Learning the Craft of Crocheting - Beginner Crochet Pattern

Crocheting is for grannies! That's the mindset of most people when they think of crocheting. However, this is actually extremely incorrect. Not only is it not done by just the elderly, it's done on a lot of things. It's even done on a lot of designer clothes.

Crocheting is not an activity made only for our grannies and for bitter spinsters. It can be done by everyone. Especially, now that clothing trends are now more inclined into the use of crocheted items, popular clothing designers are also smitten by crocheting.

However, crocheting is not only for the plain Jane. One has to have the patience and, of course, the time to be able to do anything crocheted. So how does one actually get herself learn to crochet?

It really is not a hard skill to learn. But it neither is an easy one. In order to get you going, all you need is a good crochet hook, yarns, measuring tape, yarn needle, some pins, and a lot of determination to finish a crocheting project.

Here is a rundown of tips on how to easily learn crocheting:

Hold the Yarn Like a Pro

For newbies in crocheting, holding a yarn could be quite a tricky job. Even if it only takes some time of getting used to, knowing how hold it properly and skillfully is not to be overlooked.

It may not be the easiest thing in the world to master, but it sure is worth it. The magnificent work you can complete with the help of crochet is amazing. If you have a little extra time to pick this up as a hobby, you wont regret it.

Here is how:

1. Let the yarn pass through your fingers upon holding it. This is how it is done: the little finger, then, beneath the ring finger, then, above the forefinger and the middle finger.

2. Another way to hold the yarn is to loop in the region of the little finger, and then, make it cross the forefinger.

3. Upon holding the hook, imagine how you would hold a pencil or a spoon. That's how it should be held. In that position, it won't be hard for you to heave the yarn from your fingers down to the loop in the hook.

As you go along the process of crocheting and you start to get the hang of it, you will learn your unique and most comfortable way of working with the yarn. Don't be afraid to adopt a new method of holding it. It will help you become more of an efficient crochet craftsperson in the long run.

Size Matters When it Comes to the Hook and Yarn

One should not take for granted the skill of identifying the right hook and yarn to use in any crochet project.

Hooks are identified through different letters and numbers that correspond to certain sizes. In crocheting, the higher the number or letter of the hook, the thicker the hook is. As for yarns, their varieties are identified through names.

Resizing the Crochet Project Through the Pattern

To reduce the size of a project, it is as simple as deducting some stitches. One can skip a stitch in a row and continue with the next to reduce the size of the project. To enlarge a project, it is as easy as inserting more stitches in a row. One can easily join two stitches of the same row together. This will make one produce a solo stitch on the next row prior to it.

Reading a Pattern Like a Book

What can complicate the activities of one that is engaged in crocheting are the abbreviations on a pattern. The use of memory and logic can help a lot in surmounting this little crocheting obstacle. The outcome of being able to memorize these important abbreviations is a much faster pace in crocheting and more efficient hands.

1. Crochet patterns and instructions are worked usually in rounds or rows. It will be indicated on the pattern if you are doing or working in rounds, rows or mixture of both.

2. Crochet patterns and instructions are generally ranked according to difficulty level such as advanced, intermediate, easy or beginner. Choose a pattern with a difficulty level that suits your abilities. Then, increase the level of difficulty as your skill advances.

3. Count the stitches that you have made as you go on with your work to monitor the stitches needed on each round or row as required by the pattern.

4. Verify your gauge by crocheting a sample of about 4 X 4 inches in the pattern. When your gauge results into a larger size than what is on the pattern, then use a smaller hook; when your gauge is smaller, then use a larger hook.

When it's time for you to actually accomplish a crochet project, make sure that you follow the instructions well and you make your patience a bit sturdier than before. Prepare your devices beforehand to ensure the smooth flow of your crocheting endeavor.

Now you know the steps of crocheting. You may not be a master at it right now, but at least you will know the basics. You can now start working at making magnificent work with this little hobby. Now, get to crocheting!

