Have Fun with Crochet

Crochet is a centuries old craft that takes its name from the French word croq, which means hook. It's a fun and relaxing hobby that is easy to learn and you can easily create your own beautiful fashion and home décor projects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

To get you started in crochet I have put together a selection of images and videos that take you step-by-step through the various stitches involved and there are some quick and easy projects below for you to try. You only need two basic supplies to start to crochet: a hook and a ball of thread or yarn.

 

 

Every pattern starts with a slip knot followed by a series of loops called chains, and it is these chains that form the basis for your project with the first row of a pattern being built on this chain foundation. Each successive row is crocheted on top of the previous row, and while each row in a pattern may call for different stitches, all stitches are variations of the basic single crochet.

 

 

 

 

Most projects start with a chain stitch, and as it becomes the foundation of your entire piece, it is important to keep each stitch equal - meaning that each loop is the same size.

 

 

 

 

To begin the chain make a loop, then pull a loop of yarn through the loop.

 

 

 

 

Now you have your beginning loop. The best way that I have found to maintain the same loop size is to keep tension on the string that feeds your project. I do this by looping the string around my left index finger and using my middle and ring fingers and thumb to hold my project.

 

 

 

 

Every time that you pull a new loop, pull the yarn snug, this will keep the loop size the same as the hook size. Now you have your chain. So, what goes on the next row? If you're following a pattern it's going to say to start your next row X number of loops from the hook. Why? you might ask. Because to make each row equal in height the turning chain(s) must be the same height as the stitch you'll use in the next row.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dainty Daisies

 

 

 

 

 

 

Round 1: Ch 3, sl st (slip stitch) to beg chain to form a ring.
Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as first dc), 6 dc in ring, sl st to top of first dc. (7 dc)
Round 3: Ch 2 (counts as first dc), 1 dc in same st, 2 dc in each of next 6 sts. Sl st to top of ch 2. (14 dc)
Round 4: Change thread colour if desired. *Ch 2, 3dc in next st, ch 2, sl st in next st* across. Fasten off.
Use a #10 crochet thread or embroidery floss for these little flowers, and a size 4/2.00mm hook. They're perfect for cards and scrapbook pages. But they can be done with any weight yarn and any size hook.

To add another petal simply add an addition dc in round 1. That will give you 8 dc, which will give you 16 dc on the next round, which is enough for 8 petals.

 

 

CLICK HERE FOR BASIC CROCHET ABBREVIATIONS

 

 

Hearts

 

 

 

 

All stitches worked into the first chain.
Ch 4. Work 3 tr (triple crochet) into first ch, 3 dc, ch 1, 1 tr, ch 1, 3 dc, 3 tr. Ch 3, sl st into centre and fasten off.

 

CLICK HERE FOR BASIC CROCHET ABBREVIATIONS

 

 

 

 

Baby Butterflies

 

 

 

 

Ch 4. Sl st into first ch to form a ring.
*Ch 4. 3tr (treble stitch) into ring. Ch 3, sl st into ring.* Repeat once.
*Ch 3. 3dc into ring. Ch 3, sl st into ring.* Repeat once.
Fasten off. Create abdomen and antennae.

 

 

CLICK HERE FOR BASIC CROCHET ABBREVIATIONS