Howcast

How to Add Crochet Embellishments to Clothing

Howcast — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 08:01:36 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Crochet the insert Crochet the insert. Inserts can vary from a lace neckline to flowers to a simple doily.
Step 2: Choose a garment Choose a piece of clothing for the project. Get creative and modify an old sweater with a hole on the sleeve, or spruce up a new dress that is a little too plain.
Step 3: Position the insert Decide where to put the insert on the garment and then pin it in place on the outside of the garment.
TIP: Sew the insert in place with long, loose stitches, also known as basting, to help hold the insert in place.
Step 4: Whipstitch the insert Thread the needle and use tiny whipstitches to secure the insert in place.
FACT: In 1793, Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin, a revolutionary machine that separated cotton fiber from the seeds.

You Will Need

Crochet thread
Crochet hook
Crochet pattern
Knit clothing
Sewing pins
Needle and thread
Scissors

How to Broomstick Lace Crochet

Howcast — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:31:05 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Make a chain Use the crochet hook to do a slipstitch of the first color, and then chain 180.
Step 2: Loop the needle Form row one. Hold the crochet hook with your right hand and the knitting needle with your left, insert the hook into the loop, pull it up, and place it on the needle.
Step 3: Loop the remaining chains Insert the hook into the second chain, yarn over, and pull up a second loop. Place the loop on the needle and repeat this process for the rest of the row until there are 180 loops on the needle.
TIP: Hold the knitting needle between your knees if you are having difficulty using only your hands.
Step 4: Form row two Form row two. Slip off the five loops nearest the point of the needle and turn them to the right. Insert the crochet hook through the loops, yarn over, chain one, and do five single crochets.
Step 5: Complete row two Slip off the remaining loops in groups of five. For each group, turn the loops to the right, insert the hook, yarn over, and do five single crochets. Continue until row two is completed.
FACT: Carpets are Afghanistan’s largest export; in 2005 the country sold $140 million worth of carpets abroad.

You Will Need

A size K crochet hook
Nine skeins of yarn
A size 50 knitting needle
Additional skeins of yarn (optional)

How to Count Crochet Stitches

Howcast — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:31:05 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Examine stitches Examine the last row of stitches. Determine which type of stitch you have by looking at the front and back of the series of loops.
TIP: Consult the pattern for your project to find out how many stitches you are supposed to have.
Step 2: Don’t count the hook Don’t count the loop on the hook. The stitch next to it is the first stitch.
Step 3: Count Count each stitch, or loop, moving away from the hook, until you get to the end of the row.
TIP: Keep your work untangled so that the loops are lined up nicely. If it gets twisted the loops won’t look the same, which might mess up your count.
Step 4: Look for the “V” Count each v-shaped stitch as one stitch for foundation chains and single crochet rows.
TIP: Don’t count the knot at the end if you are counting along a foundation chain.
Step 5: Look for the “post” Count each post, or vertical set of stitches, as one stitch for double-crochet rows.
Step 6: Mark it Place a stitch marker on the first stitch, if you are working in a circle, or anywhere you may need to increase or decrease.
FACT: Researchers have found that knitting and crocheting can provide health benefits such as lowering blood pressure and decreasing memory loss.

You Will Need

Yarn
A crochet hook
Place markers
A crochet pattern (optional)

How to Choose Crochet Projects

Howcast — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:31:05 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Start easy Pick an easy project that has simple stitches and just a couple of steps from beginning to end if you are a beginner.
Step 2: Determine gauge Determine the gauge, or the number of stitches in a square inch. Gauge determines the finished size of a crocheted item.
TIP: Baby blankets and scarves are more forgiving in gauge, making them good beginner projects.
Step 3: Choose yarn Choose yarn, if you are a beginner, that is light in color or sport weight since it will be much easier to see your stitches, making it easier to keep up with the pattern.
Step 4: Move up Move up to more challenging projects, like sweaters, and jackets, that have to match the correct gauge, if you are more advanced.
Step 5: Look at patterns Look at the difficulty levels on patterns. Most patterns are rated as beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
FACT: When Martha Stewart was released from prison in 2005 she was wearing a crocheted poncho made for her by another inmate.

