19 June 2020
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Learn how to crochet in miniature with this handy tutorial by Roz Walters. When you’ve grasped the basics, there are two simple patterns for you to try – perfect additions for your dolls house!
Crochet is a simple art requiring few tools and can be learnt in minutes!
Roz Walters shows us how to crochet in miniature, taking us through all the stitches to get started. Once the basic chain and double crochet have been mastered, all other stitches are a variation of double crochet. Then, have a go at making your own miniature pram blanket and cot blanket using the patterns provided.
Whether you’re a newcomer or fancy a refresher, this guide is the ideal chance to get stuck into mini crochet – we’re sure you’ll be hooked!
How to crochet in miniature – it all starts here
By Roz Walters.
Jump to:
How to double (single) crochet
How to half treble (half double) crochet
How to treble (double) crochet
How to double treble (treble) crochet
How to join in a new colour in crochet
Crochet abbreviations
Please note that the abbreviations inside the brackets are USA/Canadian terms.
- ch = chain
- dc(sc) = double(single) crochet
- htr(hdc) = half treble(half double) crochet
- tr(dc) = treble(double) crochet
- st(s) = stitch(stitches)
Hook sizes and suitable yarn/threads
- 0.60mm (US #14) – thread sizes = Valdani 60 wt, Madeira Cotona (also known as Tanne) 30 and 50, Venne 70/2, DMC Broder Machine 30 and 50, or any brand of embroidery cotton – single strand used.
- 0.75mm (US #12) – Thread sizes = Venne 34/2, DMC 80’s tatting cotton, Venus or other brand 70’s tatting cotton, any brand of #12 Coton Perle.
- 1.00mm (US #10) – 1 ply yarns – cotton, wool or acrylic.
- 1.25mm (US #8) – 1 ply yarns – cotton, wool or acrylic.
- 1.50mm (US #6) – 2 ply yarns – cotton, wool or acrylic.
How to start a crochet chain
Take your yarn and hook, make a slip knot on the hook, yarn over the hook, and pull through the slip knot.
Repeat for as many times as the pattern calls for. When counting the chains the chain on the hook isn’t included in the count. For example, when working dc(sc) work into the second ch from the hook, htr(hdc) into the third ch from the hook, tr(dc) into the fourth ch from the hook.
How to crochet a slip stitch
This is usually used to move from one area of crochet to another without adding height.
It's also used to join a length of chain into a ring and for joining each row end when working a circular piece of work (such as a tablecloth).
How to double (single) crochet
Insert the hook into the second chain from the hook, yarn over the hook, and pull up a loop, yarn over the hook, and pull through both the loops on the hook. Continue in this manner across the length of the chain. The work is now turned for the next row with a single turning ch. The ch can be made before or after the turn, it doesn’t normally matter.
On the next and subsequent rows the turning ch counts as the first stitch, so miss the first stitch on the next row, and work the dc(sc) into the next st, and into each stitch to the end of the row. Pay particular attention to working a stitch into the turning ch at the end of the row. Count your stitches as you work them, particularly the early rows as it’s so easy to misplace a stitch, especially at the end of a row. Give a stitch count after the first and second rows, and after any increasing or decreasing.
How to half treble (half double) crochet
Yarn over hook and insert the hook into the third ch from the hook and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook), yarn over the hook and pull through all the loops to make the stitch. Continue to the end of the ch, working 2 ch, turning at the end. The two ch count as the first stitch, so miss the first stitch from the previous row before continuing to work the htr(hdc) to the end of the row, including the turning ch. As with the dc(sc) establish how many sts there should be, including the turning ch.
Enjoying this project? Check out Dolls House & Miniature Scene magazine for a wide variety of projects, expert interviews, the latest from the world of miniatures and a wealth of inspiration!
How to treble (double) crochet
Yarn over hook and insert the hook into the fourth ch from the hook and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook) and yarn over the hook. Pull through the first two loops, yarn over hook and pull through the remaining loops. Continue to the end of the ch, work 3 ch, turn for the next row. As with the dc(sc) and htr(hdc) rows, the ch counts as the first st.
How to double treble (treble) crochet
Yarn over the hook twice, insert the hook into the fifth ch from the hook and pull up a loop. Yarn over hook and pull through the first two loops. Yarn over hook and pull through the next two loops. Yarn over hook and pull through the remaining two loops. Continue to the end of the row, working 4 ch, turn at the end.