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Vintage Crochet Is Easy

I learned vintage crochet at a very young age, my first projects were doilies made from small cotton thread and a tiny crochet hook. I then used all types of yarn and many patterns to create the most beautiful items, I really love baby things, they are so soft and gorgeous. I taught students in a high school Home Economics class to do my fun pastime of crochet.

Today or presently, the patterns are obtainable for almost any item of clothing with beautiful colors and motifs designs. First as a beginner you have to learn the tricks of the trade, once learned these abbreviations and terms become so very easy. This known makes the patterns look so much more appealing, you know exactly what to do. I am going to start with all the abbreviations and terms:

beg- begin or beginning

ch- chain

dc- double crochet

dec- decrease

hdc- half double crochet

inc- increase

lp- loop

pat- pattern

rnd- round

sc- single crochet

sk- skip

sl- slip

sp- space

st- stitch

tog- together

tr- treble

yo- yarn over

Simplified Six Basic Crochet Stitches

Ch or Chain crochet- The beginning of any project is the chain stitch. The chain stitch row becomes your foundation of the pattern. Now, tie a knot about one inch from the end of your yarn. Leave a loop that is big enough to pull the point of your crochet hook through easily. Put your hook into the loop, then wrap your yarn over the hook once before pulling it through the loop. This is your first chain, now you repeat this stitch for the amount stated in the pattern. The chain stitch is the beginning for almost every pattern you will make.

Sl or Slip crochet- The slip stitch is mainly used to connect two pieces of crocheted work together. Such as to form a circle, for crocheting in the round type pattern. Let's make a slip stitch, insert your crochet hook into the first stitch at the other end of the row from your hook. Place your yarn over the hook, then pull the hook back through the stitch along with the yarn loop already on your crochet hook. Alas, the two ends of the crocheted row are connected.

Sc or Single crochet- To form this stitch, insert your crochet hook into the next stitch. Wrap your yarn around the hook once and pull it through the stitch. You now should have two loops on your crochet hook. Wrap the yarn around the hook again and pull through both loops on the hook. One single crochet is made.

Hdc or Half-double crochet- To make a half-double crochet, wrap the yarn around your crochet hook before inserting into the next stitch. Wrap the yarn over the hook again and pull it through only the stitch. You should have three loops on your crochet hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook once and pull through all the three loops on your hook. One half-double crochet is made.

Dc or Double crochet- Make one double crochet by wrapping your yarn over the hook, then inserting it into the next stitch. Once the hook is through the stitch, wrap the yarn over the hook again and pull it through this stitch. You now have three loops left on your hook. Yarn over the hook again and pull it through the first two loops on your hook. Now there are two loops on your crochet hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook one more time and pull through both loops on your hook. One double crochet is made.

Tr or Treble or Triple crochet- For a treble crochet stitch, wrap your yarn twice over your crochet hook then insert it into the next stitch. Now wrap the yarn around the hook again and pull through the stitch. You should have four loops on your hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook once again and pull through the front two loops. Continue wrapping the yarn over the hook and pull it through two loops until you have one loop remaining on your crochet hook. One treble crochet is made.

Now that you see what all the abbreviations stand for, you can learn what each stitch does to the item you are making. There are a few more terms you have to learn thus to be able to make the correct size, etc. Those being asterisks, gauge, parentheses:

ASTERISKS (*)are used to indicate that a group of stitches or steps are to be repeated the specified number of times. Such as * 1 sc, 1 dc, 1 sc repeat from * across means you make 1 single crochet, 1 double crochet, 1 single crochet until the end of the row.

GAUGE refers to the number of stitches or rows which make up a specified area. Each set of directions lists the gauge obtained by the designer when she or he worked the pattern with the yarn and hooks specified, and is the gauge upon which the directions are based.

PARENTHESES ( ) are used to enclose directions for larger sizes, as listed at the start of each set of directions. They also may indicate that the group of stitches which they enclosed are to be repeated the number of times stated.

