The Granny Square Book: Timeless Techniques and Fresh Ideas for Crocheting Square by Square (5 page)

BULLION

Chain 3. Wrap the yarn loosely around the hook ten times, insert the hook in the next stitch, yarn over, and draw up a loop (1). Wrap the yarn over the hook again and carefully draw through the coil of loops on the hook. You may find it necessary to pick the loops off the hook with your fingers, one at a time (2). Yarn over the hook again and draw through the remaining stitch.

PICOT

This stitch pattern is used as an edging.

*Chain 3, work one single crochet in the first chain (1), skip one stitch, and work one single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat from * across the row (2).

CROCHET INSTRUCTIONS

Crochet instructions are written in a shortened form, using standard abbreviations (see
page 18
). Diagrams with symbols that represent the stitches are often given along with the written instructions, or sometimes the diagrams stand alone (see
page 19
).

READING WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS

Crochet patterns are often groups of stitches that are repeated a certain number of times in a row or round. The stitch group is enclosed between brackets [ ] or parentheses () immediately followed by the number of times to work the stitches. For example: [ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc in next st] 4 times. Another way to indicate repeated stitch patterns is with asterisks. This same instruction could be written: *ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc in next st, repeat from * 3 times more.

Parentheses are also used to clarify or reinforce information: ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). They may be used at the end of a row to tell you how many total stitches you should have in that row, such as (25 sc). Sometimes this information is set off with a dash at the row end—25 sc. Parentheses are also used to tell you which side of the work you should be on: (WS) or (RS). For multisize patterns, parentheses enclose the variations you must apply to the different sizes. For example, a pattern may include directions for size 2 (4, 6, 8). Throughout the instructions, wherever you must choose for the correct size, the choices will be written like this: ch 34 (36, 38, 40).

TERM CONVERSIONS

Crochet techniques are the same universally, and everyone uses the same terms. However, US patterns and UK patterns are different because the terms denote different stitches. Here is a conversion chart to explain the differences.

READING SYMBOLS

Symbol diagrams are another way to convey crochet instructions. Every symbol in the diagram represents a specific stitch as it appears from the right side of the work. For granny squares, the rounds are marked on the diagram, beginning at the center. The diagram is accompanied by a key to help you identify the symbols. Though there may be some subtle differences in the way the symbols look, designers use a standard set of symbols.