Crocheting a hat consists of several rows that are simple to do but a bit tricky. Watch this free video clip with a crochet expert to show you how to continue crocheting a border. Expert: Axis Knox Bio: Axis is a young artist artist who has been braiding hair for many years. She has no professional training, but has been taught various techniques by family and friends. Filmmaker: MAKE | MEDIA
CLEMENT
See, that’s how little I know about crocheting! I guess I mean double crochet (dc) because that description is what I’m doing!
EMANUEL
ROBERT
Also, what is the best size thread to use for making names?
Do you know of any good web sites that explains how to crochet different borders.
TODD
Hi, I’ve been crocheting for 6-7 years now, love doing it, have read tons of books on the subject, and think I could write (and publish) a crocheting book. How do I do this?
I have noticed there are things all the crochet books have sections on, and have ideas about newer ground mine could cover.
I am wondering about the photography. Would I have to hire a photographer myself, or would the publishing company provide one?
How do you get the materials for the demonstrations,yarn types, techniques, necessary equipment without spending a small fortune?
Thanks for all the help!
RODERICK
crochet emerged alongside other forms of elaborate needlework in the nineteenth century. When printed materials began to be mass-produced in the mid-nineteenth century, the popularity of crochet increased vastly.
Patterns for silk thread purses were the first to have been published, from about 1824 in Holland. Prior to this date, crochet was passed to future generations without written patterns but rather duplicated from small crocheted samples.
Victorian crochet hooks were made of materials such as ivory, brass, various woods, and other bone material. They were often ornately carved, the most impressive often being given as wedding gifts. Crocheted bags, clothing and décor were all popular. Crochet was considered a suitable activity for wealthy women, along with other forms of needlework. Bead crochet began to appear on the market in the 1830s. Knitting with beads was already in fashion at this time.
Crochet became a cottage industry in Ireland with a lace called Irish crochet or guipure lace. In the mid-nineteenth century, it became a large industry owing to a need for people to supplement their income due to the great potato famine of that time. It is still a cottage industry in some countries such as India, Greece, Italy, and some Asian countries.
Crochet samplers dating from the nineteenth century are shown in many museums. A variety of crochet and knitting books were published from the mid-nineteenth century through the 1920s. Filet crochet became very popular from the 1850s.
Crochet continued to be popular into the early twentieth century. The 1920s brought a flood of bead crocheted bags with piles of bead loops to complete the flapper look.
From 1937 through 1940’s there were crochet contests for workmanship design and speed. The onset of World War II saw the craft halt, owing to shortages in available materials. Bead crochet bags were popular throughout the 1950’s. Crochet became an accepted art form in the 1960s and more experimentation in textile art took place including international fiber shows. Crochet began to regain its popularity in the 1970s, when it became popular to wear crocheted items.
The 1980s and 1990s brought a renaissance of bead and thread crochet. In the early 1990s bead knitted bags gained popularity, which increased the demand for bead crocheted bags.
In 1994 thirty four million American women crocheted or knitted, in 2002 this figure had increased to thirty eight million.
Crochet today is mainly created by using soft yarns to produce garments and blankets. Although the crochet stitch can be made by machine, it continues to be a home craft.
Crochet History Part1
VANCE
eople enjoy crochet for its relaxing qualities and satisfying results. It appeals to a wide number of people, as most of the materials still remain inexpensive and easy to obtain. Young children are often taught crochet to increase their fine motor skills, to help in their learning to count and follow instructions and to bolster their self-confidence. Amongst older people crochet is popular as a social activity and to help keep arthritic symptoms in check.
Many people find that crochet can reduce stress levels. It’s an easily portable craft and can provide inexpensive and original gifts. Crochet can help with dexterity; help with eye-hand coordination; help develop concentration and can be incorporated as part of other crafts.
Crochet means hook in French and this is the name given to the craft amongst French, Italians and Spanish speakers. It’s known as haken in Holland, haekling in Denmark, hekling in Norway and virkning in Sweden. Although other forms of handwork can be dated far back in time, owing to archaeological finds no one is quite sure when and where crochet began.
Crochet is a series of interlocking loops of thread onto a chain using a thin rod with a hook at the end. A chain of loops is created, with each new loop catching the thread and pulling it through the previous loop. After the chain is completed, the thread is then turned to start a second chain. There are a large variety of patterns and stitches. Some of the more common stitches are chain, single crochet, half-double crochet, double crochet, popcorn crochet, and cluster crochet.
