Tips & Techniques
This is the place you will find “how tos” for the things most trending in the crochet world, along with all the basic tips and techniques you need to make your favourite crochet projects.
My mission is to help educate and inspire you along your crochet journey…which I am happy to say seems to never end. I am learning new things about yarn, tools and stitches everyday myself and am eager to share them with you.
Tip: Bobby pins and paper clips make great stitch markers too.
POSTS INDEX
• Gauge Swatches – don’t loathe them anymore
• Gauge Swatches – understanding them
• How to Crochet C2C
• How to Crochet Back Bar Double Crochet (BBDC) / Front Bar Double Crochet (FBDC)
• How to Join using the Lace-Up Mattress Stitch
• How to Crochet Stacked Single Crochet (stsc)
• How to Make Butterfly Yarn Bobbins
Lace-Up Mattress Stitch
This stitch is a version of the mattress stitch, the difference between the mattress stitch and the lace-up mattress stitch is where you insert your needle.
• Use a tapestry needle and matching yarn.
• Insert your hook into the first stitch from the bottom up, under both loops of the stitch.
• Cross over to the other side being joined, insert your needle from the bottom up under both loops of the stitch.
• Continue working back and forth on each side until join is completed.
Pattern: Summer Shell Tee
How to Select Colours for your Crochet Projects
Putting colours together that are pleasing to the eye can be a challenge for many crocheters. There are all kinds of formulas that work when using the colour wheel, but those formulas can be tricky to understand. One of my favourite ways to come up with a colour pallet is to use a picture for suggestions. Google a picture with the colours you are working with. The picture can be of anything, landscape, fashion, decor, advertisement…they all work.
To the left, is the picture that I found when I googled “picture with cranberry and blue”. There were lots of pictures that came up, some of which had colours that I wouldn’t have thought of using yet looked really good, but I selected this one as it was the closest to the colours of yarn I had on hand. Give it a try and let me know how it works for you.
How to Crochet Back / Front Bar Double Crochet (BBDC / FBDC)
The back bar double crochet (BBDC) and front bar double crochet (FBDC) add decorative texture and interest to your crochet projects. It has been used as one of the feature stitches on my Flower of Life Comfort Shawl .
• How to Crochet the Stacked Single Crochet Stitch (stsc)
Use the stacked single crochet to replace a turn chain 2 on a pattern. The stsc provides a straight edge on the sides of your fabric with no gaps between the first stitch and the rest of the row.
Pattern: Heather’s Shawl
How to Sew Amigurumi Together
Don’t be afraid of sewing amigurumi parts together. This video tutorial will show you how easy it can be. Learn how to take the wobble out of the head and keep the limbs securely attached regardless of how much playtime your project gets.
Pattern: Bunny Buns Lovely
How to Weave in Ends
Learn how I weave in ends on my crochet projects.
I am using the Sly the Fox Blanket to demonstrate how I weave in ends, but I use the same technique for all my project. I prefer to sew in the ends rather than crocheting over them so I am sure they don’t poke out.
How to Crochet C2C
The C2C crochet technique makes a beautiful texture for blankets and afghans. It is also a fun way to add images to baby blankets called graphgans (see the Sly the Fox blanket). On this video you will learn how to make a tile, and then increase and decrease tiles.. Once you master these techniques, you can make any C2C project.
Butterfly Yarn Bobbins –
Colour work crochet such as tapestry crochet, intarsia crochet and Corner-to-Corner (C2C) graphgans usually requires multiple balls of yarn and often they don’t need to be full balls. Butterfly yarn bobbins allow you to make smaller balls from the same skein to use throughout your project.
Yarn bobbins also reduce your colours getting tangled up as when they are not in use, they can be conveniently clipped to your project waiting for their next use
Yarn Hack –
Do you get frustrated trying to find coordinated yarn colours in the same yarn series. This hack might help solve that problem for you as it has for me.
“To block or not to black”….that is the question. For some blocking a project seems scary, but it’s not.
