Crocheting is becoming a popular hobby nowadays. This is true for most of the not-so-young yet not-so-old ladies who spend most of their time at home. Crocheting is an artful craft, needlework in particular, that takes time to be learned and mastered. Not everyone can easily learn this hobby. Those who are good at crocheting can even earn good money from it.

There are many things that you can crochet. One of those is the poncho. Have you seen Jessica Simpson wear that lovely and fashionable over-shirt piece of cloth in the Newlyweds series? That is a poncho. It has now become a fashion statement among women. Most of the ponchos are crocheted which makes them comfortable and stylish to wear over your plain shirt or spaghetti straps.

Do you want to make yourself one that you can show off to your friends? Here are some resources found in the web where you can find poncho patterns and instructions for free.

- “Coming Home” Poncho worn by Martha Stewart. This particular poncho is similar to the one worn by Martha going home as well as on her ‘Poncho’ show. It is a wide-necked poncho with v-shaped bottom. It is big enough to fit an adult medium size. The Lion Brand website offers this pattern for free with instructions and frequently asked questions.

- Angelhair Ponchette. This is one variation of poncho which is more like the mini kind. It falls just above the waistline and has wide neckline. The yarn to be used for this particular design is the “angel hair” type. This pattern can be found in the Hip Vintage Crochet web site.

- Diamonds and Lace Poncho. This free poncho pattern was designed by a lady named Dot. As the name implies, it has diamond and lace design all throughout the crocheted piece. It fits most sizes, even up to 2X, and is about 18 inches from the neck to the bottom edge. This pattern can be found in Crochet ‘bythehook’ blog site of the author.

- Asymmetric Poof Crochet Poncho. Best for the winter season, this closely-knit poncho uses the Poof kind of yarn. It is just like a crocheted rectangle with one side short and the other, long, which are joined together to make a single-pointed poncho. It is also comfortable to wear because of the softness of the yarn being used. This pattern can be found from Crystal palace Yarns web site.

- Easy Peasy Poncho. Having wide spaces, this poncho is best to wear during summer. This one has a v-shaped bottom with hanging strands. Should you want this kind of poncho, you can visit Myra Wood’s web site.

- Crocheted Baby Poncho. Want your baby or toddler to be as fashionable as you are? You can make her a poncho with matching hood with this pattern. This, however, needs intermediate skill level in crocheting because of the complexity of some stitches. This pattern can be obtained from Coats and Clark web site.

- Groovy Granny Poncho. Not really strictly for the old folks only, this poncho is more like those designs that were famous during the 60s. The layered color pattern makes it groovy and stylish. It has the usual v-shaped bottom, with a slightly v-shaped neckline, ribbon and flower trimmings that give this fashion wear a twist. This one is available from the Lion Brand web site.

- Scarf Ponchette. Yet another ponchette, this pattern is good for beginners as it is simple to do. It looks elegant and stylish because of the type of yarns used – fun fur and color waves. This pattern can be printed out from the Lion Brand website.

- Left-over Poncho. Do you have lots of left over yarns from other crochet projects? Do not throw them. You can still have a use for them with this pattern. This one is a poncho of different color combinations. You can find this pattern from Crochet Pattern Central.

- “Coming Home” Pooch Poncho. If adults and kids have ponchos and ponchettes, dogs can have one too! This particular pattern was designed after the “Coming Home” poncho worn by Martha Stewart. This is just the tiny version of it and specifically made for little dogs. So if you want your dogs to be as stylish as their owner, better get this pattern now from, again, the Lion Brand web site.

There are indeed hundreds of free poncho patterns out there to choose from. These are just a few of them. You can definitely find one that suits your taste and matches your skill level. You will surely enjoy selecting among all the pretty patterns available.

Many theorize that knitted and crochet items survived in the early period of imperialism. Many communities in this era used this kind of industry as their main source of living. The crocheted and knitted products are mostly purchased by the middle class society.

Crochet was known to identify the status symbol of a person from the early history. This kind culture was practiced by the royalties who were able to afford buying expensive lace products and make the value of crochet products to depreciate.