You Will Need

Crochet needles
Yarn
A pattern

How to Choose a Filet Crochet Pattern

Howcast — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:15:55 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Decide between free or store-bought patterns Decide how you want to search for your pattern. Many patterns can be found online for free and others can be purchased from craft or yarn stores.
Step 2: Find a pattern matching your crochet skill level Think about your crochet experience and look for a pattern that matches your skill level — most patterns are rated as Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced.
TIP: Master the chain stitch and the double crochet stitch. These are the stitches most commonly used with filet crochet.
Step 3: Understand filet crochet pattern schemes Learn how schemes are displayed in filet crochet patterns. Typically, empty squares represent open mesh spaces, and a square with an X is used to represent a filled space.
Step 4: Understand pattern abbreviations Understand the most common crochet abbreviations to make reading patterns easier. Consult crochet books or web sites to help you interpret abbreviations.
Step 5: Crochet a swatch to test the pattern gauge Crochet a small swatch of approximately 10 by 10 stitches using the crochet gauge given in the pattern. Use the yarn and crochet hook specified in the pattern instructions.
TIP: Beginners should start crocheting with heavier yarn and smaller patterns. Stitch at least 10 rows to get past beginners’ hurdles.
Step 6: Check the gauge and measurements Check the gauge and measurements of your swatch against the pattern. Make sure that the stitch count is consistent and that the outcome will be the size you want.
TIP: Adjust your hook to make your stitches match the pattern. Use a smaller hook if you have too few stitches, and a larger hook if you have too many.
Step 7: Start crocheting Start your crochet project and check your gauge as you go along to make sure that you are staying on track. Feel confident knowing that you’re using the right pattern to get the product you want.
FACT: In the 1760s, James Hargreaves invented the Spinning Jenny, a machine that allowed a weaver to spin eight threads at once — greatly increasing the speed in which yarns were made.

You Will Need

Internet access
Crochet hooks
Yarn
Ruler

How to Crochet

Howcast — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:02:01 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Choose a large hook and yarn Choose a large hook and thick yarn when you first begin. As your skills progress you can transition to smaller materials.
TIP: Both the hooks and string are measured in weight — the heavier they are the thicker they will be.
Step 2: Hold hook Hold the hook in your dominant hand, like you would a pen or pencil, with the point of the hook facing up.
Step 3: Wind yarn Wind the yarn over the pinky, under the ring finger, and then over the middle and forefinger of your other hand to easily feed it as you work.
Step 4: Start with a slipknot Start with a slipknot. Make a simple loop and then use the hook to draw the long end of the string through the hole.
Step 5: Tighten knot Tighten the knot by pulling both ends, and then repeat by looping the yarn around the hook and pulling it through the loop to complete a basic chain stitch.
TIP: The first five to 10 rows of the chain stitch are often the most difficult, even for a seasoned veteran, so stick with it.
Step 6: Start single crochet Poke the hook through a chain stitch, grab the feeder yarn and pull it through to create two loops on your crochet hook.
Step 7: Finish single crochet Wrap the feeder yarn around the hook and pull it through both loops to complete a single crochet stitch.
Step 8: Finish Cut the yarn, pull one end through the last loop, and tighten the other end before tying the final loose string into the back of the piece.
FACT: The modern art of crochet was developed during the 16th century.

