Is it Knitting or Crochet? (by Debbie Stuckey)

This form of crochet is called broomstick lace. Having been around for many years this technique was originally done using an actual broomstick handle and a crochet hook.  That’s obviously how it got the name.

By using the broomstick lace method of crochet a project can be completed in no time at all.  Today you have a much more practical option than using a broomstick- a large knitting needle is used.  I typically use a size 19 knitting needle.  I find it even better to use a lager size needle like a 35.

It helps to have some basic knowledge of crochet such as knowing the chain stitch and double crochet.

In most crochet projects you work a row, then turn your work and then go back down the other side.  With broomstick lace you work on the same side throughout the entire project. Using a large knitting needle you can make quite an eye catching item in little or no time at all.

 

A basic pattern for a small scarf (using the broomstick lace method) is as follows:

Abbreviations 

Chain = ch

Double Crochet = dbl

Supplies

Size J crochet hook

Size 19 or 35 knitting needles (you only need 1)

Yarn of your choice.  The gauge of the yarn is not important for a broomstick lace project.

 

Chain 17 – Work a single crochet back across and you should have 16 single crochet. Do not turn your work.

 

1. Place your hook into the first single and pull up a stitch, place the stitch on to the knitting needle.  Do this across placing every stitch you pick up onto the knitting needle.  By the end of the row you should have 16 stitches on the knitting needle.

2. Slide 4 stitches off your knitting needle and place your crochet hook into these 4 stitches. Take and make a loop pulling yarn back through all 4 stitches and chain 4 (counts as your first dbl work).  3 more double crochet in the same stitch.

You should have 4 stitches worked.  Slip 4 more stitches off and work 4-dbl crochet into the loop.  Repeat this across and you will have 4 sets of 4 going across.

Do not turn your work.

3. Repeat row 1

Do not turn your work.

4. Repeat row 2

Do not turn your work.

Continue until you achieve the desired length for your project.  Finish it off as you would any crochet project by weaving in your ends.

I’ve never met a skein I didn’t like! (by Debra Stuckey)

I have never met a skein of yarn I didn’t like! There are so many beautiful yarn textures and colors.  I very much enjoy dyeing my own yarn if the situation dictates.

When crocheting keep in mind a couple of things while making your yarn and stitches choices.  If you are using a fancy, frilly yarn keep your stitches basic.  The stitches will be lost in all the glamour of the yarn so all that work will be in vain.  Save those fancy stitches for a plain wool or acrylic yarn so you can show off the detail. 

The thing I really enjoy about crocheting is the ability to take out and redo your stitches.  I find this to be a little more difficult when knitting.  When the fury yarns first came out we were all excited about working with it but noticed quick when crocheting how easy it was to tangle.

The solution is to work with another yarn and a larger hook such as a size N or P.  Holding 2 yarns together makes working with furry or eyelash yarns much easier and please remember to keep to basic stitches like a double crochet.

How to Triple Crochet (video by Carissa Haning)

Cotton Craze…Great Handmade Gifts (by Natalie Badolato)

I’ve recently moved which forced me to pack my ever growing supply of craft materials. It wasn’t until I unpacked my supplies that I realized I have an incredible stash of yarn. So in an effort to depart from my norm of crocheting gifts for family and friends, I’ve decided to dive into my pile of 100% cotton and crochet things to sell at a community craft fair.

I jumped online to get inspiration and found that cotton kitchen and bath items are a hot ticket item. Now I’m happy to report that I’m not just drowning in balls of cotton but I’m also drowning in spiral scrubbies, wash cloths, bath puffs, cotton pads and apple cozies.

With the holidays quickly approaching and the economy as it is, I wanted to make something affordable that people could buy more than one of.

These cute and affordable pieces are perfect gifts for those hard-to-buy-for people on your list like co-workers and teachers. If you are looking for some really quick gift items, I recommend crocheting some spiral scrubbies. They take a small amount of cotton and you can bang a bunch of these out in an evening.