Now to pick the right crochet hook to make the item I have chosen. It will be stated in the first of the pattern and the needles or hooks are as follows:

STEEL HOOKS OTHER Hooks

U.S. English Millimeter Letter

1....0 2.......B

2....1 2 1/2....D

3....1 1/2 3.......F

4....2 3 1/2....G

5....2 1/2 4........H

6....3 4 1/2.... I

7....3 1/2 5........J

8....4 6.......K

9....4 1/2

10...5

11...5 1/2

12...6

13...6 1/2

14...7

Now we will discuss YARNS AND THREADS, although we tend to associate wool yarns with knitting and cotton threads with crocheting, the yarn or thread used can, of course, be made of any fiber, natural or synthetic. The synthetics are often machine washable a quality especially desirable in items that will need frequent washing, such as baby clothes.

The yarn weight to be used will be determined by the style of the item you are making. In the beginning of a pattern, you are told what type of yarn to use, and the colors of most pattern yarns. Lighter weight cotton yarns or threads are usually called for when the finer hooks are used for a delicate, soft effect. Heavier ones will be used with larger hooks for a bulkier look. If at all possible, do not substitute other yarns for those called for in the directions, because those directions have been written for the yarn named to determine the size of garment. Always follow your pattern directions and your crocheted piece will turn out to be an item you will cherish.

Linda McRae is a retired Postmaster, who has a business at home. She has written fifteen ezines about the loves of her life, while working from home. This one being about her hobby of crocheting, you can find some beautiful vintage crochet patterns on her website by the same name Vintage Crochet Patterns.

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What Makes An Easy Crochet Pattern? Learning to Read Crochet Patterns

Crochet patterns can look confusing at first. However, once you understand how a pattern works, and become familiar with the more common crochet stitches, you'll find reading crochet patterns one of the easiest aspects of crochet. Learning to read a crochet pattern will help you feel more confident when learning the basics of crochet.

Patterns can be written in several different ways. Crochet instructions can be written out in abbreviations, presented as symbols, or can be a combination of both. While it may take a while to learn the symbols, they can save space, and after awhile, many experienced crocheters find them easier to read. Another good thing about crochet symbols is that they are international, so no matter where the pattern comes from, the symbols will usually be the same.

If you are trying to read and understand a crochet pattern, the best way is to have both the written instructions and the symbols handy. If a series of stitches doesn't making sense by following the written instructions, often the symbols can clarify what is actually meant. Crochet charts and symbols can help clarify written instructions. Some crocheting, such as lace, is actually much easier to follow using a chart, than reading written instructions.

Here are some of the common abbreviations used in crocheting:

sc single crochet

ch st chain stitch

hdc half-double crochet

dc double crochet

sl st slip stitch

trc triple crochet

yo yarn over

tr treble crochet

sp space

sk skip

pat st pattern stitch

When reading crochet instructions, brackets and parentheses are used to convey related stitches. For example, if you came across this- "(sk 3 ch, 4 trc in next chain) across the row", it would first mean you leave three chains unworked, referring to the sk, which stands for skip. In the fourth chain, you would then do four treble crochet stitches. You would then repeat the whole process across the entire row.

When you purchase a crochet book, or patterns, you'll find the abbreviations and symbols will be explained at the beginning. Once you've worked with a few patterns, you'll find yourself much more familiar with the instructions, and you won't need to refer to the book any longer. The crochet symbols will become second nature. Similar, but easier than learning a foreign language, after a bit of study, crochet abbreviations and symbols will make perfect sense!

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What is Filet Crochet?

Filet crochet is a series of crocheted mesh stitches crocheted in a certain sequence so that it forms a distinct pattern or picture. It is simple and fun to do, and can grow ultra fast and finished effects can be stunning.

By following a pattern chart you build up a picture or pattern using either the straight line technique or in a round using a mixture of either empty or filled mesh squares. We will only be dealing with the straight line technique in this crochet article.

Mesh stitches are made up using a combination of treble and chain stitches.

