Mastering More Advanced Crochet Stitches and Reading Patterns

Now that your crocheting career has begun, you're no doubt anxious to try your first pattern. I remember my first pattern: a double-layer potholder. It took me an hour to figure out what, exactly, I was looking at. Even though many patterns include abbreviation keys, their space is limited. It helps to understand the stitches and abbreviations before you choose a pattern.

Abbreviations

Most patterns look something like this:

Gauge: 4 st = 1 in

Ch 10; turn.

Row (or Rnd) 1: sc across; ch 2.

Row 2: dc across.

Abbreviations let pattern writers use less space to tell us what we need to do. Most patterns do not consider your beginning chain to be a row. Therefore, the first row after the chain is considered to be Row 1. Learning other abbreviations lets you understand the other information in the pattern.

Gauge: This determines the hook you will need to complete the project correctly. Because the letter system that indicates the size of a hook is sometimes not standard, and because some crafters tend to make their stitches tighter or looser than others, gauge is important. If the gauge says "4 st = 1 in," you should make a few stitches and measure them. If four of your stitches are one inch wide, you have the right hook. If a pattern only indicates a hook size, you can be confident that small variations in stitches will not affect the final project in a measurable way.

Rnd: This stands for "round." It's used in circular or tubular patterns to designate a row of stitches. Patterns that require rounds will begin something like this: Ch 5, join with sl. Following this instruction will create a circle on which you can build your rounds.

st: This stands for "stitch," either as a noun or verb. As a noun, it is most often used to describe a stitch in the previous row. As a verb, it is often part of an instruction, such as "st across."

ch: When you see this abbreviation, make chain stitches.

sc: This indicates a single crochet stitch.

dc: This is a double crochet stitch.

sl: This is a slip stitch.

yo: Yarning over, abbreviated as yo, is wrapping the loose end of your yarn over the hook.

(5) or (5st): You will often see this written at the end of a row or round. The number inside of the parentheses tells you how many stitches you should have at the end of that row or round. If you're unsure about your row, you can count the stitches before you move on.

Other abbreviations indicate more advanced stitches and techniques. Don't worry; these stitches aren't difficult once you understand the basics.

Half-Double Stitch

A half-double crochet stitch closely resembles a double crochet stitch. The difference begins when you have three loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull this loop through all of the loops on the hook. This creates a dense stitch that is often used where warmth and durability are needed. I have a sock pattern that uses half-double stitches in the toe. The abbreviation for half-double stitches is hdc.

Back Loop Only

When a pattern asks you to work in the back loop only, you must insert your hook only into the back loop of the previous stitch and work the stitch as usual. The final fabric will have a horizontal line where these stitches are made. Ribbed fabric gives a piece a unique look. Sometimes these stitches are used to allow the fabric to bend more easily. Stuffed animal patterns can use this technique to help the doll sit flat. The pattern will tell you to work "in back loop only."

Increasing

An increase is used when your row needs more stitches than the previous row had. The result is a piece that becomes wider, like the head or body of a stuffed animal. Increasing is simple. Determine the kind of stitch that you need and make two of them in the same stitch. Sometimes increasing is written inc, and sometimes it is spelled out like this: 2 dc in next st.

Decrease

Decreasing is used to make a row smaller than the previous row. To decrease, you must make one stitch over two previous stitches. Insert your hook into the first loop of the first stitch from below. Immediately push the hook into the first loop of the second stitch from above. Yarn over and pull the loop through, then finish the stitch as you normally would. Decreases are indicated by dec or "dec next 2 st"

Repetitive Instructions

Many patterns require a repetitive instruction. It is written like this: "(2dc, inc, 2dc) 3 times" or "[2dc, inc, 2dc] to end." In the first example, you must follow the instructions in the parentheses three times, then continue with the instructions. In the second example, you must follow the instructions in the brackets over and over until you reach the end of the row. Sometimes the instructions are more complicated. If your pattern were to say "2 hdc, *(inc, 2 hdc, inc) 2 times; (4 hdc); repeat from *", you would need to follow the instructions until you reach the asterisk, then repeat the entire thing.

Changing Colors

Crocheting with different colors creates a vibrant piece. If your pattern calls for more than one color of yarn, you can find the colors the writer intends at the top of the pattern. It will often be written like this: "1 skein white A, 1 skein black B." With this instruction, you will know exactly how much of each color you will need. In the pattern, the different colors will be indicated by the letters associated with each color.

A pattern will usually tell you to change colors at the beginning of a row, but sometimes the instructions will surprise you in the middle of a row. "With A, hdc to end."

Changing colors can be challenging because patterns do not include instructions. However, it's not too difficult to master. In the last stitch of your first color, stop before the last step. For example, if your stitch is a single crochet stitch, stop before pulling the last loop through. Instead of yarning over with the original color, use the new color, leaving a tail. Cut the original yarn color, leaving a tail again. Finish the stitch and continue with the pattern. Once you have moved on with the pattern, you can weave the ends into the fabric to hide them. Using this method creates a seamless color change.

If you need to change colors at the end of a row, make the switch before your turn stitch. Otherwise, the first color will appear in the next row and disrupt the new color.

Once you've practiced a pattern, you may decide to use other colors. Use your first treasure to determine which new color corresponds with each letter and use the pattern as written.

Felting

Felting is a finishing technique that creates a new texture. The individual stitches of a felted project are not visible. The piece will shrink as it felts, so a pattern that requires felting will be larger if you do not finish it as instructed.

To felt a piece, run it through your washing machine with the hottest water possible. Your pattern will indicate the final size of the project. You must check the item often to ensure that you stop when the desired size is reached. Once a piece is felted, it must be stretched into shape. You can use an object to shape it, or pin it to a towel. Let it air-dry.

The above description is very general. Your pattern may include specific instructions for felting. If it asks you to add detergent to the water or to take other extra steps, follow the pattern. The finished item will be a unique treasure.

Other Stitches

Advanced patterns and afghan patterns sometimes call for stitches that are specific to that kind of project, such as shells or squares. These special stitches build on the basic stitches to create a new texture and shape. Follow the instructions printed on the pattern, using the abbreviation key above. You'll soon learn the new stitch and it will come easily.

Understanding abbreviations and more advanced stitches and techniques opens a whole new world of possibilities. Crocheting is no longer reserved for sweaters and afghans. You can use your new hobby to create a case for your mp3 player, a groovy new purse, or even a pet bed for Fluffy. The Internet is a cornucopia of vintage and hip patterns that I can't wait to try. Join me and make crocheting an adventure in your own life.

Sources: personal experience.