Crochet Patterns For Dummies®
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Copyright © 2007 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
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Library of Congress Control Number: 2007931552
ISBN: 978-0-470-04555-8
Manufactured in the United States of America
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Susan Brittain’s fascination with crochet began very early, when she was 4 or 5 years old. She would watch her grandmother, who had lost her sight in midlife, spend hours crocheting beautiful afghans for friends and family, counting the stitches with her fingers. By the age of 8, Susan was crocheting her own projects, starting with simple patterns such as scarves, and then moving on to afghans, toys, and sweaters. Although her creative streak has led her to learn many different crafts, crochet has been a steady thread throughout.
Susan finally had the opportunity to combine work with pleasure, and she held the position of assistant editor for Crochet Fantasy magazine for a little more than two years, contributing as a designer as well. She is also the coauthor of Crocheting For Dummies (Wiley) and con- tinues to design new projects for various yarn companies, as well as friends and family.
This book is first and foremost dedicated to my family, without whom I could never have completed this book. They gave me the time and space I needed to crochet all the designs, and then get them down on paper. My husband, Paul, and daughter, Angela, put up with boxes and bags of yarn, late meals, and piles of laundry that never seemed to quite get finished. Also, to my stepdaughters, Ashley and Sarah, who provided me with insights about what crochet projects the younger generation would like to see. Ashley even took a whole box of yarn and hooks with her when she went off to college.
Again, my gratitude goes to my family, the most important people in my life.
First of all, I’d like to thank Lindsay Lefevere at Wiley Publishing for giving me the opportunity to write another For Dummies book and, hopefully, expose more people to the craft of crochet. Even though crochet is “in” these days, it’s a dying art, and I’d hate to see it go by the wayside. I want to thank Elizabeth Kuball, my first project editor, and Alissa Schwipps, my second and final PE, for attempting to keep me on track and for their wonderful insights, even though I probably gave both of them some sleepless nights. Thanks also go to Vicki Adang, my copy editor, for her creativity with words and making sense of my sometimes mixed-up wording.
I have to thank my husband, Paul, and my daughter, Angela, for putting up with piles of yarn, hooks, and notes scattered throughout the house and my distraction when designing a new project.
Many thanks go to Lynn Carlisle of Caron Yarns, as well as Kathleen Sams and Terri Geck at Coats & Clark for so willingly supplying me with some fabulous yarn for many of these projects.
I also send many thanks to Elizabeth, Chelsea, Savannah, and Lu for helping me out when this book was in its beginning stages.
And last but not least, thanks to the readers, who I hope get as much enjoyment from reading this book as I did from writing it.
We’re proud of this book; please send us your comments through our Dummies online registration form located at www.dummies.com/register/.
Some of the people who helped bring this book to market include the following:
Acquisitions, Editorial, and Media Development
Senior Project Editor: Alissa Schwipps
Project Editor: Elizabeth Kuball
Acquisitions Editor: Lindsay Lefevere
Copy Editor: Victoria M. Adang
Technical Editor: Karen Frisa
Senior Editorial Manager: Jennifer Ehrlich
Editorial Assistants: Leeann Harney, Erin Calligan Mooney, Joe Niesen
Cover Photo: Kreber
Cartoons: Rich Tennant (www.the5thwave.com)
Composition Services
Project Coordinator: Jennifer Theriot
Layout and Graphics: Stacie Brooks, Carrie A. Foster, Brooke Graczyk, Denny Hager, Stephanie D. Jumper, Laura Pence, Alicia B. South, Erin Zeltner
Illustrations: Many illustrations in this book are based on illustrations published in Crochet Fantasy magazine, an All American Crafts publication; other illustrations are based on the art of Karen Manthey.
