This hobby is very relaxing and can be learned easily. Crochet is a technique favored by many who are into needlecrafts, mainly because crochet stitches permit one to make pretty and useful home decor such as doilies, bedspreads, blankets and tablecloths.

Crochet is a very versatile type of needlecraft that likewise can create sweaters, scarves, vests, hats and mittens and anything that the mind can imagine!

Whereas the European crochet directions usually uses a diagram, U.S. crochet patterns and designs are written that tells the crafter which stitches are to be completed as well as the order of stitches.

Here are things worth knowing before starting on a crochet project:

1.  All crochet designs begin with a “foundation chain” that can be long (for afghan) or short for a project that starts as a “circle”.

2.  Learning and understanding to work on stitching having an even pressure is important so as to make the correct size of your project.

3.  At all times, you should try out a sample then adjust the size of the hook either down or up to reach the gauge required.

4.  Hold the hook and the yarn in such manner that it is comfortable to you and just let the yarn flow without restraint.

5.  The loop that is on the hook is not always counted.

6.  The correct number or counting of chains should be formed always at the start of every row in order for you to continue at the correct height or length for the succeeding row. This “turning chain” establishes the first or “initial stitch” of the subsequent row.

7.  At all times, you need to pick two loops that is from the previous row of the stitch except when the pattern indicates back or front loop.

8.  A “space” is described as the interval between stitches.

9.  Do not make a “slip stitch” into your first stitch.

10.  After your completed work, you need to pull through a “loop on hook” one last time and cut the yarn and pull the end through.

Here are basic crochet stitches that you need to familiarize yourself with:

1.  Chain stitch or “ch”.  Create a “loop in thread” and insert your hook in the loop, and pull towards you the central length of the yarn through. Continue drawing the yarn through every new loop that you form until you reach the desired length.

2.  Single crochet stitch or “sc”.  You will need to insert the hook underneath two loops of a stitch then draw the yarn through the stitch, creating “2 loops on hook”, then thread over the hook and pull through towards your direction the two loops.

3.  “Half double crochet” stitch or “half dc”.  Create similar double crochet stitches until you form three “loops on hook” and thread over the pull the yarn through all of three loops.

4.  Double crochet stitch “dc”.   Thread over the hook, then insert the hook in the stitch and then pull the thread towards you through, making “3 loops on hook”, then you need to thread the hook over and pull through “two loops”, and once more thread over and pull through the remaining two loops.

5.  Treble stitch or “tr”. You need to thread over the hook two times then insert the hook in the stitch and pull the thread through the stitch, creating “4 loops on hook” then thread over, pull through the 2 loops, and thread over, then pull through “2 loops”, then thread over, pull through the remaining 2 loops.

6.  Slip stitch or “sl st”.  Insert the hook through the stitch, then catch the yarn, and with a single motion, pull both stitches through and the “1 loop on hook”. This stitch is used generally for joining.

7.  Popcorn stitch or “pc st”.  Make one chain stitch, five double crochet stitches then drop stitches from hook and insert the “hook” back in that 1 chain stitch and pull the “loop” through the “one on hook”.

8.  “Block (bl) and space (sp)” stitch.  You need to create four double crochet stitches over four stitches of the preceding row, making 1 block, then create 2 chain stitches skip 2 stitches, creating 1 space stitch.

The saying “practice makes perfect” is true in crochet.  While this is can be simple hobby to work on, a beginner can find learning the craft as well as the patterns very complicated.  With practice, patience and determination one can easily make simple crochet patterns.  Have fun while doing it!

When people start something new, it is best to start with the basics. This happens in almost everything and crochet patterns is no different.

If the person has done cross stitching in the past, it will be easy to understand how certain designs are done. If the individual did not have any experience in the past, then it is best to enroll in a class then after some time, can move on to crochet patterns.

The fashion world is a very good place to learn more about crochet patterns. Since this is dictated by some of the world’s renowned brands, learning from these professionals will keep the person up to date of the latest trends.