You Will Need

Large crochet hook
Heavy yarn
Practice

How to Convert a Crochet Pattern into a Knitting Pattern

Howcast — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:31:05 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Find a knitting gauge that is similar to the crochet gauge Find a knitting gauge that is similar to the crochet gauge specified in the pattern. The number of stitches will be the same, but the number of rows will vary.
TIP: Gauge two rows of knit for every one row of crochet. Crochet stitches are usually taller than knit stitches.
Step 2: Work a test swatch with chosen gauge Work a test swatch of about 6 by 6 inches in your chosen gauge to make sure that your project will come out in the right size.
Step 3: Measure the swatch and adjust gauge as needed Use your knit gauge tool to measure the number of stitches in the inner 4 inches of your swatch. Divide the number by four and compare to your gauge.
Step 4: Adjust your knitting as needed Adjust your knitting to match your desired dimensions. Use smaller needles if you have too few stitches, and larger needles if you have too many.
TIP: Plan to use about 33 percent less yarn for knitting than for crocheting.
Step 5: Mark the original pattern with your new measures Mark the original pattern with your new measurements, or make a copy of the crochet pattern and mark it to preserve the original.
Step 6: Check your gauge as you are knitting Knit according to your new pattern. Check your gauge as you go along to make sure you are staying on track. Soon you’ll have a nice finished product.
FACT: The renowned Victoria and Albert Museum in London boasts a large collection of historical knit items, including a pair of Egyptian socks dating from the third to fifth century and gloves from 16th century Spain.

You Will Need

Crochet pattern
Knitting needles
Yarn
Knit gauge tool

How to Choose Crochet Patterns

Howcast — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:31:05 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Review instructions Review pattern instructions to ensure you understand them.
Step 2: Think simple Think simple when you start. Patterns are typically identified according to skill level: beginner, intermediate, or advanced.
Step 3: Find an unstructured pattern Find a pattern for a baby blanket or shawl. This will make hook selection easier. Because they are unstructured designs, little blankets, scarves, and shawls render the needle gauge less important.
Step 4: Search for hook requirements Search for patterns that use a large crochet hook. Large hooks are easy to maneuver and to pull through yarn. In America, a B/1 is small and an N/15 is large.
Step 5: Avoid specialty yarns Avoid patterns that call for specialty yarns, including eyelash, wispy, and chunky types, whose stitches might not be as easily counted and can lead to frustrating mistakes.
TIP: Go online to select patterns on one of the many sites tailored to your skill level. Lots of free patterns exist all over the internet.
Step 6: Look for Granny Squares Look for patterns called “Granny Squares” — easily finished smaller squares — which allow you to go back and make corrections before stitching them all into a full, final piece.
FACT: The Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef — an “environmental version of the AIDS quilt” — is meant to draw attention to how rising temperatures and pollution are destroying the Great Barrier Reef.

You Will Need

Pattern selection
Discrimination
Time
Internet access (optional)

How to Change Thread When Crocheting

Howcast — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:31:05 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Finish first thread Pause your crocheting before you run out of the old thread. Leave a tail at least 4 inches long.
TIP: Join the new thread at the end of a row, unless your pattern calls for a color change in the middle of a row.
Step 2: Position new thread Position the new yarn on top of the last row of stitches.
Step 3: Yarn over Wrap the new thread behind and over the needle to yarn over.
Step 4: Join Hook the new thread and pull it through the two loops on the needle.
Step 5: Crochet Continue making crochet stitches with the new thread.
Step 6: Knotted join Join the two threads with a small knot if the previous method fails.
Step 7: Weave ends Weave in the loose ends across a row with a yarn needle.
FACT: A New York art gallery featured giant sculptures of crocheted rope in 2007, and visitors were encouraged to climb over the huge woven structures.

You Will Need

Yarn/thread
Crochet hook
Scissors
Yarn needle

How to Crochet a Hat

Howcast — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:15:56 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Choose yarn Choose a yarn color for your hat that will show your individual style.
Step 2: Chain 55 Leave a long tail and chain 55. The total finished circumference of the hat will be about 18 inches.
TIP: Revisit basic crochet techniques before you start.
Step 3: Do first row Single crochet in the second chain from the hook and each chain across for 54 stitches for the first row.
Step 4: Do second row Chain one, turn, and then single crochet in each stitch across for the second row.
Step 5: Repeat Repeat row two until your hat measures about 9 inches from the beginning. Fasten off leaving a long tail.
Step 6: Finish Thread the tail into the needle, and then sew in and out along the last row. Pull to gather the top of the hat and knot. Sew the seam, weave in the ends, and enjoy the warmth of your new hat.
FACT: According to a study done by the Craft Yarn Council of America, a majority of crocheters take their project ideas from magazines.