Photography: Photographs, Kreber/Mark Madden; Art Direction, Kreber/LeeAnn Kolka; Set Stylist, Kreber/Suzanne King
Anniversary Logo Design: Richard Pacifico
Proofreaders: Betty Kish, Susan Moritz, Christy Pingleton
Indexer: Sherry Massey
Publishing and Editorial for Consumer Dummies
Diane Graves Steele, Vice President and Publisher, Consumer Dummies
Joyce Pepple, Acquisitions Director, Consumer Dummies
Kristin A. Cocks, Product Development Director, Consumer Dummies
Michael Spring, Vice President and Publisher, Travel
Kelly Regan, Editorial Director, Travel
Publishing for Technology Dummies
Andy Cummings, Vice President and Publisher, Dummies Technology/General User
Composition Services
Gerry Fahey, Vice President of Production Services
Debbie Stailey, Director of Composition Services
Title
Introduction
About This Book
Conventions Used in This Book
Foolish Assumptions
How This Book Is Organized
Icons Used in This Book
Where to Go from Here
Part I : Reinforcing Your Crochet Foundation
Chapter 1: Gearing Up and Getting Started
Taking a Look at the Crochet Hook
Comprehending Yarn Complexities
Getting Your Fingers Moving
It’s in the Bag: Completing Your Crochet Kit
Chapter 2: Gauge and Garments: Sizing Facts and Figures
Practicing with a Gauge Swatch
Sizing Your Garment
Picking the Right Pattern Size
Chapter 3: Sum and Substance: Reading a Pattern
Interpreting the Written Instructions
Decoding the Diagram
Chapter 4: Brushing Up on Stitch Basics
Keeping You in Stitches
Change Is Good: Adding New Yarn
The Ins and Outs of Increasing and Decreasing Stitches
You’ll Come Around: Crocheting in Circles
Part II : Hook, Yarn, Action! Crocheting Simple Projects
Chapter 5: Working in the First Dimension
Practical Potholders
Handy Headbands
A Smart Scarf
Wooly Warmer Afghan
Chapter 6: Expanding and Diminishing Dimensions: Adding Shape
Beaded-Fringe Belt
Shades-of-Gray Shawl
Festive Diamond-Shaped Table Runner
Curlicue Scarf
Chapter 7: Going in Circles: Crocheting in the Round
Flirty Denim Skirt
Coffee Suede Beret
Red Velvet Crusher Hat
Bella Drawstring Bag
Chapter 8: Coloring It In
A Scarf of a Different Color
Denim Cloche
Wavy Chevron Throw
Cozy Chenille Throw Rug
Chapter 9: Mixing It Up: A Few Changes Make a Dramatic Difference
Beads-’n’-Bows Belt
Ruffles-’n’-Bows Scarf
Child’s Rolled-Brim Hat
Adult’s Rolled-Brim Hat
Part III : Putting Your Skills to the Test
Chapter 10: Seams Sew Easy: Joining Pieces Together
Furry Boa Pillow
Flower-Power Belt
Southwest Vest
Chapter 11: Finding the Loopholes and Creative Combinations
Elegant Evening Wrap
Double-Crossing Belt
Love Those Loops Scarf
Geometric Wrap
Chapter 12: Sensational Sweaters
Vertical Stripes Tunic
Lacy Bolero
Springtime Pullover
Shell Stitch Tank Top
Fur-Trimmed Jacket
Chapter 13: Timeless Techniques: Using the Afghan Stitch and Filet Crochet
Afghan Stitch Baby Blanket
Tunisian Stitch Tote Bag
Love-to-Read Bookmark
Heartland Window Valance
Chapter 14: Mixing Traditional Stitches with Contemporary Materials
Not Your Granny’s Scarf
Shells and Lace Pillowcase Edging
Honey, I Shrunk My Bag
Hemp Basket
Wire-’n’-Beads Necklace
Part IV : The Part of Tens
Chapter 15: Nearly Ten Projects That Take an Hour or So
Lacy Bookmark
Geometric Coaster Set
Fun Fur Scrunchies
Friendship Bracelet
Velvet Roses
Pocket Patches
Stemmed-Glass Markers
Must-See Fur Frame
Standout Luggage Tags
Chapter 16: Ten-Plus Tips for Caring for Your Crochet
Be a Pack Rat: Save the Labels
Show You Care: Attach Your Own Care Labels
Forget Dishpan Hands. Get Afghan Hands!
Blocking for a Better Shape
Take It to the Cleaners
Get a Load of This: Machine Washing
Let It Go for a Spin: Machine Drying
Iron It — but Only If You Must
Put Those Hangers Away!