Many have theorized that knitting and crocheting was developed through the old practices of people leaving in countries like China, Middle Eastern countries, and in South America. Many people believe that crochet may have been practiced by early cultures to flex the muscles of the forefinger rather than a fashion hook. This theory was accepted by many craft historians because of the lack of artifact crochet products as proof of its traditional practices.

In the early 1800’s, many European communities have used crochet products in place of the much expensive lace made materials. Crocheting only requires fewer materials, and it is also widely accepted by different social classes. From these periods, crochet was done mostly on thread. The most common widely made products from crochet were filet crochet made in rows either open or close mesh to make a particular pattern. While in the 1900’s, the massive production of steel hooks have introduced many products which are made from thread.

In today’s time, crocheting and knitting is the pleasure of many people. It has recently evolved the interest of many people on handicraft making that made it so popular with the high quality of yarns and threads used. The pleasure of making a crochet item is working it with different yarn textures and colors.

As a beginner, a person should learn the process of making a pattern row and a single stitch crocheting. Here are some basic steps that will help a person learn how to make a crochet product.

1. First, the person may need the use of crochet supplies like a size G crochet hook, small scissors, worsted-weight yarn with any colors, and a big-eyed yarn needle.

2. He may start by holding the crochet hook in his right hand if he is right-handed. Then he may create a slipped knot on the hook.

3. He may slide the hooked yarn to the slipknot of the hook. This process will create a continuous stitch or a chained like stitches. He will then proceed to bringing back the yarn on top of the hook making the thread go into the hook and grabbing the slip knot into the hook.

4. He can pass on the first chain stitch allowing the knot to be properly hooked on the knot of the thread. This will allow the thread to be properly in place so that it will not loosen. A much tighter knot would be better to create a chain stitch.

5. He may insert the hook to the hole of on the next chain stitch, and then slide the yarn passing through the center of the second chain stitch going to the upper part of the hook. He may have now created two loops on the hook of the threads.

6. He may bring the yarn back on the hook from back to front and slide the knot in the center of the loops that he had created on the hook.

7. From the second loop, create another one chain stitch to make a counter clock wise loop. This allows the hook to remain in the chain stitches. He may start again in creating the following rows, creating the same loops on the previous rows.

8. He may create a single crochet stitch in the first loop tightened going to the following loops of the previous rows. He must be exactly sure to create the hook on the last stitch to retain the stitches on their places.

To finish the work, he may cut the excess yarn on the skin. He must not forget to retain at least 6 inches of the thread on the last chain stitch. This will allow him to slide the hook up to the upper part of the loops and bringing the thread into the last loops of the hook. As a beginner, he may find it difficult to do especially on more detailed crochet products. He may start doing these basic steps to help him get used with the techniques.

Since the dawn of the new technology, the Internet has been a viable source of lots of information worldwide. With its easy access to almost everything, more and more people are turning to the Internet to find the solutions to their problems.

Take for example the concept on crocheting. With its worldwide acceptance, more and more people are interested to learn how to make crochet by obtaining some useful patterns in the Internet. These types of information are very useful for some people who cannot afford to buy crochet books or crochet patterns in the market.

What’s even more valuable and gainful about free online crochet patterns is that they are so easy to download, considering the fact that they are free, which means all you have to do is to find the best crochet pattern that will work for you, download it, and viola! You have an instant crochet pattern to start with.

Consequently, in sewing, whether it entails knitting, crocheting, or cross-stitching, having some patterns to guide you throughout the production of your handicraft is such an important factor in order to create a good product, if not a masterpiece.

Crochet patterns are built to make crocheting easier for most people who are interested to this kind of hobby. Hence, obtaining free crochet patterns online is a definite advantage on every crochet maker’s part.

However, even if free online crochet patterns are very useful, it does not necessarily follow that every pattern would work for every crochet maker. This only means that it is also important to consider some factors in choosing free online crochet patterns simply because not all of the free online crochet patterns are created equal.