Crochet Patterns & Abbreviations (by Debra Stuckey)

While teaching crochet one thing I have encountered over and over is hearing “I can’t read this pattern”.  Every time I’ve heard someone say that what they really mean is, “I don’t understand the abbreviations”. 

 

Let me start by explaining some of the basic abbreviations you’ll see on a pattern.

ch = chain 

This forms the basis for all crochet stitches whether it’s chain 2 or 200.

dbl = double crochet

This is the most common crochet stitch and is used in a variety of ways.  For example, making the granny square, making the pop corn stitch, making the shell stitch, etc.

sc = single crochet

hdbl = half double crochet

slp = slip stitch

 

Let’s say you’re crocheting a scarf.  The pattern you are following might translate to something similar to this:

1)      Make 18 chains.

          Do a double crochet in the 3rd chain from hook and across you will have 15 double crochets. 

          Chain 3 and turn.

2)      The chain 3 counts as your first double crochet.

           Double crochet in the remaining double crochets.

           Chain 3 and repeat row 2 until you get to your desired length.

           Pull your last loop up a bit, clip your yarn and feed through the loop and pull tight.

 

Let’s review some things that will be helpful for you to know when crocheting.

 Abbreviations

ch….chain

slp….slip stitch

sc…..single crochet

hdl…half double crochet

dbl…double crochet

trc….triple  crochet

 

As you end a row, depending on the stitch you’re using, you’ll find yourself doing something like this: 

• sc or single crochet  ch 1 and turn for the next row
• hdl or half double crochet ch 2 and turn for the next row
• dbl or double crochet ch 3 and turn  for next row
• trc or triple crochet ch 4  and turn  for your next row

I hope you’ve found my tips helpful.  Don’t get discouraged.  Stayed tuned for more tips as we continue to learn about the fun world of crochet!  In the weeks to follow we will review more abbreviations and simple patterns which will help you to further learn how to crochet.  You’ll also learn how knitting and crocheting come together in projects.

One thing I can’t stress enough is to keep an accurate count of your stitches.  It’s easy if you’re not paying attention to add or drop stitches.  I have seen this happen so many times.   Remember, if you’re crocheting a scarf and you need 15 stitches, keep count so it’s actually 15 stitches across your work.  Relax, don’t get discouraged and enjoy what you’re doing.

Good Luck all you Happy Hookers!

How to Double Crochet (video by Carissa Haning)

Do you know how to crochet?  How about how to do a double crochet stitch?  This instructional video was created for the Naughty Knitterz to teach those who want to learn about the double crochet stitch.

This easy to follow video is one in a series of videos posted on the Naughty Knitterz website under the Happy Hookers category to help you learn the art of crocheting.  Thanks for watching. Let us know what you think.  Enjoy!

How to Single Crochet (video by Carissa Haning)

Do you crochet?  Do you want to learn more about crocheting?  This instructional video was created specially to teach those Naughty Knitterz who want to learn the single crochet stitch.

This easy to follow video is only one in a complete series of videos created specially for the Naughty Knitterz website.  This and the other videos have been posted under the Happy Hookers (crochet) category to help you learn the art of crocheting.  You will soon be dangerous with that crochet hook of yours.  

Thanks for watching and learning with us.  Please let us know what you think about our instructional videos on how to crochet or any of our crocheting and knitting articles.  Enjoy all you Happy Hookers!

 

How to Half Double Crochet (video by Carissa Haning)

Do you crochet much?  Know how to do the half double crochet stitch?  This instructional video was created for the Naughty Knitterz to teach those who want to learn the half double crochet stitch.

This easy to follow video is one in a series of videos posted on the Naughty Knitterz website under the Happy Hookers category to help you learn how to crochet and the various stitches.  Thanks for watching. Let us know what you think.  Enjoy!

How to Remove Stitches (video by Carissa Haning)