5 Fantastic Crochet Blogs

Crocheters are often treated as the red-headed stepchildren of the crafting world. Knitters get all the good patterns, and it's frequently claimed that their craft is just better, or more versatile. When they hear the word crochet, most people think of itchy acrylic yarns and ugly ponchos. Crocheting is so much more than that! From cloth diaper accessories to kids' clothes to--yes!--even lingerie, the world of crochet is far more expansive than many people think.

Here are five of the most useful and fun crochet blogs out there:

ADHD Crochet

Are you a novice crocheter? Feeling as though you don't yet have the skill-set to make what you really want to make? ADHD Crochet's Jenn was there herself not too long ago. This blog chronicles her journey from novice crocheter to a mistress of the knotty kind. Newbies can gain confidence in their own skills by seeing what Jenn has tackled. There are no original patterns here, but Jenn links to plenty of free ones. Projects range from amigurumi (crocheted dolls) to a child-sized afghan.

Imagine (Inner Child Crochet)

This is definitely and aspirational blog. Melissa is one of those super-moms who inspire the rest of us. From the US to Japan and back, this mom of three has produced some of the loveliest crochet designs out there, many of which she has available for free. This blog is more than just crocheting, but there is plenty of hook-and-yarn action (be sure to check out the adorable toddler superhero cape). Many of the projects here are for babies and small children, but there are plenty for adults too, including the lovely--and free!--Genevieve sweater.

Bev's Journeyings

This is the blog of Bev Qualheim, who runs the wonderful crochet-centric site Bev's Country Cottage. Crocheters looking for a way to contribute to charitable causes will find a treasure trove of information here. This is another excellent site for novices as well--all of Bev's patterns are simple enough even for the absolute beginner. Although most of her patterns are available on the Country Cottage website, there are plenty on the blog itself, including a very simple yet lovely baby headband. Most--but not all--of Bev's patterns are for babies and children.

Crochet Liberation Front

Tired of people with pointy sticks running down your craft of choice? Longing to join others in proclaiming "I'm a crocheter and PROUD?" while raising your hook to the sky? Look no further--this is the blog for those of us looking to liberate ourselves and our projects from second class status. Less about individual projects than the craft as a whole, the CLF blog maintains, among other resources, a list of crochet-friendly local yarn stores.

The Crochet Dude

Men crochet too! Drew Emborsky, aka The Crochet Dude, is a prolific blogger, designer, and author (including of The Crochet Dude's Designs for Guys: 30 Projects Men Will Love). In his definitely-aspirational blog, he shares his love of fiber arts. Readers can get a peek into the design process and cheer on a regular guy who is hitting it big in the crochet world. His blog sidebar includes a link to his free patterns page, which is mostly accessories and afghan squares.