Learn to Crochet
Crochet is a fairly easy craft to learn. Crochet is a craft that uses loops of yarn or thread to create a dense fabric that is great for washcloths, afghans, or sweaters. Crochet is very similar to knitting, except only one loop is active at a time. The most important thing you’ll need to crochet is yarn. Yarn is available in many different sizes or weights. You will also need a crochet hook to pull the loops of yarn through one another to create the stitches that make up a crocheted fabric. The crochet hook you use should be an appropriate size for the yarn weight you are using. Check the band on your yarn for the correct hook size. Additionally, you’ll need scissors to cut the yarn when you’ve finished your piece, a tapestry needle to weave the yarn ends into the finished fabric, and a tape measure to measure your work.
Holding the Hook
There are two common ways to hold a crochet hook: the pencil grip and the overhand grip. To use the pencil grip, hold the crochet hook in your dominant hand like a pencil, as though the hooked side is the writing end of the pencil. To use the overhand grip, hold the hook parallel to the ground in your dominant hand; your four fingers should lay lightly over the top of the hook with your thumb balancing the bottom.
Instructions
The first step in any crochet project is the foundation row. The foundation row is a row of chain stitches that lays a foundation for crochet stitches. To make a foundation row:
- Make a slip knot over the crochet hook.
- Wrap the yarn around the hook from behind the hook to the front of the hook.
- Using the hooked end, pull the first loop through the second loop you just created in the previous step. This is one chain stitch.
- Continue doing this until you have created the desired amount of stitches. To count chain stitches, count the Vs on the chain and ignore the loop on the hook.
Single Crochet
Single crochet is the most common crochet stitch. Thread your hook under the top loop of the second chain stitch. Wrap the yarn from behind the hook over the top of the hook, and pull the wrapped yarn through the stitch with the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook again. Pull the yarn through bothloops on the hook. This is one single crochet. Continue these steps to create a row of single crochet.
Finishing the Project
To finish your project, cut your yarn from the ball, leaving about six inches. Pull the loose yarn through the last live loop on your hook and pull tight. Thread the loose yarn through your tapestry needle. Weave the yarn through the stitches of the last row of your piece. Clip yarn and hide the end under a stitch.
Crochet, like knitting or sewing, a community-based craft. It’s a craft for sharing and friendship. This is part of the reason that yarn crafts are making a huge comeback. So grab some yarn and a hook, and get crocheting!
