Reading Patterns - Tips for Beginners - Part 1

Helpful Tips on How to Read Crochet Patterns

by Mary Jane Hall

Today I received an email from someone on Ravelry who is making one of my patterns in the new Crochet Noro Book, and she had a question about something that she was having trouble figuring out. She did tell me she had been crocheting for only 6 months, so I can understand why it didn't make sense to her.  She sent me a picture of her work and we ended up talking on the phone, which helped me figure out the problem. There was not an error, it was just something she hadn't dealt with before which was super easy for her! There were some things I said to her in an email that I thought would help her as a beginner, which prompted me to write this blog. Read below some of the things I said to her as a beginner and it may help you too, whether you're a beginner or experienced in crocheting.
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 I know for sure how frustrating it can be not to understand what a pattern is saying. I taught myself to crochet many yrs ago and would get SO frustrated if I didn’t understand what something meant! I’m glad that happened to me though, because it’s what helped me learn the terms and crochet language. I also had a group of older women who would help me understand. I could not have done it alone and would not be designing today if I hadn’t had their help way back then! I give them so much credit for my successes today. I’m the kind of person who would rather someone show me how to do it, rather than tell me or read it to me. Some tips I’ve learned since becoming a designer that I want to share are:

Sometimes there is a misprint or a pattern is wrong, so don’t fret! 

I always thought it was just me, but sometimes there are misprints or the person typing it up for the book copied it wrong. All publishers have tech editors now, and I’ve actually had tech editors change some of my wording & sometimes they have made mistakes. Not trying to scare you. Just please don’t give up! This can throw you way off, even if one little word or number is wrong. And sometimes designers aren’t good at trying to explain what they mean by something. It’s been one of my goals in life to explain my patterns as if I were a beginner! I have had many comments from people saying my patterns are so easy to understand. That is very important to me and makes me feel great. But sometimes it’s just a matter of not knowing the terms yet. So all those yrs ago, it may not have been me - just keep that in mind and check the internet for corrections or ask the designer (if they will answer-some don’t or won’t take the time).
I want to have a good relationship with people who buy my books or make my designs from magazines. It helps me feel a connection! I’m not just in this for money or to make a living :) I want to help! It does take up time to answer emails and check patterns but I think it’s very important as a designer. Some designers have told me they will say to crocheters who ask questions, “ask the publisher”, but the publisher would just have to ask me the question a reader asks, and I don’t want to bother the publisher since I’m the one who has the answer anyway.

  If you can't figure it out - do what looks right! 

Don’t be afraid to just do what looks right! Just make sure your work is lying flat and looks like the picture. If you think about it, you'll figure it out. It didn’t even cross my mind back when I was 18, or in my 20’s, 30’s and 40’s to just do what looked right. It’s such a simple thing and takes SO much pressure off you! In most cases, you want to do exactly what the pattern says, but if you can't get hold of the designer, publisher and can't find any corrections posted,  as long as it looks right your project should look great! 

I hope I have helped those of you who have never been told these things! Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mary Jane

Sun and Sand Crochet Tote Bag - Tutorial to Make Rings from Plastic Tubing

How to Make Round Plastic Rings from Tubing at Lowes 

Design and Tutorial by Mary Jane Hall

The Sun and Sand Tote is my original design which was in a back issue of Crochet Today! magazine. When I first had this bag design in mind, I ordered metal rings online. But when they arrived in the mail, I decided the combination of 14 rings I needed would make the bag WAY too heavy. I had to get an extension because of being in the hospital for 16 days (having emergency surgery) and needed to come up with a quick solution. Actually, a friend was visiting me in the hospital when we both came up with the idea for making rings out of tubing. I had IV's in me with tubing everywhere! Putting these rings together was very easy and inexpensive! There was no room in the magazine to put the tutorial for the rings, so they put the instructions on their website. See the full tutorial on Crochet Today!'s website here.