Dazzling Displays and Safe Storage
Get Rid of Those Pesky Pills
Chapter 17: Ten Kid-Friendly Projects
Blue Note Scarf
Wear Your Heart Pin
MP3 Player Cover
Beadies Can-Cozy
Page Runner
Camouflage Belt
Chocolate Lace Headband
Chain-Link Bracelet
Think Pink Pocket Purse
Beaded Anklet
Part V : Appendixes
Appendix A: Crochet Stitches
Slipknot
Chain Stitch (ch)
Slip Stitch (sl st)
Single Crochet Stitch (sc)
Double Crochet Stitch (dc)
Triple Crochet Stitch (tr)
Double Triple Crochet (dtr)
Half Double Crochet Stitch (hdc)
Decrease 1 Single Crochet Stitch (dec 1 sc)
Decrease 1 Double Crochet Stitch (dec 1 dc)
V-stitch
Crossed Double Crochet Stitch
Shell Stitch
Picot
Cluster Stitch
Reverse Single Crochet Stitch (reverse sc)
Puff Stitch
Popcorn Stitch (pop or pc)
Bobble Stitch
Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc)
Back Post Double Crochet Stitch (BPdc)
Long (Spike) Stitch
Fringe
Tassels
Whipstitch
Blanket Stitch
Appendix B: Yarn Supply Sources
: Further Reading
There’s nothing like being able to sit down in a favorite chair for a while to catch up on some much needed down time, whether it’s in the evening after the dinner dishes are done or on a rainy afternoon. If you’re anything like me, though, you find it hard to just sit. This is when I like to get my crocheting out and sit and relax, but still be creative at the same time.
As with any new skill, practice makes perfect. Even after 30-plus years of working with a hook and yarn, I still learn new techniques and new ways to do old things. Mastering the basics is, of course, essential, and even if you’ve been crocheting for a while, it never hurts to review skills that may be a little rusty.
Crochet Patterns For Dummies was written so you can practice and enhance your skills in this time-honored craft, while at the same time create designs that are both useful and fashionable.
The craft of crochet has been around for hundreds of years, originally developed out of necessity, and then continued throughout the ages because of the beautiful designs that can be created. I can’t even begin to count the variations of stitches that can be crocheted, but one thing I can tell you is that they all begin with the basics. For that reason, I give you projects in this book that allow you to develop a strong foundation of the most commonly used stitches and stitch patterns.
Patterns’ skill levels are categorized as Beginner, Easy, Intermediate, or Advanced, and some pattern books note the skill level using one of the following symbols:
I don’t include the symbols in this book because most of the patterns fall into the Beginner and Easy categories. I note which patterns are more advanced in the pattern introductions. Each chapter is organized so the patterns graduate from the least to the most complicated, so you can pick and choose where you want to begin.
Each part of this book focuses on a different aspect of crochet, and the parts are further broken down into chapters pertaining to specific information, such as
Hook and yarn information, and how to choose the right materials
Deciphering crochet lingo, reading a pattern, and understanding garment sizing
A review of the basic stitches and stitch combinations, with a concise appendix containing step-by-step instructions for working these stitches
Loads of patterns separated into chapters for specific skills used
To give you an idea of what the projects look like when they’re finished, I include photos:
Each set of project instructions within the chapter includes a photo of the completed item.
In the center of the book, you can find color photos of the projects. These photos also give you a better idea about the yarn colors I chose. (Of course, if you’re not crazy about the yarn I used, you can always branch out on your own and choose colors that are more suited to your taste.)
Some instructions also include illustrations that show you stitch diagrams or project dimensions. Some things are easier to visualize than read about, and these illustrations are meant to show you how stitches or sizes relate.
Some projects include a “Variation” section after the basic instructions. This can be as simple as how to substitute materials, or it can give you ideas about creating a whole new project from the original pattern. Read these sections even if you don’t want to employ them. They can expand your knowledge about crochet and how you can adapt designs and patterns.
The best thing about this book is that you don’t have to read it cover to cover. You choose where to start. If something looks interesting, go ahead and flip to that chapter. If you need a refresher on a certain skill used, go ahead and flip back, make a practice swatch, and then continue on with the project.
The following conventions are used throughout the text to make the patterns consistent and easy to understand:
New terms appear in italic and are closely followed by an easy-to-understand definition.
Bold is used to highlight the action parts of numbered steps and for keywords in bulleted lists.