Hence, for those who simply cannot distinguish which free online crochet pattern he or she should choose, here is a list of some tips that could assist every crochet maker in their projects:

1. Obtain a free crochet pattern nearest to your own size and area of interest

This means that you have to consider whether the online pattern that you are about to obtain would work best for you. To do this you must be able to identify which patterns will suit you according to your size or the size of the person who will wear it, your style, your area of interest like choosing afghan patterns if you are into afghan, etc.

Even if these patterns are for free downloading online, the fact that you might just be wasting your time downloading free online crochet patterns that you will simply not use because you do not have any use for it is a great waste already. Hence, it would be better to obtain a particular pattern that will not waste your time or effort.

2. Get free online crochet patterns for beginners if you are just a newbie

Getting a free online crochet pattern that is not suitable to your level of expertise is just as wasteful as when you have spend your money for it.

Keep in mind that it would be better for a beginner like you to get a good make of free online crochet pattern. There are some patterns that are specially built for the beginners. Besides, getting a free pattern that is on the advanced level will only confuse with all those loops and crochets that you are still not familiar with.

3. Choose a pattern with no specific requirements on tools

There are some free online crochet pattern that are requires some specific tools. This is not bad. The only drawback is that there may be some instances that you simply do not have tools that the pattern is requiring you to use. Some patterns require specific hooks. For example, a typical afghan pattern requires a special “afghan hook,” known as the “double hook needle.

4. Check the gauge or measurement

Whether the crochet pattern is free or not, it is extremely important to always verify the “gauge” of a particular pattern. This is extremely important if the pattern is designed for slippers, clothes, or booties. To do this, you must first sew an unattached example of a finished job before starting on your own project. The ideal size would be those that have at least 10 rows high, and not less than 20 stitches across. Use this on the measurement being claimed by the pattern’s measurements. If there is any discrepancy, you have to make some adjustments with the size of your hook.

The point here is that if you have chosen as near as to your own measurements and figure type as possible, there should not be a great of alteration to do.

The bottom line is that not all free online crochet patterns are useful. You should also do your part in analyzing, evaluating, and deciding on which pattern will work well.

Have you been hearing a lot about crocheting? Are you friends and neighbors so much into this hobby that you also want to try out but do not know where to start?

Crochet is gaining its name back again in the needle craft industry. This hobby started a long time ago, probably in the 16th century, but still staying alive especially with its popularity now even in the fashion industry.

Crocheting may not be that easy to learn and master. A lot of patience is needed when starting out with this new hobby. You should be able to learn how to read the patterns, understand the terms and know the basic hand moves and stitches. Also, you would need a pattern to start with. The pattern will guide you how to make those designs that you choose.

There are books and magazines available in your local bookstore that has several patterns in them. But there are also web sites in the internet that offer tons of different patterns for free. Some even have a free tutorial for beginners to learn how to make a successful crochet project.

Here are some of the free resources that can be found online:

- Craftown. This site is indeed a “Crafter’s Resource Center.” The site offers thousands of crafts projects and patterns including crochet. There is also a learning center section which offers free lessons on the craft you want, be it crochet or any other needle craft hobby.

The free crochet lessons page on the Craftown’s site shows the different chains and crochet styles that are usd in almost all projects. It has drawings that show the correct hand form, how the stitch should look like and the needle position. It has clear instructions that any beginner can surely follow.

Of course, to get you started in your crocheting adventure, the site offers a lot of crochet patterns with different difficulty levels. Thus, a beginner will surely find an easy one to start with.

- Crochet Pattern Central. This site is like an online directory of thousands of links to sites that have free crochet patterns. All kinds of crochet projects can be found here like afghans, doilies, hats, kitchen décor, baby items, ponchos, scarves, and many more. For the beginners, the site also has the Crochet Instruction Directory section where you can find a list of links to crochet tutorials and lessons. These tutorial sites are illustrated with clear and easy-to-follow instructions to make your first crocheting experience a lot more fun.