You Will Need

Yarn
Crochet hook
Yarn needle

How to Do Half Double Crochet

Howcast — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:15:56 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Chain Chain 10 or more stitches with your yarn and crochet hook to make a foundation. Leave the last loop on the hook.
Step 2: Yarn over Pull the long end of the yarn behind and over the top of the hook to yarn over.
Step 3: Hook into third stitch Count to the third chain from the hook and insert the hook through that stitch from the front to the back.
Step 4: Yarn over and pull through Yarn over and pull the hook and yarn back through the stitch.
TIP: You should now see three loops on the hook.
Step 5: Yarn over and pull through Yarn over again, but this time pull the yarn through all three loops on the hook. One half double crochet stitch is finished.
TIP: You should now have one loop on the hook.
Step 6: Repeat to end of row Yarn over and insert your hook into the next chain. Repeat the procedure and continue to the end of the row.
Step 7: Chain to turn Chain two at the end of the row, and then turn the chain around to the other side.
TIP: Read your pattern carefully to determine if the chain two at the end of the row counts as a stitch. If the pattern doesn’t specify, then count it.
Step 8: Work next row Yarn over and work the first half double crochet of the next row, and each row after, into the second stitch from the hook.
FACT: In 2008, the World Reclamation Art Project (WRAP) completely covered an abandoned gas station with knitted, stitched, patched, and crocheted squares to express their concern about dependency on oil.

You Will Need

Yarn
Crochet hook

How to Buy Crochet Supplies

Howcast — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:01:14 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Follow a pattern Buy a pattern or find a free one online.
Step 2: Choose yarn Choose your yarn. Consider the color, weight, feel, price, and care instructions. Buy enough to complete your project.
TIP: A large hook and smooth, bulky yarn are easy for beginners to use, and work up faster than smaller materials.
Step 3: Choose hook Choose the right hook size to go with your yarn. If you’re not sure, check the pattern.
TIP: Buy small sizes for lace and sock weight yarns, medium sizes for worsted and sporting weight, and large sizes for chunky weight and for winding strands together.
Step 4: Choose ruler Buy a regular ruler or a gauge checker made for yarn projects so you can check your gauge.
Step 5: Consider stitch markers Buy a package of stitch markers if you will need to mark stitches for a pattern. Or use extra yarn pieces or safety pins.
FACT: Mathematicians have used crochet to create models that demonstrate the idea of hyperbolic planes in three-dimensional space.

You Will Need

A pattern
Yarn
A crochet hook
A ruler or gauge checker
Stitch markers
yarn pieces
or safety pins

How to Choose the Right Crochet Hook

Howcast — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:45:54 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Follow a pattern Use the hook size recommended in your crochet pattern.
TIP: Always check your gauge with a swatch. Change to a smaller hook if your stitches are too loose or a larger hook if they are too tight.
Step 2: Use medium for worsted Use a medium hook size, such as “I,” for worsted weight yarn. Then adjust it to get the right gauge.
TIP: Lettered hook sizes range from B to L and P to S, with B being the smallest. Letters later in the alphabet mean larger hooks.
Step 3: Use small for fine Use the smallest hooks for working with lace weight or a small hook, such as size C, for fingering weight yarn.
TIP: Hooks numbered from 000 to 14 are for working with the finest threads. A larger number means a smaller hook.
Step 4: Use large for bulky Use large hooks, such as size N, for bulky weight yarn, and extra large hooks when using two or more yarns together.
Step 5: Select material Stick to working with metal hooks if you are a beginner. Later, you can experiment with hooks made of wood or plastic.
FACT: Knitting needles and crochet hooks are not expressly prohibited on airplanes, although they may be confiscated at security check.

You Will Need

Crochet pattern
Yarn
Hooks
Hook gauge (optional)