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CROCHET
Beginner Crochet Block
With these basics, you can make a scarf, hat, pillow, bag or any number of projects.
What you need:
- Worsted-weight yarn, any color or colors
- Size G crochet hook;
- Yarn needle with big eye
- Small scissors How to begin
Step 1: Hold crochet hook in right hand and make a slip knot on hook.
Step 2: Bring yarn over hook from back to front and grab it with hook.
Step 3: Draw hooked yarn through slip knot and onto hook. This makes one chain stitch.
Repeat Steps 2 and 3 in sequence 28 more times. You should have 29 chain stitches and one loop will remain on hook.
Step 4: Skip the first chain stitch.
Step 5: Insert hook into center of next chain stitch. Draw yarn through the chain stitch and up onto the hook. There are now 2 loops on hook.
Step 6: Bring yarn over hook from back to front, and draw it through both loops on hook. One loop remains on the hook, and you have just made one single crochet stitch.
Repeat Steps 5 and 6 in each of the remaining 27 chains--be sure to work in the very last chain. You have now completed one row of single crochet. Measure your work; it should be about 7" wide. If it is too wide, try again with fewer beginning chains. If it is too narrow, try again with more beginning chains.
Step 7: At the end of the row, make one chain stitch, then turn the work counter-clockwise, leaving the hook in the chain.
Now you can begin another row, working into the stitches of the previous row.
Step 8: Make one single crochet stitch in first stitch and in each remaining stitch of the previous row. Be sure to work into the last stitch. Chain 1, turn.
Repeat Step 8 until the block measures 9" long.
Finishing: Cut the yarn from the skein, leaving a 6" end. Draw the hook straight up, bringing the yarn through the remaining loop on the hook.
Thread yarn into yarn needle and weave back and forth through stitches to secure.
CONGRATS, you are now a crocheter!!
Blocking
There are many different ways to block. But I am going to share with you the easiest.
By the way, make sure you can use an iron on your piece. Certain materials may melt.
If you have a many pieces to put together, block them seperately before joining. (Much, much much easier)
Now. Get your iron, a towel, maybe two towels, and your ironing board, or any flat surface will do. I have used my kitchen counter at times lol. And in a pinch the floor works too lol.
First, shape your piece. Pull and tug as necessary.
Then, wet the towel and wring it out. Place the very damp towel on the board and press with the hot iron. The steam from the towel presses the piece.
You just blocked.
How to apply fabric stiffeners:
Commercial Brands/Glue & Water:
It's suggested in most pattern instructions to dip your completed piece in the solution. Usually brand name bottles state to "soak" the piece until it's saturated. I don't prefer this method myself, although I do state in my instructions to dip your crocheted piece in the solution. For best results, I use my finger tips and dab the solution on the piece. I press the mixture into the fibers without rubbing the material. I continue to work around the piece, dabbing solution on and pressing in with my finger tips, while holding it just above the bowl of solution. When done, your piece won't be bunched up from having to squeeze out the excess. It retains it's shape and allows for easier molding. I also dilute commercial fabric stiffeners with enough water for a consistency of thick pancake mixture.
Cornstarch/Starch Mixture:
After cooking the mixture and allowing to cool slightly. Dip your crocheted piece in the solution and press the mixture into the piece with your hands. Take a clean linen towel and fold in half. Remove the crocheted piece from the solution, gently squeeze out excess being careful not to twist or wring the piece and place between the folds of the towel. Press so the towel will absorb any extra solution. Move the crocheted piece to a dry area of the towel and continue to press the towel, absorbing the excess solution.
Sugar & Water Solutions:
Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Dip your crocheted piece in the solution and allow it to absorb the mixture into all the fibers. Gently squeeze out excess being careful not to twist or wring the piece.
Other Methods:
Depending on the solution you use, it's advisable to squeeze out the excess solution being careful to never twist or wring the piece.
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