101 Crochet Solutions & Innovations


Longtime readers of Crochet World magazine are familiar with the wonderfully creative projects that Debra Arch has designed for many of our issues over the years. So, it’s no surprise that she is also one of Annie’s most popular class instructors. Debra’s new video class, 101 Crochet Solutions & Innovations, covers over 100 tips, techniques, tools and solutions that will answer your common questions and problems. It’s a valuable resource  that you will refer to over and over again.  She’ll share with you her favorite tools, and even provide you with new ways to work several longtime favorite crochet techniques.

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We asked Debra to share more about her inspiration for this class and one or two of her top favorite tips and techniques.

Deb Arch and her yarn stash

CW: How did the idea for this class come about?

Debra: Actually I was approached by Laura Scott, Annie’s video producer, to create the class. She was looking for an instructor that could come up with innovative techniques, tips and tricks to make one’s crocheting experience faster, better and more efficient. And when she asked some of Annie’s editors for recommendations, my name was suggested!

Laura was my very “first editor” at Annie’s, purchasing a design of mine back in 1999 for a hardcover Christmas book. It has been great to work with Laura and all of her wonderful camera/production people during this class. She was also the producer of my first video class, “Learn to Crocodile Stitch 4 Easy Techniques” in 2013.

CW: You cover a lot of useful tips and tricks here. How did you come up with all these great ideas?

Debra: I have been crocheting for over 40 + years and even to this day, I am constantly striving to find the “best way to do something” whether it has to do with pattern and stitch techniques, yarn storage or the latest and greatest cool tools all crafters can’t live without! Many times, my ideas have come about because of a specific problem I was trying to solve. I have a persistent “where there is a will, there is a way” attitude and if a certain idea, tip or “answer” wasn’t working, I would keep thinking “outside the box” until I could find the right trick or technique as the perfect solution for the problem.

For example, I developed the Infinity Crochet segment, because I wanted to crochet individual letters of the alphabet to personalize lots of crochet projects and purchased items. I also wanted to teach my students how to  crochet a  continuous ric-rac trim to accent curtains, hand towels, pillowcases, dishcloths, pillows, etc., without having to guess at the length of the beginning chain needed. The length of ric-rac can keep growing on indefinitely until it goes around a pillow or an afghan, or until the yarn is fastened off!

CW: What is your favorite solution?

Debra: I have been recycling since the 70’s. And it is very satisfying when I can “recycle” an everyday household item as a helpful crochet tool, instead of having it end up in a landfill. And so, I really liked showing two great ways of how to use an inexpensive turkey baster to wind leftover skeins of yarn into cute, stack-able  yarn cakes as a great yarn storage tip AND how to use the turkey baster  as a lightweight,  “must have” tool to easily make broomstick lace! I also LOVE the Swiffer sweeper cover class project, because you can wash and reuse it instead of buying disposable sweeper covers that end up in a landfill.

CW: What is your favorite innovation?

Debra: This class was an amazing opportunity for me to show my students many of my favorite “outside the box” innovations, tips and tricks. A really fun segment was showcasing and demonstrating ALL the cool tools throughout the class which have made my crocheting life much easier!

I love them all! But, if I had to narrow it down to just a couple of these cool tools, it would be the ones I am constantly using in my craft studio on a daily basis! These are the Clover Amour crochet hooks which eliminate hand fatigue when I am crocheting for long periods of time and the Mag Eyes magnifying headband that brings small crochet projects and fine crochet thread stitches into perfect focus!

Click here to watch the introduction for Debra’s class. We think you’ll agree, this is one you need to add to your library!


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