Fashion shows usually feature the upcoming clothes a few months before it is launched. By watching then studying the fabric once it hits the stores, the person will be able to make a similar design that is also abreast with what is new and hot.

Should the person not be able to catch the fashion show, then the next place to learn it is in reference materials such as books and videos that can be bought at the local specialty store. This should have everything including the materials to be used.

There are also some shows on TV and magazines that can be bought which feature some of the basic to the more advanced designs. The person has to simply understand the instructions given and work on it.

Basics should be done only using one color. The person should practice this in making a simple object such as a wash cloth. Should this be successful, then moving on to bigger things can begin.

A slipknot is one of the basics in making crochet patterns. The person does not need to use a needle and simply work it with the hands. While one end is in around the fingers, the ball of yarn can be thrown in the air.

After making a few loops, this will end with the individual making a knot using both hands.

One of the many challenges in crochet patterns is switching from one color to the next. This can be done by stopping with one color then slowly slipping a different color thread into the needle.

Another basic technique that the person should learn is mixing. This is done using 2 needles each with a different color of thread. By making these face one another and letting one of the needles work over the other, the print will become multi-colored.

Purl stitch is another technique used to make crochet patterns. This is very similar to mixing. The yarn is already around one needle. The person will then use the other to work its way inside until both have can be used to work together to create a pattern.

Cross stitching is very challenging and will take a lot of work. After exercising some of the basics, the person can move on to make figures, shapes, lines and others to make it stand out.

The person has to remember that the fashion industry goes by seasons. This means that the individual should work fast so that once it is finished; it can still be used in the appropriate time.

Beginners should be able to draw it on paper to analyze how a certain design should be done. By using this as a guide, the person will be able to monitor the progress of the work.

Crochet patterns can be done on almost anything. By working on some small household items then moving on to clothes, accessories and accessories, the person’s crochet pattern skills have dramatically improved.

There are a lot of designs and not everything is in the book. Some of it can be from the person’s imagination and after drawing it and working with needles that idea can be brought to life.

There are many ways to learn about the basics of crochet patterns. The person should just devote some time to read about it and watch how this is done.

Beginnings

Some say that the craft of crocheting originated from  some parts of South America, Arabia and China. However, there has been no true evidence of this claim. It eventually became popular in the 1800 in Europe. Some say that the process used in crocheting was present during the ancient times but the hook itself which is used in crocheting was not yet in existence. People back then used their fingers which were bent to be able to make loops and chains.

It’s somewhat clear that crocheting, as we know it today began to be seen during the mid 1700s . This was the time when tambour embroidery, reached Europe. Tambour embroidery was done using a smaller crochet-like hook. The  earliest evidence of crocheting dates to around 1800.  Samples should have been present in archaeological finds and missions if crochet existed before th e 1800s.  Some claim that crochet pieces can be found in Egyptian tombs and some say that there were crochet works which were made by nuns to beautify early churches. It has been argued that crocheting is a very simple technique and it most probably had its beginnings during the ancient times. But it is a fact, no pieces have been found to legitimize these claims about ancient times crocheting.

In the 1800s, crocheting became a lace substitute. Laces back then were quite expensive, and people turned to crocheting to be able to produce less expensive fabrics. Crocheting didn’t need much equipment and other tools and people of every kind can do it. People started to crochet natural fibers and used hooks which were made of brass, ivory and hardwood.

As history went on, crocheting became more and more popular, finding its niche as a cottage industry. The craft supported some communities when their livelihoods were displaced by imperialism. The items were purchased by the middle class, or those who were emerging in society. Some say that fabrics which were made out of crocheting were seen as a mere imitation of the symbol of richer families. The people who were able to afford the more expensive fabrics which were made from more expensive methods hated crochet.

Queen Victoria somewhat mitigated the bad impression of the people against crochet. She purchased crochet laces which were produced by the Irish and learned crocheting herself.

