Crochet Podcast 170: From Fails to Favorites to Freebies!
Welcome to my recap of Crochet Podcast Episode 170 from The Secret Yarnery! In this post, I’m walking you through my latest crochet projects, including those “not-so-perfect” fails that become learning lessons, and the finished objects I’m truly proud of. I’ll share honest insights on what worked, where things went sideways, and small tweaks that made a huge difference. You’ll also find free pattern links, quick tips for all levels, and a peek at what’s coming next. If you love happy crochet, down-to-earth project stories, and a sprinkle of bloopers at the end, you’re in the right place. If you’re new, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on fresh ideas, tutorials, and pattern drops. And for all the returning crochet friends, thank you for joining me again and keeping the crochet community so encouraging.
Showing the Real Story: From Fails to Finished Projects
I always like to start my project shares with the “fails” and early versions. Why? Because that’s where real crochet learning happens! Things rarely turn out the first time, but each do-over gets me closer to a project I love. I jot down what I changed, which hook I used, and why I switched colors or stitches – those notes help me a ton the next time around.
It’s okay to make mistakes! Your first attempt at something might flop, but with a little tweaking you’ll end up with a result you can’t wait to show off.
The Spiked Granny Stitch Series: Colorful Experiments
Starting with Bold Yarn Colors and Simple Granny Squares
Everything started with a stack of jewel-tone yarns and the intention of breathing life into a basic granny square. Keeping a mix of turquoise, deep magenta, bright orange, and saturated green close by, I wanted to see how classic square motifs might pop with a twist. At first, I added black for contrast, because those jewel colors look vibrant against it, and I love the classic appeal.
Adding Drop Stitches to Elevate the Basics
To shake up the regular granny, I added a drop stitch in the center of the clusters instead of just sticking with the typical “space between” approach. That little change makes granny squares look much fancier and perfect for wearables. I learned quickly that hook size matters: a bigger hook made my piece too floppy, so I frogged it and sized down to get that crisp finish.
Black vs. White Background: Which is Better?
I wanted to use black backgrounds for sweaters or gifts (so striking!), but when making something just for me, I found myself pulled toward white. It brings out the vibrant colors and feels lighter. Which one do you love most? Let me know in the comments! Your feedback helps me pick colors for future patterns.
Fixing Misshaped Squares: Starfish Drama Solved
If your granny square is starting to look more like a starfish than a neat square, you’re not alone. Folding it in half or into quarters can quickly reveal where things got off track. I noticed mine began to “whoop” and wave, so I counted stitches and reworked the corners. The end result? A perfectly flat, crisp, and square granny – what a win.
Going Bigger: Why Large Squares Lose Shape
Scaling up sounded fun, but bigger spiked granny squares start to lose their sharp shape. Even after adjustments, the problem grew with each extra round. I put the “timeout” square aside and noted that fixing issues starts at the center, not the end. For those wanting to make a large blanket or sweater, stay tuned for a future tutorial all about getting those edges to line up for good.
Want to try the spiked granny square pattern yourself? Head to All Crochet Patterns at Secret Yarnery for all the latest motifs and stitch guides.
Crochet Floral Bouquet Drawstring Bag: Creative Process and Tips
Where the Idea Bloomed
Like so many of my favorite projects, the bouquet bag began with a basic concept: a reusable gift bag that doubles as a floral bouquet. I envisioned a solid center for hiding treasures and a cinchable ribbon detail for a sweet finish. Over the months, I kept all the “fails” in zipper pouches so I could compare, adjust, and keep every lesson close.
Early Fails and Color Combos
Messing around with different flower colors and center layouts led to a pile of “almost there” pieces. Sometimes the bag cinched awkwardly halfway down, or the ribbon left the closure loose and gaps uneven. But hanging on to those experiments meant I had a color swatch library ready for future projects.
Upgrading Handles and Drawstring Mechanics
With progress came new trouble: crocheted handles that weren’t secure or joins that slipped and unraveled when the bag was pulled tight. I solved this by creating dedicated attachment points, reinforcing joins, and adding little raised picos on the handles so I’d always know where to tug for the best closure.
Flat Bottom Fix: Real-Life Container Hacks
A brilliant fix for floppy bottoms was raiding my kitchen for bowl lids, melamine saucers, strainer bases, and even metal canister lids. I tested them all! The goal was to find a sturdy, removable base that made the bag practical as well as pretty. The lesson? Get creative—look for inserts that fit snugly, are food safe if gifting treats, and easy to find around the house. Bowls, lids, and saucers each give the bag a different feel and function, from holding flowers to hiding gifts.
