Crochet

Basic Materials

Yarn

There are many different materials that can be used for Crochet. Strips of fabric, string, wire, ribbons, and embroidery threads can all be used although yarn the most commonly used. The best yarn to use for crochet is a smooth and firm one as this achieves the best results.

Hook

The hooks used for Crochet come in a variety of sizes but in two basic styles: Standard Crochet Hooks and Tunisian Hooks.

Standard Crochet Hooks

Hooks can come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and materials. The type and size of hook will be determined by the pattern and the thickness of the thread .

Tunisian Hooks

Unlike regular crochet hooks these have a cylindrical shaft and knob at the end to prevent stitches from falling off. These specialized hooks are used for Tunisian Crochet, a specialized form of Crochet. They are also known as 'tricot needles'.

Other Equipment

Tape Measure

A tape measure to measure ones work is of great benefit in checking tension.

Scissors

A sturdy and sharp pair of scissors are necessary for cutting the ends off yarn.

Stitch Markers

These are used to mark a place in a piece of work. The purpose may be to indicate a change in color or stitch, or it may be used to calculate the number of stitches up to that point. Needles or safety pins make adequate stitch markers.

Tapestry Needles

Are necessary to stitch away the ends of yarn that are left over on a project after the crochet work is completed. This is a necessary process to tidy up the work and to ensure that the ends do not start to unravel the completed work.

Things To Keep in Mind

Make note of which way you hook something. Over can give a different result from under. Do it the same way every time for even rows. Keeping an even tension on the yarn helps make the project come out neater. Don't pull it too tight- You probably have to poke the hook back through that hole later. Also, keep track of the number of stitches in a row. If you know how many stitches you should have, it's easier to find out if you missed one.

The Chain

The basic unit of crochet is the slip knot. If you pull the end of the yarn at the working edge of the unfinished project, you should be able to completely unravel it. Think of it as a huge, elaborate slip knot. To see how the basics of crochet work, you don't need to start with a hook. Mark one end of your rope. Make a slip knot. /*add a picture*/ Make a loop at the base of the slip knot using the marked end of the rope. /*add a picture*/ Pull this loop through the loop of the slip knot. /*add a picture*/ Make another loop with the marked end and pull it through the last loop you made. /*add a picture*/ Continue to do this a few more times until you have a chain that looks like a braid on one side. /*add a picture*/

Practice this until you can make a chain without any twists. You are now ready to do this with a hook.

Double

When working from a chain, yarn over. Insert hook into third chain from the hook. Yarn over. Pull through the chain stitch. Yarn over. Pull through the first two loops on the hook. Yarn over. Pull through the two remaining loops.

When working the second row, chain two, yarn over and insert hook in the second stitch of the row. Yarn over. Pull through the stitch. Yarn over. Pull through the first two loops on the hook. Yarn over. Pull through the two remaining loops

Video Stitch Guides: (Right-handed), (Left-handed)

Projects

• Clothing
  • Hats
  • Scarves
  • Sweaters
  • Skirts

• Jewelry

• Satchels

• Household
  • Afghans
  • Pillows
  • Floormats
  • Bowls
  • Toys
  • Washcloth