Oct
14
Kris Perry asked:
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is known of crochet’s early history. It seems likely that the earliest crochet was made using fingers, rather than the hooks used today. There are theories that crochet could have existed as early as 1500 BC, as part of nun’s work, which included needlepoint lace and bobbin lace.

There are three main theories for the origin of crochet. Some believe that it originated in Arabia and spread eastward to Tibet and then westward to Spain, finally following the Arab trade routes to other Mediterranean countries. Alternatively, it’s thought to have originated in South America, where a primitive tribe used crochet adornments in puberty rites. Another alternative stems from the fact that in China, early examples were known of dolls worked in crochet.

However, there is no solid evidence as to how old crochet is or where it originated. The evidence of it appearing in the sixteenth century is slight, and hotly disputed. There are references to a type of “chained trimming” made around 1580. However this appears to have been a type of cord, sewn onto fabric like an ornamental braid.

During the Renaissance, women crocheted several strands of thread producing fabrics similar to lace.

The earliest evidence of crochet, as we know it, is first commonly seen in the second half of the eighteenth century. Crochet may have developed from Chinese needlework, an ancient form of embroidery known in Turkey, India, Persia and North Africa, which reached Europe in the eighteenth century, and was referred to as tambouring. The main theory behind the origin of crochet seems to be that it began when it was realized that chains worked in a pattern would hang together without background fabric. At the end of the eighteenth century, tambour evolved into what the French called crochet in the air, when the background fabric was discarded and the stitch worked on its own. Tambour hooks were as thin as sewing needles, and therefore the work must have been done with very fine thread.

Crochet began to emerge in Europe in the early nineteenth century, boosted by Mlle Riego de la Branchardiere, well known for her ability to take needle and bobbin lace designs and turn them into crochet patterns that could be duplicated. She published numerous patterns and also claimed to have invented lace-like crochet, today called Irish crochet.

A type of lace called cheyne lace was made with a hook from the late eighteenth century and a primitive form of crochet called pjonting can be found from about 1820.




CLAIR

?Infinity? asked:
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I am working on a pattern that calls for a certain number of stitches around the afghan so I can work a ruffle like edging. The afghan has 98 rows of dc and there are roughly 122 stitches across the top and the bottom of the afghan. I have to work 119 sc across the top, 167 sc down one side, 119 sc across the bottom in the free loops, and 167 sc up the other side. Is there an easy way to do this since I haven’t done it before? What would be a good way to mark the spaces (like every ten or twenty) so I can make sure I counted correctly and I don’t have to keep recounting over and over? Any help or ideas to reduce the frustration would be appreciated.

ARCHIE
expertvillage asked:

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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

SIDNEY

Ling Tong asked:


You only need to know two or three basic stitches in order to complete a project using beginner crochet patterns. In order to do any crocheting, you always start with a chain stitch. First you make a loop around your finger and use the crochet hook to draw the thread or the wool through the loop. When you first start this craft, it is better to use wool and a larger crochet hook because it is easier to see what you are doing. You must always leave a length of the thread or wool and weave it in when you complete the project. This will prevent your work from ravelling out on you while you are still working.

 

In order to do any crocheting, you must first learn the chain stitch. This is called the foundation chain in most patterns, both for beginners and veterans. Once you make a loop with the thread, you insert the crochet hook into the loop and wrap the thread or wool around the hook part of the needle. Then you pull this through and pull the thread tight, but not too tight. Now put the yarn over the crochet hook and insert it in the previous loop and pull through. This is how you start any crochet project. In some projects, you have to chain a specific number of stitches and then turn the work and crochet back over the stitches you just made. If you want to make a table doily, you usually join the chain to form a circle and work within the circle making the rounds bigger each time.

 

The easiest crochet pattern to begin with is that of a dishcloth. You only need one ball of cotton yarn and a larger size hook ?G is the recommended size for this project. Chain 35 stitches to make your foundation row. Then you chain an extra stitch so that you can turn the work and still have the required number of stitches to keep the dishcloth square or rectangular in shape. You have to make an extra chain stitch at the end of each row so that you can turn the work.

 

Once you have this row in place and are ready to start working backwards over the stitches you made, the next stitch you have to use is the single crochet. To make a single crochet, insert the needle into the top loop of the second chain from the hook, put the yarn over the needle and then draw through the two loops you have on the hook. You repeat this right across the row and then you turn and continue with doing rows of single crochet for 38 rows. When you have 38 rows completed, break the yarn and draw the end of the yarn through the loop on the hook. Now you can weave in the dangling ends. Now you have your first project completes.

