Crochet
What is Crochet?
The term 'crochet' is applied to both the fabric and the means of making that fabric with a hooked implement and a single thread or fiber In the past Crochet has often been referred to as 'Nuns Work' or 'Nuns Lace' because of its historical use by the church, it was believed that nuns would teach the craft to poverty stricken groups of ladies, not only allowing them to make garments and things for themselves but also selling their wares to alleviate some of the poverty they endured.
What is the difference between Knitting & Crochet?
Crochet differs from Knitting in that it uses only one tool. This tool has a hook at one end, while knitting needles are straight and pointed. In most forms of Crochet, only one loop or stitch is kept on the needle at any one time before the next movement is made, while Knitting creates stitch after stitch held in a row on the needle. These stitches are all live; thy cannot be taken off the needle without unraveling back to the beginning. Crochet stitches however, are interlocked and able to stand alone, free of any tool. Each stitch is only attached to those immediately adjacent to it, horizontally rather than vertically. If a stitch is snagged or broken, it will not unravel stitches above and below it.
What equipment do I need?
The basic equipment for Crochet is a hook and a ball of smooth yarn. A beginner needs a medium size hook (F, G, or H) with a light colored soft pliable yarn of worsted or slightly thicker weight.
Other useful tools include:
A pair of Scissors or Yarn Clippers
A Tape Measure
Some sewing needles of different Sizes, with large eyes and blunt points
A notepad is also useful.
Other useful tools include:
A pair of Scissors or Yarn Clippers
A Tape Measure
Some sewing needles of different Sizes, with large eyes and blunt points
A notepad is also useful.
Are there different kinds of Hook?
Hook's are sized by the diameter of the shaft, the straight part behind the point. They come in many sizes from 14(0.60mm) to 20.00mm. They are made from all kinds of material. The majority of midsize ones are made from aluminium, bamboo or plastic but there are also hooks made from various types of wood, bone, ivory and even a milk protein, known as casein. The finer hooks are made from steel and are used to work the delicate pieces made from fine silk or cotton thread.
How do I know what size of hook to use?
If you are following a printed pattern, the instructions will tell you which size hook you should be using to obtain the same gauge as the designer. Hooks can vary from brand to brand so perhaps do a guague swatch first if unsure.
If you are practicing, then you might find it best to start with a medium size hook F, G or H (3.50, 4.00 or 5.00) - and a soft wool or worsted weight as wool is more elastic than cotton and glides more easily over the hook than most synthetic fibers, so it is easier to work with.
If you are working a piece of crochet of your own design from a manufactured yarn, check the ball band for the suggested hook size. If it doesn't give a suggested crochet hook size then use the equivalent size given for knitting needles to begin with.
If you are practicing, then you might find it best to start with a medium size hook F, G or H (3.50, 4.00 or 5.00) - and a soft wool or worsted weight as wool is more elastic than cotton and glides more easily over the hook than most synthetic fibers, so it is easier to work with.
If you are working a piece of crochet of your own design from a manufactured yarn, check the ball band for the suggested hook size. If it doesn't give a suggested crochet hook size then use the equivalent size given for knitting needles to begin with.