Melissa asked:
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All I can find is that its wool round hook. Does that mean I wrap the wool around the hook or something else?

DANIAL
missthang asked:
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I want to make a granny square but I am not sure what size hook I would need?

CHARLIE
Oct
01
Filed Under (Needlework) by Kert
Amanda Roddy asked:

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Once the basic crochet stitches are mastered, beginning crocheters can try more advanced stitches. These may look intimidating but are made up of stitches you have already learned like single crochet and double crochet. The advanced crochet stitches begin with a foundation chain like a multiple of five chains plus one. This means you will chain like 60 and then one more chain to make 61 chains for a starting chain. The stitch also may repeat a number of rows. If you feel ambitious, here are some advanced crochet stitches to try.

Afghan Stitch

The afghan stitch resembles knitting but actually crocheted. It uses a special needle called the afghan hook that has a stopper on the end. The background makes a perfect surface for cross-stitch designs. To practice the afghan stitch, use a size G afghan hook and worsted weight yarn. The afghan stitch begins with a foundation chain followed by two rows. Chain twenty like you would for normal crochet. Row 1: Insert hook in second stitch from hook. Draw up a loop and repeat across. Yarn over and draw yarn through first loop. Yarn over and draw through two loops across. Row1: Draw up a loop in each vertical bar across. Row2: Yarn over, draw through one loop. Yarn over and draw through to loops across. Don’t turn.

Shell Stitch

The shell stitch is a popular crochet stitch for clothing and household items. There are many variations to the shell stitch. Some shell patterns use two or three double crochets with a chain or two in between and others use groups of solid double and triple crochet. A common foundation chain is six chains plus 7.For practice, chain 37 and double crochet in fifth chain from hook. Skip two chains. Five double crochet in next chain. Skip two chains. Single crochet in next chain. Skip two chains and five double crochets in next chain. Repeat across skipping two chains and a single crochet in between each shell.

Bullion Stitch

The bullion stitch has recently been re-introduced as the roll stitch. Actually, the bullion stitch isn’t new at all. It started as an embroidery stitch done with fine sewing needles. The height of the stitch depends on the number of times the thread is wrapped around the hook. A crochet hook with a tapered end is recommended but it can be made with any crochet hook. For practice, make a row of single crochet and any number of chains. Wrap the yarn around the hook for or five times. As you get used to the stitch you can add more yarn overs .Yarn over and pull thread through all loops.

Now you have more stitches to improve your crochet skills. These crochet stitches will take some practice. You may have to do them over and over before you get them correct but they are worth the effort.



ARMAND
Sep
14
Andy Palmer asked:


There are so many different methods of crocheting an individual product. Every method should be changed according to each type of crochet item to be made. Any pattern will have the details and instructions needed to make the perfect crochet item. Although crochet needs a lot of patience to finish a particular pattern, it is a hand worked item that is totally individual.

A Word of advice is to choose a type of pattern that corresponds to the skill level you hold for crocheting, otherwise you may feel overwhelmed and it may put you off trying anything else in the future. Don’t be put off as there are plenty of places that have basic diagrams and instructions for beginners.

Below are some simple steps for beginners when learning to crochet;

1. First and foremost make sure that you have the correct tools for the job so you can crochet an item. Crochet tools are readily available from specialist shops or even family members that already know how it’s done. Tools may include yarn or thread, crochet hooks and patterned diagrams.

Don’t forget scissors and different size hooks for different weights of yarn/thread, and a yarn needle for stitches.

2. If you are right handed, begin by holding the crocheting hook with your right hand allowing the forefingers to bend slightly at the hook of the loop. Use the thread/yarn to make a knot on the shaft of the crochet.

3. Then slide the loop of the hooked thread to create a slipknot on the hook. Pass the yarn/thread around the hook and use the hook to pull it through to start the chain stitches. Repeat the chain stitch as often as the pattern advises to give a quality side to the crochet piece. Don’t forget that the chain thickness should be appropriate for the type of crochet product being made.

4. To perform the next step, bring back the thread or yarn on the top of the loop making the thread go around the hook so that it will be double stitched. It is easier if you use your forefinger to grab the knot and tighten the chain stitches of the crochet.

5. You can then skip the first double stitched chain, and continue to proceed on the knot that is not properly hooked on the knot of the loop. Make sure that the chains do not loosen and the strands should be properly aligned with the other threads to keep the pattern straight and correct.

It is much better to have a tighter knot on the chains of the crochet; this will make the crochet product stronger and sturdier.

6. Next position the hook to the center of the next hole of the second double stitch chain. Once through the hole slide the thread or yarn passing into the center of the third double stitch chain that will go on the upper part of the loop. This has now created two loops on the double stitch chain. This will make the loops tighter and stronger.

7. Go back and return from the first chain and bring back the hook from the back to the front and slowly slide the crochet needle to make a knot on the center hole of the first chain. Remember that the hook must be carefully pushed through the middle to create a knot from the first loop.

8. for the next step return from the third loop and create another extra chain stitch to make a reversed counter clockwise loop. This is for the purpose of retaining the knot to support the double stitched chains. Then start from the first step again to create new chains in a new row and create the similar loops alike from the previous rows, forging a great crochet pattern.

9. You can then create a single crochet stitch on the first loop tightening the next loops of the double stitch chains on the previous rows. This will then create an exact replica of the loops already made; this then ensures that the following double stitch chains will have similar results with the first made loops, keeping the pattern the same throughout.

