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Learn to Read Crochet Patterns - Part 1

© Lisa A. Hamblin

Many people love the look of crochet. Some have fond memories of Granny sitting in her favorite rocking chair with yarn and hook in hand singing hymns while she made another family heirloom. Others may have purchased treasured items at a craft fair or a department store. Whatever the case may be, if you love the art of crochet and would like to learn how to make heirlooms for your children and grandchildren to treasure then keep reading.

In order to master the art of crochet you must have the desire to learn and the patience and perseverance to keep trying. If you become frustrated along the way remember that many members of the crochet community have, at one time or another, overcome an obstacle or two along the way. In this series of articles you will learn some of the more basic crochet stitches along with tips for reading crochet patterns. Learning to read crochet patterns isn’t as difficult as you may think. Once you know some of the abbreviations you will be well on your way to creating your first masterpiece.

All crochet projects begin with a slip knot. With the palm of your hand facing you, place the end of the yarn across the palm of your hand from right to left and back around to cross over your palm again laying it across the end of the first strand of yarn. Now reach under both strands of yarn (from top to bottom) and pull up the longest strand (pulling both yarn ends will remove a true slip knot). Insert your crochet hook into this loop and tighten to secure the knot.

The most basic of crochet stitches include: chain (ch); single crochet (sc); half double crochet (hdc); double crochet (dc); and treble crochet (tr), a/k/a triple crochet.

Make the foundation chain (ch). With the slip knot on your hook, yarn over (yo) by taking the hook around the long end of the yarn from left to right and draw the loop through the existing loop already on the hook. Continue this for how many chains you need to begin your project.

BASIC STITCHES

Single Crochet (sc):
Insert your hook into the stitch or space indicated, then yarn over and pull up a loop. (You should have two loops on your hook.) Yarn over and draw through both of the loops on your hook.

Half Double Crochet (hdc):
Yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch or space indicated, yarn over again and pull up a loop. (You should have three loops on your hook.) Yarn over again and draw through all three of the loops on the hook.

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