Evolution

Crocheting was done mostly with thread from 1800 to 1950s. The most common kinds of crochet methods were the filet crochet and the crochet in the round. They were worked in rows of closed or open mesh to build patterns. Steel hooks were mass produced and were popular beginning 1900.

In  the 1950s, crocheters were already using thick yarns to be able to create less detailed clothing and fabric. The craft of crocheting using thread was popular up to the 1960s. Homemakers were so much involved in crocheting but during the 1960s, more and more people became hooked to crocheting, especially the younger generations. The popular patterns began to emerge such as the granny squares. These were worked in round and incorporated bright and fun colors. The interest of the younger generation in the 1960s gave crocheting a much needed boost in terms of popularity.

Method

In the modern sense, crocheting is done by doing a slip-knot on the hook, and this is pulled with another loop. The second loop is pulled through the first one and this pattern is repeated to create a fabric. The chain is worked in rows or turned to create a pattern. Rounds are built by pulling many stitches through one loop. These methods distinguish crocheting from other kinds of fabric making methods.

Crochet is a fairly young kind of art if one compares it to other fabric-making procedures. It has gone through several evolution steps to be able to become the art which we know of today. With the advent of different technologies and modern ways of making fabric, crochet  is in danger of being wiped off its existence. However, there are still many people who love crochet and hopefully, these people will pass on the art to the generations after them.

Crocheting is said to have started during the 1800s and first became popular in Europe. However, many people believe that crochet, being a fairly simple method of fabric creation, started centuries before the 1800s. There are claims of evidence of crochet existence during the ancient Egypt times and during the establishment of the Church. But as of now, no available evidence exist in to prove these claims.

Crochet has become popular because of its apparent easiness and one does not need any expensive tools to engage into it. There are also a lot of available resources for people which are available out there regarding crocheting. There are a number of comprehensive books about the art of crocheting and other materials which contains instructions on how to create beautiful crochet patterns. If one is not too keen on buying books about crochet, he can use the Internet to be able to find some resources about different patterns and techniques which are used in crocheting. The Internet provides numerous resources which are free of charge for people who would want to be involved in crocheting.

Here are some websites where one can find different crochet patterns which are easy to do.

Craftown.com

Craftown.com is a website where one can find some nifty patterns which are easy to do. It is a crafter’s resource center. This site contains free craft patterns, lessons and projects for crochet. There are more than a thousand patterns to choose from. Aside from crochet patterns, there are also other patterns for other kinds of fabric-making methods such as knitting, sewing and making quilts.

Crochetpatterncentral.com

This website is a center for resources regarding crochet. It is updated weekly and features an online directroy that contains thousands of links to free crochet patterns and techniques. There are more than  90 categories which people can choose from. Categories include hats, afghans, ponchos, doilies, clothing, holiday, kitchen and baby crochet.

This website contains a section for beginners. The introduction directory provides links to crochet tutorials which have illustrations. There are sections on tips and tricks for crochet and one can also read the “encouragement and testimonials” section to get some emotional boost in doing crochet.

Overall, it is a website which contains comprehensive information and substantive links for people who would want to engage in crocheting.

Lionbrand.com

This website contains easy-to-follow instruction on how to crochet and on how to do other methods such as knitting. There is also a section on newsletters and stories regarding crocheting. There is a full-blown section on free patterns. The pages containing the patterns contain illustrations which is very helpful for many people. They also have a section which provides help in doing the patterns.

The patterns in this websites are very useful for making practical clothing stuff such as ponchos, hats, caps, handbags, scarves and other decorative materials.

Knitting-crochet.com

There are numerous resources about crocheting in this website. One can sign-up for their free newsletter to be able to receive information about the new development in crocheting.  Aside from crochet, it contains information for other crafts such as antique crochet and antique knitting.  There are also materials on the basics, terms and techniques, general instructions and other items regarding crocheting.

