Crochet Basics: An Overview of the Craft of Crocheting

The exact origin of crochet is yet to be determined. It seems likely that the art of creating loops and knots to form lacy, intricate fabrics began centuries ago in far away eastern lands. Gradually making its way across continents, and taking on the French term croc, which means hook, crafting in this fashion not only became popular, but was often used to adorn the homes of wealthy people, as opposed to peasants and working class individuals.

Today crochet is a relaxing hobby used to make a variety of projects including household items like dish cloths, blankets, rugs, covers for tissue and dish soap. It is also used to make household decorations like doilies, curtains, tablecloths, and lamp shade covers. Along with items for the home, crochet is great for making clothing and accessories like sweaters, slippers, scarves, hats, as well as those cute little baby bonnets and booties. The art of crochet has even been incorporated into jewelry making, using beads and charms to embellish the work.

Tools

Crochet is created by using a simple hook which weaves yarn or thread throughout the work. With so many different textures and weights of yarn, as well as different sized hooks, many projects can be created quickly and easily. Smaller hooks are used with fine cotton yarns to create delicate lace and trims. Medium sized hooks are used with heavier yarns and even string to create clothing and household items. Large hooks are used with fabric strips and even rope to create rugs and door mats.

It is important to match dye lots and colors when choosing yarn. Dye lots and colors are listed on the manufacturer label. By matching the numbers, projects will not be shaded from differing batches of dye used to create the same color.

Reading Patterns

Patterns are written using universal symbols and abbreviations. By carefully following the instructions, the desired result should emerge. While both metric and imperial measurements usually appear on the hooks, not all patterns are written using the same conversions. European measurements label American single crochet their double crochet, American half double crochet their half treble crochet, and American double crochet their treble crochet. European measurements are consistently labeled one larger than American measurements throughout patterns. It is important to check patterns, making sure that the appropriate stitch is used from its publisher.

Many patterns include charts to follow, making it easier to mark off rounds as they are completed. These consist of standard symbols: an open circle for chaining, a closed circle for slip stitching, a plus sign for single crochet, a "T" for double crochet, etc. Again, these symbols will vary from European to American patterns.

Symbols throughout the pattern help create the desired effect. A star * within the pattern indicates the need to repeat a series of stitches. Round brackets ( ) seclude a combination of stitches, indicating these stitches are always worked together to create the desired result. Round brackets also may indicate the number of stitches completing the end of the round.

Stitch abbreviations are usually listed at the beginning of patterns, along with level of difficulty, materials needed, finished measurements, gauge to determine correct sizing, stitches used, and special notes for beginning and ending each round. Basic stitch abbreviations are: sc for single crochet, dc for double crochet, sk for skip, sl for slip stitch. There are as many stitch abbreviations as there are stitches. Patterns include these in the beginning, along with simple instructions to make the desired stitch.

Consistency is extremely important when crocheting. Work must be symmetrical, and stitches should be even, using the same tension throughout. This keeps the work from buckling or ruffling, allowing each piece to lay flat and reveal the detail of its stitches.

Styles

There are several different crochet styles including open weave, close weave, motif, free form, tapestry and filet. Open weave is delicate and lacy, while close weave is noted for warmth and durability. Motifs may be created in either open or close weave depending on the desired outcome.

Free form crochet uses motifs to create abstract pictures or all over collage. Large and small motifs are created and sewn together for added embellishments on hats and purses. Differing motifs can also be joined at random, resembling work much like crazy quilting.

Tapestry uses close weave crochet creating pictures and mosaics in projects. By simply carrying each color along the back side of the work, many colors can be incorporated, allowing the artist to make a picture similar to needlework and cross stitch. Filet crochet is open tapestry, usually using one color, creating open chain spaces around the picture that is closely crocheted within.

Special Techniques

In addition to basic crocheting, there are also special techniques used in crocheting which lend an entirely different feel to the work. Some of these techniques include: Tunisian crochet, Cro hooking, and Broomstick Lace.

Tunisian Stitch

Tunisian crochet uses a long afghan hook and is worked on the front side of the project. This type of crochet is often considered a cross between crocheting and knitting, using only one hook to make a thicker, closely woven fabric suitable for everything from clothing and accessories like sweaters, hats, and scarves to blankets, potholders, towels, and even baskets. Many variations of this stitch can be used to create different textures and overall effects of a project.

Cro hooking

Cro hooking also known as Cro knitting, combines crocheting and knitting much like the Tunisian stitch. This work uses a long rod with a hook on both ends, unlike the afghan hook which is only has a hook on one end, and is closed on the other.

Cro hooking works on both sides of the fabric created, allowing colors to be interwoven, and making an interesting design throughout the piece. Multiple colors may be used, carried up the sides of the work. A simple border or trim covers over the carried threads to complete the project.

Broomstick Lace

This technique uses a regular crochet hook and a knitting needle. Broomstick lace is open weave work, clustered with single crochet stitches. The technique crosses loops over each other, binding them with single crochet at the top.

Stitches are most commonly worked in groups of 5, and usually created with heavier yarns and a very large knitting needle which resembles a broomstick, hence the name. However, while it is not a common practice, broomstick lace can be used to make projects with more delicate thread and smaller knitting needles. The lace created in this manner is both decorative and durable.

Finishing a Project

Certain techniques are very helpful when finishing a project to allow for overall satisfaction of the work. Stitches need to be steamed or blocked to relax the yarn. The project then needs to be laid flat, and sometimes even pinned in place so that it will air dry in its correct shape, with symmetrical lines in place.

If the project is a gift, it is important to include the washing instructions taken from the skeins of yarn used, so that the receiver will be able to properly care for the item.

Crocheting is a wonderful craft that easily lends itself to being embellished with beads and ribbons, making everything from clothing, lace, household items, toys, and even collector Christmas angels or bells. While it appears extremely intricate and difficult, crocheting is really quite simple to master, perfect, and enhance. The craft that has been around for centuries continues to impress and relax millions of people today, hooking them on its beauty.