm making it available here for free on my blog.

This blanket holds a special place in my heart. It was one of my earliest attempts at designing, and although my style and skills have evolved since then, I still think it’s a charming and cozy project — especially for beginners.

The blanket is worked using easy double crochet clusters, creating a soft, textured fabric with just the right amount of stretch and drape for a little one. 

The yarn I used was Snuggly Wiggly by Loops & Threads (100% acrylic), which is budget-friendly, machine-washable, and comes in gentle baby colors. 

Whether you're looking to make a gift for a baby shower, donate to a hospital, or just want a relaxing weekend project, I hope you enjoy this simple pattern as much as I enjoyed designing it.


Lilac Baby Blanket with Ruffle Trim

Olga Poltava © June, 2015


This pattern may not be redistributed in any form. You are very welcome to sell the finished items that

you make using this pattern.


This pattern is written using US crochet terminology.


Finished Measurements: approximately 38 by 32 inches


Skill Level: Beginner


Materials:

US Hook size F/5 (3.75 MM)

Light worsted yarn, 1260 yards (worsted weight baby yarn will work too)



Abbreviations:

ch chain

sc single crochet

dc double crochet

dc3tog: 3 double crochets finished together (this stitch is also known as 3 dc cluster)

* * Instructions between asterisks should be repeated as many times as there are stitches to

accommodate them.


Ch 124 loosely


Row 1: 3 dc in 6th ch from hook, ch 1, *skip next 3 ch, 3 dc in next ch, ch 1* across, dc in last ch. (30

pattern repeats)


Row 2: ch 3, turn; *(dc3tog, ch 2, dc3tog) all in 2nd dc of next dc-3 group* across, dc in top of turning ch.

(30 pattern repeats)


Row 3: ch 3, turn; 3 dc in next ch-2 space, *ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-2 space* across, dc in top or turning ch.

(30 pattern repeats)


Repeat Rows 2-3 until the blanket measures 36 inches, ending with Row 3.


Trim:

Crochet four rounds of sc evenly around, making 3 sc in each corner space. Start each round with ch 1,

and end by joining with sl st to 1st sc.


Round 5: *ch 3, dc in same sc, sc in next sc* around; join round with sl st.


Fasten off.

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Sneak Peek: Water Lily Crochet Summer Top + Free Stitch Tutorial

 


Friends, I’m so excited to finally share a glimpse of my newest design — the Water Lily Crochet Summer Top

This lacy, lightweight garment has quickly become one of my favorite creations, and I think you're going to love it too.


The stitch pattern is light, delicate, and just breezy enough for summer — and the way it flows reminds me of blooming water lilies dancing on a quiet pond. That’s how this top got its name — graceful, airy, and effortlessly feminine.



While I’m still putting the finishing touches on the written pattern and step-by-step video tutorial, I’ve already shared a demo of the main lacy stitch used in the top on my YouTube channel

You can start learning the stitch today, try it out, and even begin swatching for your perfect size.


It’s simple to learn and so versatile — perfect for summer tops, shawls, scarves, or whatever project you dream up.

If you're already dreaming about making your own Water Lily Top, you can start by:

  • Watching the tutorial

  • Choosing your yarn (I used Alize Cotton Gold, 55% cotton / 45% acrylic)

  • Grabbing a G (4.25 mm) hook

  • Making a swatch and getting familiar with the stitch repeat




The pattern is now in the hands of a professional technical editor, and once that step is complete, it will be tested in multiple sizes to make sure it fits and looks great on real women.

After that it will be available in my Etsy and Ravelry shops!

This piece is perfect for warm days — breezy, elegant, and light on the skin. Whether you wear it over a tank, dress it up for brunch, or throw it on with jeans, it’s the kind of handmade garment that gets noticed (and asked about!).