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How To
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Need a little extra help? The diagrams and videos below help break down each individual technique, so you can master your new-found crochet skills.
Almost all crochet begins with a foundation chain, which is a series of chain stitches beginning with a slip knot. You then work the first row of other stitches into the chain to start making crochet fabric. The foundation chain is also called a base chain or starting chain.
To work a foundation chain, start by making a slip knot.
Then chain as many stitches as the pattern calls for.
Next, start working stitches into the chain. You can use double crochets, or any combination the pattern tells you to use.
When working into the starting chain, you may work under one or two strands of chain loops as shown in the illustration. Either of these methods forms an even, firm bottom edge.
Some people like to work into the "bump" on the back of the chain. This forms an even, stretchy bottom edge that is ideal for garments. It also produces an edge that looks more similar to the final edge of your project, making it useful for projects where both ends are exposed, such as scarves.
Whichever method of working into the foundation you choose, be consistent. Work all the pieces of a project in the same manner.
Slip stitch is the shortest of all crochet stitches. Unlike other stitches, slip stitches are not often used on their own to produce a large piece fabric. The slip stitch is used for joining, shaping and, where necessary, to move the yarn to another part of the fabric for the next stage.
Insert the hook into the work as directed in the pattern. Yarn over and the pull yarn through the work and the loop on the hook in one movement.
When working into previous rows, yarn over and pull the yarn through both the work and the loop on the hook in one movement.
To join a chain ring with a slip stitch, insert the hook into the first chain, yarn over and pull the yarn through the work and the loop on the hook.
Slip stitches may be used to make stretchy crocheted ribbing.
To make ribbing, start by chaining for the width of the item, not the length. For example, if you are making a hat brim, you would crochet just a few stitches for the width of the brim, not the number of stitches needed to go all the way around your head.
Next, slip stitch into the back loop only of each chain across the row.Read more.
Chain one and turn at the end of therow.
Again, work into the back loop only of each stitch across the row, then chain one and turn. Repeat this row as many times as you would like to make the fabric the size you want.
Single crochet is the most common basic crochet stitch that will result in fabric. It is abbreviated sc.
Insert the hook into the work (second chain from hook on the foundation chain,*yarn over and draw yarn through the work only.
Yarn over again and pull the yarn through both loops on the hook.
One single crochet made. Insert hook into next stitch; repeat from * in step 1.
Insert hook into next stitch, yarn over and draw a loop through (one sc worked up to the last step): 2 loops on hook.
Insert hook into next stitch.
Yarn over and draw a loop through (another sc worked up to last step): 3 loops on hook.
Yarn over and draw through all three loops on hook.
1 dec completed.
To increase the width of a basic crochet fabric, 2 or more stitches must be worked into 1 stitch at the point specified in the project instructions.
Read more.Single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and longer stitches are all increased in the same manner.
There is no specific abbreviation for a crochet increase. Patterns will usually give instructions similar to "2 sc in the next sc", to indicate you will work two single crochet stitches in the next single crochet stitch, and thereby increase.
Work a single crochet into the specified stitch.
Work a second single crochet into the same stitch.
To fasten off the yarn permanently, cut the yarn leaving an 8" end (longer if you need to sew pieces together). Pull the end of the yarn through the loop on the hook and pull gently to tighten.
Left: Learn how to crochet the Camel Stitch. It's an easy stitch that gives the surface of your crochet a completely different look.
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