The Crochet Chain

Crochet Basics: How To Hold Your Hook

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:07:00 GMT

Welcome to Crochet Basics 101. Over the next few blogs we will go through the basics of crochet and hopefully inspire you to try this wonderful craft.

The first things to learn is how to hold your crochet hook. There are two basic ways to hold your hook:

Hold your hook like you are holding your pencil, or
Hold your hook in the overhand method similar to holding a knife

Either way works great. I use the pencil hold but ironically I hold my pencil different than most people so really you can modify your holding style a little to whatever works best for you.

Book Review of Granny Squares Now by Susan Cottrell

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:53:00 GMT

I had to pass on my opinion of the book Granny Squares Now: Dozens of Fresh Takes on a Crochet Classic by Susan Cottrell because I am so inspired by it.

The book has the following sections:

Intro and Before You Begin
Granny Squares and Motifs
Embellishments
Granny Square Creations
Metric Conversion Charts

The "Before You Begin" section is a great introduction to crochet and crochet basics. It presents the information in an easy to understand method and shows you that crochet is very easy to learn. It also takes the time to explain crochet, the importance of gauge and simple finishing techniques. It also points out how patterns can vary dramatically with just small changes in the pattern. The author explains how easy it is to apply the motifs to your own pattern which is incredibly helpful if this is your first time to make granny squares.

The book presents a wealth of different granny square patterns. The show the versatility of crochet and how you can use different colours or yarns to create scrumptious squares. I find the patterns with accompanying photos really inspires your creative side.

The next section is on embellishments which shows how you can incorporate your granny squares into your wardrobe. Again the author is very inspiring by showing you how you can use many different colours and textures to spruce up any garment.

Following this section, there is a great section with creations to make completely out of granny squares. My favorites include some cozy slippers, a stunning ribbon skirt, an uptown shrug as well as two wonderful afghan throws/rugs.

I just love the fresh new ideas presented in this book. The author shows you that the granny square technique is simple yet so intricate and stylish.

I think to sum this review up, it is best said in the authors own words....this book truly shows that "today's granny squares aren't square!" We do stock this book, but if we are sold out we are more than happy to special order it for you!

To Journal Or Not To Journal, That Is The Question

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 06:37:00 GMT

A craft journal was given to me once and to be honest I never used it. In retrospect I wish I had used it and kept track of all the yarns I loved and hated. It would have been a great reference to have.

What is great is that now you can journal on your online blog, on Ravelry or the old fashioned way in a handy dandy notebook (sorry I have a little one so sometimes I have to watch Blues Clues while having my morning tea).

I am now endeavouring to start one and I thought I would share the type of stuff I think is worth keeping track of:

Title of the Project/Pattern and Where You Got the Idea From
Type of Yarn Used and Amount
Colour of the Yarn
Crochet Hook Size Used
Gauge/Tension of the Project
Recommended Care Instructions for the Yarn
Any Problems with the Pattern or Any Pattern Adjustments
Notes on Anything You Liked (or Didn't Like)
A Photo of the Finished Item

The Tool of the Trade: The Crochet Hook

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 03:58:00 GMT

To get started crocheting, you just need a crochet hook and some worsted weight yarn. I find that worsted weight is the best weight to begin with. I have not crocheted in ages (years I am ashamed to say)...but I have been wanting to get back into it so together we will go through the basics and build on our craft. Hopefully I am not too rusty!

To learn the basics we should first look at the crochet hook. There are many sizes from 2.25mm (B/1) to 19mm (S). Steel hooks are commonly used with the number and are for thin yarns. I do not use steel hooks or needles as I find wood and plastic much easier to use and I like to work with thicker yarns. But it is all personal choice, right? But I know for those of you who like really fine lace projects, you will use steel hooks more often than not. I have put up a handy hook size conversion chart to help you work out sizes between metric, US and the imperial system.

To start I would use a size 5mm (H or 6 on the imperial system). Do not worry about gauge yet as it is more important to learn the stitches first.

With your yarn choice a great bright or light colour as I find they are easier to see the stitches with in the beginning. Also, use a smooth yarn like merino or cashmere. Any novelty, furry or fuzzy yarn will just frustrate you in the beginning. After you get the hang of the stitches you can try to be adventurous and use them.

Now you have your hook and your yarn...we are ready to begin and learn the basics of crochet!

