BLOG SERIES: Beginner Crocheter- Part 3A

Unfortunately, I will have to split the blog into two sections 3A and 3B, due to the blog limitations.  Now, it is time to get down to the real crocheting stitches.  Here we will discuss a single crochet and a double crochet stitch.  Since, I did not here any opinion or comments about how I did the blog format last time.  I will again show a picture out of the book discusses in the last blog, then the direction and more pictures.

So get out your hook and some yarn to follow along and practice how to do a single crochet!

Here we go with a single crochet! A single crochet is one of the very basic stitches in crocheting.  Below is a picture of what it will look like when finished.

                                                 

There are infinite possible ways to use single crochet. You can work it in straight rows or use it as a building block for creating more complicated stitches. Start by making a foundation chain. In the second chain from the hook which starts you first row, insert your hook into the chain stitches.  After you've inserted your crochet hook, prepare to draw up a loop. Do this by wrapping your yarn over your crochet hook, and grabbing the yarn with the hook. Continue in this same manner to the last chain and then do one chain stitch and starting from the first crochet begin again across the row and completing as many rows as needed.

     
Step 1: Insert Your Crochet Hook.  

    
Step 2: Yarn Over.

 
Step 3: Draw the Yarn Through Both Loops on Your Crochet Hook.

 They give this as a tip:  If you are working your crochet in rows, the first row can be a challenge, especially for beginners. Many beginning crocheters have difficulty holding the work; at the beginning, there isn't much there to hold onto. OR If you have trouble working your first row of single crochet stitch, recommend that you have an experienced crocheter work the first several rows for you. Then you should jump in and keep crocheting on the same piece. After the first few rows are complete, you'll find it easier to hold the work.

From a Crocheting Magazine titled “Crochet Today” July/August 2012 issue, Beside CROCHETTODAY.COM .

They suggest that you can also watch is video from Edna Kurtzman http://video.about.com/crochet/Single-Crochet.htm.  Or you can watch my friend Claire at BobWilson123 single crochet tutorial http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zA_SIwRXeBc&feature=bf_next&list=PL39C531267927A347.

Some variations to the single crochet is instead of using both loops you can just use the back loop in each crochet or use the front loop.  This gives the work a raised look and texture to the row.

Share your ideas on this or anything here on the blog either here or e-mail me at stipple@verizon.net.   I look forward to hearing from you!

Sandi