Beginner's Guide to Crochet - UK (2019-10)

MATERIALS & TOOLS

Crochet threads Numbered from 3 to 100, these threads are not
classed as yarns. They are specially made for fine crochet work,
including lace making and filet crochet. Made from mercerised cotton,
the higher the number, the finer the thread (no 10 is shown below). You
may need a hook from the steel range (see p12) to work them.

1, 2 & 3ply Essentially one strand, or two or three strands of yarn
twisted together, these are great for making delicate lace shawls and
baby garments. Usually, 2ply yarn is worked with a 2-3½mm hook.

Embroidery thread As well as specialist crochet threads, you can also
crochet with embroidery threads, from stranded cottons to the finest
silk threads.

YARN WEIGHTS

Choose the right yarn for your crochet project

4ply This is a favourite weight for baby clothes, motifs and lightweight

jumpers and cardigans.

Double Knitting (DK) So called because it’s usually double the weight
of 4ply, DK is the most popular yarn. It’s quick to crochet with and is
very versatile.

Aran Originally created for fishermen’s jumpers, aran-weight wool can

be used to make many accessories and garments when DK isn’t heavy

enough, and chunky is too bulky. Perfect for outdoor or warm clothing.

Chunky Heavier than aran, chunky wool is great for outdoor wear and
winter jumpers. It’s ideal for beginners as the fabric will grow quickly!

Super Chunky This weight of yarn is popular for making winter coats
and jumpers. It’s also good for beginners because it produces quick
results. Good for furnishings.

Big Quick and easy to crochet with, big yarns are ideal for winter and
making bold statements. You'll need a big hook for this yarn – up to
20mm thick. Perfect for bold scarves and coats, as well as cosy
cushions and throws.

YARN LABELS

How to read the ball band on your yarn

A ball band is the piece of paper wrapped around the yarn, where

the manufacturers put all the information about the yarn. Have a

look at the annotations below to see what it all means. It’s a good

idea to keep your ball bands to refer back to when you wash a

garment, or if you decide to crochet the same pattern again.

MANUFACTURER’S

ADDRESS

Contact details

for the yarn

manufacturer.

RECOMMENDED

HOOK SIZE

Make your tension

square with this size,

but if it doesn’t

match, try a larger

or smaller hook. (If only

the knitting needle size

is given, you can use

this as a guide for the

hook size to use.)

YARN

CONTENT

The fibres that

make up the yarn.

This will affect

the look and feel

of the fabric and the

care instructions.

WEIGHT AND

QUANTITY

If your yarn length is

shown in metres,

multiply the number

by 1.09 to convert it

to yards (if needed).

TENSION

These numbers give you

a guide as to how many

stitches and rows you

should work in a 4x4in

(10x10cm) square.

YARN NAME AND

MANUFACTURER

The front of the ball

band usually

has this key

information.

CARE

INSTRUCTIONS

In standard symbols

and words. Ignore

these at your peril!

Give your yarn

the best care

to keep it

looking like new.

COLOUR NAME

OR NUMBER,

AND DYE LOT

NUMBER

Colours are usually

numbered. Check all

your yarn is from

the same dye lot for

consistent colour.

YARN WEIGHT UK/US CONVERSION

UK US Hook size

4ply Fingering/Sport 3-4mm
Double knitting Light worsted 3½-4½mm

Aran Fisherman/Worsted 4-5½mm

Chunky Bulky 5½-7mm

Super chunky Extra bulky 7-12mm