In the past it was very common to work directly from a picture of finished work or from a sample. This is why in early patterns many of the directions seem to be missing. Women in the nineteenth century were familiar with crochet and therefore instructions that we need today were unnecessary at that time.
The story of crochet continues. By referring to old books, magazines and brochures, people find techniques that have been forgotten. Often crocheters think they have invented new crochet stitches, when they are actually reinventing stitches that have been around for over a hundred and fifty years.
MONROE
Crochet afghan cover patterns are one of the popular crochet projects enjoyed by both beginners and advanced crocheters. A crocheted afghan cover is a great giveaway for family and friends. It can serve as a wrap or shawl as well as a blanket during chilly nights. The term afghan was derived from the textiles that are produced in Afghanistan since they are comparable to the shawls and wraps used in the region.
Crocheted afghan covers can be used in various ways. There are numerous crochet patterns for afghan blanket covers. An afghan blanket can be used as a mattress cover for the top of the bed or as a comforter and even as a bedspread. It is important to select the appropriate pattern that will fit the size of the intended project.
Afghans also make great gifts during birthdays and holidays as different motifs can be incorporated into the design. A Christmas afghan can help warm cold winter nights while personalized baby afghan blankets can become family heirlooms.
Complimentary Crochet Afghan Patterns
Free crochet afghan patterns are a great way to put together a beautiful afghan for giveaways or for personal use. Crochet afghan patterns can be very simple or complex depending on the preference of the crocheter.
A crocheter may opt to select a simple crochet afghan pattern that makes use of numerous granny squares that are put together to form the entire blanket. On the other hand, complex crochet afghan patterns may consist of geometric shapes that feature advanced crochet stitches.
Various resources like craft books, crocheting magazines and crafting websites offer complimentary crochet afghan patterns. These patterns provide complete instructions starting from what type of yarn and hook should be used for the project. In most cases, a crochet pattern may also include helpful tips on the differences between yarns.
Crochet afghan patterns can also serve as an inspiration for a crocheter to create their own unique design. Keep in mind that patterns can be adapted to suit the purpose of the project. Crocheters should not restrict themselves strictly to the instructions of the pattern. It is important to exercise some personal judgment that will help enhance the appearance of the project.
Creating an Afghan from Crochet Patterns
Creating an afghan based on crochet patterns is easy. There are numerous crochet patterns for afghan blankets that can be great as gifts or decorations at home. Simple afghan covers can even have a central theme. For example, an afghan pattern may feature a floral design as well as the national flag.
Popular crochet patterns for afghan covers often feature a stained glass design or can be part of a set of patterns. The afghan crochet pattern can be part of a collection that may include patterns for a crocheted pillowcase or coffee table doily. A striped crochet pattern for an afghan cover is another appealing project that both beginners and advanced crocheters will enjoy.
Creating an afghan from crochet patterns can also be the start of a wonderful tradition that a mother can pass on to their daughters. A free crochet pattern for an afghan cover is not only a great way to start but it is also fun. A mother and daughter can learn how to crochet at the same time by following a simple afghan crochet pattern. Once completed the finished product can be given away to family and friends.
Mothers and especially grandmothers will appreciate a handcrafted afghan cover created by a young girl from a crochet pattern. When selecting a pattern for the afghan be sure to choose a pattern and color scheme that would suit the personality of the intended party. The type of yarn to be used should also be considered, as it will directly affect the weight of the finished product.
Afghan blankets also make great donations for retirement and nursing homes. The elderly will certainly cherish the effort that went into creating the afghan. At the same time, they will appreciate the warmth of an afghan.
Afghans are an ideal project for anyone interested in learning how to crochet. Afghans are relatively easy to put together and are a great way to learn the basic crochet stitches. At the same time, afghan covers make excellent gifts and keepsakes that last a lifetime.
CLEVELAND
If you know how to crochet or are just learning how to crochet, chances are you are going to be making a baby blanket. A crochet baby blanket pattern is not only simple to make, but it is also a very popular and unique gift.
A crocheted baby blanket can be made in any color or variety of colors. The great thing about crochet is that you have the option of using many different stitches in your blanket to give it a different texture and look.
Most people will crochet baby blanket using a pattern. It is very important that you know how to read the crochet pattern before you start. If you don’t know how to read the pattern, it can be very complicated and frustrating trying to figure it out. If you are really struggling, find someone who is more experienced than you and ask them to help.
If you don’t know of anybody to help you, jump online and do a search for crochet baby blanket patterns. You can get detailed instructions online and more patterns than you will ever use in your lifetime.
