CROCHET TIPS and TRICKS

We all make mistakes in our crochet from time to time.

No, NOT THIS KIND OF MISTAKE:

crochet mistake 092509

Rather, we fail to count correctly, get our gauge wrong, lose our way in a pattern – that sort of thing. Here are a few ideas to help you stay on the crochet straight and narrow (or wide and fluffy if that suits you).

Need to know how to calculate how much yarn you’ll need to complete a project? This site will help you:

http://www.thecrochetside.com/content/tips/project_yardage_calc.html

This site has a nice compendium of information about yarn weights and recommended hook sizes – and more:

http://www.craftdesigns4you.com/crochettips.htm

Here’s a LOT of information on crocheting with beads:

http://www.beadwrangler.com/tips-crochet.htm

Crochet Tip #54 on this site is INVALUABLE for those of us who are ‘counting challenged’. I’ve read that I’m not the only one with this problem. There are a couple other good tips at this site too:

http://crochet-mania-tips.blogspot.com/

Finally, here are a few tips from my own experience:

1. Hook sizes given in patterns are mere suggestions. Use the hook size that works with the yarn and gives you the size you want.

2. Gauge is often important, especially when crocheting garments, so swatching is irreplaceable. However, for flat items like afghans and doilies, gauge is necessary only if you might run out of yarn if you change to a much larger hook size or crochet out of gauge limits for any reason – like you tension.

3. Patterns are great starting points, especially for beginners, but are often mere suggestions. Don’t be afraid to experiment if you love the item pictured but don’t like one element, like the stitch selection. Change the stitch selection if you want. Pay attention to gauge in this case – absolutely necessary for a garment – so that you wind up with something that at least resembles the pattern.

4. Be daring. If your project fails, consider turning it into a motif rather than frogging it (unless the yarn is very expensive and you MUST use it for its originally intended purpose). Freeform crochet is another way to use ‘failed’ pieces. Google ‘freeform crochet’ to see how far you can go with a hook, some yarn, and your own mind.

5. If your wrist or hand is getting tired from hours of crochet, change the way you hold your hook – say from knife to pencil – for a few minutes. Gauge doesn’t change (in my experience) and, while it may feel awkward, it uses different muscles and allows your ‘regular’ crochet muscles to get a rest.

6. Don’t change hook sizes in the middle of a project. Ask my friend DJ about her narrowing plaid afghan. Nuf Said.

Now, go crochet something – and have fun!

Read These Next

There’s something about eggs that feels timeless—whether it’s a basket of freshly laid ones from the farmer’s market or the dozen you picked up on your weekly grocery run. But let’s be honest, those cardboard cartons aren’t exactly pretty to look at. That’s where this little project comes in: a handmade ceramic pottery egg holder that looks beautiful sitting out on the counter, ready for breakfast or brunch.

This DIY egg holder is both practical and stylish, giving you a sturdy place to store or display your eggs. It’s also a fun way to experiment with clay, even if you’re brand new to pottery. By using a recycled egg carton as a mold, you can easily create those classic rounded shapes without complicated tools.

I love projects like this because they blend utility with charm—you’ll end up with a piece that feels rustic, modern, and completely one-of-a-kind. Plus, they make thoughtful gifts for foodies, farmhouse kitchen lovers, or anyone who appreciates a touch of handmade in their home.

In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through step by step how to transform a lump of clay into a farmhouse-chic ceramic egg holder. Whether you use air-dry clay for a simple weekend project or pottery clay for a kiln-fired piece, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together.

Materials You’ll Need:

Air-dry clay or pottery clay (depending on whether you’ll kiln-fire it or not)
A recycled egg carton (cardboard type works best)
Rolling pin or bottle
Craft knife or clay cutting tool
Water and a small sponge for smoothing
Optional: white paint or glaze if firing

Step 1: Prep Your Carton

Grab a standard cardboard egg carton and trim it down so you only have the section you’ll use for your holder (six-egg size is perfect). If the cone peaks inside the carton are too tall, snip them shorter so the clay will form neatly over the top.

(Refer to image: cut-out carton with holes in the peaks)

Step 2: Roll Out the Clay

Take a ball of clay and roll it out flat to about ½ cm thickness. Keep it even but not paper-thin—this is what gives the egg holder strength.

(Refer to image: hands pressing clay flat)

Step 3: Mold the Clay

Drape your rolled clay over the inside of the egg carton. Gently press it down into the cups so it takes the familiar egg-carton shape. Smooth the edges with your fingers or trim them neatly with a craft knife for a clean finish.

(Refer to image: hand pressing clay into the egg carton mold)

Step 4: Refine the Shape

Carefully peel the clay from the carton. At this point, you’ll have the wavy outline and little pockets where your eggs will sit. Use damp fingers or a sponge to smooth away cracks and rough edges.

(Refer to image: formed clay holder on table)

Step 5: Dry and Harden

Air-dry clay: Leave it out for 24–48 hours until fully hardened.
Pottery clay: Let it dry leather-hard before bisque firing in the kiln. Once bisque-fired, apply glaze (a glossy white looks so modern!) and fire again.

Step 6: Style and Use

Once dry (or fired and glazed), your egg holder is ready to use! It looks beautiful styled on a breakfast table, in the fridge for farm-fresh eggs, or even as a quirky jewelry holder for rings and beads.

(Refer to hero image: finished ceramic egg holder with eggs inside)

Tips for Success:

Don’t roll your clay too thin—it will warp or crack when drying.
For a rustic look, leave the edges organic and wavy.
If you’re painting air-dry clay, a matte chalk paint works best for that ceramic-like finish.

This little DIY egg holder is proof that something so simple can become a handmade treasure. Plus, it makes a brilliant handmade gift for foodies and farmhouse lovers.

Which Clay Should You Choose for Your Egg Holder?

One of the most common questions I get asked is: what kind of clay works best for a project like this? The truth is, there’s no single right answer—it depends on the look and finish you want. To give you a little side-by-side comparison, here are four variations of the same egg holder, each made with a different type of clay.

Polymer Clay – Perfect for beginners or small projects, polymer clay is easy to handle and cures in a standard oven. It gives a smooth, lightweight finish, but keep in mind it’s not food-safe unless properly sealed. Best for decorative use.
White Air Dry Clay – This is the simplest choice if you don’t have access to a kiln. Air dry clay dries naturally at room temperature, leaving a matte, chalky ceramic look. It’s beautiful painted or left natural, though it’s not as strong as fired pottery.
Glazed Pottery Clay (Pink) – For that authentic, long-lasting ceramic finish, pottery clay is the way to go. After firing and glazing, you’ll get a glossy, durable, food-safe piece. The blush pink glaze here adds a touch of softness and farmhouse charm.
Terracotta Air Dry Clay – This clay has a warm, earthy tone that brings out a rustic, Mediterranean feel. Like white air-dry clay, it doesn’t require firing, but it’s more porous. It’s best for decorative displays rather than functional use.

Each version has its own charm, so the choice really depends on your tools, skills, and whether you want a purely decorative piece or something durable enough for daily kitchen use.