BASIC TECHNIQUES
BASIC TECHNIQUES
For every stitch you learn and practise, crochet up a square or
two, using different colours if you want to. Then sew them all
together to make a fab throw that will become a great reference
guide. Try using DK yarn, a 4mm hook and about 22 stitches to
make a 10cm (4in) square, or 33 stitches to make a slightly larger
15cm (6in) square. Make a foundation chain of 21 or 32 chains,
then the turning chain of 3ch (counts as a stitch). Then work
a treble stitch into each of the 21 or 32 chains
to the end. Turn, make 3
turning chains and treble
into the 2nd stitch and each
stitch to the end. Repeat until
you have a square, then
fasten off.HIP TO BE SQUARE
A
fter double crochet, the next stitch
you’ll need to know is treble crochet
(called double crochet in the US). It’s
perhaps the most-used stitch in crochet,
because it forms a fabric with just the right
qualities: fairly dense and warm but not too
stiff, with a lovely drape.
A treble crochet stitch is twice as high as a
double crochet stitch, so the fabric grows
quickly. The stitches sit fairly close together,
but they’re not as densely packed as double
crochet stitches. This means that treblecrochet fabric has small gaps, which allows it
to drape more easily. It’s still warm enough
for winter makes, yet it’s also breathable
enough for summer makes. Make a swatch
and you’ll soon see why treble crochet is used
for so many projects – it’s a great all-rounder!
Below left is an example of treble crochet
stitches worked in one row. Repeat these
rows to create treble crochet fabric, shown
below right. You’ll see that the stitch pattern
has a lacier texture than double crochet, with
rows of dainty, upright stitches. In rows,treble crochet fabric looks the same on the
front and the back, which can be useful. In
rounds, treble crochet fabric gives a different
effect on each side. Whichever method you’re
using to work the fabric, a pattern will always
tell you which is the right side and which is the
wrong side.
If you can work a double crochet stitch, the
treble crochet stitch will be quick and easy for
you to learn. Just follow our guide over the
next few pages and then have a go at our
stylish scarf project on page 50.(^1) TALL ROWS
Each treble crochet stitch is
worked into each chain stitch,
creating a lacy pattern on the
side of the stitch and a neat ‘v’
shape at the top of the stitch.
Treble crochet is abbreviated
as ‘tr’ in patterns.
(^2) LACY FABRIC
Treble crochet fabric is a warm,
medium density fabric with a
fairly loose drape. The tall
stitches sit fairly close together
and create a lacy texture.
Row
Fabric
TREBLE CROCHET
FABRIC
This very popular stitch forms a medium density fabric
TREBLE CROCHET
FABRIC IDEAS
The textured fabric
created using treble
crochet stitches is
ideal for great for
any project. It’s
perhaps best
known for its use in
traditional granny
squares, as shown.