Basic Crocheting: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started

Contents

Acknowledgement

Introduction

Part I: Basic Tools and Skills

1. Tools and Materials

Yarn

Hooks

Other Equipment

2. Basic Skills

Preparing Yarn for Use

Holding the Hook

Healthy Crocheting

Making a Slip Knot

Holding the Yarn

Chain Stitch

Removing Extra Chains

Slip Stitch

Single Crochet

Half Double Crochet

Double Crochet

Working in Rows

Joining a New Yarn

Fastening Off

Weaving in Ends

Measuring Gauge

Blocking

Reading a Pattern

Part II: Projects

1. Shadowbox Pillow

Skill Workshop: Adding a New Color and Turning a Corner

Skill Workshop: Lacing a Pillow

2. Jewel Tone Poncho

Skill Workshop: Windowpane

Skill Workshop: Fringe

3. Basketweave Blanket

Skill Workshop: Basketweave (Front Raised and Back Raised Double Crochet Stitches)

Skill Workshop: Blanket Trim

4. Horizontal Scarf

Skill Workshop: Integral Fringe

5. Bunny Basket

Skill Workshop: Crocheting in the Round

Skill Workshop: Handle and Finishing

6. Child’s Watch Cap

Skill Workshop: Working in Back Loop Only

Skill Workshop: Joining Hatband

7. Child’s Mittens

Skill Workshop: Making a Thumb Gusset and Thumb

8. Openwork Placemats

Skill Workshop: Filet Crochet

Skill Workshop: Trim

9. Woven Shoulder Bag

Skill Workshop: Woven Stitch

Skill Workshop: Decreasing Single Crochet

Skill Workshop: Handbag Assembly

10. Wavy Sweater

Skill Workshop: Wavy Chevron Stitch

Skill Workshop: Sweater Assembly and Neckline Trim

Appendices

Crocheting Abbreviations Master List

Skill Levels for Crocheting

Standard Body Measurements/Sizing

Standard Yarn Weight System

Resources

Books

Yarn and Crocheting Supplies

Other Resources for Crocheters

Introduction

Crocheting is an ancient technique that has evolved into the perfect contemporary craft. It’s fun, easy to learn, and versatile. Basic stitches, used in innovative combinations with the fabulous variety of yarn available today, create stylish designs far removed from the doilies and granny squares of yesteryear.

Basic Crocheting is a comprehensive introduction to the skills you need to become a crocheter. The first half of the book teaches the fundamental techniques and stitches. The second half shows you how to use those skills to create actual projects. Skill workshops that accompany each project focus on specific techniques relevant to that item. Designs were selected to give you a wide range of choices for what to make, from apparel to articles for the home.

Even experienced crocheters are sometimes frustrated by patterns that are hard to understand or seem to leave out a key instruction. To make sure you do not experience this disappointment, Basic Crocheting provides detailed instructions for every step, supplemented with helpful photographs and illustrations.

Start out by working through the Basic Skills section, practicing the techniques until you are comfortable with them. Soon you will be ready to move onto the projects and create your own beautifully handcrafted items.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Yarn

COLOR

Yarn comes in a dazzling array of colors. Variegated yarns combine several hues in one skein, changing from one color to another along the yarn. A visit to your local yarn store or craft shop is sure to inspire you with its rainbow of colors.

Most yarn is dyed commercially in batches, or lots. The color can vary from one batch to another. To avoid color discrepancies, purchase enough yarn to complete your project. Check the codes on the skeins’ labels to make sure the yarn is all the same color and is from the same dye lot.

It is easier to see the stitches with light-colored yarn than with darker colors.

The CYCA’s six yarn weight categories

(see also the standard yarn weight system appendix): Super Fine, Fine, Light, Medium, Bulky, Super Bulky

WEIGHT

Yarn also comes in different weights, from super fine to super bulky. A crochet pattern will specify the type of yarn you should use. To make the finished project look like the designer intended, use the recommended weight.

The Craft Yarn Council of America (CYCA) has issued yarn weight standards. These guidelines organize yarn into six weight categories. Finer yarns are well-suited to baby items and other delicate pieces; bulkier yarns lend themselves to thick, heavy sweaters. If you ever want to substitute one yarn for another, make sure that it is in the same weight category.

COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE

Yarn is made of spun fibers. These can be natural, such as wool, mohair, silk, or cotton; synthetic, such as acrylic, nylon, or polyester; or a blend. Each fiber has its own characteristics. Wool, for example, is warm but not as strong as some other fibers; acrylic is durable but not as breathable as natural materials. Blended yarns can provide the best of both worlds. Creative new blends—incorporating materials such as Tencel, camel’s hair, even soybean fibers—are being developed all the time.

The word ply means how many strands are twisted together to make the yarn or thread. Mercerized cotton is thread that has processed to preshrink it, add luster, and help it hold dye.

The way a yarn’s fibers are spun determines its structure. Here are some examples:

Spiral: Thinner yarn twisted around a thicker yarn.

Chenille: Plush, velvety pile. Comes from the French word for caterpillar.

Bouclé: Curled or twisted yarn held together in a way that produces small loops on the surface, giving it a kinky appearance and a springy feel.

Nubby: Two strands twisted so that one overlaps the other to produce a bumpy texture.

Slubby: A strand that is alternately thick and thin, twisted with a smooth or a slubby second strand.

Tape: Yarn made of knitted threads woven into a narrow, flat band.

Novelty yarns: These can have eyelash threads, metallic threads, faux fur or feathers, ladder or railroad tracks effects, sequins . . . you name it. Some can be used solo; others work best when combined with another yarn.

Almost any stringlike material can be crocheted. Try your hand with gift-wrapping ribbon, raffia, fishing line, strips of rags, or plastic gimp to see what you like.

Hooks

The crochet hook is your basic tool. All have a hook on one end, which is used to pull loops through the work. Many have a flat part in the middle for you to grip. Cushioned hooks are also available. Hooks are made in steel, aluminum, plastic, wood, bamboo, and bone. They are sized by the diameter of the shaft.

Hooks are sold individually or in sets.

Crochet Hook Sizes