Crochet for Beginners ?Get it Right From the Start Posted By :
The first thing you learn in crochet for beginners is the right type of hook to use for each project. If you are crocheting a doily for the table, then you will need a really small hook, generally 1.50, so that you have small stitches needed for the fine thread you use. If you want to crochet a blanket or a hat, then you will need to use a larger size hook. The larger sizes are lettered from A to J, with J being the largest. An A hook is good for using with fine wool, such as baby wool, whereas a J hook is for heavy wool. Weight worsted wool usually requires a G size hook. You also need to have good quality yarn that won`t stretch as you are working causing you to have uneven stitches.
Your first project should be something small that you can complete in a very short time. It should also be a project that allows you to practice only one or two stitches. The first and basic stitch in crocheting is the chain stitch. You can crochet all day with this stitch and not make anything, but you do need to practice pulling the yarn through the loop on the hook so that you get a feel for how you should hold the needle and how tightly you should pull the yarn to make the stitch.
Once you master the chain stitch, then you move on to the single crochet. In this stitch you first complete a starter chain and insert the needle (hook) in the second chain from the hook. Then wrap the wool around the hook and pull it through all the loops on the needle. Most students start off by making a simple dishcloth because you don`t have to make very many chain stitches and there are not very many rows to complete.
A dishcloth starts off with chaining 36 stitches. The last stitch will be the turning chain because once you complete this foundation row, you start working on the stitches in the row. Make a single crochet stitch in each chain across until you reach the end. Chain one and then turn the work so that you now single crochet back across the row again. You do this for 38 rows and then bind off the yarn by cutting it and pulling the end through the loop that you have on the hook. Weave in the ends and you now have a dishcloth that you can use.
Other easy projects for beginners include making a scarf or a blanket for a doll. You can make an afghan by crocheting Granny squares or strips and sewing them together. Once you get used to the stitches and learn what the symbols in the patterns mean, you will start creating very unique projects for your home and to give as gifts. Some of the symbols you will need to know include:
* Ch ?chain
* St ?stitch
* Sc ?Single crochet
* Dc- double crochet
* Tr ?treble crochet
These are the basic stitches used in all crochet patterns.
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