How To Convert Knitting Needle Sizes To Crochet Hook Sizes

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 04:05:00 GMT

Quite often we find a yarn we love but we do not know the crochet hook size that would work best. The following chart will help you determine the crochet hook size best suited for a particular yarn based on the provided knitting needle size on the yarn.

Crochet Hook Size	Knitting Needle Size in US Sizes	Knitting Needle Size in Metric Sizes
B	1	2.25
C	2	2.75
D	3	3.25
E	4	3.5
F	5	3.75
-	6	4
G	7	4.5
h	8	5
i	9	5.5
J	10	6
K	10.5	6.5

Common Crochet Abbreviations

Sat, 30 May 2009 10:39:00 GMT

The following is a list of common abbreviations used in crochet patterns. This will helps us get ready for upcoming projects. Please let us know if we have forgotten any by adding in a comment below this post. We will then add it to the list!

alt			alternate
approx			approximately
beg			beginning/begin
bet			between
BL			back loops
bo			booble
BP			back post
BPdc			back post double crochet
BPsc			back post single crochet
BPtr			back post treble crochet
CA			colour A
CB			colour B
CC			contrasting colour
CL			cluster
cont			continue
dc			double crochet
dc2tog			double crochet two stitches together
dec			decrease/decreases/decreasing
dtr			double treble
FL			front loops
foll			follow/follows/following
FP			front post
FPdc			front post double crochet
FPsc			front post single crochet
FPtr			front post treble crochet
hdc			half double crochet
inc			increase/increases/increasing
lp			loops
lps			loops
MC			main colour
p			picot
patt			pattern/patterns
pc			popcorn
pm			place maker
prev			previous
rem			remain/remaining
rep			repeat/repeats
rnd			round/rounds
rnds			rounds
RS			right side
sc			single crochet
sc2tog			single crochet 2 stitches together
sk			skip
Sl st			slip stitch
sp			space
sps			spaces
st			stitch/stitches
sts			stitches
tch			turning chain
t-ch			turning chain
tbl			through back loop
tog			together
tr			treble crochet
trtr			triple treble crochet
WS			wrong side
yo			yarn over
yoh			yarn over hook

Crochet Pain? Some Info On Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Fri, 01 May 2009 10:11:00 GMT

Not too long ago I was at the doctor's for a check up and found out that I had Carpal Tunnel syndrome. The doctor uttered those unimaginable, dreaded words...."You must take a break from knitting and crocheting!"

My Carpal Tunnel is related to my pregnancy but I know many people develop it as a result of repetitive finger and thumb motions. When I got home that day, I quickly researched what causes carpal tunnel and what can be done about it because I could not imagine not being able to knit or crochet!

WHAT IS CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by abnormal pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. The median nerve rests in the "tunnel" shaped structure called the Carpal Tunnel. This tunnel is filled to the brim with tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and the median nerve. There is not much room left so when any of the structures in this "tunnel" become enlarged and swollen, pressure is exerted onto the median nerve which results in pain, burning, numbness, tingling or weakness. These symptoms can progress to the point where an individual loses strength in their hand as well as possibly losing the ability to make a fist or pick up objects.

WHAT CAUSES CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME?

The most common cause of Carpal Tunnel syndrome is repetitive motions when the hand is flexed at the wrist. These motions exert pressure on the carpal tunnel area and the tendons and ligaments react by swelling, thus putting pressure on the median nerve.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel syndrome include prolonged computer keyboard typing, driving long distance, use of tools, fluid retention, cysts, tumours, wrist fractures and arthritis. In my case, the swelling associated with pregnancy caused my Carpal Tunnel.

Some theories state that some individuals might be at higher risk of developing Carpal Tunnel syndrome due to their genetics. Basically, their genes determine the size of the Carpal Tunnel therefore some of us may just have a smaller amount of "room" in our tunnel compared to others.

IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME?

In my case I was told to use a wrist splint to keep my wrist mobilized. This gives the area a good rest and kept me from doing anything that may irritate the condition. I also used this when I slept as I found that I would wake up with that infamous "pins and needles" feeling in my hand.

The doctor advised me to do some stretching and isometric exercises to help the wrist and prevent the condition from worsening. He also mentioned that when I do start my knitting up again, that I should take frequent breaks.