 

How to Fashionably Wear Crochet Clothing

 

 Article by marcel285

Crochet Clothing Fashion

(You'll see my comments and opinions in blue)

Some people will think that crochet clothing is reserved for grannies and hippies, not so. (I amen that!) Crochet clothing and accessories can be unique and eye catching fashion, you just need to get the style right! Crochet comes in a wide variety of styles, ranging from tight knits to large floral patterns. Crochet fashions are not all that common, so you wont find them in a lot of retail stores. (This is not true anymore! I see crochet fashions everywhere-at least in America) The best place to get crochet clothing and accessories are from online stores that specialize in crochet fashion. The good thing about crochet fashion being so uncommon, is that you can be sure that where ever you go, no one will be wearing the same thing as you! Also I find crochet clothing a first resort for those times when I can't decide what to wear, and I want to look unique without a lot of effort!

Less is usually more when it comes to crochet clothing, or you might end up looking like you've been having a field day with Nana's knitting basket! (This is true - NO crochet from head to toe!) Although, you're more likely to look like a hippie from way back. (depends on what you are wearing) Crochet is more of a hippie look than anything, but a modern day hippie look, will look more attractive as opposed to looking like one who's stepped through a time warp from the 60's. Full crochet garments, like dresses, and long, large cardigans are what I'm referring too. Which is fine if you are in fact a hippie, and don't mind looking like you're living in the past, or outdated. (The retro look has been hot for the past 3-4 yrs and even more popular this year - 2012!) I'm assuming that's not a desirable look for most people, especially fashion savvy people. (ha, ha, ha!)

If you wear a crochet top or skirt, it's best to keep the rest of your outfit very simple. (right!) Refer to picture one, now that is an ideal balance for pulling off crochet clothing at it's finest. If you are wearing a crochet clothing item, don't accessorize with crochet accessories, such as a bag or a headband. This is likely to unbalance your overall look, and balance is important so that your crochet clothing is flattering on you. A little crochet, such as an applique around the neck cut of a dress or top, is ideal for a more feminine and delicate look. Also, it's one of the safest ways to wear crochet if you fancy it, but you're a tad afraid of it. If you like the look of crochet, but you're afraid it doesn't suit you, (This is so funny to me! Why be afraid to wear crochet?) introduce yourself to crochet fashion with a headband, or handbag. From there you can work your way into feeling comfortable in it, by then wearing clothing that feature crochet appliques, and then full garments.

New Light Crochet knit Vented Beret tam slouch beanie hat cap, Black Amazon Price: $14.95 List Price: $24.00

	Long Sleeve Tunic with Crochet Band Gauze Cover Dress Amazon Price: $36.00
	Cappelli BA2113 Crochet Toyo,Tan,one size Amazon Price: $74.00

See all 6 photos

Crochet cardigans are best suited to people of middle age. (LOL!) They can look great on older people, but tend to look a bit drab and unflattering on younger people, unless your experienced in crochet fashion wearing, and know what works for YOU and what doesn't. For younger people, (teens- 35's), a fitting over singlet of crochet, or a short crochet skirt will look best. I don't think that anyone should wear long crochet skirts, (I don't agree with this at all! I love long crochet skirts and they're SO in style now) (below the knee length), they look good on no one. Crochet skirts that are below the knee length, are quite frankly, too much crochet. Less is more, so keep crochet skirts at above the knee length.
Most of the time, don't wear a crochet top without anything underneath it! (I agree with this!) Generally crochet is quite revealing, wearing a top with a lot of holes is a no no, unless you're at the beach, or alone with you're lover. Unless of course, it's a tight knit crochet, which means that there are few- none eyelets in the garment.

 Crochet fashions are quite detailed and appealing, much like lace, and instantly, attention will be drawn towards the crochet detail of you're outfit. (Remember, no one has ever been able to produce crochet lace or any kind of crochet from a machine - like they have with knitting. That's one thing that makes crochet so unique)

