Learn to Crochet!
What you need and how to begin!
Chapter 1: Materials and beginning stitches.
Materials:
Crochet threads vary as to twist, size and color. Use the size thread recommended in the directions for the pattern you would like to crochet. Wherever "Gauge" appears, it is important that it be followed. (Very, very important!, do not ignore the gauge.)
Crochet Hooks used, differ in size according to the material and object to be worked. The largest, usually of plastic or wood are used for the heavier kind of work in wool or heavy cotton, steel hooks are preferred for finer types of Crochet in Cotton. The afghan needle is longer than usual and is the same thickness throughout.
Needle gauge means the number of stitches worked to one inch and the number of rows worked to one inch by default or other measurement when specified. It is best to work about a two inch square with the yarn and needle recommended. If the stitches per inch do not correspond, the size of needle must be changed. If there are more sts to the inch than given, use a larger hook, and if fewer stitches to the inch, use a smaller hook, Practice until the correct gauge is obtained before starting your project.
Chain St: (ch)
The first step in crocheting is learning to hold the hook and thread comfortably.
To make a loop, hold the end of any yarn in the left hand, main length in the right hand, turn it around and in front of left hand end, hold loop in place between thumb and forefinger.
Insert the hook into loop, pick up the main length of thread on the hook and draw it through the loop, pull both lengths of the yarn gently to tighten the loop on the hook.
The loop is now ready to make the first chain stitch. Hold the hook in your right hand as you would a pencil, bringing your middle finger forward resting it about midway between the broad bar and top of the hook. With the yarn in the back of your hand, place the yarn between your fourth and little finger, across your palm side of your fingers and over your forefinger. If more comfortable, wind the yarn over your finger once.
Do not hold the yarn too tightly! Hold the loop in your left hand, insert the hook into the loop, pick up the main length of yarn on the hook, this is termed "yarn over" and pull through the loop.
Repeat this ch for the required length. On this foundation chain you can work practically and stitch desired. Practice this stitch until you can do it with ease.
Single Crochet: (sc)
Chain for the desired length. Now, turning and working back down the chain row:
skip 1 ch, *insert hook in next ch, yarn over and pull through ch.
There are now 2 loops on the hook, yarn over and pull through both loops, repeat from * across row.
For all succeeding rows of sc - ch 1, turn, insert hook in top of the next stitch, picking up both loops of the top of the stitch and continue in the same manner as the first row. Unless otherwise instructed, pick up both loops of each st. When only the back loop of the stitch is picked up it forms a rib and is called rib or slipper stitch.
Slip Stitch (slst)
Make a chain the desired length. Skip one chain, * insert the hook in the next chain, yarn over and pull through ch and loop on hook. Repeat from *. This stitch is used in joining and whenever an invisible stitch is required.
Half Double Crochet or Short Double Crochet (hdc or sdc)
Ch for desired length, yo (yarn over), insert the hook into the 3rd st from hook, draw through (3 loops on hook), yarn over and draw through all three loops on the hook. For second stitch, *yo, insert the hook into the next st or ch, yo, pull through all 3 loops * across the row. For succeeding rows, ch 2, turn.
Double Crochet (dc)
Ch for desired length, yo, insert hook into 4th ch from hook, draw through one loop (3 loops on the hook), yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through 2 loops. Second stitch, * yo, insert hook into the next stitch, yo, pull through one loop, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through 2 loops. * Succeeding rows, ch 3, turn and work next dc in 2nd dc of previous row. The ch 3 counts as 1st dc.
Treble Crochet or Triple Crochet (trc or tc)
Ch for desired length, yo twice, insert hook into 5th ch from hook, draw through one loop (4 loops on the hook), yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull though 2 loops, yo, pull through 2 loops. For second stitch, * yo twice, insert hook into next stitch, yo, pull through one loop, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through 2 loops * across row. For succeeding rows ch 4, turn.
Double Treble Crochet (dtrc)
Ch for desired length, yo hook 3 times, insert hook into 6th ch from hook (5 loops on hook), and work off 2 loops at a time same as in trc. For succeeding rows, ch 5, turn and work next dtrc in 2nd dtrc of previous row. The ch 5 counts as 1st dtrc.
Treble Treble Crochet or Triple Treble Crochet (trtrc)
Yo hook 4 times and work off same as for dtrc.
Cluster Stitch
Work 3 or 4 trc in the same st, always retaining the last loop of each trc on the hook, yo, and pull though all loops on the hook.