I did some research to find what other things have worked for Carpal Tunnel sufferers who are knitters and crocheters. One site recommended that you keep several projects going at once that used different gauges and types of yarns and needles....I was really happy to read this suggestions as my husband always laughs at how many projects I have going at one time. He always asks..."why do you not do one at a time?"...I told him he just would not understand unless he learned to knit!

Another suggestion for when your pain is really bad, is to do a project that uses an elastic yarn versus a non-elastic yarn until the pain subsides. You can also use circular needles versus straight during a really painful time with your Carpal Tunnel. Circular needles tend to take the weight off your hands and wrists in comparison to straight needles.

Other suggestions include knitting and crocheting in a warmer room as you are more likely to develop joint stiffness in cold environments. Also, improving ones posture and making sure you are not bending your wrist too much while knitting and crocheting can help avoid putting too much pressure on the area.

KNITTING AND CROCHET IS BENEFICIAL TO YOUR HEALTH!

Remember knitting and crochet should be beneficial to your health...not harmful! So if you are experiencing painful episodes in your hands and wrists like I did, then you should see your doctor to be properly diagnosed.

Thankfully, in my case, my symptoms should start subsiding now that I have had my gorgeous little one. So I will be able to continue my knitting and crocheting soon....I just have to first figure out how to do it without falling asleep (since I am bit sleep deprived at the moment!).

Crochet Versus Knitting....What are the Differences??

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 01:06:00 GMT

I know this is a debate that comes up sometimes in knitting/crochet circles. I actually have a friend who loves knitting so much that she will not even consider trying crochet (though she does do some of her edgings in crochet). I personally love both crochet and knitting. So I thought I would point out the differences for those who are trying to decide which craft to learn first.

The most obvious difference is that crochet uses a hook whereas knitting uses at least two needles. The benefit of this for crocheters is that there is only one "active" stitch...whereas in knitting you have a whole row of "active" stitches...so you can get yourself in trouble easier with knitting and losing a stitch.
If you drop a stitch in crochet you do not have to worry about a "run" in your fabric like you do with knitting. Of course dropping a stitch will still cause you issues, but it is not always as disastrous as when you drop a stitch in knitting. (How disastrous this is may be a real matter of personal opinion...I just find I will freak out more with a drop stitch in knitting)
In knitting each stitch is supported by the stitch in the row above whereas in crochet each stitch is support by the stitches on either side of it, so this means if you have a whole or break in your yarn, your crochet will actually remain intact (whereas in knitting the fabric can quickly unravel leaving you with a tricky situation).

Cylindrical patterns are easy to make with crochet using one hook, whereas in knitting you will need circular needles or a bunch of double sided needles which can get confusing for some (though I promise, the more you use these needles the easier it becomes)
With crochet you can make multi-dimensional projects easily because new stitches can be made almost anywhere in your project. I think this is why there are so many embellishments on knitting which are made with crochet (I am thinking of this gorgeous pattern I want to do at some point that has these great crocheted pieces on it but the yarn is still sitting in my stash...another one of those projects I tell my husband I will get to one day soon).
The last point reminds me that crocheted items are full of "texture" so you will not ever find yourself crocheting socks (as no one likes walking around with "bumpy" socks). Knitting results in a smoother fabric, so all your knitted socks will feel divine on your feet!

Knitting can easily be done by hand or machine, whereas crochet is strictly done by hand.
Finishing a crocheted piece is very simple...just cut your thread and draw the yarn through the final loop. It is over in seconds. In knitting you must bind off all your stitches one by one, then draw the yarn through the last stitch.
Crochet will use approximately one third more (about 33% more) yarn than knitting for a project of the same size and dimensions
Crocheted fabric has less give and stretch than knitted fabric and can be sometimes be more dense. (This makes sense when you think of the structure and stability of crocheted stitches and their slight independence from the other stitches and rows)
A friend of mine who mainly crochets has said that crocheting takes less time, in comparison to knitting, when making a jumper....I am a "fence sitter" for this statement because I would think it really depends on the exact pattern and so forth.

So which craft is better? NEITHER!!! I think they are BOTH wonderful and therapeutic and I would recommend everyone to try them both.

The Elegant Crocheted Doily...What Ever Are They For?

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 02:25:00 GMT

What is a doily for exactly?