I don’t block everything, but some things are better after blocking. Here are some of the results I like:
– gives more definition to open work
– relaxes stitches
– straightens edges
– if row are drawing in, it helps to relax them and stretch them out
– gives nice “hand” to the fabric, meaning a nicer drape
What you need for Steam Blocking
1. BLOCKING MAT: I use yoga mats for blocking. They can be put end to end for longer items or side by side for wider makes. There are blocking mats available too or you can use some heavy towels or blankets. Whatever you use it needs to be stable enough to not shift when you pin to it.
2. BLOCKING PINS: There are a variety of pins and bars to use. I have basic pins purchased at Wal-Mart.
3. STEAMING DEVICE: Either an iron that has a good steaming option or a hand steamer.
HOW TO STEAM BLOCK
1. Pin your make onto the mat ensuring that the item is in the desired finished shape you want.
2. Hold the steaming device ABOVE your make, steaming in small sections. You might have to adjust your pin placement as you use your HAND to smooth out any open work, easy in any stretched sections and/or stretch a section that may be drawn in. Apply some pressure with your HAND to press the steam into the yarn fibers. DO NO APPLY IRON DIRECTLY ONTO YOUR MAKE AS YOU CAN MELT THE FIBERS IF IS SYNETHIC YARN.
3. Leave your item pinned to the mat until it is cooled down and totally dried. I usually leave it over night.
Refresh Your Poms
If your poms are looking a little worse for wear, use your hairdryer on medium heat to fluff them and then on cold to set the fibers. They will look like new again in a jiffy.
Understanding Gauge Swatches – The Key to Accurate & Beautiful Crochet Projects
What is a Gauge Swatch?
A gauge swatch is a small sample of crocheted fabric used to measure the number of stitches and rows per inch or centimeter. It serves as a reference to ensure that your gauge matches the pattern’s requirements, allowing your finished project to have the correct dimensions and fit. Gauge swatches are particularly vital in projects such as garments, accessories, or items where size matters.
Why is a Gauge Swatch Important?
Creating a gauge swatch before starting your crochet project can save time and frustration. Here are a few reasons why it is essential:
· Size Accuracy: Matching the pattern’s gauge ensures that your project has the intended size and fit.
· Yarn and Hook Compatibility: It helps verify whether the recommended yarn and hook size produce the correct gauge or if adjustments are needed.
· Uniformity: A gauge swatch helps identify inconsistencies in tension that might affect the final look of your project.
Ignoring gauge can lead to finished items that are too small, too large, or misshapen, which can be disappointing considering the financial investment and hours of work.
How to Make a Gauge Swatch
Creating a gauge swatch is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure accuracy:
Step 1: Check the Pattern
· Locate the gauge information in your crochet pattern. It typically specifies the number of stitches and rows per inch (or centimeter) using a particular stitch and hook size.
Step 2: Choose Yarn and Hook
· Use the recommended yarn and hook size stated in the pattern to begin your swatch.
Step 3: Crochet Your Swatch
· Create a square swatch using the stitch indicated in the pattern’s gauge information. Make sure the swatch is larger than the number of stitches and rows specified to allow for accurate measurement (e.g., 4×4 inches or 10×10 centimeters).
Step 4: Measure the Swatch
· Lay your swatch flat on a hard surface. Use a ruler or tape measure to count the number of stitches and rows over the specified width and length. Always measure at the center of the swatch, avoiding edges that might distort the count.
Step 5: Compare Gauge
· Compare your measurements to the pattern’s gauge. If your gauge matches, you’re ready to start your project. If it doesn’t, adjust your hook size:
– For more stitches per inch, use a smaller hook.
– For fewer stitches per inch, use a larger hook.
Tips for Successful Gauge Swatching
· · Relax: Crochet your swatch with your normal tension to mimic how you’ll work on the actual project.
· Block Your Swatch: If the pattern suggests blocking, follow the instructions to ensure your gauge matches post-blocking dimensions.
· Be Thorough: Take the time to make a proper gauge swatch, especially for intricate patterns or large projects.
Conclusion
While it may seem like an extra step, making a gauge swatch is an investment in your project’s success. It ensures the fit and appearance of your finished work and helps you avoid surprises along the way. By mastering the art of gauge swatching, you’ll gain confidence and precision in all your crochet projects.
