The Crochet Handbook: Learn what Equipment you need to Crochet, The Basics of Crochet, How to Read Written Patterns, Graphs, Charts and Diagrams, and More (9 page)

Color Changes

Color changes are very easy. Work the last stitch of the old color until there are only two loops on the hook. Pull the new color through the last two loops and then continue to work with the new color. If you are at the end of the row work the last stitch of the row until you have two loops on the hook. Pull the new color through these two loops and then place the old color over the new color so that it is captured in the first chain of the turning chain. ‘

If you will be changing colors again when you come back across the row, don’t cut (fasten off) the yarn. Instead carry the old color up the side of the fabric. Change colors as usual and catch the old color under the first chain of the turning chain. When you come back across the rows and need this color again, pick it up and pull it through the last two loops of the last stitch in the row. By carrying the colors up the side of the fabric you reduce the number of tails you need to weave in and create a stronger fabric.

Work the last stitch of the old color until there are 2 loops on the hook.

Color change completed.

Place the old color over the new color.

Capture the old color under the first stitch of the turning chain to carry the colors up the side of the fabric.

How to Weave in Tails Securely

Weaving in tails is an important step in any crochet project. I like to weave in the tails as I go, but you can wait until the very end to do so. When you cut, or fasten off, the yarn leave at least six inches and pull the tail to the wrong side of the fabric. This gives you a nice long tail to weave in. Thread a tapestry or blunt end needle and weave the tail in and out of the stitches on the wrong side of the fabric. Turn the project and weave the tail in and out of the stitches for another inch. Turn the project once more and weave the tail in and out of the stitches for another inch or so. Now you may fasten off the yarn and be assured the tail is secure and won’t work its way out of the stitches.

Crochet Abbreviations

Most designers use a standardized set of crochet abbreviations when they write patterns. This ensures that crochet patterns are easy to read and understand. Instead of writing out each and every stitch and instruction, abbreviations are used. The table below gives you the most common crochet abbreviations used in patterns today.

You may also find patterns written in UK terms. The terms in UK patterns are not the same as in US patterns. Use this table to help translate the terms if you find such a pattern.

Pattern Repeats

Designers also use pattern repeats when writing patterns. When you see an asterisk, parenthesis, or brackets the instructions within these are to be repeated. For example the pattern for the ripple afghan I’m making for a friend right now is as follows:

Ch3, 2dc into the 1
st
st *dc into each of the next 10 sts, dc3tog twice, dc into each of the next 20 sts, 3dc into the next 2 sts* rep across row ending with dc into the each of the next 10 sts and 3dc into the top of the turning chain

The instructions between the asterisks are repeated across the row. I would work a double crochet into the next 10 stitches, then work a dc3tog in the next 2 stitches, work a double crochet into the next 10 stitch, and 3 double crochet into each of the next 2 stitches. Once I reach the next asterisk I would then return to the first one and work the pattern repeat again until I reached the last 11 stitches.

CHAPTER TWO – Crochet Diagrams Demystified

Crochet diagrams are used as a visual representation of a pattern. They can be read by anyone who knows what the symbols mean no matter what language they speak or read. Knowing how to read and work a crochet diagram is a very good skill for you to have. In this chapter we will learn what the different symbols mean, how to read a diagram, and how to crochet from one.

Diagrams are read from left to right and right to left. Usually the foundation chain is included in a diagram and is read from left to right. The first row is read from right to left, and the second row is read from left to right. In a diagram all even rows are read from right to left, while all odd rows are read from left to right.

In this example the ovals represent chain stitches. The T’s with lines across them are double crochet stitches, The foundation chain has 14 chain stitches. Row 1 begins with skipping 3 chain stitches and working a double crochet into the 4
th
chain from the hook. Double crochet stitches are worked across the foundation chain for Row 1 reading Row 1 from right to left.

Row 2 is read from left to right and begins with chain 4. The next double crochet stitch is skipped and a double crochet stitch is worked into the next stitch. Chain 1, skip 1 stitch, double crochet is repeated across the row until the last 2 stitch. The row ends with 2 double crochet stitches with the very last stitch worked into the 3
rd
chain of the skipped foundation chain.

Row 3 is read from right to left and is worked exactly like Row 2. The very last stitch is worked into the 3
rd
turning chain of Row 2.

Row 4 is read from left to right and begins with chain 3. A double crochet stitch is worked into each chain 1 space and double crochet stitch of Row 3. The very last stitch is worked into the top of the turning chain of Row 3.

Written out as a pattern it looks like this:

To begin crochet a foundation chain of 14 chain stitches.

Row 1: dc into the 4
th
ch from hook, dc across row, turn

Row 2: ch4, sk1 st *dc, ch1, sk 1 st* rep to last st, end with dc into 3
rd
ch, turn

Row 3: ch4, sk1 st *dc into ch1 sp, ch1, sk 1 st* rep to last st, end with dc into 3rd ch, turn

Row 4: ch3, dc across row, fasten off, weave in tails.