Basic Crocheting: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started
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About this ebook
Sharon Hernes Silverman
Sharon Silverman is the author of seventeen crochet books, including Crochet Cowls and Tunisian Crochet. She was a featured guest on HGTV’s fiber arts show, “Uncommon Threads” and is an instructor for Annie’s Crafts online classes. Known for her fashionable creations and crystal clear instructions, Sharon is honored to have had her designs published by leading yarn companies including Louet North America, Lion Brand Yarn, and Plymouth Yarn Company. Her private line of patterns is available through Ravelry.com.You can find Sharon at her website, www.SharonSilverman.com; on Ravelry and YouTube at CrochetSharon; and on Facebook and Pinterest at Sharon Silverman Crochet. She resides in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Read more from Sharon Hernes Silverman
Delicate Crochet: 23 Light and Pretty Designs for Shawls, Tops and More Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Tunisian Crochet for Beginners: Step-by-step Instructions, plus 5 Patterns! Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Tunisian Crochet: The Look of Knitting with the Ease of Crocheting Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Tunisian Crochet for Baby Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Crochet Scarves: Fabulous Fashions - Various Techniques Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Beyond Basic Crocheting: Techniques and Projects to Expand Your Skills Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Crochet Pillows with Tunisian & Traditional Techniques Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPennsylvania Snacks Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBasic Crocheting and Projects Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBrandywine Valley: Chadds Ford, Kennett Square, West Chester, Wilmington Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
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Book preview
Basic Crocheting - Sharon Hernes Silverman
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.