Learn the basics of crocheting
It is speculated that there are over 10 million people who engage in crocheting, and I am one of them. That's a lot of people and it definitely makes crocheting one of the most popular hobbies in the United States today.
To create a new product out of a ball of yarn or crochet thread is one of the most exquisite reasons why many people are enticed to try crocheting.
Grab a great pattern to work on, pick up that hook and yarn and start crocheting!
History Of Crochet
Crochet came from the word 'croche', which is French for 'to hook'. Crocheting is an art of fabric creation from a thread, cord or other materials using a crochet hook.
Beginnings
Some say that the craft of crocheting originated from some parts of South America, Arabia and China. However, there has been no true evidence of this claim.
A writer who tried to trace the history of crochet came to the conclusion that there is no real evidence to show the existence of crochet before the 19th century. Knitting, she said, preceded crochet by at least four centuries.
Why crochet did not show up until the 19th century could probably be explained by the fact that people at the time preferred more economical fabric-creating techniques.
Crochet uses an enormous amount of thread to produce pieces of fabric which were much more economically produced by the ancient techniques of netting, sprang, or knitting.
It was while Ireland was developing its lace industry that the US took up crocheting. It soon became a household activity that was loved by many American settlers.
While sewing was considered a function, crochet was entertainment.
Image Credit: Naida's Crochet
Getting Started
Things worth knowing
Here are things worth knowing before starting on a crochet project:
All crochet designs begin with a "foundation chain" that can be long (for afghans) or short for a project that starts as a "circle".
Verify your gauge by crocheting a sample of about 4 X 4 inches in the pattern. When your gauge results into a larger size than what is on the pattern, then use a smaller hook; when your gauge is smaller, then use a larger hook.
Hold the hook and the yarn in such manner that it is comfortable to you and just let the yarn flow without restraint.
The loop that is on the hook is not always counted.
The correct number or counting of chains should be formed at the start of every row in order for you to continue at the correct height or length for the succeeding row. This "turning chain" establishes the first or "initial stitch" of the subsequent row.
At all times, you need to pick two loops that is from the previous row of the stitch except when the pattern indicates back or front loop.
A "space" is described as the interval between stitches.
Do not make a "slip stitch" into your first stitch.
After you complete your work, you need to pull through a "loop on hook" one last time and cut the yarn and pull the end through.
Crochet patterns and instructions are generally ranked according to difficulty level such as advanced, intermediate, easy or beginner. Choose a pattern with a difficulty level that suits your abilities.
The Crocheter's Companion (The Companion series)
Amazon Price: $12.30 (as of 05/31/2012)
Anyone interested in having instructions for traditional crochet methods at their fingertips would benefit from this book.
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Crochet Abbreviations
Crochet Abbreviations
chst
chain stitch
dc
double crochet
hdc
half-double crochet
sc
single crochet
slst
slip stitch
trc
triple crochet
yo
yarn over
tr
treble crochet
sp
space
sk
skip
patst
pattern stitch
Basic Crochet Stitches
Crochet Chain
Image Credit: Wikimedia
Basic Stitches
Single Crochet - This is the first of the basic stitches. It is the shortest stitch and results in a firm, flat product.
To make a single crochet, make sure the front side of the chain is facing you, then insert the hook through a chain, yarn over, pull the loop through the chain, yarn over again, and pull through both loops on the hook.
Double Crochet - Thread over the hook, then insert the hook in the stitch and then pull the thread towards you through, making "3 loops on hook", then you need to thread the hook over and pull through "two loops", and once more thread over and pull through the remaining two loops.
Half-Double Crochet - A cross between a single crochet and a double crochet stitch.
Begin with a yarn over, insert the hook into a stitch, yarn over and pull through the stitch; do another yarn over and pull through the three loops on your hook.
Triple Crochet - The last of the basic stitches and also the tallest.
To make a triple crochet, yarn over the hook twice; insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over again and pull through the first of two loops (the two closest to the end point); yarn over again and pull through the next two loops. Yarn over one last time and pull through the remaining two loops.
Online Resources
Free patterns available at your fingertips!
There are numerous resources that can provide easy crochet patterns for beginners and even advanced crochet enthusiasts.
There are various craft books that are dedicated to crochet and offer a variety of crochet patterns that range from the basic to the complex. Although craft books provide a comprehensive guide for beginners and skilled crocheters, they are often quite bulky to lug around.
There are craft magazine dedicated to crocheting available in book stores.. Most of the time, these magazines feature easy crochet patterns that are meant for beginners and even accomplished crocheters.
The Internet is perhaps the fastest and most practical resource for crochet enthusiasts when it comes to crochet patterns. There are countless websites on the Internet that feature crafts like crochet. These sites offer a wide range of services and benefits that every crocheter will surely benefit from.
Here are some of my favorites. Feel free to add yours to the list!
Free Crochet Patterns : Lion Brand Yarn Company
Thousands of free Crochet patterns from Lion Brand more...1 point
Crochet at About.com
Listing of a variety of different types of free cr more...0 points
Crochet 'N' More
This online site offers over 300 free crochet patt more...0 points
Crochet Pattern Central
This site is like an online directory of thousands more...0 points
Hooks and Yarn
Size does matter!
One should not take for granted the skill of identifying the right hook and yarn to use in any crochet project.
Hooks are identified through different letters and numbers that correspond to certain sizes. In crocheting, the higher the number or letter of the hook, the thicker the hook is. As for yarns, their varieties are identified through names.
Crochet Patterns
Choose a pattern that suits your skill level
The world of fashion is always changing. Things that may be popular today may be gone tomorrow with something new replacing it.
It also has cycles where the fashion in the 50's or 60's for example are making a come back in the 21st century and designs are no exceptions. This is why more designers these days are focusing once again on crochet patterns.
Getting Started
1. Pick out a crochet pattern that attracts you. Read the instructions carefully and make certain that the pattern is within your level of skill. You can use a different type of yarn that suits your style, just be sure that the yarn is of the same "weight" as in the instructions.
2. To start, make a swatch or a sample to be sure that your gauge or measurement is correct.
3. Chain the foundation row in a way that it is slightly loose than your gauge so that your project's bottom will not pull inward.
4. Carefully follow and understand the instructions for making the design.
Hooked On Crochet?
Me too!
Did you find this information helpful? Did it inspire you to pick up the hook again? Have a favorite pattern to share perhaps?
Now is your chance! So tell me, what's on your mind?
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Lemming13 Mar 25, 2011 @ 9:21 am | delete
- Yes, I'm just another hooker, lol. Great lens, blessed.
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Lemming13 Mar 25, 2011 @ 9:21 am | delete
- Yes, I'm just another hooker, lol. Great lens, blessed.
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Mickie_G
Oct 15, 2009 @ 3:31 pm | delete
- Nice work on this lens! Love your module titles!
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mbgphoto Aug 31, 2009 @ 4:16 pm | delete
- I used to crochet years ago. Perhaps I'll try it again...your lens will be a help. Thanks.
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My Other Crochet Lenses
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