- Crochet in About.com. The crochet section of About.com also has several links to sites that offer how-to’s of different crochet stitches and patterns both for beginners and experienced alike. There is also an A-Z index of free crochet patterns available in the internet.

- Lion Brand Yarn. One of the most popular yarn brands, the Lion Brand offers several resources for free to the hobbyists which is a good marketing strategy for them. First of all, it has its own set of crochet tutorials that can either be viewed online or downloaded for offline use. It even has an illustrated dictionary for beginners who cannot fully grasp yet the terms being used in most of the crochet patterns.

And, of course, the site also has almost a thousand free patterns available that feature their different yarn products. These patterns have different categories such as adults, children, infants, home décor, and pets. These patterns are also classified according to the skill level required so hobbyists can easily determine which pattern to choose.

- AllCrafts. This web site is also like a one-stop-chop for all your needle craft needs, be it crocheting or knitting. It has several links to free crochet patterns organized in different categories. The site also offers reviews of crochet books and magazines available at Amazon.com or from your local bookshops.

- Crochet N More. This online site offers over 300 free crochet patterns for hobbyists to start a new project. There are also premium patterns available for a certain fee. The site also has links to some web sites of other people who just love crocheting, with free patterns and free advising on your project.

These are just some examples of the many resources online that are all about crochet. Even if you are just a beginner, you will not feel left out because of the different help and tutorials that you can get for free. So start checking these sites now and make your very first project that you can show off to your friends!

There are times when, however how much you care in planning a top-to-toe look, something just misses. You may feel there should be more color or the neckline will look bare.

Most people have managed to collect a considerable number of scarves over the seasons and often one of these will serve to answer the problem.

However, good silk scarves are now very costly and an inexpensive way to improvise one is to buy a square of the fabric and hem or fringe the ends. This way you can get a completely plain scarf in exactly the color you want. The same can be done with a square of the fabric in which your outfit is made and used to soften a neckline or even tie into a turban. A splendid compromise for hat-haters!

Better yet, add some touch of chic into your scarf by coming up with the perfectly designed scarves that were exclusively made by you.

Sounds impossible? Think again.

With the goodness of alternative sewing methods that are readily made available today such as crocheting, creating a trendy and chick scarf is not so impossible to produce.

All you need are some yarns, preferably those that are classified as “worsted-weight” yarn (any color will do), a pair of scissors (small), yarn needle (those with “big eye”), and some “G-crochet hook.” And do not forget the patterns. A good material will be totally useless without the right crochet scarf pattern.

Always keep in mind that choosing the best patterns for your crochet scarf is more than just visual images. It lays the foundation of your work. Without it, you cannot simply start on your project, not unless you are so genius that you can actually create something without even having to consult the experts.

Once you have gotten them all together, you can start sewing your scarf right away. However, not all crochet scarf patterns are created equal. There are some patterns that may not work for you, especially if you are just trying to get your hooks ready and head for crocheting.

To have a better understanding of the area, here is a list of some tips in choosing crochet scarf patterns:

1. Choose the right size

Theoretically, not anybody may be bale to wear the scarf if the size is wrong. For instance, a too short scarf will not make any good as a too long scarf. Hence, it would be better to create a crochet scarf of the appropriate size and length.

2. Taking measurements

Before you buy a crochet scarf pattern, it is best to take some of measurements. Some people contend that because it is just a scarf, taking necessary measurements is not necessary. What they do not know is that creating crochet scarf is like driving a car without a fuel.

3. Choose the right pattern

One of the best things about crochet scarf patterns is that the instructions that are entailed together with the pattern. They are clear, simple, and technically easy to understand even by someone who has not yet tried crocheting in their entire life.

4. Choose the right yarn

Having a good yarn is next to having a good pattern. Nearly 8 out of the 10 people, who were into crocheting and were asked about the importance of the yarn, have contended that getting a good yarn is one of the most vital elements in creating a really good scarf.

The kind of yarn that you will choose will put so much impact on the product. For example, for more pizzazz, try to use metallic yarns in order to project a more sophisticated and trendy look.