These are really all the stitches you will need to know, apart from slip stitch in order to be able to produce your own filet crochet pieces.

Tension is not so important when doing filet crochet. The main concern is that your mesh stitches are square in shape. If your tension is slightly incorrect you may end up with rectangular mesh stitches instead, this does not usually affect the finished product or the pattern. However if you wish to ensure that the mesh stitches are square, crochet up a practice swatch using the same sized hook and yarn as you intend to use for the project you are going to make. Then if the mesh stitches are not square in shape then try a different sized hook.

The important thing is that your mesh stitches are all the same size and shape in order for your desired filet pattern or image to easily show up.

There are not many crochet stitches used in the formation of filet crochet and these are only the basic crochet stitches; chain stitch, slip stitch and treble stitch. To give filet crochet a slightly different look you may see other types of stitches included all made up of the basic crochet stitches.

Filet crochet is usually worked using crochet cotton or thread. However there is nothing to stop you using any type of yarn. Crochet cotton comes in varying thicknesses, it is most usual to use either size 20 or 30. I personally prefer 20.

Using different thicknesses of thread or different types of yarn will vary the size of the square mesh and therefore the size of the finished piece. Always use the correct size crochet hook for your yarn or thread. If in any doubt check the label.

To calculate the finished size of an item, crochet up a practice swatch, using the same size crochet hook and yarn/thread as you will use to make the item. Then measure across 5 squares and then down 5 rows. Look at the pattern you are going to crochet and see how many rows it has in total, call this number Z.

Divide Z by 5 then multiply it by your measurement for the rows. This is how long your finished work will be. Now look again at your pattern and see how many squares it has across one row, divide this number by 5 and then multiply it by your measurement for the 5 squares across. This will be how wide your work will be. It is possible to work out any project in this manner.

The majority of filet crochet patterns only use filled and empty squares. A filled in mesh is made up of 3 treble stitches in a row and an empty one is made up of a treble, a single chain then a treble.

Difficulty arises sometimes as you must remember that these meshes share sides, with the exception of end mesh so it is important to remember this when following a pattern. For those wanting more detailed information on following a filet crochet chart please read the separate article entitled Reading Filet Crochet Patterns.

If you speak to some people regarding filet crochet you may find that they use treble stitches and chain stitches for their squares (mesh) whilst others use double crochet stitches and chains. There is no real difference to either method, use whichever type of stitch you prefer. You may find that your work comes out slightly smaller, in a finer mesh when worked with double crochet stitches or that the meshes produced are more rectangular.

Whichever stitch you decide to use the technique and square (mesh) formations are very similar. Just substitute the double crochet stitch for the trebles used in the pattern above. Then for empty mesh use 2 chain stitches instead of one for the tops and for filled mesh use 4 double crochet in a row.

Ana Smith is a highly skilled crocheter with over thirty years experience and author of http://beginners-crochet.blogspot.com/2009/02/how-to-crochet-granny-square.html

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Basic Crochet Instructions

Many people decide to take up new hobbies and find the hardest part is learning the basics. Basic crochet instructions can also be difficult to find and it is not a craft you can simply teach yourself without first learning the basic crochet stitches. At times is can be difficult to find anyone else who knows crochet. You will generally have better luck if you have a grandmother who liked to crochet and can teach you. However, many who would like to learn this creative craft simply don't have anyone to show them the basics of crocheting.

Fortunately, the internet generally has information on any hobby you would like to begin. Basic crochet instructions are no different. If you spend a lot of time looking you will find information on this hobby also. Although a lot of people think crocheting is something only older people do, they are wrong. Crocheting is becoming popular again with many young people taking up the craft. This is probably due to the many beautiful items it is possible to create with a little yarn and a crochet hook.

When a person is just getting started in crocheting they will want to begin by learning a few basics. The best place to start would be to learn what a row and a single crochet is.

