I decided to add a couple of lessons to the mix because I really want to make sure you guys are fully understanding everything we've learned so far. These last 11 lessons are basically the most important things to learn in order to be successful at crochet . Everything from here on out will just build on what we've already learned. So let's do a little review! Each lesson heading will lead you to the post in case you need to re-watch a video or something.
- Crochet is the act of pulling loops of yarn through other loops of yarn.
- Crochet is different from knitting because you use one hook instead of two needles. The stitches are worked individually and each different stitch adds a different height to the piece.
- The basic supplies you need for crochet are a crochet hook, yarn, scissors, and a yarn needle to weave in ends.
- Crochet hooks are great tools because they help you maneuver the yarn through the stitches.
- The crochet hook has six parts, the tip, hook, throat, shank, thumb grip, and handle.
- There are many different kinds of crochet hooks on the market. The two major brands are Boye and Susan Bates. It doesn't matter what kind of hook you use, just find one that is the most comfortable for you.
- Hook size is determined by the diameter of the shank.
- Hook sizes can be a little confusing, but as long as you know the millimeter size, you'll have the correct size for a pattern.
- There is no "right" way to hold the hook as long as you're not holding onto the shank.
- Yarn comes in many different fibers, colors, and weights. It is very easy to get overwhelmed when you are shopping for yarn.
- The 3 main categories for yarn fibers are Animal fibers, Plant fibers, and Synthetic Fibers.
- There is a standard yarn weight system that regulates the weight of yarns. It is categorized by the series of numbers 0-6 - each number matching a yarn weight.
- Putting the yarn on the hook starts with an adjustable slip knot.
- There are many different ways to hold the yarn. As long as you are comfortable and your tension isn't too loose or too tight, you are doing it right.
- The chain stitch is the base for everything so it's important that your stitches aren't too tight. You regulate the tension by slipping the loops down to the shank before you pull the next loop through.
- You can count your stitches by looking for the "v" on the top of the chain.
Lessons 5 - 11:
Other notes for stitches:
- When making the chain for a specific stitch make one less chain for the amount you want then add the turning chains for that stitch. For example: if you want to make a row of 10 double-crochet stitches. You'll make 9 chains then make 3 more chains to equal the turning chain and the last stitch. This is true for every stitch except the single crochet because the turning chain for the single crochet does not equal a stitch. For a chain of 10 single crochet stitches you would make a chain of 11 stitches and make the first single crochet into the 10th chain. Don't worry if this is confusing right now. All of this is written into patterns so you won't really have to remember it unless you are making something without a pattern.
- The turning chain for single crochet doesn't equal a stitch but all the other stitches' turning chains do equal stitches.
- The UK names for stitches will only be used for pattern designers who write in the UK style. Most of the time a UK pattern will say that they are a UK pattern, but sometimes they will not. So if you are reading a pattern and it seems like what you are making isn't looking right, it may be written with UK terms. This goes the same for someone living in an area where UK terms are used and you find a US style pattern.
If you need more of a review on anything, make sure you go over the lessons some more. Tomorrow is pop quiz time!
Credits - Chalkboard backgrounds: Kitschy Digitals by Danielle Thompson Chalkboard Paper Kit. Fonts used: school script dashed, Rudiment and Homemade Apple.
