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

BASIC TECHNIQUES

N

ow you’re ready to work double
crochet stitches into your chain
length. We’ve suggested two
methods (below) for doing this. You might
find that one suits you better than the other,
so try both to find out. How tightly you
crochet will affect which one you prefer to

an extent, and you may use different

methods for different projects.

Some patterns will ask you to insert the

hook under one loop of the chain rather

than two, and this can work well if your

chain is a bit tight. If the stitches of the

foundation chain are too tight to work into

easily, undo it and rework it using a larger

hook. Then switch back to the smaller hook

to work the stitches of the pattern.

You’ll find that Method 2 below gives the

edge of the fabric a neater, more solid finish

and maintains the plaited look of the front

of the chain, giving your work a good finish.

WORK INTO CHAINS

Start crocheting by working stitches into your chain length

RIGHT-HAND

Insert your hook into the centre of the chain, as

shown, under two loops of the chain stitch. Then

catch the yarn with the hook and work your first

double crochet stitch, as instructed overleaf.

Insert your hook into the bump on the back of

the chain. Then catch the yarn with the hook

and work your first double crochet stitch, as

instructed overleaf.

METHOD 1

Insert your hook into the centre of the chain, as

shown, under two loops of the chain stitch. Then

catch the yarn with the hook and work your first

double crochet stitch, as instructed overleaf.

Insert your hook into the bump on the back of

the chain. Then catch the yarn with the hook

and work your first double crochet stitch, as

instructed overleaf.

METHOD 1 METHOD 2

METHOD 2

LEFT-HAND