To finish of the item, cut any of the excess thread/yarn, make sure there is at least 6 inches of thread or yarn left on the last chain stitch to make an extension.

Above are the basic steps for beginners, but there are many more complicated designs and patterns that are waiting to be mastered after learning the basic crocheting techniques.



EDUARDO
Amber Green asked:


Hello crocheters,

When browsing through patterns and crochet web sites, I feel like crocheting very fast. In moments like this, I just want to pick up a hook and yarn and start crocheting the pattern I’m looking at, straight away. I’m sure you too would have felt the same sometime. This got me thinking if there really was a way to crochet faster.

Well, some people anyway work with the speed of light. Others are slow workers. What one can complete in an hour, another person may take one full day to crochet. What makes the difference, there are some things to be considered to crochet faster:

•    Use stitches that add height to the project. For instance, a treble stitch adds more height compared to a single crochet. Using such stitches you can be done crocheting simple objects such as bags, afghans, dishcloths and scarves in no time. While the type of stitch chosen does not matter in some instances, using these stitches only with the aim of crocheting an article faster is not a bright idea. Lengthy stitches will also restrict the types of objects you can crochet in the sense that height-adding stitches may not be appropriate for small projects such as baby booties or amulet bags. Select the stitch wisely so it matches with the type of project.

•    Use chunkier yarns. It takes ages to crochet something from fancy delicate thin yarns. Having said this, I’d also like to advise you to not feel restricted by thick yarns only. This way, you’ll keep yourself away from the pleasure of crocheting dainty articles including doilies, bed covers, cushion covers and party bags.

•    Try holding the hook and yarn in different ways until you determine the grip and style most comfortable for you. Don’t get hung up on the right technique you read in a book or on a web site. Discover what works for you.

•    If you hold the yarn too tightly, loosening it a bit may help.

•    Pay attention to the way you roll yarn into a ball, if you are one of those who prefer to buy skeins. Yarn wound too tightly will come off the ball with some difficulty adding minutes to the actual crochet process. Hold the yarn lightly when making a ball.

•    Play some music. Without realizing it, we usually crochet or perform other activities according to the rhythm of the background music. The downside with playing music is that we tend to get too engrossed in the activity to take a break. Frequent long episodes of continuous crocheting can injure the hand muscles and other body parts. Read more about the importance of taking breaks when crocheting in another issue of this newsletter.

•    Choose simple patterns, at least when you are beginner. Even advanced crocheters should avoid complicated patterns they are not sure about completing. This is so because intricate patterns usually generate more errors and therefore frequent unraveling. This not only spoils the yarn being used but also plays havoc with your confidence and enthusiasm.

•    Concentrate more on getting the pattern accurate instead of crocheting it faster. Paying more attention to the time it takes to crochet an article increases the probability of errors thereby calling for repeated unraveling. Focusing however on accuracy reduces the chances of errors so you automatically end up finishing the project in time or ahead of time.

•    Believe the saying, “Practice makes a man (read crocheter) perfect”. As you crochet more and more, you will unknowingly become speedy at it.

Cheers!



EZRA
Lee Michaels asked:


Are you ready to learn to crochet? Then this is the article for you! Here you will find the tips you need to get started. After reading this article, if you still want more information I’ll be able to show you where you can get it. However, right now read on and you will discover many interesting facts about the wide world of crochet.

The origin of the word crochet is French and the literal translation is “hook.” Crochet is a method of using a rod to work interlocking loops into a long chain. When crocheting you basically take the loops and draw them through the previous loops in the chain. These are the basics of crochet. The origin of the word crochet is not really known but the practice appears to go back to the early renaissance.

I know what you are thinking, the history is nice to know, but is it really important? What you really want to know is how hard crocheting is and if you can learn to do it. Honestly, what is considered hard is different for everyone. Something that may be hard for one person may be relatively easy for another. With crochet this can become even more complicated if someone suffers from an affliction such as arthritis. If a person has this type of condition where they experience pain in their joints the act of crocheting may be difficult.

As far as the skill level that is necessary for crocheting when a person does not have physical limitations that is hard to answer. Every person has a varying amount of dexterity with their hands. For instance, a person could be what is considered all thumbs. These types of people cannot do some things with their hands that may be easy for others. For these types of people crocheting may be like writing a symphony or achieving world peace. Other people may feel that crochet is so easy they could do it in their sleep. Some people will even be able to crochet magnificent sweaters or blankets while watching TV and seeming to barely pay attention to their crocheting at all.

The best answer that I can give you is that the technical art of crocheting is not difficult and in reality anybody can learn it. If you look below, I have provided a review of a wonderful resource that will easily teach you how to crochet.



BURT
letmekno asked:


I do not want to use a needle/hook. My mom’s friend used to do it for me but she has moved to Florida and I have forgotten the instructions she gave me. If anyone can help or point me in the right direction that would be great.

TYSON
Jill asked:


I am crocheting an afghan for a wedding gift for my cousin and I am using a new pattern I found online.
The pattern says “ch any multiple of 5 to desired width of afghan.” There is no certain width or length on the pattern. I have determined that I need to make the afghan 250 stitches wide by 400 rows long.
But I am having trouble trying to determine how many yards of yarn I need to buy.
The gauge on the yarn I want to use, says that 12 stitches by 15 rows will be approximately 4″. How many yards of yarn will it take to make a square that it 12 stitches by 15 rows, using a J hook? That way I can figure out how many yards of yarn I will need to buy before I start. I want to make sure I buy enough to start with so that all the yarn will be from the same dye lot.
Thanks for your help!

MILES