The Concrete Gems blog shares ideas, tutorials, and inspiration for crochet makers and designers. Here you’ll find helpful guides, pattern insights, and creative crochet projects inspired by nature and texture. Browse the posts to learn new techniques and enjoy thoughtful crochet content.
Why not have a look at some crochet stitch tutorials, or browse our crochet patterns to get started?
Autumn Landscapes is a set of three crochet picture patterns, each built from a background scene and a mix and match collection of 14 appliqué motifs, from pumpkins and falling leaves to a hedgehog snuffling through the undergrowth. These free fall crochet patterns are designed to be rearranged however you like, so no two finished…
There are a lot of benefits of crocheting, but if you’re a busy woman running on empty, the one benefit that matters most is probably the simplest: it eases stress and gives your mind somewhere calm to go, even when your day doesn’t slow down. A hook, some yarn, and a few spare minutes can…
Plain, shop-bought tablet cases all look the same, but they don’t have to be your only option. This crochet iPad cover pattern trades boring plastic for a row of dahlia blooms, crocheted in easy granny squares that turn a practical crochet tablet case into a genuine conversation starter. Best of all, it’s a quick and…
After a long day at my desk working on crochet patterns and tech editing, there’s something magical about sitting down to crochet a landscape and flower that feels like all the stress melts out of me. That’s the simple power behind nature crochet patterns: they don’t just give you something pretty to make, they give…
If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know I have a bit of a soft spot for overlay mosaic crochet. There’s something almost magical about it: the way you can create such intricate designs from just 2 stitches and only one colour per row. It’s the technique that keeps pulling me back, and so…
I know, I know, it’s July, we’re about to head into the summer holidays, and I’m talking about Christmas already! But hear me out, now is actually the exact time to start thinking about crochet Christmas projects! If you want to make handmade crochet Christmas gifts this year, July isn’t early. It’s actually right on…
This free crochet Christmas tree pattern is a modern take on festive crochet, featuring a textured cone-shaped tree and bold poinsettia flowers! The combination of sleek lines and delicate florals create an eye-catching decoration that’s perfect for your home or for gifting. In this post, you’ll find everything you need to make your own crochet…
We have a young apple tree in our garden and each summer, I avidly watch the progress of the apples growing. For me, it’s a real sign of summer! This tree crochet pattern with apples is a great little applique pattern for all sorts of crochet scenes. This crochet tree applique free pattern is part…
Crochet appliqué fish are just so cute and super versatile too! Think of them strung up in a crochet fish tank, stuck on a greetings card, or as part of the Summer Landscapes Crochet Picture Set. Made with just a few short rows, this is a super quick crochet pattern, perfect for using up leftover…