Learn Basic Crochet
Please wait while this page loads.
To return to the Baby Booties Pattern
Learn the Basic Crochet Stitches
CHAIN (ch)
Make a slip-knot and place it over the hook. Hold yarn in left hand as shown and place hook under yarn, then over yarn to form a loop over hook. Pull yarn through slip-knot loop. You now have a new loop on hook. 1 chain is made. (figure 1).
SINGLE CROCHET (sc)
Insert the hook in the 2nd chain from the hook (figure 2A).
Place hook under then over yarn as shown. (yo - yarn over) Pull yarn through the loop on hook; now there are 2 loops on hook (figure 2B).
Yarn over again and pull yarn through both loops. Now there is 1 loop on hook; 1 sc is made (figure 2C).
Continue working in this manner in each ch. To turn ch 1.
DOUBLE CROCHET (dc)
Yarn over (yo). Insert hook into 4th chain from hook (figure 3A). Yo again and pull yarn through the 4th chain. Now there are 3 loops on hook. Yo and pull yarn through 1st 2 loops on hook (figure 3B). Now there are 2 loops on hook. Yo and pull yarn through these 2 loops (figure 3C). Now there is 1 loop on hook; 1 dc is made (figure3D). Continue working in this manner in each ch. To turn, ch 3.
SLIP STITCH (sl st)
Insert hook in 2nd chain from hook. Yo and pull yarn through both the chain and the loop on the hook. Now there is 1 loop on hook; 1 sl st is made. continue working in this manner in each ch. To turn, ch 1. Always use sl st for joining (figure 4).
HALF DOUBLE CROCHET (hdc)
Yarn over (yo). Insert hook into 3rd chain from hook (figure 5A). Yo again and pull yarn through the 3rd chain. Now there are 3 loops on hook. Yo and pull yarn through all loops on hook (figure 5B). Now there is 1 loop on hook; 1 hdc is made (figure 5C). continue working in this manner in each ch. To turn ch 2.
INCREASING WITH HALF DOUBLE CROCHET
Work 2 hdc into 1 st.
DECREASING WITH HALF DOUBLE CROCHET
(at beginning of row): Skip 1st stitch and work 1st hdc into 2nd stitch of previous row.
TO JOIN A NEW YARN
At the end of a row work last stitch with first yarn to final two loops, draw up last loop with new yarn. Cut first yarn to 2". Make a chain, turn. Pull up 2 short yarns and lay over previous row; work over them for 4-5 stitches.
TO SECURE YARN END
On a finished piece, cut yarn to a 6" length; pull this end through the last loop and tighten it. Thread yarn end in tapestry or yarn needle; weave into back of work for 1" to 2" below top row of stitches. Cut remainder.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The chain on the hook is never counted as part of a foundation row. For example, if directions say chain 18, you should have 18 in addition to the one on the hook.
Always insert hook into a chain or stitch from front to back. (Unless directions say otherwise.)
Always insert hook under the two top loops of a chain or stitch. (Unless directions say otherwise.)
There should be just one loop left on the hook at completion of a stitch or sequence.
How to turn your work: A certain number of chain stitches are needed at the end of each row to bring work into position for the next row. Then work is turned so reverse side is facing the crocheter. Follow the stitch table below for the number of chain stitches required to make a turn.
CHAIN STITCHES REQUIRED TO MAKE A TURN.
Single crochet (sc) Ch 1 to turn
Half Double crochet (half dc or hdc) Ch 2 to turn
Double crochet (dc) Ch 3 to turn
GAUGE
Gauge - means the number of stitches to an inch and the number of rows to an inch. Gauge specified in directions MUST be maintained to assure proper size in the finished piece. Always check gauge before starting any item. To do this, make a 3" practice square using the hook, yarn and stitch specified. Measure the square with a ruler. If it si less than 3" change to a larger size hook, if maor than 3" change to a smaller size hook.
PRACTICE THESE STITCHES UNTIL YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH THEM. THEN MOVE ON TO THE PATTERN FOR CROCHETED BABY BOOTIES!
CLICK HERE! To return to: Homemaking Ideas!
Email: gigglingnut@hotmail.com