5. Choose a pattern that will best work for you

This would mean that you should also consider your capacity. There are many cases of crocheting scarves, wherein some people, who have started the project but were not able to finish, have decided to quit simply because the pattern that they have chosen were too complicated based on their level of expertise or knowledge about the craft.

If you are a beginner, or not yet had much experience, it is much wiser to go for the quick-and-easy or simple-to-make styles that most patterns include. Make a roaring success of these. Then you will be that much better equipped to take on m ore ambitious styles with equally good results.

The bottom line is that, as you gain experience, go for some new feature or technique with each new project with better patterns. Keep in mind that it is better to use some patterns that should not be undertaken until you have developed a fairly straight eye and skill in crocheting. Take it all in easy stages.

Be Stylish With Your Own Work…Make A Crochet Poncho

You can now make a fashion statement with your crocheted project. Crochet ponchos are getting more popular nowadays even with celebrities. Its soft texture and stylish design makes it a must to include in your wardrobe.

If you are into crocheting, you can make your own poncho that will fit you perfectly and suit your taste. There are several designs and patterns available in the World Wide Web that you can access and follow for your personal use. Here are some examples of the different crochet poncho designs that you can choose:

- Adult Poncho Sweater. This poncho pattern from Emerald Moon Creations is a sexy kind of poncho sweater as it has the curve in the right place. It has a wide neckline with sleeves falling just above the elbow and a v-shaped, wavy bottom edges.

- Arizona Poncho. This wide poncho from Brons Fiber Stuff is more like a rectangular poncho. When laid flat, it looks like a huge piece of crocheted square pattern with a hole in the middle. This one is simple and easy to make.

- Asymmetrical Cross-Stitch Poncho. From Craftown, and contributed by a certain designer named Cristina Heredia, this asymmetrical poncho is striking because of the color used. It uses the cross stitch pattern and can easily be followed even by beginners. This crochet poncho is like a simple rectangular one but with one side pointed or longr than the other.

- Bead-trimmed Crochet Poncho. Here is a different variation of the usual poncho. It looks light and very comfortable to wear. What makes it different are the bead trimmings on the bottom edges of the poncho. It is easy to do yet the output is elegant-looking.

- Beauty in Bloom Poncho. This light blue, wide-necked ponchette is very lady like. Its length just reaches slightly above the waistline. It also has dark blue flower patterns just below the neckline. A free pattern for this crochet poncho can be found in Crochet Pattern Central.

- Gentle Ripples Poncho. A crochet poncho good for plus-sized women, this one has a simple A-type cut that falls up to the thighs. The ripple pattern used is easy to follow, even a beginner can do. This one is designed by the Crochet bythehook site owner named Dot.

- Black and White Poncho. This all v-shaped black and white crochet poncho is ideal during the colder months. Its stitches are close together that will surely give you the softness and warmth you need during winter. The pattern for this crochet poncho is found at Crochetlady’s page in Angel Fire.

- Springtime Poncho. Designed by Marie of Crochet Me, this spring-inspired poncho is ideal for bigger women. It has a low neckline that falls like the shape of a bell. This one is ideal to wear during the warmer months as it has wide-spaced stitches. Those who want a much smaller size for this design just need to use a smaller hook.

- Petite Poncho. This petite crochet poncho is for your little ones. It has an almost-off-shoulder neckline with stitches that ends up to the midrib, then tied to form groups of strands to form the bottom design. It is definitely easy to follow and makes your little girls prettier than ever.

- Town and Country Poncho. A plain white crochet poncho, this one looks best over a slim black dress. It looks simple yet very fashionable. It also provides a fresh look to the person wearing it. This pattern was classified as easy, so even beginners can do this. The pattern is found in the Lion Brand collection of patterns.

- Monster-In-Law Poncho. Yet another asymmetrical crochet poncho, this pattern has different pastel colors which makes it look fresh in the eyes. Its bottom are formed by groups of strands tied on the bottom edge of the stitches. This pattern can be printed out from the Lion Brand web site.