The first step in basic crochet instructions would be to obtain a few basic crochet supplies. You will need a crochet hook. You can usually find a packet of hooks that include different sizes. You should select one that includes a size G crochet hook as it is one of the most common. You will also need yarn, small scissors, and a yarn needle.

To begin any crochet project you will need to create a slipped knot with the loop on your crochet hook. This can be done by making a loop and hold it between your thumb and fore finger on your left hand. With the crochet hook in your right hand, pull the yarn through the loop you created, then pull the thread through a second time. At this time pull the thread at the bottom of the loop tight and you should have a knot and be ready to continue with your crocheting.

The second thing you will need to know is how to make a chain stitch. This is the very basic stitch you will need to begin any crochet pattern. Once you have your slipped know created all you have to do is have the loop on your crochet hook and then wrap the yarn around your hook and draw the yarn through the loop. Although this can sound very confusing it is really quite easy and you will soon be amazed at how quickly you learn to do this.

One of the most basic crochet stitches is the single crochet. You can accomplish this stitch after you have created your chain. You will simply insert your crochet hook into one of the chain stitches you created and wrap the yarn on the hook and pull through. Of course a picture is worth a thousand works when you are learning a new hobby, so look around and find a picture and you will have that wonderful ah ha moment which will send you on your way.

Of course these are just the basic crochet instructions and there are a lot more stitches that you can learn. Each crochet pattern will have it's own stitches it uses, but after you learn the basic stitches the rest will be much easier to learn.

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Eight More Essential Crochet Tips

Once you begin crocheting and have mastered the basic stitches there is always little problems that crop up inhibiting your progress and ruining the finish of your work. By following these crocheting tips you will ensure a neater and more even finish to your work each and every time you crochet.

Tip 1: Not enough space when working in the round.

Sometimes when working in the round there does not seem as if there is enough space to work all of the appropriate stitches into the centre ring. If you have this problem DO NOT work over the top of the previously worked stitches, instead do the following:

1. Enlarge the last loop on your hook and remove the hook from your work.

2. Starting at the beginning of the round gently push your stitches up together creating a space at the end of the round.

3. Re-insert your hook, tighten the loop and continue crocheting.

4. Repeat this process until you have finished the round.

Tip 2: Unexpected holes in your work or stretched stitches.

Sometimes you may find that you have a few holes in your crocheting that should not be there, or that some of the stitches seem to have stretched as the next row seems to be pulling them. The reason for this is usually simple; you are not crocheting into the correct part of the stitch in the previous row.

To rectify this always ensure that after inserting your hook into the stitch on the row below that you have gone through both loops of the stitch, unless the pattern tells you otherwise, as in loopy holey patterns.

Tip 3: Split Stitches.

Should you notice a split stitch, do not just leave it. This makes your work look very unsightly as it leaves little parts of stitches across the pattern, which are very noticeable and detracts from the true crochet pattern. The time it takes to rectify these split stitches will be well rewarded in having work look neat and tidy.

Should you find a split stitch remove your hook from your crocheting, undo everything up to and including the split stitch, reinsert your hook and recommence crocheting again. It really is worth the extra effort!

Tip 4: Finding it hard to crochet into the foundation row.

The first row of any crochet project is always the hardest. It can be very difficult to crochet into a line of chain stitches especially if you are using thin yarn and a small hook!

If you are finding it hard to crochet the first row, try crocheting the foundation row with a hook one size larger than the one required for the pattern. This will make the chain foundation row a little looser and the stitches a little larger. This will not show on the end result but will aid you when trying to insert your normal hook into the correct part of your many chain stitches.

Tip 5: Crocheting beginning to curl.

If you find when working the straight line technique that your work is beginning to curl after working the first couple of rows, it is due to your tension. You have crocheted the foundation row tighter than you have crocheted the rest of the pattern. To solve this you have two options:

1. Use a hook one size larger to crochet the foundation row than the hook required to crochet the pattern.

2. Use the same sized hook but make your work (foundation row) a lot looser.

Tip 6: Trouble seeing where you should be crocheting.

