Joan's Needlecraft Network

Top Crochet

Simple Way to Crochet

There are so many different methods of crocheting an individual product. Every method should be changed according to each type of crochet item to be made. Any pattern will have the details and instructions needed to make the perfect crochet item. Although crochet needs a lot of patience to finish a particular pattern, it is a hand worked item that is totally individual.

A Word of advice is to choose a type of pattern that corresponds to the skill level you hold for crocheting, otherwise you may feel overwhelmed and it may put you off trying anything else in the future. Don’t be put off as there are plenty of places that have basic diagrams and instructions for beginners.

Below are some simple steps for beginners when learning to crochet;

1. First and foremost make sure that you have the correct tools for the job so you can crochet an item. Crochet tools are readily available from specialist shops or even family members that already know how it’s done. Tools may include yarn or thread, crochet hooks and patterned diagrams.
Don’t forget scissors and different size hooks for different weights of yarn/thread, and a yarn needle for stitches.

2. If you are right handed, begin by holding the crocheting hook with your right hand allowing the forefingers to bend slightly at the hook of the loop. Use the thread/yarn to make a knot on the shaft of the crochet.

3. Then slide the loop of the hooked thread to create a slipknot on the hook. Pass the yarn/thread around the hook and use the hook to pull it through to start the chain stitches. Repeat the chain stitch as often as the pattern advises to give a quality side to the crochet piece. Don’t forget that the chain thickness should be appropriate for the type of crochet product being made.

4. To perform the next step, bring back the thread or yarn on the top of the loop making the thread go around the hook so that it will be double stitched. It is easier if you use your forefinger to grab the knot and tighten the chain stitches of the crochet.

5. You can then skip the first double stitched chain, and continue to proceed on the knot that is not properly hooked on the knot of the loop. Make sure that the chains do not loosen and the strands should be properly aligned with the other threads to keep the pattern straight and correct.

It is much better to have a tighter knot on the chains of the crochet; this will make the crochet product stronger and sturdier.

6. Next position the hook to the center of the next hole of the second double stitch chain. Once through the hole slide the thread or yarn passing into the center of the third double stitch chain that will go on the upper part of the loop. This has now created two loops on the double stitch chain. This will make the loops tighter and stronger.

7. Go back and return from the first chain and bring back the hook from the back to the front and slowly slide the crochet needle to make a knot on the center hole of the first chain. Remember that the hook must be carefully pushed through the middle to create a knot from the first loop.

8. for the next step return from the third loop and create another extra chain stitch to make a reversed counter clockwise loop. This is for the purpose of retaining the knot to support the double stitched chains. Then start from the first step again to create new chains in a new row and create the similar loops alike from the previous rows, forging a great crochet pattern.

9. You can then create a single crochet stitch on the first loop tightening the next loops of the double stitch chains on the previous rows. This will then create an exact replica of the loops already made; this then ensures that the following double stitch chains will have similar results with the first made loops, keeping the pattern the same throughout.

To finish of the item, cut any of the excess thread/yarn, make sure there is at least 6 inches of thread or yarn left on the last chain stitch to make an extension.

Above are the basic steps for beginners, but there are many more complicated designs and patterns that are waiting to be mastered after learning the basic crocheting techniques.

About the Author

Have fun with crochet and if you need help learning this skill go to
http://www.SimpleWayToCrochet.com
for an EBook on how it’s done and receive 6 free vintage patterns when you purchase it.

Read This If You Are Ready To Learn To Crochet

Are you ready to learn to crochet? Then this is the article for you! Here you will find the tips you need to get started. After reading this article, if you still want more information I’ll be able to show you where you can get it. However, right now read on and you will discover many interesting facts about the wide world of crochet.

The origin of the word crochet is French and the literal translation is “hook.” Crochet is a method of using a rod to work interlocking loops into a long chain. When crocheting you basically take the loops and draw them through the previous loops in the chain. These are the basics of crochet. The origin of the word crochet is not really known but the practice appears to go back to the early renaissance.

I know what you are thinking, the history is nice to know, but is it really important? What you really want to know is how hard crocheting is and if you can learn to do it. Honestly, what is considered hard is different for everyone. Something that may be hard for one person may be relatively easy for another. With crochet this can become even more complicated if someone suffers from an affliction such as arthritis. If a person has this type of condition where they experience pain in their joints the act of crocheting may be difficult.

As far as the skill level that is necessary for crocheting when a person does not have physical limitations that is hard to answer. Every person has a varying amount of dexterity with their hands. For instance, a person could be what is considered all thumbs. These types of people cannot do some things with their hands that may be easy for others. For these types of people crocheting may be like writing a symphony or achieving world peace. Other people may feel that crochet is so easy they could do it in their sleep. Some people will even be able to crochet magnificent sweaters or blankets while watching TV and seeming to barely pay attention to their crocheting at all.

The best answer that I can give you is that the technical art of crocheting is not difficult and in reality anybody can learn it. If you look below, I have provided a review of a wonderful resource that will easily teach you how to crochet.

About the Author

Here is the review of the resource you must have: Official Guide to Crochet, to learn to crochet easily in the comfort of your own home.

Elan Women’s Halter Dress with Crochet Top $36.44 This lovely women’s dress from Elan showcases a halter top and an empire waist. A sleeveless design, pullover styling and crochet knit bodice highlight the construction of this unique women’s dress.

Red Label Women’s Drape Pleat Crochet Front Top $21.99 A lovely crochet detail highlights this top from Red Label. Flattering 3/4-length sleeves, a scoop neckline and button-front finish this comfortable top.

Piano Women’s Crocheted Peasant Top $34.99 A lovely crocheted trim adds a stylish flair to this peasant top from Piano. Flattering 3/4-length sleeves, a cinched waist and a scoop neckline finish this fashionable top.

Cable & Gauge Crochet Back Tank Top $13.69 A striking crocheted back brings elegance and style to this Cable & Gauge tank top. This sleeveless top is highlighted by a lovely draped V-neckline.

Elan Women’s Maxi Crochet Halter Top Dress $43.49 This stylish dress from Elan features a chic halter top design with a crocheted bodice. This lightweight dress has added stretch for comfort.