How to join in a new colour in crochet
Work to the last st, before working the final yarn over on this stitch, join in the new colour, yarn over the hook, and pull through, then work the required number of chains that will count as the first stitch on the following row.
Practice the stitches with a larger hook and yarn. Go down to the finer threads at a later date.
Top tip! If you’re struggling to learn in such a small scale, try learning with double knitting wool and a larger crochet hook. Roz learned using a size 8 [4.00mm (US #G/6)] crochet hook.
How to fasten off in crochet
Once the last stitch is complete, cut the yarn/thread about 4in or 5in (100mm or 127mm) from the final stitch. Yarn over the hook as though making a chain, pull the tail completely through the loop on the hook and pull the tail to tighten the knot against the final stitch. Thread the tail through the eye of a tapestry (blunt ended) needle and weave the tail down the side of the work on the wrong side for 2in or 3in (50mm or 76mm). The tail can also be used for sewing up the seams on garments.
Crochet pram blanket and cot blanket
Abbreviations
US terms in brackets.
- ch = chain
- dc(sc) = double crochet (single crochet)
- tr(dc) = treble(double) crochet
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- cont = continue
- beg = beginning
- sl st(s) = slip stitch(s)
- rep = repeat
- alt = alternate
- approx. = approximately
Note: tension (gauges) not included for these designs.
How to crochet a miniature pram blanket
You will need
- 1 ply yarn – either wool or acrylic
- 1.25mm crochet hook
Method
- Work 30 ch, 1 dc(sc) into the second ch from the hook, 1 dc(sc) into each ch to the end of the row, 1 ch, turn. (29 sts plus the turning ch).
- Next Row: Miss the first st, 1 dc(sc) into the next and every st to the end of the row, work 1 dc(sc) into the turning ch, 1 ch, turn. (29 sts plus the turning ch). Continue to work in rows of dc(sc) to the length required. I worked 35 rows altogether. Fasten off.
- Edging: Rejoin the yarn to one of the corners with a sl st, work 2 ch, 2 dc(sc) into the same corner, * pick up and work in dc(sc) to the end of the first side, work 3 dc(sc) into the next corner; rep from * omitting the final 3 dc(sc) corner, sl st to the first 2 ch to join.
- Next Round: Sl st to the centre of the corner st [that will be the first dc(sc) made], 2 ch, 2 dc(sc) into the same st, * work in dc(sc) until the centre st of the next corner is reached [the second dc(sc) in that corner], 3 dc(sc) into this st: rep from * omitting the final 3 dc(sc), sl st to the 2 ch to join. Rep the last 2 rows once more. Fasten off. Sew in all the ends neatly. Press if required.
You could also embroider a small flower in one corner. Change the edging by working in a different colour, or use a different colour on each row.
How to crochet a miniature cot blanket
You will need
- 1 ply yarn – either wool or acrylic in the main colour, plus a small amount of the same yarn in two contrasting colours (B and C)
- 1.25mm crochet hook
Method
- With the main colour work 50 ch. 1 dc(sc) into the second ch from the hook, 1 dc(sc) into each ch to the end, 3 ch, turn. [49 dc(sc) plus the turning ch].
- Next Row: Miss the first st, 1 tr(dc) into the next and each dc(sc) across the row, 1 tr(dc) into the turning ch, 1 ch, turn. [49 tr(dc) plus the turning ch].
- Next Row: Miss the first st, 1 dc(sc) into the next and each tr(dc) across the row, 1 dc(sc) into the turning ch, 3 ch, turn. [49 dc(sc) plus the turning ch]. Rep the last 2 rows twice more. Change to B before completing the last st, yarn over hook, and pull through, 3 ch, turn. Rep the pattern rows twice more, changing back to the main colour before completing the final st, 3 ch, turn. Rep the pattern rows 3 times more changing to contrast colour C before completing the final st, 3 ch, turn. Continue working stripes, ending with the main colour. Do not change colour at the end of the final row. Fasten off. Sew in all ends and press work if needed.
Find more patterns in Roz’ book ‘Miniature Crochet Projects in 1/12 Scale’, published by GMC Publications, ISBN 1861082738.
Why stop there? Learn how to make a miniature rug in 1/12th scale or get crochet inspiration from talented miniature artist, Evelien Van Onna.
