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| Crochet | When you are having trouble understanding crochet directions, you can diagram the row with symbols (see our tutorial on symbol crochet) . If the symbolic representation then makes sense, write the symbols right onto the margin of the pattern page so if you work on the pattern again, the symbolic instructions will be handy. |
| Attaching New Yarn |
When adding yarn of the same color, first take a tapestry needle and thread it with the new yarn. Insert needle 3 inches up splitting the old yarn and weave the needle through the old yarn for about 1 1/2 inches. Remove the needle and thread the yarn that is attached to the project. Weave this end into the new yarn. Pull both pieces of yarn to tighten. Then rub the yarn between your hands to make it smoother(you may have to wet the yarn at this point to make it smooth) Snip off the loose ends and use as normal. You will have a few stitches that are slightly thicker than the others, but in most finished products this is almost not noticeable. Submitted by Joanna Pickelsimer. |
| Yarn Tassels | When making tassels for crocheted afghans or pom poms for hats, soak the yarn (you're going to secure the tassel or pompon with) in water. When you wrap this wet yarn to secure your tassel, it will hold in place when tying the knot. This also makes a very secure grip around your tassel when the yarn dries. |
There are some wonderful crochet sites with help for anyone seeking to learn this versatile art form or for the seasoned crocheter who is seeking to expand their knowledge. Our thanks goes to the many crocheters who have written these instructions and posted them on the web. Click on the words under the column "LESSON" to view the tutorials.
LESSON |
DESCRIPTION |
| Learn to Crochet | Learn to crochet for right and left handers. Covers the basics (holding the hook, making a chain), stitches and abbreviations. Great for beginners and those that need a refresher on any crochet stitch.. Lots of illustrations at the CGOA site. |
| Learn
to Crochet Animated movies |
Learn to crochet by watching MOVIES, WOW!!. The simpler stitches are explained at this site plus how to increase/decrease. Down the left hand side of the screen, you'll see the crochet stitches listed. Just click on one of them. Only downside is that you may have to wait a few minutes for the movies to download. Even Cro-hooking or Crochet on the double is covered. |
| Abbreviations, Crochet | All the common crochet abbreviations are listed at Daphne's tutorial pages |
| Beaded Crochet | Animated movies that show you how to do different crocheted beading techniques at the Bead Wrangler's web site. |
| Broomstick Lace | An explanation of Broomstick Lace by Edward M. Barrall, co-owner of The Knitting Room in San Jose, CA. This tutorial has been expanded to include tips on increasing, decreasing, edging, tools, blocking and more. |
| Broomstick Lace | Learn how to do Broomstick Lace with pictured illustrations and a sample pattern at the Crochet Cabana |
| Calculator | Crochet Stitch calculator will help you determine your gauge and the number of stitches /rows you need for your project-- plus lots more. You just "plug" in your figures and let the computer do the work. |
| Color
Changes, How To |
A tutorial on how to change colors when single crocheting including diagrams from About.com (formerly known as the Mining Company) |
| Convert knit to Crochet | Linda has posted some sensible tips about converting knit patterns to crochet at her website. After reading through them, you will notice that converting patterns requires skills in mathematics, obtaining gauge, and an investment in a fair amount of your time. |
| Cro-Hook Lessons | Janet from Knitted Threads explains everything about cro-hooking including step by step illustrations |
| Cro-Hook | Have you always wondered what that that double sided crochet hook is used for. At this site, you'll find an explanation of Cro-hooking. |
| Diagonal Crochet | Lauri Bolland presents a tutorial on Diagonal crochet complete with step by step pictures. |
| Filet Crochet | Filet Crochet lessons- Patty's filet primer explains different filet techniques plus how to increase and decrease a filet square. |
| Filet Crochet tips | Reading Filet Crochet Charts and Filet Tips with illustrations have been written up by Janet |
| Foundation Stitch | Learn how to avoid working a foundation chain. Mary (a member of our South Bay Crochet group) explains the foundation stitch using various stitches/patterns, shows a method for adding foundation double crochets and more. |
| Joining Squares | Several different techniques for joining crocheted squares and motifs are explained at the About.com web site with great illustrations of each method. |
| Symbol Crochet | All the crochet stitches and their respective symbols are beautifully illustrated on Daphne's page. |
| Symbol Crochet | Here is a Symbol Crochet Tutorial with diagrams and help in determining the round you're on |
| Tatting Instuctions | Information and tutorials on tatting may be found at this website |
| Tunisian or Afghan stitch | Includes lessons on the afghan stitch and how to cross stitch over tunisian crochet with many illustrations at the Crochet Cabana |
| Tunisian or Afghan Stitch | At this site you'll find a movie (with talking) on how to do the basic afghan stitch. Page down to the bottom of the page and click on the "windows media" icon to view the movie |
| Weaving
in Final ends |
This web site gives an informative pictorial lesson on how to weave in those final ends using a slip stitch.The tutorial uses a granny square as an example but the technique could be applied to all final ends. |
| Weaving in ends-Russian Join | An informative pictorial lesson on weaving together two ends to provide a seamless joining when attaching new yarn. |
Crochet directions are not really hard to follow when you get used to reading them. Remember to look for the punctuation in the directions and pause when you see commas or periods. Having someone else read your directions aloud for you (even if they don't know anything about crocheting) can be helpful. Having an understanding of crochet abbreviations is essential. If you are unsure of the abbreviations, check our crochet tutorials on this site.
Directions often use asterisks (*) and parentheses ( ) to indicate repetitions in the pattern.
For example, when the pattern says:
(dc , sc in next 2 sts, dc in next st) 4 times
You would make one double crochet in the next stitch, make a single crochet in each of the next 2 stitches, and make a double crochet in the next stitch . Then repeat the directions within the parenthesis 3 times more - - 4 times in all.
When working in rounds, the directions might say:
Rnd 2: (dc, 2 dc in next) around
For this round, you would double crochet in the next stitch, make 2 double crochets in the next stitch and then repeat the directions within the parenthesis until Round 2 is completed.
Following is an example from a pattern using asterisks :
dc in 4th ch from hk, * 3 dc in next st, 1 dc in next, repeat from * 4 times
You would make a double crochet in the fourth chain from your hook. Make 3 double crochets in the next stitch, then make 1 double crochet in the next stitch and then go back to the first "*" and repeat the instructions until the second "*" - 4 times more (5 times in all).
Brackets and other characters are also used to specify repetitions but I will not address these more complex directions in this overview.
Directions often specify, "work even". This means to work in the same stitch or pattern stitch without increasing or decreasing any stitches.
When you are starting out, don't be upset if you can't understand every pattern. Reading crochet patterns takes practice. Start out with a potholder, dishcloth, scarf or any small project where you feel you can understand the directions. With each completed project, the gratification and self fulfillment from finishing your work of art will encourage you to try different patterns and you will soon be able to tackle more difficult crochet projects.
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** Note:
All small doilies on this web site were made by Mary Cahill.
The patterns are all from ASN'S book entitled "CROCHET 101 SMALL DOILIES"
Large doily backgrounds and title backgrounds were made by Mary Jane Wood
- pattern source unknown.