Getting Started: Holding the Crochet Hook Hold the crochet hook using your dominant hand. Try using one of the two positions shown below. Choose the one that is most comfortable for you. How to Count Chain Stitches A chain stitch is created every time you yarn over and pull a new loop through the loop on your hook. Note: The loop on the hook and the original slip knot do not count as stitches or chains. Crochet Hook Conversion Chart Different countries may use different numbering systems for crochet hook sizes. If thehooks you plan to use are sized using an unfamiliar system, you will need a Crochet Hook Conversion Chart to sort out just what size hook you have. To make matters even easier, each pattern in this book lists both the metric and U.S. equivalents of the recommended hook sizes. Slip Knot Make a loop, then hook another loop through it. Tighten gently and slide the knot up to the hook. Chain Stitch Yarn over hook (yoh) and draw the yarn through to form a new loop without tightening up the previous one. Repeat to form as many chains (ch) as required. Do not count the slip knot as a stitch. Single Crochet Insert the hook into the work [2nd chain (ch) from hook on starting chain]. *Yarn over hook (yoh) and draw yarn throughthe chain only. 1 single crochet made. * = The star symbol is a repeat sign and means that you follow the printed instructions from the first * until you reach the second *. You will then repeat from * to * the given number of times not including the first time. The ** and *** are used in the same way. Changing Colors a. Work to last 2 loops on hook. b. Draw loop of next color through 2 loops on hook to complete stitch. c. Proceed in next color. Finish with a tapestry needle to work in yarn ends. Striped Pillow Pattern Measurements Approx 14 ins [35.5 cm] square. Tension 14 sc and 15 rows = 4 ins [10 cm]. Materials Patons Decor (100 g / 3.5 oz) Main Color (MC) (16310 Rich New Lilac) 1 ball Contrast a (16309 New Lilac) 1 ball Contrast b (16308 Pale New Lilac) 1 ball Contrast C (16206 New Teal) 1 ball Contrast D (16205 Soft New Teal) 1 ball Size 5 mm (U.S. H or 8) crochet hook or size needed to obtain tension. 14 inch [35.5 cm] square pillow form. Instructions With MC, ch 51 (see page 10). 1st row: (RS). 1 dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as 2 dc). 1 dc in each ch to end of chain (see page 13). Join D. Turn. 49 dc. 2nd row: With D, ch 1. 1 sc in each dc across (see page 10). Join B. Turn. 3rd row: With B, ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each sc across. Join C. Turn. 4th row: With C, ch 1. 1 sc in each dc across. Join A. Turn. 5th row: With A, ch 3 (counts as dc).1 dc in each sc across. Join MC. Turn. 6th row: With MC, ch 1. 1 sc in each dc across. Join D. Turn. 7th row: With D, ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each sc across. Join B. Turn. 8th row: With B, ch 1. 1 sc in each dc across. Join C. Turn. 9th row: With C, ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each sc across. Join A. Turn. 10th row: With A, ch 1. 1 sc in each dc across. Join MC. Turn. 11th row: With MC, ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each sc across. Join D. Turn. Rep 2nd to 11th rows for Stripe Pat until 31 rows in total have been completed. Fasten off. Back With MC, ch 51. 1st row: (RS). 1 dc in 4th ch from hook(counts as 2 dc). 1 dc in each ch to end of chain. 49 dc. Turn. 2nd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each dc across. Turn. 3rd row: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each sc across. Turn. Rep 2nd and 3rd rows for pat until 31 rows in total have been completed. Fasten off. Finishing Edging: 1st rnd: With WS facing each other, place Front and Back pieces tog. With RS of Front facing, join MC with sl st through both thicknesses at bottom right corner (see page 14)and work 1 row of sc through both thicknesses to join pieces, working 3 sc in corners. Do not work across bottom edge. Insert pillow form. Complete working sc across bottom edge. Join with sl st to first sc. 2nd rnd: Ch 1. Work 1 sc in each sc around, working 3 sc in corner sc. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off. Abbreviations approx = Approximately. Ch = Chain(s). Dc = Double crochet. pat = Pattern. rep = Repeat. rnd(s) = Round(s). rS = Right side. Sc = Single crochet. Sl st = Slip stitch. tog = Together. WS = Wrong side. How To Change Colors (Crochet) Tutorial Featured Yarns
