Crochet instructions

In this section I am including basic crochet instructions from starting a project to different stitches I am learning to use though my journey in the world of crochet.


Making a slip knot

Making a slip knot is the first step of a lot of projects. Doing the first couple of ones will require thinking it over every time, but very soon, this one will become second nature. All you need to do is cross over the yarn about 5” away from the end of it and pull a loop through the opening. See the pictures below.






Dummies.com - Instructions

Holding the crochet

Finding a comfortable position to crochet takes time and can be frustrating but let me assure you that you can find the best way for you within a few hours of practicing.  

There are two ways of holding the crochet in your hand and it also depends on whether you are a righty or a lefty.

Over-the-hook position is when you hold the crochet between your thumb and your middle finger.
Under-the-hook position is when you hold it between your thumb and index finger just like a pencil. 

I’m a typical righty so I hold the crochet in my right hand and I like the over-the-hook position as it allows me to have my index finger free which can sometimes help with tight stitches.  

Holding the yarn

(If you are a lefty, ensure to switch sides)
1.  When the slip knot is created, make sure that you face it with the yarn attached to the ball of yarn on your left and the loose end of the yarn on your right.
2.  Place the yarn attached to the ball in the palm of your right hand.
3.  Loop the yarn around your index finger.
4.  Bring the slip knot between your thumb and your index finger.
5.  Hold the yarn tight by blocking it with your pinky finger.

Yarning over

Abbreviation: YO
Yarning over is the act defining crochet.
When you are holding your yarn and your crochet, simply insert the hook in the slip knot, place the hook in front of the yarn, bring the yarn around to the front and slide the hook down to grab the yarn.

Making a foundation chain

Abbreviation: Ch
Once the yarn is hooked to your crochet, slide the hook all the way through the slip knot, this is called “pulling up a loop”. Yarn over and pull up a loop again. Repeat as many times as you wish or as the pattern requests.
Don’t be upset if you make mistakes at first. If you do, simplyremove your crochet and pull on the yarn, the stiches will get undone and you can start over.

Making a single crochet

Abbreviation: SC
When starting a row, insert your crochet through the second stitch (or chain if this your first row) away from the hook, yarn over and pull up a loop. You should have two loops on your crochet. Yarn over and pull the yarn through both loops on your hook.


Making a slip stitch

Abbreviation: SL ST
Insert your crochet through the next stitch, yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.

Making a half-double crochet

Abbreviation: HDC
Start by yarning over. Hold the yarn on your hook and insert your crochet through the third stitch away from the hook. Yarn over and pull up a loop. You should have three loops on your crochet. Yarn over and pull the yarn through all three loops on your hooks.

Making a double crochet

Abbreviation: DC
Start by yarning over. Hold the yarn on your hook and insert your crochet through the third stitch away from the hook. Yarn over and pull up a loop. You should have four loops on your crochet. Yarn over and pull the yarn through two loops, yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook.

Making a triple crochet (also called treble crochet)

Abbreviation: TR
Yarn over twice. Hold the yarn on your hook and insert your crochet through the fifth stitch away from the hook. Yarn over and pull up a loop. You should have three loops on your crochet. Yarn over and pull the yarn through two loops, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook.

Crocheting in rows

When reaching the end of your first row, turn your work horizontally.
B – A
A – B
Ch 1 (if you will be completing a row of sc), insert your hook into the very last stitch of the previous row and complete the sc.

Making a magic ring

The magic ring is create way to start a circular pattern like a hat as it prevents a whole a the top of a hat sometimes created when starting with a chained ring.
Place the yarn attached to the ball in the palm of your hand and wrap the loose end of the yarn around your middle and ring fingers twice. Lock the loose end of the yarn with your pinky finger. Insert the hook between the yarns and your fingers, yarn over and pull up a loop. Ch as many times as the patterns call for and make the requested stitches.
For example, Ch 3 and make 10 DC. 
Pull on the yarn tight. 

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