Crochet
was derived from the French word crochet which means "small hook."
is a type of needlecraft which is done by interlocking looped stitches using a hook needle, called
crochet-needle, and thread, like yarn.
The crochet articles are attractive because of the intricate knitted design.
The task of finishing a crochet project is basically to have an article that is useful, like baby
booties and hat, shawl, placemat, and purse.
Some Crocheted Articles
1. bedspreads
2. tablecloths
3. centerpieces
4. sweaters
5. coasters
6. doilies
7. table runners
8. refrigerator cover
9. bags
10. hats
11. blouses
12. trimmings for curtains, collars of blouses
13. glass coaster
14. shawl
15. purse
Abbreviations Used in Crocheting
ch chain
sc single crochet
hdc/sdc half/short double crochet
dc double crochet
te triple crochet
dtc/ltc double/long triple crochet
sl st slip stitch
P picot
st stitch
cl cluster
Ip loop
no number
rep repeat
sp space
tr treble
yd yard
pcst popcorn stitch
bl block
rnd round
dec decrease
inc increase
coh cotton over hook
Materials Needed for Crocheting
1. Crochet Hook
It is usually made of wood, plastic, steel, bamboo, or rounded umbrella rib.
It comes in different sizes, identified by numbers.
Thick hooks are used for coarse work.
Fine hooks are for fine work.
The lower the number of the hook, the thicker it is.
The higher the number of the hook, the finer it is.
2. Crochet Thread
Kinds of Crochet Threads
a. Bleached
Whitened through chemicals or exposure to the sun
b. Mercerized
Shiny, strong, well-twisted
Easy to handle
Gives a better effect on the finished project than bleached thread
Tips for Successful Crocheting
1. Practice economy with needed materials.
2. Wash your hands before starting the project.
3. Observe neatness, orderliness, and cleanliness while working.
4. Understand the procedure,
5. The size of your thread should match the size of your hook.
6. Maintain uniform and even tension of the crochet stitches.
7. Use colorfast stitches.
Proper Way of Holding a Hook
For the right-handed person
1. With hook facing down, grasp tool with the right hand, holding it as you would a pencil, with thumb
and index fingers on either side of the fat portion and the middle finger resting against the thumb.
2. With hook facing down, grasp tool with the right hand, holding it almost as you would a knife, with
thumb and index fingers on either side of the fat portion and the middle finger resting against the thumb.
For the left-handed person
1. With hook facing down, grasp tool with the left hand, holding it as you would a pencil, with thumb and
index fingers on either side of the fat portion and the middle finger resting against the thumb.
2. With hook facing down, grasp tool with the left hand, holding it almost as you would a knife,
with thumb and index fingers on either side of the fat portion and the middle finger resting against the
thumb.
Simple Crochet Stitches
1. Chain Stitch
It is the foundation stitch of crochet work.
Start with a loop on the hook.
Draw through the hook a loop formed by the continuing thread.
2. Slip Stitch
It is used to form a ring, join motifs, fasten edges, and work on without break.
With the last loop of the chain on hook, insert the hook and catch yarn.
Draw a loop through the stitch and through the previous loop on the hook.
3. Single Crochet
It is used to finish edges of other stitch patterns.
It is used to join two finished sections.
4. Double Crochet
It is used as a finishing or edging.
It is twice as tall as single crochet and less compact.
Put the hook through the loop in the row and loop yarn over the hook and draw yarn through the
chain.
Draw again another loop through the two loops on the hook while one loop remains on the hook.
5. Half Double Stitch
It is taller than single crochet.
6. Treble Stitch
It is a tall stitch more open than double crochet.
With a loop on the hook, add a loop by looping around the hook counter clockwise.
Insert the hook where the stitch is due and draw a loop through the work and one loop. Draw
again another loop.
7. Double Treble
It is taller than treble stitch.
Pass hook under the thread of left hand twice.
Insert hook into stitch to left of hook thread over
Thread over hook and pull through two loops on the hook.
One loop remains on hook.
Recap
Crocheting is a type of needlework that can be a fulfilling hobby and an income generating
business, too.