 

Another simple project for someone just getting started with crocheting is a blanket for a doll. You will need to have a longer foundation chain and you can complete it using single crochet stitches as well. If you want to use a different stitch, you can start using the double crochet stitch. To make this stitch, all you have to do is put the needle through the stitch you are working on and put the yarn over the needle. However, instead of drawing through all the loops on the hook, you only draw through two at a time. Then you put the yarn over the hook and draw through the remaining two loops.



SIMON
cheshire_cat_evicted asked:


Is that just common knowledge or does the pattern have to specify?

BURT
expertvillage asked:


Learn how to double crochet in a spiral to crochet beanies - free video.

WILMER

Imran ali asked:


Beaded and crochet necklaces are lovely articles of jewelry loved by women of all ages. The best thing about these articles is that they can be easily made at home by using some basic tools along with loose beads, crystals, gemstones and gold or silver wires. A crocheted macramé necklace looks beautiful and unique. You can find hundreds of other designs in this category which can be worn on different occasions. These jewelry articles are excellent to be given as gifts. Free crochet patterns are now widely available on the internet for those who want to try making these exquisite jewelry items at home.

You will need an artistic wire or metallic crochet thread for making a crochet choker or bracelet along with a variety of different colorful beads. Sworavski crystals and water crystals can also be utilized to make these chokers even more beautiful and alluring. Finally a toggle clasp is required for tying the choker around the neck. You can use a plastic or sterling silver clasp depending on your requirements. Also, choose an appropriate crochet hook to make this lovely jewelry article. Start by adding some beads to the thread and then make simple chain stitches with the help of your crochet hook.

In between stitches you need to introduce beads, one or several at a time. At the end some more plain stitches are required to complete the look. The finished article may be composed of several strands with different kinds of beads or gemstones in each strand. The strands can be joined at the ends to create a lovely and beautiful choker. If you use three strands you can make a braid by using them so that they are tightly tied together. Any other design can also be chosen according to your requirements.

You can choose any pattern which is easy to make and then try making this simple yet elegant necklace at home. The finished effect does not need to be perfect. Handcrafted items look best if they are composed of uneven stitches and random collection of beads and crystals. However, the size of your crochet stitches should not be too small particularly if you are using a metal wire.

If you don’t want to use metallic wire, you can also use simple crochet thread to make an elegant crochet necklace at home. Choose a length according to your requirements. Recommended length for simple chokers is 18”. Crochet bracelets can also be made in a similar manner by utilizing different thread colors and optional beads. Crochet patterns can be made by using a variety of stitches. A lot of information on these stitches along with step by step instructions is available on the internet for newbies.

A beautiful hand-woven crochet necklace can make an excellent gift for your loved one. Many different design patterns and a range of beautiful and colorful beads can be used to make these unique articles of jewelry. Crochet flower with a button, gold purse, Valentine heart, ice princess and lace patterns are popular and widely-used designs in this category.



TREVOR
Abhishek Agarwal asked:


What is more rewarding in the world than having your baby dressed in an outfit that has been specially crocheted by yourself like booties or cute sweaters. The Art of Crochet you will find is the easiest of all crafts to learn, even for total beginners of using yarn. It takes just an evening to crochet booties and a matching sweater for baby will take a weekend.

Baby Booties

To make the baby booties just require the basic stiches of : chain stitch (cs), dec (pull up the loop of the next 2 stitches, pull the yarn over then through both of the loops on the hook), and single crochet (SC).

1 Get some worsted weight yarn, equip yourself with a size H crochet hook, and start by 5 CS (Chain Stitch). Turn and SC for 3 chains, 5 SC at the end chain, one SC in bottom loop at each of the next 3 SC stitches. The end chain is then 5 SC to turn the corner.

2 Now 5 SC, two SC in the next stitch; repeat 2 SC in the next stitch, repeat again, 5 SC, 2 SC in the next stitch, SC, 2 SC in the next stitch, SC, and 2 SC in the next stitch.

3 8 SC, 2 SC in the next stitch, 5 SC, 2 SC in the next, 8 SC, 2 SC in the next, 5 SC, and 2 SC in the next.

4 and 5 Even crochet with no increases for these next 2 rounds. Notice the sole as it begins to curve upwards. Once you have done the second round, turn.

