Finger Crochet Plarn Square

  Although this pattern could be made with a hook and yarn, I have something special for you: Let's do some recycling and get rid of those plastic bags fast with Giant Plarn (finger crochet) Squares! Combining make-your-own plastic yarn with the finger crochet method will make it hard to match the gauge for this project. But if you follow my instructions, hopefully you will be able to create a two-round square that will measure about 10" (25 cm) across.

Ahem, did you hear that? Ten inches in just two rounds - and no hook needed!

  When I started experimenting with plastic yarn and finger crochet, I found it extremely difficult to keep the even tension needed to make neat stitches. The one main answer to solving this is: Practice. With my first few tries, I lost the loops off my finger. So, I won't claim that this will be easy and you're going to be crocheting "in no time", but don't give up!


  There's a picture tutorial to go along with this pattern, if all you need is a little help making the stitch. And I also have a treat for you video lovers: You can watch me crochet this "giant plarn" square from beginning to end! In the video tutorial I'll show you how to join your plarn loops, make the double crochet stitch with finger crochet, and give you tips for continuing more rounds of the pattern.

Skill level:
Easy

Materials:
*See notes for additional materials you may need*
Plastic yarn (plarn) made in the "loop" method
-About 20 bags per square (mine take 18 bags + one extra loop)

Gauge:
In 4" by 4" (10 cm by 10 cm)
2 rows of 6 double crochet

Or in the round, one round of 12 double crochet should measure 5" (12.5 cm) across


Notes:
Chain 2 at beginning of rounds does not count as a stitch

A hook can be used to create this pattern if you're not comfortable using finger crochet. In the video, I show you the hook that would most likely match the gauge, but I didn't know the size at the time. It is a size Q - 15.75 MM.

If you have trouble finding your beginning stitch, you may want a stitch marker.

See video after written pattern for help.



Stitches:
(American terms)
Chain
Double crochet
Slip stitch

 Chain 2 does not count as a stitch.
*See the video for how to start without a slipknot!

 To make a double crochet, yarn over your finger from back to front.

 Insert your finger in the stitch (here being the beginning loop).

 Yarn over and pull a loop through, rotating as you would with a hook. You may find it easier to use your thumb to help bring the material through the stitch.

 Yarn over and pull through two loops. Again, notice how the use of your thumb can help you pull through the loops.

 Also notice that my tight tension has created a short loop here. Pull those loops up to avoid tight stitches! Each loop should be the same height as the loop before it.

 To complete the double crochet, yarn over and pull through the last two loops.

 See that hooking motion? Don't just grab it with your thumb!

And there you go! The double crochet stitch is made the same with finger or hook... But it takes some getting used to, if you've never tried this method. Check out the video for more tips!


Directions for square:

Round 1:
Chain 2, make 12 double crochet in the beginning loop. Join with a slip stitch to the first double crochet.


Round 2:
Chain 2, make 1 double crochet in the first stitch. (3 double crochet in the next stitch, 2 double crochet in the following stitch, 3 double crochet in the stitch after) 3 times. 2 double crochet in the next stitch, 3 double crochet in the following stitch. 2 double crochet in the same as the first stitch, before the beginning chain-2. Join with a slip stitch to the first double crochet.

Bind off, weave in the ends.


Video tutorial:

  I'm still new to making videos, but I gain experience with each one. Things I learned while editing: I say "so" and "quickly" way too often, and I need to learn to keep my work farther from the camera. Also, I didn't realize that I was recording on the wrong setting. Sorry about the quality. I won't apologize for those other minor nit-picky details, because I'm still learning. But I did notice that I speak in an odd rhythm that confuses closed captioning, so I am really sorry if you need it. Despite its flaws, this video tutorial still shows you the project from beginning to end.

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  I had fun both with this project and making the video. I hope to bring you more uninterrupted-by-cat, Rip-van-Winkle-snoring-free video tutorials in the future. If my plans for these squares work out, then there will be a few different projects I'll be sharing for them. But it does take some time to make the material for the squares! I need to go back to playing with yarn for a day... Just a day! This post will continue to be updated with any projects that result from the squares.

Happy Crocheting!

Update: There's now a video available for how to create the material used in this square.