If your a fan of bikinis, crochet bikinis look great, and a bit more spesh than your average bikini. Although, extreme caution should be taken if you choose to purchase crochet swimwear, as crochet fabrics tend to be heavy when wet. So, select a size that's a tad small, rather than too big, because it might sag when wet, revealing a bit more than you bargained for!
Crochet beanies and scarfs are a cozy, unique and fashionable way to accessorize for winter, and they will look good on everyone. Even better, when your stuck inside in the cold, huddled up next to the fire, you could make your own crochet! If you do so, making a scarf is an ideal way to start, (I tell all beginners that a scarf is the best thing to make for your first project. Of course I've had others, like my Romanian daughter-in-law, want to start with an intermediate Newsboy Cap. And she pulled it off! I kept saying "Are you sure you were never taught to crochet before?" The pattern used a stitch I had never done before in all my yrs of crocheting, and I even had to look it up online! She does knit though, but the night I taught her to crochet, she was litterly jumping up and down, saying "This is SO much fun! Why didn't you teach me to do this a long time ago?") as it is relatively simple, and if you make it yourself, you can choose your own colors.There are a massive variety of different stitches to create different crochet patterns, but for a scarf you can use a simple stitch and repeat the whole way through until your done.(There are many crochet stitch pattern books out there with 100's of different crochet stitches to choose from. I'll probably do a post with a list of those books soon)
Crochet is similar to knitting, and is made with yarn or thread. The advantage that crochet has over knitting is that knitting is done with wool, which tends to irritate the skin when in direct contact, causing itchiness and rashes, unlike crochet, which should suit most skin types fine. (Not sure what she means here - you can use any yarn with any type of fiber with knitting and crochet both! I prefer smaller weight yarns for crochet garments though, such as a DK wt, sport wt or fingering wt, because crochet is denser than knit)

More articles by marcel285:

• 
  How to wear lace
• 
  10 Worst fashion trends 2010
• 
  How to revamp your old clothes
• 
  How to get Hippie Chic
• 
  Dressing to compliment your body
• 
  How to wear crochet clothing fashion and accessories
• 
  How to wear a maxi dress well
• 
  How to wear yellow

Crocheting Sweaters from the Top Down

Doris Chan's Avalon Top here free

Click here for the FREE pattern by milobo !

I  read an article on the Crochet Me website about "Top Down Sweaters" , written by editor Toni Rexroat, and wanted to share that with you. I have made top down sweaters and personally agree with what the editor of Crochet Me wrote. It is easier than a sweater that's worked in the round or has a front and back with "set in" sleeves. Attaching your yarn to the yoke and crocheting the sleeves in the round is a breeze. The tan cardigan below seems like a good project to start with if you want to try this "Top Down" method. Especially since it's FREE! There are lots of projects from this pattern on Ravelry with photos of this sweater in many different colors and sizes.


One of my favorite designers is Doris Chan, because I absolutely love lace!
 She specializes in lace garments and top down sweaters. I've met her and hung out with her several times at the Knit and Crochet Show (Chain Link) and TNNA. She's lots of fun and one of the nicest persons I know! I have all 3 of her books. The blue sweater below is also a FREE pattern using thread. For more crochet patterns using the "Top Down" method, go to this page at Ravelry.

Fishnet Sweater in Positively Crochet

If you want to try a quick and easy top down project, my Fishnet Sweater in Positively Crochet! (right) would be a great project. It should take you only a few hours, and is definitely a week-end project.

 FlexibleFashions 's FREE pattern

The Fishnet Sweater calls for bulky yarn and a large hook. I also have instructions on how to make this for a child, using smaller yarn.
I did a Google search for "Top Down Sweaters", in case you want more patterns or info on this method. Click here to find more websites and blogs.

 I do love this method, but I also have to say that I don't agree that it's the easiest way to crochet a fitted sweater. My new Graduated Stitch Method (featured in my book, Crochet That Fits) of making fitted, flattering sweaters without having to use increases or decreases, has the Top Down method beat! My method begins with the foundation chain at the side, which makes a perfect, custom fit. Even though there are specific sts and rows for sizes xs - 3x, if that particular size you made does not fit, all you have to do is add or delete rows. It's SO easy and stress free! This method has different stitch heights (graduated sts) on the same row. In fact on some of my designs, I have sc, hdc,dc, trc, and dtrc on the same row.  Using the shorter and taller stitches is what shapes the garment without using increases and decreases. Your first reaction may be, "Oh, that could be confusing", but it's really not at all. In fact most of the designs (tops, sweaters, skirts, dresses, shrugs, scarves, hats) that I have made with this method are labeled "beginner" or "advanced beginner". People all over the world who have made only scarves, afghans or washcloths, because they were intimidated with incs or decs, are now making their own garments!

