girl’s butterfly frill sleeve top
Introduction
The craft of crochet is quite young compared to other needlecrafts such as weaving and knitting. Historically, crochet was used in the mid 19th century to recreate the look of expensive European laces and, during Queen Victoria’s reign, it was widely used in clothing and household wares. Today, once again, crochet is as popular as ever for both pleasure and practical purposes. Whilst continuing traditions of the past, we can enjoy delving into tried and tested techniques and dipping into stitches, mixing them up with modern yarns and colours to give crochet a 21st century update.
Crochet is incredibly easy to get started with. Because it involves a repetition of the same movement – drawing the yarn through a loop on the hook – the basics are really quick to pick up. It can feel a little strange to start off with, especially if you are used to knitting, but the fingers soon learn the new movements and the rhythm becomes like a calming second nature. Most of the projects featured are quick to make, often taking only take a few evenings to produce and some larger projects are worked in pieces so are ideal to keep coming back to. You can easily carry your hook and yarn with you wherever you go, making it perfect for filling in those pockets of free time throughout the day. All the essential techniques you need are explained in detail at the beginning of the book and close-up photos of the projects show the stitch details, making them simple to follow.
Whether you are a complete beginner or already a crochet-pro, by working through the projects you will learn new skills. And, ultimately, what could be better than adding individuality to your outfit with a one-off fashion piece or real style to your home!
Tools
You don’t need much equipment to get started. The essentials are a hook, some yarn and a pair of sharp scissors. Other equipment can simply be added to your collection along the way.
Hooks There are a wide variety of hooks to choose from and it is a matter of personal choice as to the type of hook you prefer to use. The most commonly used hook is either aluminium or plastic. Smaller steel sizes are used for working with fine crochet threads and other aluminium hooks have plastic or soft-touch handles to give a better grip, making it a bit easier on the fingers. Bamboo and birchwood hooks have a very smooth finish and often have pretty decorative handles, which add to their appeal.
Hooks also come in a range of sizes from very thin to very thick. It tends to be the rule that thinner hooks are used for finer yarns and thicker hooks are used for thicker yarns, but you can have fun playing about with this once you know what you are doing.
Hooks are sized according to their thickness, either in a number or letter system depending on the brand. The different parts that make up the hook – the point, the throat, the thumb rest and the handle – can vary from brand to brand so try different types to see which one suits you best.
Whichever hook you choose, it’s important to look after your tools. It’s a good idea to invest in a hook roll with pockets or, alternatively, loops to keep everything in place. Or you could simply use a pencil case or make up bag to keep things tidy.
Pins The glass-headed pin is a good all rounder to have. They are the best type to use when blocking and pressing as plastic and pearl-headed pins can melt with the heat. Quilter’s long pins can also be useful when pinning pieces together as they tend not to fall out so easily, but generally I find that you can’t go wrong with plain-old safety pins.
Scissors Small pointed scissors are good for cutting and trimming ends and you may find that they also fit snugly in your hook case.
Sewing needles The main type of needle needed is a tapestry or yarn needle, which will have a blunt point and a long eye for threading thicker yarns through. They come in a variety of sizes and are the best type of needle for weaving in ends and sewing up crochet fabrics. You may find that you also need sewing needles with sharp points for certain projects such as applique motifs or adding lacy trims to woven fabric.
Stitch