A doily is an ornamental mat that was originally crafted in the UK during 17th century. They were made to protect wood on tables from being scratched or damaged...so I guess you can think of them as original "coasters" to place your drinks upon.

Doilies have incredibly intricate patterns that resemble the catersian coordinates system in mathematics. They are usually made with the smallest of crochet hooks...my hands just ache thinking about it!

The craft of crocheting doilies is not seen that often and it is often considered very old-fashioned, but thankfully there are plenty of enthusiasts who keep the art going. A doily is an absolutely beautiful piece of art...so I hope we crocheters keep it going for generations to come.

I remember as a girl I had quite a few gorgeous, but very delicate doilies and I really loved them (I wonder what happened to them??). I think doilies can make any decor more elegant!

National Crochet Month Is Here!

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 01:56:00 GMT

It is National Crochet Month! To celebrate we should pull out our yarn and get hooking!

Did you know that crochet is basically like a continuous knot that travels through the entire project?

Crochet is generally worked in rows or in the round. With crochet you can make some incredible things with the smallest of hooks imaginable. The resultant crocheted fabric is not as stretchy as knitted fabric.

Granny Square patterns are a fabulous way to use up any leftover yarn you have from other projects. You can use these to make some wonderful blankets and afghans!

What So Many Of Us "Try" to Avoid...Crocheting a Swatch Before We Start Our Project!

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 11:55:00 GMT

I have also posted this on my blog Knitting Notions and Purls of Wisdom because I think this is an important part of our kntiting and crocheting lives.

I know we all do it at some point. We get tempted to skip this step of a project and we give in to that urge, only to find at the end that we have a ridiculous large (or small and stiff) finished item. Or you could wind up with an item that is very uneven and disproportionate. It is so heartbreaking that you spend all that time doing your project to have it come out this way. You just have to cry!

What is the best way to avoid this scenario? Always crochet a swatch....and I mean always. I know we can easily talk ourselves out of doing this but it really is an important step in a successful project. Afterall, it would be ashame to have to unravel your gorgeous sweater or jumper that you just spent so much time making. Who wants to have to do that? (Speaking from experience...it can bring tears to your eyes when you are pulling it all apart and having to start over)

I have always wondered why we avoid swatching? I tend to knit and crochet with a loose tension on my swatches which has surprised me...I always expect to have it come out tighter because I am so anxious to get the swatch completed that you would think that my "tension" would results in a tighter swatch "tension." Or maybe because I am going so fast to get it over with that I do not pull my yarn tight enough? Regardless, I find my tension sometimes does change slightly between the swatch and the actually project I am working on. So I have learned that it is best to do a large swatch first to ensure that I get a true representation of my actual project.

I guess we just have to remind ourselves that everyone knits and crochets differently and our own tension can actually change as well. I know that during stressful times I seem to wind up with a tighter tension. Therefore, since our tension can change a swatch is important to make before all our projects (even when we really want to skip making it).

I think the best method here is to think of your swatch as your test run with the yarn or pattern. You can get used to the way the yarn handles and find out if there are any issues with it. For example, maybe it is the first time you are using a ribbon yarn? So you do a swatch and get used to how the stitches work and how the drape of the fabric comes out. Maybe you are working with a mohair yarn and your last 10 projects were all a smooth cashmere or merino? So you complete a swatch to get used to the "furriness" and how it works with your needle or hook. Or maybe you are trying a new cable or lace pattern with a yarn you have used for ages? Again, making a swatch will get you used to how the yarn handles this new stitch pattern and if there are any issues you need to watch out for. Lastly, with colour, maybe you are wanting to combine two colours together but you are not sure if they will come out looking fabulous together? So sit back and complete your swatch to see if you like how they look.

Making a swatch only takes about a half an hour to do on average so it is not much time when you consider how much time it will take for your actual project. It is much better (and easier) to work out any "kinks" with your project in the beginning instead of at the end when it is too late. Swatching is your best tool to ensure a great finished result because it will get you comfortable with that new yarn or pattern before you start the "real deal." It will help you achieve more accurate and precise measurements in your project.

Swatches basically are the first step in working out if you need to make any adjustments with your pattern in order to have it fit perfectly. Your swatch does not have to perfectly fit the pattern...obviously it should be close to the recommended gauge...but it can also help you make a custom fit. I am sometimes in between sizes so I use my swatch as a basis for how I can make slight alterations to the pattern to make the end result fit better. You could consider making swatches as the first step towards learning how to design your own patterns.

