BASIC TECHNIQUES
BASIC TECHNIQUES
START
CROCHETING HERE
C
rochet really is easy when you know
how, and this chapter will help you
get to grips with the basics, with
clear, step-by-step instructions for all the
main techniques. With a bit of practice, you’ll
find that crochet is a fun and simple way to
create cosy fabrics for all sorts of items, from
fashion to homewares.
All you need to get started is a quiet place,
where you won’t be disturbed, and about an
hour. You’ll also need a hook and some yarn.
Anything you can get your hands on should
be fine, although we recommend you use a
smooth acrylic or wool yarn, either DK weight
with a 4mm hook, or aran weight with a 5mm
hook to start.
The important thing to remember is that
every crocheter is different, and what works
well for one might not suit another. There areON A MISSION
We’ll teach you how to
crochet, but do it in a
CROCHET CLUB^ way that works for you
Join a club^ for^ advice,^
encouragement^ and^
plenty of fun!CRAFT TOGETHER
Learn to crochet with a
friend and you can help
each otherTime to pick up your hook and yarn and start crocheting...
also many styles of crochet, with different
ways of holding the hook and working with
the yarn to create crocheted fabric.
We’ll show you the most commonly used
methods, but you should do whatever feels
most natural for you. Just experiment until
you find a comfortable way of performing
each technique and don’t worry if your
preferred way is slightly different from ours,
as long as the result is the same.SIDE TO SIDE
In this guide, we’ve tried to include
instructions for left-handed crocheters as
well as right-handed crocheters. Some
left-handed people will actually crochet in a
right-handed fashion, but again, do whatever
feels most comfortable to you. If you find any
right-handed instructions that you want toswitch to being left-handed, you’ll need to
reverse the instructions (switching all ‘rights’
for ‘lefts’ and vice versa). You might also find
it helps to place the pages in front of a mirror
and then copy the reflection of the images.
Many people are taught to crochet by a
friend or relative, while others prefer to learn
from pictures or videos. You can use our
guide to teach you how to crochet, or you can
use it as a reference once you’ve learned the
basics, depending on your preferred learning
method. We’re going to show you each
technique in the order you’ll use it, from
making chains and double crochet stitches
to fastening off. However, some people like to
learn things in their own order, and then go
back and revisit the basics. There’s no right
or wrong method, so do whatever works best
for you. Good luck!