In May & June my family decided to come for a visit. Those two months also included me trying to potty train and to switch my son to his own bed. It finally just settled down a few days ago. I remember my mom crocheting along with me one day in June, realizing she didn't actually know any of the crochet stitch names or some basic crochet knowledge. It really surprised me since she taught me how to crochet before I started digging more into the crochet world. I learned so much just by surfing YouTube and Google. It got me thinking, that I should write up a few posts on the basics I learned, tricks/tips, pattern reading and crochet stitches to help other people learn to crochet as I did. Although I had to wait till I had some free time...
Then I was reminded by a friend who is just learning how to Crochet that I need to get on writing these posts. Here is goes, hope this helps all you out there learning to Crochet for the first time.
***Tricks/Tips***
When my mom started teaching me how to crochet, I had trouble keeping my yarn on the hook so, she found a solution: a Latch hook.The Latch hook helped me learn the technique of how to Crochet, the art of movement and keeping the yarn on the hook. The hook doesn't allow for smaller or bigger sizes projects as latch hook is ones size fits all kind of tool. However, it works well for training purposes and simple projects. Once the technique is down the transition to any size Crochet hook is very seamless.
| Latch Hook |
There are two well known styles of holding a Crochet hook but, there is no real right way to hold a hook. There can be many possibilities of hook holding, it is just what feels most comfortable when Crocheting.
| Pencil Grip |
| Knife Grip |
Hook sizes:
Hook sizes are different depending on brand, country and materials they are made from. It can be very confusing at times to figure out what the correct hook size is to use. Most patterns have a hook size listed and yarn also lists on their packaging the suggested hook size to be used.
Here is a simple conversion chart to help you out with Hook sizes.
Here is a page to help you choose the Correct hook.
***Tricks/Tips***
I find when I am crocheting if I want a bigger size item then a pattern calls for I go up a few hook sizes and I getting bigger result. The opposite goes for a pattern with a bigger hook. This is usually determined by gauge swatches, some patterns have them and some don't. If you find your Crochet tension is too loose then go down one to two hook sizes and if it is tight then go up one to two hook sizes.
Yarn types:
There are 7 standard yarn weights, all used for different types of projects. Yarn weights range from fine to bulky yarns. Yarn packaging typically lists how to take care of the yarn, what hook size is recommended and the yarn weight of the yarn.
Here is a page to help you choose your Standard yarn weight for your project.
Here is a page to help you determine the care instructions for your Yarn care.
Other tools you will need for Crochet:
You will definitely need a good pair a scissors for cutting yarn and a metal tapestry needle for fastening off/weaving in ends.
When I was first learning how to weave in my end I would use my crochet hook to pull the yarn in and out of stitches I made in the last row of my work. This was very messy the yarn always came out. While I was looking through tutorials I found a way that was very invisible and held in place quite well.
See for yourself: Weaving in ends tutorial
My next post will be about the basic crochet stitches & pattern reading.
Hope this post helps all you new crochet fanatics.
Happy hooking!
© Hooking Rainbow 07/19/2013. All rights reserved.
Oooh I am looking forward to pattern reading!
ReplyDeleteOh I am so glad! Should be posting it tonight!
ReplyDelete