Discover More Crochet Techniques
Take the next step to keep learning and get tips for crocheting in comfort.
Before We Get Started…
Video tutorials for these stitches and techniques will be posted as soon as they are available. Until then, I hope these written instructions are clear.
Beyond Basic Stitches And Techniques
Once you have completed and mastered the stitch progressions, these are the next things to focus on!
Gapless
Increases
Eliminates gaps caused by consecutive increases in the same stitch.
Color
Transitions
Change yarn colors seamlessly to add details to your projects.
Reading
Patterns
Interpret instructions to make the right stitches at the right time.
More
Tips
These tips will help you crochet more successfully.
Crocheting The Gapless Increase
Try this advanced technique to reduce those noticeable holes when making single crochet increases back to back!
Work The Front Loop First
Insert your hook into the next stitch going through the front loop only. Then make your single crochet as usual.
Both Loops To Finish
Now insert your hook back into the same stitch, but this time go through both loops. Now finish your single crochet as usual and the gapless increase is complete!
Continuous Crocheting With New Yarn Colors
This simple technique will help you transition between colors and stitches at the right moment for a neat and professional finish.
Prepare The New Color
I like making a slip knot with the new yarn color before I make the switch, leaving about a 2-inch yarn tail before the knot.
Finish Last Stitch
Before you finish off the last stitch using your current yarn color, fit the slip knot made with the new yarn color around your crochet hook. Make sure the slip knot isn’t too tight. Then pull the slip knot through all the loops on your hook.
Hide The Yarn Tails
Now you can continue crocheting as directed in the pattern with the new yarn color. If you need to carry the previous yarn color, crochet around the yarn until it’s needed. If you won’t need that previous color again, cut the yarn and crochet around the tail so you don’t have to weave it in later.
Decoding Crochet Patterns Starts With This
Learn how to break down any crochet pattern by interpreting abbreviations and symbols into clear steps so you can turn written instructions into your next masterpiece!
Know The Terms Used
Before starting a new crochet pattern, make sure you know what terms the pattern is using. The names of crochet stitches are only universal within the same languages/terms (US/Canada vs UK).
Know The Abbreviations
These save space in a pattern and should be provided in the beginning of the pattern. Abbreviations can represent techniques or stitches so being able to identify and complete them will help.
Know The Symbols
Symbols are short hand and save space in a pattern. They help explain a set of instructions and instruct you to repeat them a certain number of times. They also enclose the total number of stitches.
“It’s not me, it’s the pattern!”
– Crocheters All Over The World
Tips To Keep You Cozy And Focused
Transform pockets of your time into relaxing and productive “Me Time”!
These tips will help you stay in the creative flow and enjoy each stitch!
All The Essentials In One Bag
Before you begin a new pattern, collect all the tools and materials you’ll need (crochet hook, all the yarns, scissors, row counter, stitch markers, measuring tape, darning needles, safety eyes if you need them, and your pattern of course) and put all of it in a bag or container to create a project bag. This will ensure you have everything you need to keep the momentum going!
The Right Way To Crochet
Aside from tools and materials, here are a few other things to consider:
Sitting in a position that supports you for better posture. Placing a pillow under your arms can relieve stress on your shoulders. A footrest can also relieve pressure on your lower back.
Crocheting near adequate lighting can reduce eye strain and make it easier to see the details of your stitches (unless you’re crocheting with black yarn).
It’s easy to crochet for hours on end so don’t forget to take breaks! Stand up to stretch and shake out any tension locked up in your hands, arms, and shoulders.
Crochet Fitness
Taking care of your body can result in better crochet projects. Crocheting uses muscles that can become overused. Consider doing stretches and/or little exercises to keep your body healthy. Self massage of the hands and forearms can be soothing.
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