How to Crochet

If you have never learned to crochet, before in your life, you have indeed missed out on something very exciting and interesting for quite sometime. But let's not get into those details, and let us simply enjoy this lovely and sociable art and craft which you will see in this write-up. Crocheting is an art of using yarn craft and a crochet hook for creating fabric. Crocheting is almost similar to knitting, thus these techniques are repeated in the same fashion when it comes to knitting. Once a piece of fabric is created using the crochet techniques, you can add laces, motifs and other embellishments to add charm and style to your work. The word 'crochet' originates from the 'French' language, where it means, 'hook'. Crochet is a lovely art of using simple loops of yarn which can help you create a mixed bag of crochet patterns and dense fabrics, like sweaters, afghans, scarves, hats, etc.

Crochet Basics for Novices

To begin crocheting a piece of fabric, you need few tools which are all readily available at any art and craft store. You may also need a good focus to start crocheting.

Materials
You will need to buy yarn to begin to crochet. They are available in varying sizes and weights. They come in categories like: fine, lace, light, super fine, bulky, medium and super bulky. In the books of crochet instructions for beginners, the suggestion of using yarn fiber is often mentioned. However, one can use wool or cashmere as well. Next is the crochet hook sizes. Hooks come in a variety of materials, bone, plastic, metal or wood. Plus, they are available in varying sizes too. A tapestry needle is used for threading the yarn comfortably. And finally, a tape measure and a pair of scissors.

Procedure

Foundation Row:
The foundation row is a complete row of chain stitches. Make a slip knot over the hook and gently wrap the yarn around the crochet hook from behind to the front of the hook carefully. Now, use the end of the hook to draw the first loop you just created above. This is called a chain stitch. Continue creating a sequence of chain stitches in a similar manner, but make sure you do not count the loop on the hook as the stitch.

Single Crochet
Learning how to single crochet is like learning the basics of crocheting. When you start with the single crocheting, make sure that one loop remains on the hook from the previous row. Now, insert the crochet hook into the previous row and begin to thread your hook under the loop above the 2nd chain stitch. (This all is in the foundation row). Now, in the single crochet row, thread the hook below the loop of the 1st stitch of the previous row. Now, wrap the yarn in the similar manner, and with the help of the hook pull it through the stitch. Wrap the yarn once again and draw it through both the loops on the hook. This stitch which is created is called a single crochet. Continue all the above steps further to create a row of single crochet.

Finish Your Work
When your crocheting piece becomes big enough, as per your desired length, you may stop your work at this point. Cut the working yarn from the yarn ball and leave about 6-7 inch of yarn connected to your clothing. The yarn which is left loose, put that into the last loop on your hook and pull it tight. Use a tapestry needle to thread the loose yarn. Weave 'em through the created crochet stitches and swiftly turn your work the other way round. Start to weave the yarn back through the stitches in an opposite direction. Cut the yarn neatly, and hide it under the stitches to make it look neat. Remember to end your work neat, so that you avoid unraveling.

These were some basic crochet stitches, I have discussed above, which actually forms the foundations of crocheting. Of course, there are some other stitches as well, like the half double crochet, double crochet, triple stitch, slip stitch crochet, double treble, so on and so forth. Confidence and assurance only comes when one undertakes a certain project. Likewise, the knack and art of crocheting will only come when you implement it on a simple project. So, here I have discussed in short the simplest method to crochet a hat.

Crocheting a Hat

Materials

• A Skein of yarn (color of your choice)
• Crochet hook

Method

• Start the crocheting in the round and continue working on it as long as it measures the top of your head.
• Increase the stitches in the number of two per loop. Work this way for several rounds until the hat is good enough to slide down your head.
• The rounds should be crocheted sufficiently, about 3-4, so that it reaches your ears comfortably.
• If you wish to have a brim, crochet a brim too. For that you will have to increase the number of rounds too.
• Cut the yarn, wrap it neat and your hat is ready to go on your head!

Sticking by the same skills, in a similar fashion, you can learn to crochet a scarf, colorful socks, crochet a blanket, perhaps a baby blanket, crochet a flower, clothing and much more.

There is a whole multitude of options in this field of art. If you use a little imagination and keep a keen interest in learning, you will definitely learn how to crochet a mixed bag of patterns one day!