So Many Uses: Bag, Bouquet, or Party Centerpiece
The final bag has flexible styling. Tie the handles in a bow or tuck them inside for a gift-ready package. Go classic for a bridesmaid proposal, or remove the handles to use the flower top as a table centerpiece. Swap out bowl sizes to fit whatever you want to display or gift. I love the idea of a little keepsake pouch that delivers not just a present, but a memory.
You can get the full written instructions and helpful tips by checking out Fun Crochet Projects for 2025 or browsing the bouquet bag patterns at Secret Yarnery.
Beer Cozies: Fast, Fun, and Functional
Snug Fit, Bright Colors, and a Built-In Coaster
I never thought I’d obsess over beer bottle cozies, but once I started, I couldn’t stop! A tight fit keeps bottles from slipping, and acrylic yarn offered the best combo of budget-friendly and bold colors. The flat, crocheted base doubles as a coaster, keeping things stable.
Making It Fit: Hook Sizing and Custom Colors
I used a 5mm hook for regular bottles (think Heineken or Corona), and bumped up to a 6mm for wider or taller styles. Each koozie got its own color “frost” at the top and bright stripes at the bottom. This helps everyone at a party keep track of drinks, and makes setup for family barbecues a breeze.
Customizing, Spiraling, and Pattern Access
Working in spirals kept the edges smooth and eliminated joins. You can adjust the height for taller “necks” or use your own shade palette for a personalized party set. The written instructions are up, and you can always reach out if you want more details for different bottle sizes or yarn substitutions.
If you want a fresh roundup of beginner and intermediate ideas, check out Free Crochet Patterns for Beginners.
Easiest Poncho for Beginners: Simple, Flexible, Cozy
Why I Love This Poncho
There’s something comforting about a poncho that looks good on everyone and doesn’t require a ton of tricky stitches. I go for a double crochet base, a single crochet border, and whatever color combos make me happy. Fit is forgiving, and the piece drapes comfortably across the shoulders.
How to Make It: Multiples, Stripes, and Stitch Count
The pattern is built on multiples of six stitches across, so you can easily adjust for your body type or fit preference. There’s space in the written guide for test stripes and color planning – or you can copy my stripes if you want a proven look.
Styling the Poncho, Your Way
Throw it on with the V in front for that classic “poncho look,” or rotate so it’s straight across – my personal favorite for better arm coverage. Dressing it up or down is part of the fun, and I always encourage hookers to make it feel like their own.
Inspiration for More
Honestly, once you finish this one, you’ll want to try more. I’ve already got two or three variations swirling in my mind. Use the base pattern and tweak colors, edging, or even texture for your next big project.
You can find new pattern releases and step-by-step project guides at Secret Yarnery Frontpage Collection.
Wrap Yourself in a Chunky Chenille Blanket: Colorful and Heavy
Big Yarn, Big Hooks, Big Results
The giant chenille blanket was a test of how far I could push thick yarn and minimal time. I used 17 balls of size 6 chenille (super chunky), paired with a 10mm hook. Chenille is a joy to work with: soft, quick, and machine washable, perfect for busy lives.
Fun Stitches and Quick Construction
I wanted a stitch that looked interesting but didn’t leave giant holes everywhere. Starting with a 66-stitch wide base, I worked in color-blocked stripes, letting each ball dictate its own row. Adding a bit of texture breaks up the monotony and sparks the “what stitch is that?” curiosity every time I pick it up.
Smart Color Planning & Yarn Management
With a rainbow of partial cakes, I laid out all options on the bed, pairing bold oranges and whites with midtones for balance. When I ran low, I spaced those colors out and joined with a trusty magic knot. No precise measuring, just using what I had to the last yard.
The Weight Factor: Not What I Expected
This blanket weighs 1.7 kilograms, which gives it a surprising heft. It’s not super warm (not your standard “sweat-through-the-night” afghan), but has the weighted, cozy vibe perfect for lounging. You’ll finish fast, get your stash under control, and have a show-off blanket ready for the couch or bed.
Hungry for more modern blanket ideas? See what’s trending with Try These Crochet Projects in 2025.
Next Up: Mystery Project Teasers
I’m deep into my next project, but can’t reveal much yet. The weather in Nairobi is chilly, so I’m on a crochet bender and making quick progress. Expect to see the reveal in the next Friday live chat, followed by a full tutorial Sunday. Trust me, you’ll love what’s coming soon.