One last thing about a swatch is that it may help you realise you absolutely hate the yarn you are working with. At least it saved you so much time and pain from trying to do a project with a yarn you just cannot stand. So I guess the moral of this story is that we really need to make swatches our friend and not our enemy. (This way we do not get frustrated and wind up unravelling all that hard work!)

Famous People Who Crochet

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 11:56:00 GMT

Did you know there are quite a few celebrities and world leaders that crochet?

Just to name a few celebrities...Madonna, Meryl Streep, Debra Messing and Bette Midler. The famous Golden Girl Estelle Getty also crochets...which she did regularly on the show! Also, the former NFL Gridiron Defensive Lineman Rosie Grier was an avid crocheter and even published a book about crocheting all for men! (That is so cool!)

As for world leaders...England's Queen Victoria also crocheted and wore her projects out in public. Another famous crocheter was the US President James Buchanan.

Does anyone know of any others? (I am sure there are sooooooooo many!)

Needlework Crafts Keep Your Healthy: One More Reason to Have a Massive Yarn Stash

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 06:22:00 GMT

I had originally posted this in my "Knitting Notions" blog...but for those of you who just follow my crochet blog I thought I would add this here as well.....it is very interesting stuff!

Experts say that knitting and crocheting help to keep us healthy by lowering our stress levels as well as keeping us balanced. I think most of us will already agree that this is true...but science now has actual "evidence" to show that knitting and crocheting has a positive effect on the body.

Today we are overwhelmingly exposed to graphics and audio signals which flood our senses constantly. Knitting and crocheting gives us a "time out" from this overload, therefore giving our body some much needed relaxation.

Science has shown that people who allow themselves to take part in activities that they really enjoy are less likely to get sick, anxious or depressed. The happiness we experience from taking the time out to knit or crochet actually halts the release of cortisol which is a stress hormone that has been shown to weaken the immune system. Therefore, our crafting helps us reduce stress and boost our immune system. This effect decreases our chances of catching that awful flu or cold going around town!

The repetitive motions of knitting and crocheting activate the same areas of the brain that meditation and yoga do. This activation lowers blood pressure as well as our heart rate and can reduce overall pain levels. The clicking and clacking of the needles, or the looping of the hook, induce a calming mantra on the body just like meditation does. In fact, knitting and crocheting have been beneficial in reducing asthma, panic attacks as well as helping to manage ADHD in children.

So with this evidence in mind, we should be encouraging everyone to pick up their knitting needles and crochet hooks for a little while everyday! I guess it is like the saying "An apple a day"...but instead we should saying "knitting and crocheting every day will help keep the doctor away!"

Crochet and Mathematics?!

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 11:57:00 GMT

Did you know that crochet has been able to replicate complex mathematics?

The concept of hyperbolic geometry has been very difficult to demonstrate in two-dimensions, but it was discovered recently that crochet can illustrate this with ease.

What a fabulous and incredible achievement!

The Mysterious Origins of Crochet

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:44:00 GMT

Unlike knitting, the origin of crochet is shrouded in mystery. There is little evidence found which dates earlier than the 1800s to help work out this mystery.

Even though there is a lack of evidence, many historians agree that crochet must have been an early art form because of its simplicity. Basic crocheted items could have easily been created with the use of fingers instead of an actual hook.

There are three possible locations where crochet may have originated:

It began as an art in Arabia and spread to Europe and Asia via the trade routes
It is based on a technique used by primitive tribes of South America
Chinese needlework called tambouring (which is similar to modern crochet but is done on a frame)

Wherever crochet began, it eventually made its way to France where it was used in delicate lace making. The word crochet actually originates from the Middle French word "croche" which means hook.

During the Irish Famine in the 19th century, it was said that a group of nuns taught some children how to crochet so that they could sell the items for charity. It was also around this time that instructions for many of the beautiful lace crochet patterns were produced. This made it much easier to teach others how to craft their own crocheted pieces and the art form began to take off in popularity.

Over the 20th century crochet was very popular after World War II and also during the 1960s and 70s when granny square motifs were part of modern fashion. Crochet has also become more and more popular in the last ten years with the new resurgence in needlework crafts and also with high fashion bringing back retro crochet clothing.