Have you had enough passive screen-time and want to make something with your hands, maybe learning a new skill in the process? As part of our exhibition Investigating Griffith Park we’re inviting the Autry community to crochet pieces to represent various aspects of the park, from nature to recreational activities.     

This how-to video shows you how to make simple sampler blocks, using a range of different stitches, which will be combined to make up the letters of Griffith Park, in a tribute to the world-famous Hollywood sign and create a post-pandemic community display.

You don’t need experience with crochet, as instructor Julie Kadoi walks you through the basic stitches, and for those more comfortable with working from written instructions we have included the pattern below. So, pick up those hooks and yarn, and make some crochet blocks to complete the sign (or maybe make a leafy daisy, a kite, a butterfly, a California poppy, an elderberry leaf, a red-tailed hawk or a party sign from previous videos).  

Download Directions as PDF File

Materials 
H hook 
DK or worsted weight acrylic yarn, #3 or #4 (any shade of blue, green or brown)  

Final measurements: 9 x 4.5” 

Glossary of Terms, Stitches and Techniques 

back-post double crochet stitch (bpdc)—To make, yarn over, insert hook from behind the fabric over the indicated post, draw up a loop, (there will be three loops on the hook) yarn over and draw through two loops, yarn over and draw through the remaining two loops. 

bobble or 5 double crochet cluster (5 dc-cl)—To make, yarn over, insert hook into indicated stitch, draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through two loops. *Insert hook into same st, draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through two loops. Repeat from * three more times. With six loops on the hook, yarn over and draw through all six loops.  

chain stitch (ch): To make, draw yarn through the active loop on the hook.  

double crochet stitch (dc): To make, yarn over, insert hook into indicated stitch, draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through two loops, yarn over and draw through two loops again. 

fasten off: cut the yarn 3 to 4 inches from the last stitch and draw the end through the active loop. Pull tightly to secure.    

front-post double crochet stitch (fpdc)-- To make, yarn over, insert hook from the front of the fabric under the indicated post, draw up a loop, (there will be three loops on the hook) yarn over and draw through two loops, yarn over and draw through the remaining two loops. 

half-double crochet stitch (hdc): To make, yarn over, insert hook into indicated stitch, draw up a loop, (there should be three loops on the hook) yarn over and draw through all three loops. 

single crochet stitch (sc): To make, insert your hook into the indicated stitch, draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through both loops.  

skip (sk): helps to identify where the next stitch goes by accounting for any stitches in the row below that will not be worked in 

slip knot: To make, cross the tail end over the yarn to make a loop, draw up yarn from the yarn ball side through the loop and tighten, making sure the cut end is not pulled through. 

slip stitch (sl st): To make, insert your hook into the indicated stitch, draw up a loop, draw the top loop on the hook through the bottom loop.  

stitch (st): a generic stitch, usually designates the location in the previous row in which a particular stitch, such as a single crochet, will be made 

tail: the unworked cut end of the yarn 

weave in the ends: using a tapestry needle, draw the yarn end through several stitches on the back side of work, skip one strand of yarn and pull the end through the opposite way, skip another strand, and pull the end the opposite way again to lock in place. 

 

Pattern 
The first block pattern represents the sky so we’re using a blue yarn. 
Block pattern #1 – V stitch (lace pattern) 
Using worsted weight blue yarn  
Ch 35. 
ROW 1: In 5th chain from the hook (skipped chains count as dc, ch 1) place 2 dc, *sk ch, 2 dc in next ch. Repeat from * until 2 ch remaining. Sk ch, dc in final ch. Turn.  
ROW 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 2 dc between each set of 2 dc across. Dc in next ch (from top of turning ch). Turn. Repeat ROW 2 nine more times. 
Fasten off. Weave in ends. 

This block pattern represents the earth or tree trunks so we’re using a brown or tan yarn. 
Block pattern #2 – Ribbing  
Using worsted weight brown/tan yarn 
Ch 42. 

ROW 1: In 4th ch from the hook dc (counts as 2 dc) and dc in each ch across. Turn. 
ROW 2: Ch 3. *Fpdc in next 2 st, bpdc in next st. Repeat from * until there are three st remaining. Fpdc in next 2 st, dc in last st. 
ROW 3: Ch 3. *Bpdc in next 2 st, fpdc in next st. Repeat from * until there are three st remaining. Bpdc in next 2 st, dc in last st. 

Repeat ROWS 2–3 until the block measures 4.5 inches tall (approximately 4-5 more times).  

Fasten off. Weave in ends 

This block pattern represents greenery such as grass or plants so we’re using a green yarn. 
Block pattern #3 – Bobble 
Using worsted weight green yarn  
Ch 41. 
ROW 1: Dc in 4th ch from the hook (ch 3 counts as dc) and in each ch across, turn. 
ROW 2: Ch 1, sc in 1st st and in next 2 st, *5 dc-cl n next st, sc in next 7 st, repeat from * across until there are 4 st remaining, 5 dc-cl in next st, sc in next 2 st, sc in top ch of t-ch, turn. 
ROW 3: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each st across, turn. 
ROW 4: Ch 1, sc in 1st st and in next 6 st, *5 dc-cl n next st, sc in next 7 st, repeat from * across until there is 1 st remaining, sc in top ch of t-ch, turn. 
ROW 5: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each st across, turn. 
ROWS 6–13: Repeat ROWS 2–5 two more times. 
ROWS 14–15: Repeat ROWS 2–3. 

Fasten off. Weave in ends. 

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Mailing Submissions 
Please mail your California Poppy submissions to:  

YARNSCAPE AT THE AUTRY 
Autry Museum of the American West 
4700 Western Heritage Way 
Los Angeles CA 90027 

If you prefer, you may drop them off at the Autry.