Community Help: Matching Ice Yarns With Main Brands
Lately, I’ve been searching for an Ice Yarn equivalent to Caron Simply Soft. If you know of a yarn that’s shiny, slightly slippery, closer to a thick 3-weight or thin 4-weight, and fits the bill, please chime in with a comment. The Caron Simply Soft gives a beautiful result in things like my Ectastic crochet blanket, but I’d love to recommend a more accessible yarn for those outside North America. Your input makes a real difference for everyone trying to follow along with different brands!
For the Secret Yarnery Channel Members: A Huge Thank You
Your encouragement and support keep me motivated, spark new creative ideas, and truly help make every video possible. Special bonus: members get a speed-up version of the thank you roll before each premiere and live chat. Want to join? Find out how in the channel’s join info under each video.
If you love behind-the-scenes inspiration, get fresh ideas from the Crochet Projects for Absolute Beginners playlist that’s perfect for both new stitchers and seasoned pros looking for quick makes.
Teaching Crochet to Left-Handed Beginners: Honest Reflections
Adapting to a Left-Handed Learner
I recently taught a left-handed young crocheter. As a righty, this presented a fun challenge. I set him up with my left-handed video playlist, and it made the process much smoother. Still, watching my own earlier tutorials, I realized just how much I used to talk about subscribing – and how long some of those lessons ran!
New Beginner Series in the Works
That experience inspired me to create a new, streamlined “all-in-one” video for absolute beginners. No jumping around multiple videos, no fluff, just one reference you can go back to over and over. I want learning to feel quick, clear, and truly “beginner friendly.”
Free Crochet Stitch Cheat Sheet
To go with the new video, I built a free crochet stitch cheat sheet you can print out. It covers the basics: chaining, single crochet, half double, double, and treble. Keep it beside you, so you never have to guess which stitch does what. I’m thrilled to finally share free printable resources like this. You can grab yours at the free crochet stitch cheat sheet.
For more resources and a supportive community, you can also check the lively threads on beginner crochet project suggestions.
Life Lately: Family, Food, and Crochet Weather
At home, my family is in revision (studying) mode, looking forward to a holiday in December. The Nairobi winter brings cooler temperatures, making it perfect for marathon crochet sessions. I’ve been deep into comfort food, too—especially homemade chicken pot pies. Finding joy in little things, like new pie tins or seeing the boys enjoy school break, really fuels my creative energy.
I hope wherever you are, you’ve got something yummy in the oven, a crochet project in hand, and a cozy spot to work. Thanks for making this crochet journey brighter with your support and enthusiasm. Let’s keep building this happy, helpful yarn community—one (sometimes wonky, but always loved) stitch at a time.
FAQs
What projects are featured in this episode?
This episode covers spiked granny squares, floral bouquet drawstring bags, beer koozies, a beginner-friendly poncho, and a chunky chenille blanket.
Where can I find the free crochet patterns mentioned?
Free patterns are available here, with the paid pattern and tutorial linked in each:
How do I fix wonky or wavy granny squares?
Count your stitches, focus on the corners, and fold the square in half to spot mistakes. Adjust as needed for a flat, even result.
What yarns and hooks are recommended?
Project details list suggested yarn weights and hook sizes. For most patterns: acrylic yarn and hooks from 5mm to 10mm, depending on the project.
Can beginners try these patterns?
Yes, there are tips for all skill levels. The poncho and koozies are great for beginners. Each project includes advice for easier adjustments.
How do I make crochet projects look more polished?
Use proper tension, count stitches, try color planning, and finish with crisp borders. Reviewing “fail” versions and tweaking them helps, too.
Is there help for left-handed crocheters?
Yes! There is a channel dedicated to left handed crocheters called Easy Left Handed Crochet Tutorials. Please check it our and subscribe!
How can I join the Secret Yarnery community?
Subscribe on YouTube, join live chats, or become a channel member for behind-the-scenes perks and special thanks.
Where do I ask questions or share my projects?
Comment on the YouTube video, or join crochet discussions on Facebook!
Are there printable resources?
Yes, grab the free crochet stitch cheat sheet and other resources from the blog links in the recap.
Stay hooked, and I’ll see you in the next episode!
Christa Patel is the creator and host behind the Secret Yarnery, a popular YouTube channel and crochet blog known for clear tutorials, creative patterns, and honest project reviews. Her approachable teaching style has helped thousands of crocheters, from beginners to advanced makers, learn new techniques and grow their skills.
With years of experience designing patterns, troubleshooting common crochet problems, and building a supportive community, Christa shares reliable advice rooted in hands-on expertise. She is passionate about making crochet fun and accessible for everyone, offering tips, free resources, and a welcoming space for yarn lovers worldwide!