When first learning to crochet it can be difficult to see exactly what part of the stitch you should be crocheting into, especially if you use dark coloured yarn. So when first learning to crochet use light coloured yarns and threads, which makes the stitches so much easier to see. Progress onto darker colours as your knowledge and confidence grows.

Tip 7: Losing stitches.

Counting your stitches is one of the most important tips to crocheting successfully. It is also one of the most common problems to find that after crocheting a row you have less stitches than the pattern says you should have, or with which you started with if not following a crochet pattern. The very most common mistake is to lose stitches at the beginning and/or ends of rows. This is due to omitting working in the first or last stitch of a row. So if you find yourself in this position check your beginnings and ends of your rows before looking at the body of the row itself!

Tip 7: Rectangular work tapering inwards or outwards.

This problem follows on from the one above and is due to either increasing or decreasing stitches without realising it! You should count your stitches regularly to ensure that you have not missed any out or inadvertently increased any. Again losing or adding stitches at the beginning or end of garments is the most common error and should be checked before preceding to check the body of the row.

Hopefully some of these tips will be useful with your next crochet project. Just keeping these pointers in mind next time you pick up your crochet hook will in itself help your crocheting to look more professional and neat.

Ana Smith is a highly skilled crocheter with over thirty years experience and author of http://beginners-crochet.blogspot.com/2009/02/seven-important-crochet-tips-to.html

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Crocheting for Beginners - The Basics

If you are in search for a new creative hobby or craft, may I suggest checking out crocheting for beginners. In addition to the fun and beneficial factors involved in the crocheting, there are incredible by-products.

Crocheting is the creative process of making fabrics out of yarns or threads using a crochet hook. Basically, the technique used in crochet involves pulling loops of yarn through other loops.

What is Crochet?

One of the first uses of crochet was in the 1800s, when it was used as a substitute for expensive lace. In the 1950s, modern crochet as we recognize it today became common in fashion, in part because it was affordable to both buy and create. Today crochet is more popular than ever and it is relatively easy for beginners to learn and create beautiful things.

Basic crocheting can be done by learning just a few basic stitches and using them to follow simple patterns. Most beginner level patterns include 4 basic stitches: the slip stitch, a basic chain, a single crochet, and a double crochet. Learning those 4 simple stitches is enough to get a beginner started. Crocheted fabrics are created by repeating chains of these 4 simple stitches.

Is This the Craft for You?

With all of the different hobby and craft options, crochet is a perfect choice for many reasons. Besides the obvious calming and stress-reducing effects it brings, crocheting also is a great choice for beginners because it is not difficult to learn and it allows for incredible creative freedom and gives an outlet for self expression. With crochet, you get to actually wear your creation.

Crochet is also an inexpensive craft. The basic cost of crocheting for beginners is the cost of some yarn and a crochet hook. A skein of yarn can be found in most craft or fabric stores for less than $10 and a crochet hook can be bought for under $5. Many beginner patterns and even video directions can easily be found online for free.

Another benefit of crocheting is that it is extremely portable and can be done anywhere. The supplies for this creative expression can easily be transported and can also be done while watching TV or relaxing out in the garden. This is a perfect craft for people who like to multitask and can be done whether you enjoy working alone or in a crowd.

Completing a crochet project provides a great sense of achievement and pride, and many can be finished in short amounts of time. Handmade crochet projects also make inexpensive and beautiful personal gifts.

You will quickly find that the more you crochet, the better your skill gets. We all start out as beginners, but as with most crafts, the more you practice the faster you move from novice to expert. A beginner can easily make a scarf, or a hat, or even a blanket in any color or size or shape you can dream up.

Really, crocheting for beginners is only limited by your imagination. The only caution you should be aware of is that this hobby can be extremely addictive! The therapeutic effects of crochet are legendary, and you will be hard pressed to find another hobby this enjoyable that's not fattening!

Find out more about crocheting for beginners at Crochet Central and become a Crochet Master.

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