Crochet That Fits by Mary Jane Hall

I will be posting soon about my Graduated Stitch method, which is in my book, Crochet That Fits. I just know the reason this book was voted "Best Crochet Pattern Book of 2008" was because of my new method. If you want to see some of my designs with this method, and are a member of Ravelry, take a look here. I  get emails from crocheters all the time thanking me for my new method. It's been very rewarding and the time and effort I put into the book was all worth it!

  My Cap Sleeve Top below is an example of a garment made with the Graduated Stitch method (side to side) and was featured on the Knit and Crochet Now TV Show the same day I was on the show for an interview. If you go to their website, you can download a FREE pattern for this cute and trendy top! Just look for Season 3 - Episode 108. Scroll down to look for the faded lavender top pattern.

Cap Sleeve Top in Crochet That Fits - Sizes xs - 3x

Crochet Fun Facts

I found this article in the Talking Crochet! newsletter from a few weels ago, sent out by Editor, Carol Alexander. When I learned to crochet years ago, I learned how to hold my hook the "pencil" way. Some people hold their hook the "knife" way. Holding your hook either way is ok. It just all depends on what's the easiest or most comfortable way for you to hold it. Below are some facts about the "pencil" method of holding the hook, that I had no idea about. 

BTW, I haven't posted much on my blog because I have not been able to move into my house yet and am still staying with friends. I will get back into the swing of things soon, I hope :) Thanks for being patient with me. It hasn't been easy. Mary Jane

 Crochet Fun Facts by Carol Alexander - editor of Crochet! Magazine

• Do you know why most crocheters in earlier eras held the crochet hook in their hand like a pencil? In the 1800s, this hand positioning was thought to be more feminine and graceful. Many crocheters now hold their hooks in the palms of their hands (often called the "knife hold") to reduce carpal tunnel.
• It is believed that crochet began as a cottage industry in Ireland to create supplemental income during the Irish Potato Famine. You can read more here.
• It is believed that the earliest forms of crochet were created using a bent finger instead of a hook.
• The word crochet is derived from the Middle French word croc or croche, meaning hook.
• The earliest written reference to crochet didn't appear until 1812. Crochet didn't become the widely popular craft we know today until the 1840s.
• Crochet patterns have an underlying mathematical structure and have been used to illustrate shapes in hyperbolic geometry that are difficult to reproduce using other media or are difficult to understand when viewed two-dimensionally.

Crochet Tips

Tips on Crochet  1. If you are a beginner, you may want to use a lighter yarn color. It's hard to see the stitches when the yarn is dark. I have a floor lamp called Ott-Lite, which is a "true color" lamp and is excellent for needlework! They can be expensive but the prices vary from store to store.They are anywhere from $120 - $160 at their website, but my husband paid $100 for mine at JoAnn fabrics about 4 years ago. (different kinds and sizes) They are selling at Amazon right now for $69. If you prefer a desk lamp, they are less expensive. I couldn't do without this lamp, especially when I'm working with darker yarns.


2. Gauge is very important in crochet, especially with wearables like sweaters, tops, skirts, etc. but not as important with scarves or purses. Using a larger hook or larger yarn than the pattern calls for, will make the item larger. Using a smaller hook and smaller yarn will make your project smaller. 

3. The bigger the hook you use, the looser, softer the item will be. This is good for scarves, shawls, some ponchos, and some hats.

4. If you use a smaller crochet hook, it will create a tighter fabric, which will tend to make it stiff  or firm. Some hats and purses need to be firm to hold their shape better. Also, if you want an item to be more firm, you should use a single crochet (sc) Using open, lacy stitch patterns will not result in a firm fabric. But that's good when you're making garments and scarves! You want them to be soft and drapeable.

5. You crochet tighter when you are stressed and looser when you are relaxed. If you put your project down, try not to wait too long to get back to it, because if you wait weeks or months and pick it up again, your gauge may be off, even if you have used the same size hook.

6. As a rule, it's better to crochet a little loose, rather than too tight. If your work is too tight, it makes it hard to pull the stitches through, and you're fighting with your work, making it hard. Crochet is supposed to be fun, not work! This can cause you to give up, but just hang in there and practice! You'll get the hang of it!

