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C R O C H E T
S T E P BY S T E P
TECHNIQUES, STITCHES, AND PATTERNS MADE EASY
SALLY HARDING
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CONTENTS
6 Introduction 124 Embellishments for crochet
136 Circular crochet
8 TOOLS AND MATERIALS
156 Unusual yarns
10 Yarns
24 Hooks and other equipment 164 FINISHING
166 Fastenings
28 TECHNIQUES
175 Care of crochet
30 Basic stitches
58 Stitch techniques 176 PROJECTS
77 Openwork 178 Slouchy hat
89 Colorwork 180 Beanie hat
102 Following a crochet pattern 182 Baby hat
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184 Wrist warmers 206 Clutch bag
186 Lacy scarf 208 Project basket
188 Cold-weather scarf 210 Round pillow
190 Shawl 212 Chevron pillow
192 Vest 214 Baby blanket
194 Baby booties 216 Patchwork blanket
196 Baby’s cardigan
218 Glossary
198 Toy balls
220 Index
200 Teddy bear
223 Acknowledgments
202 Bookmark
224 About the authors
204 String bag
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6
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INTRODUCTION
This book is suitable for readers with no previous experience of crochet and for
crocheters hoping to improve their technique, and will serve as an excellent reference
for anyone with more advanced skills. Crochet Step by Step guides you through basic
techniques and stitches, covering the relevant abbreviations and symbols along the
way. A chapter covers useful finishing techniques such as attaching hooks and eyes
and buttons, while a section of beautiful projects to make will inspire you to put newly
honed skills to the test.
If you’re new to crochet, start by familiarizing yourself with the tools and materials.
The pages that follow ease you into the essential skills you will need. For example, in
the Techniques section, you learn how to hold the yarn and hook, how to make a slip
knot, and how to create a foundation chain. You will then be taken through the most
common crochet stitches, as well as the ins and outs of reading crochet patterns. Once
you’ve mastered these basics, you are free to move through the sections, refining your
skills and practicing the techniques that you enjoy the most. Finally, you can turn your
hand to one of the complete projects in the back. Start with “Easy” and work your way
up to “Moderate”—there are plenty to choose from!
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TOOLS AND
MATERIALS
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YARNS
Yarn is the long, stranded, spun fiber that we pp.14–15). The possibilities are exciting: you can,
crochet with. There are many types of yarn, in theory, crochet with anything—from a skein of
allowing crocheters to enjoy a variety of sensory supple silk sock yarn to the recycled plastic bag
experiences as they express themselves through that you brought it home in. Choose from a color
the medium. Yarn may be made of different fibers palette that sweeps from subtle, muted tones to
(see pp.10–13) and have a range of textures (see eye-popping brights.
FIBERS
Yarns, like fabrics, are made from fibers. A fiber may durability or softness). Different blends are also created
be the hair from an animal, artificial (synthetics), for aesthetic reasons, such as mixing soft, luxurious
or derived from a plant. The fibers are processed cashmere with a rougher wool. As a result, all yarns
and spun to make yarn. Yarn may be made from a have different properties, so it is important to choose
single fiber, such as wool, or mixed with other fibers an appropriate blend for your project.
to enhance its attributes (for example, to affect its
COTTON
Fine-weight
cotton yarns
This thicker yarn
is a good weight
for garments and
accessories and will
show the texture of
Cotton crochet threads stitch patterns clearly.
Traditionally, crochet was worked in cotton threads that were
suitable for lace. Today, cotton threads are still used for lace
edgings and filet crochet (see pp.127–135 and pp.78–83).
Cotton Mercerized cotton
Cotton is the fluffy mass that Cotton fiber can be
grows around the seeds of the mercerized, a treatment during
cotton plant. It is spun into a which it undergoes mechanical
breathable, summery fiber. Most and chemical processing to
cotton yarns are easy to wash, compress it and transform it
and when cared for correctly, into an ultra-strong yarn with
can be incredibly robust and last a reflective sheen. It is a fine
for decades. It is therefore a choice of fiber for a project
good fiber for housewares, that needs to be strong and
crocheted pouches, and shoulder hold its shape, such as a clutch
bags. Pure, untreated cotton bag (see pp.206–207), a long
is ideal for hand-dyeing. summer cardigan, or a throw.
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