Project Materials:

• 3 skeins of embroidery floss, on hand or about $1
• Size 12 (US) crochet hook, on hand or about $1
• Chain or thread to string, on hand
• (optional) Jump rings and hardware, if you are using a chain, on hand

Total: FREE and upIf you are a beginning crocheter, I recommend making a couple granny squares with regular yarn and hooks just to get the hang of it. After you make a few, you will memorize the pattern, and it will be the perfect thing to crochet on auto-pilot (and a great way to use up your small leftover balls of yarn.

Crocheting with embroidery floss is a little bit challenging. One, it’s small, so it’s a bit harder to work with, and to get a comfortable hand position and work flow. The good news is that it doesn’t take too long to adjust to the reduced scale. Two, the six strands of floss aren’t twisted together like yarn, so the individual strands can get caught in your work a lot more. You can combat this by slightly twisting the floss with your index finger and thumb as you go. You can also pull out the offending stitches as you go and redo them, or pull the loops through your work to hide them.

Hook: My crochet hook was a steel hook, size 12 US (.70mm/size 5 UK). A hook a couple sizes larger would probably be fine!

Pattern:I just used a classic granny square pattern. I don’t need to re-write it for you! If you want to learn how to crochet a granny square, here is an excellent visual tutorial at The Purl Bee: [how to crochet a granny square]

Homemade Simple Gifts

I have always been a huge fan of handmade gifts. As a crafter, it’s only natural, right? I am lucky to be part of a family that also appreciates handmade gifts and makes it a practice to exchange gifts that aren’t store-bought. I know, I’m so spoiled!

While not all handmade gifts exchanged in our family are smash hits, they are all appreciated and they somehow seem more meaningful than something purchased in the $10 or less aisle of a big box store.

The best handmade gifts I’ve given or received have been: duct tape wallets (for the guys), hand-roasted coffee (yum!), quilts, and special items decorated by my three boys (always a win for the mommies, right?).

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The post Make a Tiny Granny Square Necklace appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

I’ve seen a bunch of cute ways to customize flip-flops lately (especially on Pinterest)!  So has Scotti from The Oxford Family, a crochet addict who decided that she needed to come up with her own sandal makeover.  Her version features a granny triangle.  If you’re  a beginning crocheter, don’t be afraid!  The pattern is really simple, very easy to read, and includes step-by-step photos to help you along.  She also made a pair with several crocheted circles on to of each foot, and plans to make a pair with flowers.  There are so many possibilities!  [how to redo a pair of flip flops with crocheted granny triangles]

Project estimate:

• Flip flops, on hand or $1 and up
• Yarn, on hand or $1 and up
• Hot glue, on hand

Total:  Free and up

The post Redo a Pair of Flip Flops with Crocheted Granny Triangles appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

If you’re a crocheter of almost any skill level, chances are you have a few (or a few dozen) granny squares laying around.  Our friend Carolyn at Carolyn’s Homework is learning how to crochet, and she too is discovering the addictive, colorful little patchwork tiles.  Inspired by a granny square birdhouse that she spotted at Anthropologie (with an Anthro-typical price tag of $58), she fashioned a few of her squares into her own version.  The Anthro birdhouse is made from recycled and repurposed materials; the DIY version is excellent for using up scraps!  [how to make a granny square birdhouse]

Project estimate:

• Yarn, on hand or $1 and up
• Burlap, on hand or $1 and up
• Crochet hook, on hand or $1
• Cardboard, on hand

Total:  Free and up

The post Make a Granny Square Birdhouse appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.