Guide To Crochet So You Can Understand Patterns

Learning crochet is easy and fun. All it takes is a bit of patience to get yourself acquainted with all crochet terminologies and then you are off to a good start!



Holding the hook



There really is no wrong or correct way in holding the crochet hook. It all depends on how comfortable you are when holding it. There are crochet hooks having a "thumb rest" for easy grip. You can hold the crochet hook between your index finger and your thumb just like you would hold a pencil or you can hold it in an “overhand” manner, much like you hold a knife.



Holding the yarn



Just let the yarn flow and feel free to hold it in a way that is again, comfortable to you. With your right hand, you can hold the “slip knot” and coil the yarn round your left-hand fingers.



Then, moving the “slip knot” onto your “left hand”, hold lightly the knot in between your middle finger and your. When you go ahead to crochet, you then will manipulate the portion of yarn which runs through between your index finger on your left hand and the hook.



Your right index finger then will be the one to move down or up as you perform about to make an even pressure (tightness or looseness) in your yarn.



What is yarn over?



Catching or grasping the yarn or thread with the crochet hook is the basic element of each crochet stitch; carry the yarn or thread over the tip of your hook, then back to the front, catching or grasping the yarn in the hook’s groove.
Slip knot



This is the very fist step when doing any crochet project. Create a pretzel outline with your yarn, then slip the hook through the pretzel and pull both yarn ends in order to tighten it and regulate tightness of the loop.
Foundation chain



All crochet projects starts with the foundation chain. The stitches are similar to a chain and you need to construct a certain number of rows as the pattern dictates.



First you need to create a “slip knot” and do a “yarn over”. Holding your hook in front, do a “yarn over” and then bring your hook underneath the yarn and then up so to grasp the yarn.



Turn your hook so that it faces or pointing downwards, then slide it going through your original loop bringing your yarn or thread with it.



Now you have successfully created one “chain stitch”. Continue doing the chain stitch so you can practice the technique and be able to do them evenly and fluidly.



Starting a project



1. Pick out a crochet pattern that attracts you. Read carefully the instructions and make certain that the pattern is within your level of skill and prepare your materials as called for in the direction. However you may use a different type of yarn also that suits your style, although you have to be sure that the yarn must be of the same “weight” as in the instruction.



2. To start, make a swatch or a sample to be sure that your gauge or measurement is correct.



3. Chain the foundation row in a way that it is slightly loose than your gauge so that your project’s bottom will not pull inward.



4. Carefully follow and understand the instructions for making the design.



Finishing your crochet piece



1. With the use of a “tapestry needle”, you need to weave in the ends so to hide all ends in the crochet body.



2. When creating a garment, position all the “right sides” collectively and overcast the seams or you can join them by means of a “slip stitch”.



3. Blocking is generally a method by which the crocheted item or project is gently or lightly pulled or stretched into its proper or correct shape. Blocking can generally be done by simple using an iron set into “warm” to press the garment piece to its correct or precise shape or blocking can be done by means of using a certain stiffening fabric solution like starch so to bring about stiffness on the your crocheted project.



Learn to crochet today. Ask a friend to help you out or enroll in crochet classes. It is a very relaxing, rewarding and satisfying hobby that you have got to try. Have fun!