CROCHET LESSONS BEGINNING

I will be doing a column on Crochet. I will take you step by step and hopefully in easier terms so you can learn to make something by the end.

This is an overview of upcoming progress to an end that will allow you to make this: 

*Note: This may look complicated but it is only 5 basic stitches: single, double, chain, half double and slip stitch. so don't panic..lol..I will help you step by step.

I used this design using 4ply yarn to make an afghan for my parents 50th anniversary and now using thread 10weight to make a bedspread. Same pattern different weights thus producing a different and beautiful look.

We will learn terminology and how to do each one.
We will then proceed to the next step in actually using those stitches in the project shown above. Nothing complicated yet! You will end up with something very special made by you! Eventually going into more intricate designs. Motifs are very popular in that you can put them together for anything you choose such as: place mats, table cloths, linens, dishcloths, dishtowels, bedspreads, table toppers, coasters, runners and the list goes on. The advantage of making your own is of course you can see the success of your accomplishments and everyone that sees it just adds more to the pride in making it yourself.

The motif above will be our ongoing project until it is done. Again, this motif uses just 5 terms: SC (single crochet), DC (double crochet) SL (slip stitch), HD (half double) and CH (chain) and just look how beautiful it turns out. So see, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to make something gorgeous!!!!.

Here are some hints on finding the right needle for yarn/thread:

Crochet hooks, which are made of steel, aluminum, or wood, come in many sizes, each suited to specific-size thread or yarn. The thicker the yarn, the bigger the hook you will need. It is helpful to have an assortment of sizes so you can adjust your gauge easily as you begin to follow pattern directions.

The smallest hooks, used primarily with fine, lace-weight threads, are steel. The sizes are numbered from 00 through 14. The larger the number, the smaller the hook; and the lower the number, the larger the hook.

Aluminum hooks are larger than steel hooks and are sized by letters. C is the smallest, K is the largest. aluminum hooks are used more frequently than steel or wooden ones because they are suitable for working with most yarns.

Wooden hooks--used with thick yarns--come in sizes Q, R, and S. If the yarn snags on the hook as you work, sandpaper the tip.

Next issue will be Matching Hooks to Yarns and Threads and Maintaining the Tension and Gauge

Next issue will be the basics of getting started. I look forward to sharing all this with you.
Suggestions and Questions are welcome, just email me: [email protected]
Thanks and good luck to you all; so go out and get the yarn/thread and needle (I use #7 for thread) (for yarn usually H, F, or J) and lets get started.

Submitted by

Marge Calaway