These are just a few examples of the different crochet poncho patterns you can find in the internet. There are much more in books and magazines in your local book shop. So whether you are just a first timer in this cool hobby or an advanced needle worker, there is a pattern available for you. Even the most stylish and fashionable poncho can be done by just a beginner. So what are you waiting for? Start hunting now for that unique pattern and begin crocheting! Have fun!

Free crochet hat patterns are ideal projects for beginners interested on embarking into the world of crocheting. At the same time free crochet hat patterns are great miniature projects that would challenge even skilled crochet crafters. Crochet enthusiasts can easily search online for complimentary crochet patterns designed specially for hats.

The available projects for crochet hats range from the basic pattern to the intermediate all the way to the intricate patterns for proficient crotchet crafters. The free patterns offered come in various sizes from children to adults. A crochet crafter looking for a specific size of crochet hat pattern can easily find one online without having to resize the dimensions of the blueprint.

Free crochet hat patterns are also available in various designs that are perfect for any time of the year. There are crochet hat patterns with Christmas designs that would make for great giveaways during the holidays. Spring and fall designs are also available in crochet hat patterns. Different styles of hats are also available in free crochet patterns like beanies, ski hats and berets.

More than just Free Crochet Hat Patterns

Craft sites that provide free crochet hat patterns also offer an assortment of services and bonus items that every crochet enthusiast will definitely derive benefit from. Numerous crafting sites offer free crochet patterns not only for hats but also for other types of wearable items such as afghan shawls and baby booties. Even decorative and functional crochet projects like pillows, purses and doilies are available and can easily be downloaded from various craft sites online.

Crochet enthusiasts can also order crochet supplies from online craft sites. These sites offer a wide array of brand names that produce various items related to crocheting. Crochet enthusiasts can also get hold of crochet kits that contain free crochet patterns. The kits come complete with everything an individual will need to begin a crochet project.

Aside from patterns, many sites offer compilations of free crochet patterns packaged in a convenient e-book. The e-book can be saved into a crafter’s personal computer and specific pages from the e-book can easily be printed when needed. These are easier to haul around than a thick crotchet pattern book particularly when a crafter is on the move.

Craft sites also offer learning videos that come with free crochet patterns. These short educational videos can easily be saved on the hard drive and watched over and over again. Craft videos for crocheting are ideal for beginners as they normally feature the basic stitches. This is very helpful for beginners that require a visual demonstration of how the stitch is done.

Craft sites also have an online forum that visitors can use in case they have any questions regarding the free crochet pattern they downloaded from the site. Crochet enthusiasts can also exchange ideas and patterns amongst themselves through the online forum. Many experts also pass on valuable advice on the forum that can be very useful for beginners.

How to Get Free Crochet Hat Patterns Online

There are numerous resources that can provide free crochet hat patterns. Crochet enthusiasts can get free patterns from craft magazines as well as crochet books in libraries and bookstores across the country. However, the Internet seems to be the biggest and most convenient source compared to the rest.

It is easy to find online resources for free crochet patterns. A simple search at any search engine will bring up more than thousands of website hits. Check out the list and have a look at what each site has to offer. Some sites may require free membership signups before a visitor can download any free crochet patterns from the site.

Although it may quite tedious and irritating, signing up for the membership is something a crochet enthusiast should not pass up. Membership to most craft sites allow access to various parts of the website like forums and other downloadable items. In addition, most websites also accept submissions from crochet enthusiasts who would like to share a crochet project they made themselves.

Before downloading any free pattern, it is important to establish the status of the website especially if it requires a visitor to signup before accessing any item from the site. Bear in mind that some websites have the unfortunate habit of selling their site listing to other sites that may lead to annoying Spam mail. In this manner, a crochet enthusiast can enjoy the downloaded free crochet pattern with no worries.

One of the most important decisions you must make when you knit is what yarn to use for your project. The yarn you choose has everything to do with how your finished project looks and stands up to time and wear. The last thing you want to do is spend hours making something only to have it fall apart in the wash, or look worn out after the second wearing. Taking the time to choose just the right yarn will help make your knitting projects a success.