Allfreecrafts.com

This website contains over 30 crochet patterns that are available free of charge. These patterns compose of projects for toys, hats, afghans, filet crochet, classic granny squares and scrunchies.

There are also some sections on other crafts such as candle making, knitting, sewing, recycling and home decorating. Projects are also itemized according to occassions such as halloween, mother’s day, christmas and valentine’s day.

The Internet has given crochet a new boost in terms of gaining popularity because it makes available the different resources that can be used by crochet enthusiasts and experts. The Internet lets people share their patterns and take crochet into new heights. One can use the Internet search engines to find more free crochet patterns and projects.

Remember to search in the instructions for the punctuation and the pause each time that you see periods or commas.

The basic element in studying crochet patterns and instruction is understanding the style of writing, that includes crochet abbreviations. However, it is not essential to learn and memorize the symbols and abbreviations immediately because you can always refer to your list when needed.

Having somebody at your side to read the directions aloud to you can be very helpful. Although it is not important to memorize abbreviation, it is significant to understand it, so that you will know what to do.

Directions generally make use of parentheses ( ) and asterisks (*) to show pattern repetitions.

For instance, when the pattern instructs you to “repeat from *” you need to examine and look back at the instruction of the row that you currently are working on and then locate the asterisk (*). Crochet the instruction instantly following that asterisk (*).

There are times when a certain pattern asks you to “repeat from *” not just one time, but more. If this is the instruction, you need to go back, locate the asterisk (*) and then crochet the instructions following it, for how many times the pattern requires.

Generally only one asterisk (*) in a row is found and the “repeats” will bring you to the row ending so that there is no supplementary instruction required for where you should end the repeats.

There are a few patterns that use a “single asterisk (*)”at the start and at the end of “the repeat”. So that when you arrive to the succeeding “single asterisk (*), you are aware that it is the spot where that “repeat” will be stopped.

At certain times patterns use “single asterisk (*) and a “double asterisk (**), where the “double asterisk (**)” is normally used to indicate where you need to end the repeat; for instance, a pattern instructs you to “repeat from * to **”. You need to search for, going backwards in the instructions of the round which you are working on and locate the asterisk (*).  Then you need to crochet the instructions following that asterisk (*) and then continue till such time you arrive to the double asterisk (**), then you need to stop and begin to crochet once more at the course where you stop or left off before making the repeat.

Directions normally state “work even”, meaning that you should be working on the same stitch and not decreasing or increasing any stitches.

Here are things to keep in mind when looking at a crochet pattern:

1. Crochet patterns and instructions are worked usually in rounds or rows. Every crochet pattern will spell out if you are doing or working in rounds, rows or mixture of both.
2. Almost all crochet patterns and instructions are generally ranked according to difficulty level such as advanced, intermediate, easy or beginner. Select a pattern with a difficulty level that suits your abilities, to avoid frustration when trying to finish a pattern that has advanced level. As you continue on working and increase your crochet experience, then you can work on to the next difficulty level.
3. It is very significant to count the stitches that you have made as you go on with your work so will be able to keep track of how many stitches are needed on each round or row as required by the pattern.
4. At all times, you need to verify your gauge. To do so, crochet a sample of about 4 X 4 inches size in the pattern that is used your crochet instructions. When your gauge turned out to be larger than that indicated by the pattern, then use a smaller hook; when your gauge turned out to be smaller, then try using a much larger hook.
5. Enrolling in a crochet class can be very helpful when you are beginning to learn crochet.

When just starting out, never be disappointed if you can not understand each pattern and its abbreviations. Reading and understanding crochet patterns will take constant practice.

Begin with simple projects such as a dishcloth, scarf, potholder, or any easy and small patterns where you think you can read the instructions. With every finished project or item, the satisfaction and self-satisfaction from achieving your own artwork will inspire you to make different patterns every time at different levels and soon, you will be capable of tackling difficult projects with confidence.