The library is a great source of crochet baby blanket patterns also. Over the years, there have been many, many books written on crochet and baby blankets are easily one of the most popular items to crochet. But, books aren’t the only place to find these types of baby blanket patterns. There are magazines published that are devoted solely to the art of crochet. These magazines will contain a number of crochet patterns for baby blankets.
Once you make a baby blanket, you may want to try your hand at something larger. Crochet an afghan to cover your bed or your sofa. These afghans can be made in any size and color. Crocheting an afghan could make a nice Christmas gift for someone special.
The great thing about handcrafted gifts is that they can be passed down from generation to generation.
If you really enjoy crochet, check with your local craft store. There may be clubs in your area that meet monthly to exchange crochet patterns and to give tips to each other. This will be a great source to learn new techniques. There are dozens of different crochet stitches and designs that you can produce.
Crocheting is an art form. It takes talent and imagination to produce a beautiful baby blanket or afghan. Not everyone can crochet. Just like any craft, you have to enjoy it and truly have a passion for it to produce great works of yarn art.
If you think that you would enjoy crochet, a good place to start would be a baby blanket. Search the Internet for free crochet baby blanket patterns. Choose your yarn and get started. You just never know what works of art are hiding in your fingertips!
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BILL
All crochet enthusiasts,
It doesn’t take much time for a crocheter to have a collection of all those handmade crocheted items. There are only so many that can be used for gifting or for personal use. You can’t keep gifting crocheted articles to the same person again and again, unless what you crochet every time is really exquisite.
It’s not surprising then that in no time, crocheters’ cupboards, drawers, storage areas and homes start overflowing with crocheted items. Spouse and kids too start complaining of seeing everything crocheted all over the place. Why not put them up for sale, and make some money and name? Family members too will stop bickering and start appreciating your revenue generating abilities. But where do you begin?
Follow the guidelines below to find an outlet for your creations:
• Be excellent at what you crochet. Even if you crochet only placemats, avoid cutting corners. People prefer to buy quality products. Don’t you? So why offer poor quality stuff? Make sure, what you crochet is tasteful, sturdy, useful, durable and well finished without any frazzled yarn ends or frayed edges of the lining peeping out.
• Survey the market to determine the appropriate price for your goods. If you price your goods too low, they run the risk of being considered poor quality. Exorbitantly priced goods scare away many people. Know the price of similar goods available in the market. Work out the price based on money spent on supplies, time involved in crocheting and expenditure of other resources such as electricity.
Complexity of the pattern too is a deciding factor when working out the price. A simple afghan done in dc should be much more reasonably priced compared to a multicolored afghan crocheted in a flower motif.
Also factor in the type of platform when computing the price. A high-end store such as Macy’s will obviously call for a higher price tag, whereas selling the goods in a mall will require reasonable labeling.
Eventually, you should be comfortable with the price you associate with your crocheted products.
• Explore all avenues for “product placement”, just a fancy term for selling your goods. Contact your local yarn store, thrift store, needlecraft classes, craft fairs, crochet guilds, and any other similar associations. Start teaching the craft at community colleges or talk about it at the local radio station.
Guidelines about selling crocheted items in craft shows are given at http://www.ehow.com/how_2086529_sell-crochet-items-craft-show.html.
Make effective fliers (read marketing collateral or brochure) describing your skill, products and rates and use them to spread the word around through your family, relatives and friends. Never under estimate the power of word-of-mouth publicity.
Go online. Make your presence felt through a web page, which is just an online version of the flier. eBay is a great platform to sell goods online, especially if you want quick results without much fanfare. Those on a shoestring budget or just wanting to gauge the response without spending too many bucks on preparation should try doing the web page themselves. You can also take the help of someone known proficient in web hosting. Take professional help after getting established.
• Advertise aggressively. Remember, there are buyers of all kinds of products. All you have to do is find them. You have to take your products to prospective buyers. You have to inform them of the special features of your products. Do you promote green crochet by using 100% natural fiber yarn? May be you always deliver the goods on time? Or, you make custom patterns. Do you specialize in crocheting vintage patterns?
The point is to identify key features of your crocheted items and advertise about them. Exchange links with web sites such as:
http://www.amomswork.com/mompack
http://www.crochetnmore.com/123links3.htm
http://www.knitting-crochet.com/link/hanmadcraforsal.html
http://crochet.about.com
• Treat your customers with patience and utmost care.
• Be fair in your dealings and prompt in delivering the goods.
Selling crocheted items is akin to any other business. You will find way too many guidelines about running the business. Do what you feel is right and works for you. Perseverance, sincerity and dedication will help you establish a thriving business.
All the best.
LYNN