Here are the answers to your top seven knitting yarn questions:

1. How do I learn about all of the different yarns? The easiest place to learn about yarn is by simply reading and comparing labels. Yarn labels include such information as the brand name, the fiber content of the yarn, the color name and number, the dye lot number, the number of piles or strands, the weight classification of the yarn, the knitting and crochet gauge, cleaning instructions, and the length of the yarn itself. By reading the labels and comparing them to each other, you can easily learn all you need to know about yarn.

2. Why do I care about yarn weight classification? The term “yarn weight classification” does not refer to the actual physical weight of the yarn, as you might have guessed it would. Rather, the yarn weight classification refers to the diameter of the yarn strand. The smaller the strand, the smaller the weight, and vice versa…

3. Can I use a different yarn brand than my pattern calls for? Generally the answer is yes. You will want to knit a test swatch and make sure your gauge is correct before knitting your entire project though.

4. What is yarn gauge? Gauge is the number of stitches and rows in every inch of knitting. Gauge is specified on patterns to assure that the end project is true to size. Because everyone knits differently, it is very important to make a test swatch with your project needles and yarn to check to make sure your gauge matches that of the pattern you are working with. Gauge is especially important when working with clothing.

5. Can I substitute one yarn weight for another one? Generally the answer is no. Because your yarn weight has a lot to do with the finished size and look of a project, by using a yarn of a different weight you risk your project coming out the wrong size. Generally you cannot substitute yarn weights unless you are making something like a blanket or scarf where it will not matter as much and you can easily adjust your project for the change in size.

6. What is a dye lot and why do some yarns have one and others do not? Dye lot numbers refer to the batch a skein of yarn was in when it was dyed at the factory. Because dying is not an exact science, the same color yarn, from different dye lots, can appear to be two different colors. This is why you should always purchase enough yarn to complete your project all from the same dye lot if at all possible.
Some yarns and fibers do not list a dye lot number because the fibers are colored first and then the yarns are made. This means there are no dye lots available for the yarn.

7. How do I care for my knitted fabrics? The easiest way to know how to care for a knitted fabric is to check on the laundering instructions on the yarn label. Generally you will want to hand wash all of your hand knitted items in a mild detergent and then dry them flat. If you do not have a yarn label, you can sometimes find similar yarn at your local craft store and read that yarn’s label for care directions.

As you foray into the art of crochet, there will be times where you want to add some stiffness to your finished work. This is the case when you are crocheting items such as handbags, doilies, and certain kinds of lace. Stiffening your yarns or fibers can easily be accomplished by starching your projects with a variety of different stiffening mediums. Starching has been around for a very long time and with the different options available today for starching; you can find just the right one for your project.

Classic Starching

The oldest form of starching is simply to dissolve ¼ cup starch in ½ cup of cold water. Take this mixture and bring it to a boil slowly over a low flame. As the mixture begins to thicken up, gradually add 1 ¼ cups of cold water. Boil the mixture while stirring constantly until the mixture becomes clear. This will leave you with a think pasty type mixture.

As soon as your starch mixture is cool enough to safely be handled, dip in your crochet work and squeeze the starch into it thoroughly. Your goal is to soak your project with the starch but not to have it in the holes or any openwork in your project. At this point you will want to allow your project to dry in the position you want it to be in when the starching process is completed.

Once your item is completely dry, you can iron it with a steam iron on a medium setting.

Spray Starch

An easier way to stiffen your crochet items is to use spray starch. Spray starch is readily available in the laundry detergent area of any of your local grocery or drug stores. To use spray starch you will want to use one of two methods.

Method one is to lightly spray your piece and the press it using a warm iron, on the wrong side, covered with another material in-between your item and your iron.

Method two is to lightly spray your piece and then pin it in place and allow it to dry. If you choose to pin your pieces, make sure you use rust proof pins so you do not get any staining on your finished crochet work.

