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SIXella asked:


Is it just the type of needles and stitches?

Which one do you like better? Is one easier then the other?

LINWOOD

?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
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.
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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
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
Sep
17
Filed Under (Education) by Kert
Kris Perry asked:


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
Sep
17
Terry Edwards asked:


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!

All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.



BILL
DJ asked:


I am new with crocheting and I am attempting my first patter. I read and undersatand what type of stiches.

Please tell me how many stiches in this row do I count?
Example
Rnd 3: *1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc, rep from * around — 27 sc.
Do I count 2sc in next sc as 1 or do I count 2?

Many Thanks.

JULIO

Aug
14
Amber Green asked:


Hello everyone,

The other day surfing through the Internet I came across an interesting piece of information – about 8-15% of the population is left-handed. This means, out of every 100 individuals 8-15 are left-handers! Read more about left-handedness at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Left-handed.

Exciting statistics about left-handedness are given at http://www.left-at-the-start.com/statistics.html.

Come to think of it, most equipment and systems are made for right-handed people. It surely is not an easy world for left-handers. This made me empathize with left-handed crocheters. Most patterns, stitches and crocheting techniques are for the more common right-handed people. But what about left-handed crocheters? So I dedicate this issue to helping you find crochet resources for left-handers.

Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) has a series of useful lessons for left-handed crocheters. The lessons come with supporting pictures and symbols for different stitches too. These are available at http://www.crochet.org/lessons/lessonl/lessonl.html.

More steps and instructions are given at http://www.wikihow.com/Crochet-or-Knit-Left-Handed.

Learning to crochet with left hand is same as learning a new thing. I am sure the above links will be helpful if you seriously want to take up crochet. Here are some guidelines that will help you master the craft in a few days:

•    Use a thicker yarn to learn the craft. Start using specialty yarn later on.

•    Initially, concentrate on getting comfortable holding and working the crochet hook in your left hand and the yarn in right.

•    Learn simple stitches in the beginning. There is plenty of time to learn the complicated stitches and techniques. Anyway, stitches for advanced crocheters also use the same basic stitches. Also, many crocheted articles can be made with the basic stitches. Some people spend their lives working simple stitches!

•    In the beginning, work on small projects such as dishcloths and granny squares. You can use them as samplers to learn different stitches. Because, these articles can be crocheted quickly, there is also that sense of instant gratification, so crucial when doing something new.

•    Avoid sitting next to the mentor, especially if he/she is right-handed. Sitting in front of the right-handed instructor will give a much better understanding of the technique.

•    Pay attention to your posture and take good care of your hands. You don’t want to go through the pain repetitive stress injuries (RSI) bring with them.

•    Be patient and you’ll be crocheting in no time.

Good luck learning to use the hook!



JOHNATHON
abominabletoastx asked:


I’m trying to make a blanket for my boyfriend but I’ve been trying for 6 months and I just keep starting over again. I don’t seem to have the patience to complete anything because I feel like it will take forever. I’m kind of a beginner. I can’t really do anything outside of basic stitches. So how long does it normally take to make a project like a blanket?

NEAL
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