When you see a set of bulleted (•) instructions in this book, work the stitches through once, and then go back and repeat them the number of times indicated.
If a new skill is introduced that is not included elsewhere in the book, you’ll find it listed within that particular pattern under the heading “New skills.” In that section, you’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to work that particular stitch.
The specific part of an illustration that relates to the step you’re working on is shaded dark gray. For example, if you’re inserting your hook into a certain stitch, only that stitch is shaded so you can clearly see where to go.
The patterns included in this book are all written in typical crochet fashion, as you’d see in any publication. Crochet has a language all its own, most of it abbreviated. To brush up on the lingo, see Chapter 4.
My greatest hope is that, by picking up this book, you are looking to further develop the crochet skills that you already possess. If you have a working knowledge of the basics and are ready to take your skills to the next level, then you’ve come to the right place. This book does contain a little bit of very basic, beginner-level information to help jog your memory, but you should have at least some prior experience.
If you’re looking to learn to crochet from the start, then look around the bookshelves for Crocheting For Dummies, the companion book to this one. In that book, you’ll find in-depth information about crochet from start to finish. If you’re feeling really adventurous, pick up both books so you’ll have a complete set.
This book is divided into five easily identifiable parts, with a total of 17 chapters and two appendixes. Any brand-new stitches that are introduced within a particular chapter are illustrated in the “New skills” section. If at any point it seems that you need specific knowledge about a concept, I’ll point you in the right direction.
This part contains all the reference material you need to crochet your way through the rest of the book. It starts off with choosing the right hook and yarn, and then moves on to figuring out gauge. Information about reading patterns, sizing garments, and understanding stitches and their relationships to each other is included in this section. And last, but not least, you can refresh your memory about how to change colors correctly, increasing and decreasing stitches, and crocheting in a circle.
Part II has five chapters packed full of patterns designed to get your fingers moving. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of the basic skills. You can choose a project in which you concentrate on crocheting your stitches evenly, or one that has you shaping the design through increases and decreases. You can make great accessories while crocheting in the round, or you can crochet multicolored patterns designed to get you into the color-changing mode.
Ready to take your skills a step further? The patterns in this part of the book combine all of the basics and more. I include a whole bunch of sweater designs, as well as more home décor and accessories. You’ll use some slightly more advanced techniques, as well as see what it’s like to work with unconventional materials such as hemp and wire.
Not to be outdone, Part IV has loads of patterns as well. Included are quick ’n’ easy designs that are great for when you need a creative fix. I also came up with a whole bunch of designs with the younger set in mind. I hope these patterns get them crocheting, but they’re great for you to make as gifts for tweens and teens as well. This part also contains information on caring for your work after it’s done.
When you get stuck, turn to this part for a little help. Appendix A walks you through how to do basic and not-so-basic crochet stitches. Appendix B provides yarn companies’ names and contact info that you can use when you can’t find the yarn you want in your neighborhood craft store.
To make this book easier to read and simpler to use, I include some icons that can help you find and fathom key ideas and information that are worth taking a second glance at.
The beauty of this book is that you can start anywhere you want. If it’s been a while since you’ve crocheted, or if you’re still a relative beginner, then by all means start at the beginning. If you’re ready to jump right in, browse through the project chapters or take a look at the color insert and choose one that looks like fun. Chapter 12 is all about sweaters. Chapter 15 has a bunch of patterns that you can make in an hour or so. And I’ve scattered accessories and home décor items throughout the project chapters.
Remember, though, that you can always seek additional, in-depth information in the companion book, Crocheting For Dummies. It provides detailed explanations on everything provided in this book.
In this part . . .
Taking another step into the world of crochet is exciting. Gaining more experience will help you expand your skills and knowledge of this time-honored craft. Even the best of us, though, need some refresher information now and then.
This part of the book provides some basic information that will never be obsolete. First and foremost, I explain how to choose the right materials, from hooks to yarn. Moving on, you can refresh your knowledge of the all-important concept of gauge, from how to calculate it to the impact it can have on the final outcome of your finished piece. You’ll also find some invaluable information about reading patterns and deciphering the lingo associated with crochet. And last but not least, I include a review of the stitches you’ll find throughout the book.
Take some time to glance through this part, and know that it’s here as a reference for you as you crochet.