Felted Crochet
Crocheting, along with knitting, is quite a popular hobby among people of all ages. Much of its popularity is attributed to the fact that it is a fun and portable way to relieve stress. Indeed, many useful things can be made thanks to techniques such as felted crochet.
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August 21, 2007
Crochet Thread
Most people will think of antique doilies or bedspreads when they talk about crochet thread. It is true that beautiful doilies, bedspreads, tablecloths and curtains can be created with crochet thread in a variety of weights and colors. But there are many other projects that are beautiful and functional when crochet thread is used in projects instead of the traditional yarn.
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July 26, 2007
Basic Crochet Stitch
Crochet is a wonderful hobby for fun and relaxation. It is a great take-along craft that can be done anywhere, anytime. Crochet stitches are easy to learn, and once you have a few basic stitches under your belt, you can begin to work through some beginner patterns. Once you have mastered the basics, you will be ready to try your hand at some more advanced crochet stitches and patterns.
Some of the best starter projects include baby and doll blankets, scarves and even some simple purses. All that is required to start you on the road to crocheted projects is a hook (a size “H” is an easy one for a beginner to handle), and a ball of yarn. It is also a good idea to have an instructional manual on hand that can give you directions on how to complete a crochet stitch, along with illustrations so that you can see how the yarn works through the hook.
Keep your manual handy, because you will probably refer back to it many times during your crochet experience – whether you need to learn a new crochet stitch, refresh yourself on pattern abbreviations, or simply need a tip for a finishing technique.
March 30, 2007
Crochet Granny Square
One of the first things a beginner to crochet should learn how to make is the ever-versatile crochet granny square. Variations of this pattern appear in just about any type of crocheted items – from sweaters and ponchos to bedspreads and tablecloths. It is an especially popular pattern for afghans and baby blankets.
The best thing about a granny square is that it will teach you three of the crochet stitches that you will use extremely often in your crochet projects. The stitches are the slip stitch, which is used most often to finish rounds of crochet; the chain stitch, which is the foundation row for nearly every crochet project; and the double crochet, which will give you the basic idea for how to do a number of other crochet stitches.
A crochet granny square can be worked to any size and with as many colors as you would like to see in your finished project. You can work from a pattern to create an item, or use your imagination to fashion your own individualized piece.
Crochet Granny Square 101
The basic pattern for a crochet granny square is very simple. Chain six stitches, and slip stitch together to form a ring. Make three chains that will act as your first double crochet on this round. Stitch two more double crochets into the original ring you made, and then make three more chain stitches. Next, stitch three double crochets into the ring and make three more chain stitches.
You will repeat this process two times more, and then finish off your first round with a slip stitch in the top of the chain three at the beginning of the round. Pat yourself on the back! You just completed the first round of your first crochet granny square. This process is repeated for as many rounds as you choose to add to your square. You can make many little squares and sew them together to make an item, or you can make a blanket or throw with one square that simply grows in rounds until it is the desired size.
Attaching Your Crochet Granny Square
If you choose to make a number of smaller squares for an item, you will need to sew them together to create your finished piece. Some crocheters prefer to do this as they complete squares, and some will wait until all the squares are finished to assemble the item all at once.
You can join your squares by sewing them together with a simple whip stitch, or you can actually crochet your outside rounds together by slip stitching through the back of each stitch on the last round. The second option will give you a ridge between squares along the back of your piece, and may be more durable on items like blankets that might go through the wash frequently.
A crocheted granny square is a great way for a beginner to try her hand at a crocheted creation. So grab a ball of yarn and a crochet hook, and start crocheting!