6 SC for 5 SC, dec, 3 SC, dec, 5 SC, then turn.

7 SC for 3 SC, dec, 1 SC, dec, 3 SC, then turn.

8 SC for 1 SC, dec, dec, 1 SC, then turn.

9 and 10 SC in each SC, again continuing the rounds, dec one at either side of the top of the bootie for the next two rounds.

11, 12 and 13 Work these 3 rounds evenly, and finish by fastening off.

Repeat, to make the second bootie.

You can, if you wish, put a design on top of the baby booties such as an embroidered flower.

The booties can be crocheted in many different colours of your choice as they are so simple to make, so that you have a collection.

Sweater

It is easy to make the sweater too, which is designed ideally for fitting a newborn baby up to 6 months. The same type of yarn and hook are used.

1 Chain 45, and turn.

2 SC for the next 5 SC. Next, inc. by 2 SC, Chain 2, and in one stitch 2 SC. For the next 8 stitches SC, inc. by working SC for the next 16 stitches, inc., SC for 8 stitches, inc., and SC to the end.

3-12 Continue working the established pattern, even SC on all, inc. for each loop on Chain 2, until all 10 rows are completed.

13 This is the shaping row: Firstly, crochet the Ch 2 loop, crochet to Ch 2 loop, skip all the stitches till the next Ch 2 loop, and crochet that loop. SC each stitch of the next Ch 2 loop, skip all of the stitches till you reach the Ch 2 loop, SC the loop and then SC for each SC to the end, and turn.

Continue working until the sweater is 6 inches in measurement from the underarm. You can fasten off now.

For the right underarm, pick up and Crochet each SC. Continue working in rounds for the sleeve until it measure the same length as from the underarm as the body. Repeat to make the left sleeve. Finish by fastening off.

From the lower right hand, start by picking up the end stitch and crochet 1 SC each stitch at the front opening, around the collar, back down to the other side of the front of the sweater. The openings in the neck collar are now ready for a ribbon to be run through it, to make the necktie.

There you have it, a crochet sweater that it cozy and warm, with matching booties created by your own hands, especially for your baby. Aah!



MARK
christiansoldier92 asked:


I want to make a blanket as a gift to my boyfriend for Valentine’s Day next month. Which is better to make a blanket? Crocheting, or knitting?

Thanks!

COLBY

Oct
10
Filed Under (Needlework) by Kert
Amber Green asked:


Hello all crafty people,

So you are bored with regular crochet and want to add some zing to your craft? Have you tried bead crochet? It’s the logical step with limitless options. Bead crochet gives you the opportunity to combine two crafts - crochet and beading. With bead crochet, you can experiment with the numerous gorgeous beads available and include them in your exquisite crocheted creations.

Seed beads go great with party bags, as trimmings, in laces, handkerchief borders, scarves and tassels. Make seed bead ropes to be used as handles in bags. I saw instructions for making seed bead ropes at http://www.beadline.com/crochet/crochet.html.

String beads in the crochet yarn before starting the pattern and use them randomly or in specific order to add bling to whatever it is you plan to crochet. When stringing beads in the yarn, take care of your posture. Try using big beads and avoid the super tiny seed beads if you have eye problems. String the beads in broad daylight or an appropriately lit room.

Beads are great to make intricately designed patterns such as http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa121299.htm.

Bigger beads can be used in bag handles to add an interesting element in otherwise simple looking bags. They can also be used as tassels in caplets, scarves, caps and shawls.

Guidelines, tips and tricks about crocheting with beads are given at:   

http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa030197.htm

http://beadwork.about.com/library/weekly/aascratchcrochet.htm

http://www.beadwrangler.com/tips-crochet.htm

Go through beading related frequently asked questions (FAQs) at http://www.swallowhillcreations.com/FAQ.htm.

Links to bead crochet patterns are available at:

http://crochet.about.com/od/beadcrochet/Bead_Crochet_Crocheting_With_Beads.htm

http://home.inreach.com/marthac/beads.html

http://www.victoriancrochet.com/

http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/bead_crochet.php

Beads and crochet can be used to make wire crochet jewelry. Some beautiful patterns are shown on:

http://www.nezumiworld.com/crochet_011.htm

http://www.seafore.com/wire/wire.html

You can even go wild making bead crochet animals with help from http://www.beadcrochet.com/. The site also has a video to help visitors learn the technique.

Those who feel comfortable learning from a book can go to http://www.amazon.com/Bead-Crochet-Beadwork-How-Book/dp/193149942X and look at the beadwork how to book.

I guess you have enough material to keep you going. Happy beading.



TIMMY