Spray starch is perfect for household items and holds up under normal wear. However, it is not permanent and if you wash your item then you will need to starch it again.

Liquid Starch

Using liquid starch allows you to control the stiffness of your piece very easily. You have the option of using the starch straight from the bottle, or diluting it with water and having a less stiff piece as a result. The process is identical to the directions above for classic starching.

Stiff Stuff

There is a great product on the craft market called “Stiff Stuff.” And, just as the name implies, it is used to starch craft items and handiwork. The process is exactly the same as using spray starch; however, your resulting item will be very stiff. And, if you wish to hasten the process you can use a blow dryer to dry the starch faster. Stiff Stuff is not permanent and will wash out if you wash your piece.

White Glue and Water

If you are looking for a permanent starching option, you can accomplish it by using white glue and water. Simply mix together equal parts of white glue and water. Dip your crochet item into this mixture and squeeze out the excess. Lay your piece on a hard non-stick surface to dry and you will have a permanently starched end product.

Shellac

Shellac is used in the case where you want a very firm finished product. Simply shape your piece and using a small brush add a thin layer of shellac. Let this layer dry, and then apply 2-3 more coats on top of it. Once your item is dry the shellac is permanent and your item will be very hard to the touch. Shellac is perfect for use on things like crocheted Christmas tree ornaments and bookmarks.

By using these techniques, you can ensure that your crochet projects are starched like a professional and will last for many years to come.

The fashion world works on the different seasons. The one thing that has remained the same all these years is the colors. Light colors are used to welcome summer and spring while dark colors are used to symbolize fall and winter.

During these months, certain additions may excite the community and one of these is crochet patterns. The first time these came out were often seen in furniture.

These are the curtains on the wall, the coasters for the glasses and at times the table mats. Since fashion is about imagination and being able to make the person carry it, designs have been made to bring it out into the streets.

The world’s best designers do not just make designs for those who are young. The designs are made to create a carefree and spirited individual who may be old but have the youthful spirit at heart.

A simple pair of jeans could have flower patterns on the back pocket. The handbag could have a double stitch with different colors. The top could be a long sleeve jacket with a flower in the back or a patch in the arm.

Patterns like these and others may come in different sizes and shapes. Some can be represented in the form of an animal. Those who are patriotic could follow the colors of the flag with the red, white and blue in a top.

There are so many designs that the person can get from magazines and the internet. By looking around or using a little imagination, some unique and new patterns can also be made.

Some people have this notion that crochet patterns are only for women. There are a lot of designs that men and children can wear as well. This is not only for shirt that is worn but can be used to accessorize the jacket as well in the form of a patch for the arm. People who want to stand out or individualize can also make a hat or wear a pair of gloves that also use these designs.

Women can also make crochet patterns in scarves, capes and coats that will make the person look fashionable even in a cold climate.

Making a crochet pattern is easy as long as the person has some basic knowledge of cross stitching. The only needed after that is the needle and thread that is used to make it.

It is a good idea to first draw it on paper before starting out. After making the layout, it is time to go to the specialty store and choose the ideal yarn for the item that the person is going to make. Weight is very crucial since this will determine if it is expandable.

Beginners who don’t do this often should always start with simple patterns before moving on to the more advanced designs.

The best place to learn patterns these are through books. There also some that can be found in the internet and is free. These sources not only show the design but also how to do which makes it easy for anyone to catch on.

Another good place to learn some designs is by going to the mall. There are some specialty shops that have it as part of the collection. By taking it off the rack, wearing and feeling the texture, the person will have an idea and do it upon getting home.

Crochet patterns from simple furniture items can now be turned into a fashion statement. These can be used for everyday wear from top to bottom. The person just has to decide whether to buy it from the store or take the time and do it at home.

This could take some time but the hard work will all pay off when the person gets complements from family member and friends who find out that this was done at home. It takes a little imagination to make it happen and good hands to bring it to life.

Crochet designs don’t always have to be something new. There are some old ones that were popular before and are now making a comeback. The designs sometimes depend on the season and the direction of those who have some authority in the world of fashion.