7. If you have never tried to crochet with novelty yarns, like fun fur, boa, or eyelash yarns, because of not being able to see the stitches, try using a plain yarn alonq with the novelty yarn, and use a large hook. I like to use size "P" crochet hook (gray plastic hook) for these projects. You'll be amazed at how much easier and quicker you can crochet with the larger hook. You can make a long, skinny scarf in one hour, even with the fun fur, if you follow this rule. Sometimes when you're using novelty type yarns and you can't see the stitches very well, you may just have to "feel" the stitches as you go. This is not difficult when you use a very large hook.

8. Crochet is incredibly easy. If you have patience and learn how to hold your hook and yarn, you can make almost anything. If you're a beginner and think you are not experienced enough to make a top or skirt, think again! My book, Crochet That Fits was written mainly for beginning crocheters who want to make garments and not just scarves, pot holders, wash clothes or afghans. The garments (tops, skirts, sweaters, dresses) in that book are fitted and flattering, not stiff or boxy looking like some crochet of the past. I came up with a new, very easy method called the Graduated Stitch Method (trademarked) that creates "shaped" fashions without using any increases or decreases! Beginning crocheters all over the world are writing me and thanking me for coming up with this method. They are excited and say it was SO easy to make their first garment! If you are on Ravelry, you can see some of their projects here. If you're not on Ravelry, you need to sign up now here! You'll love it! 

9. Surveys have been made among people who crochet and knit both. 98% of these people say that crochet is faster and more fun! Keep in mind that crochet takes more yarn than a knitted item in a similar design.

10. If you are making a project, and do not understand the pattern, don't be afraid to keep trying, and by all means ask an experienced crocheter. There are many websites that have tutorials and even videos of how to do stitches. It could be something very simple that will correct your problem. Please don't give up! Just learn the terms in crochet and you can follow just about any pattern.

11. If you are crocheting a scarf, and your piece keeps getting wider, it is most likely that you are adding stitches on the row or at the end of the rows. In double crochet, (but not sc) always skip the first stitch (dc) If you don't, your work will keep getting wider as you go.

 12. If your piece is getting smaller, you are probably accidentally skipping stitches. Counting your rows often will help eliminate frustration later.

13. Whenever you do a chain stitch at the beginning of a row (foundation chain) doesn't it seem to be tighter than the next few rows? I have found that if I use a larger hook for my foundation chain, than the pattern calls for, then the chain will not be too tight. After the foundation chain, go back to using the hook the pattern calls for. Another way to eliminate this problem (if you don't have a larger hook) is to work your beginning chain loosely.

 14. You can crochet almost anything, if you are patient and learn how to hold your hook and yarn! I can't type or drive a car that has a stick shift, but I can crochet! DESIRE to do it will really help you stick with it!

Custom Made Designer Labels

I just thought I'd share the name of the company I buy my designer labels from. I have used them for years (even in the 70's!) and have always been satisfied with their products. The name of the company is Charm Woven Labels and they carry just about any kind of sew-in label you want. In my opinion they have the best prices and biggest selection that I have found. They carry labels that are pre-designed, and all you have to do is have them add your name. When I was looking for a label I wanted to use, I couldn't find exactly what I wanted so I custom designed the label myself. See photo below. I have these labels in black, but I also ordered them in a cream color with burgundy writing.

Crochet Tip: "OK To Wash It" Fabric Glue to Weave in Yarn Ends

Using “OK To Wash It” Fabric Glue

Using OK To Wash It fabric glue is great for securing loose ends. How many times have you had your ends come loose, changing the look of your finished garments? This glue is especially helpful when you are using slippery cord or yarn that splits easily. Just pull the loose end and put a tiny drop on the yarn with your fingers, placing glue on the part that will be hidden "inside" the stitches. Let go of the loose end, and it will pull itself back into the stitch where it will not show. Try not to get too much glue on the yarn, so it will not seep through.

You may not need to use this tip to secure your loose ends on a finished project, when the work is tightly woven. But sometimes when you purposely use a much larger hook and your work is loose, open or lacy, there's just not much you can to to make sure the ends you have woven in don't come out. That's why I use this fabric glue to secure the ends many times. My good friend and fellow designer, Annette Stewart, taught me this trick a few years ago and I don't know how I ever went without it! It's a must when your work is loose and open. You can buy it at any major fabric or craft store, such as Jo-Anns Fabric and Crafts.