Crochet for Beginners

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.

Free Crochet Resources For Your First Project

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.

Crochet Poncho

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.

The Top 7 Knitting Yarn Questions Answered

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.

Adding Starch to Your Finished Crochet Projects

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.

Different Crochet Patterns For Beginners

When just beginning to crochet, keep in mind that your first work must be easy and something that is fun to do. Select a pattern that needs no or very little shaping like a pillow or a scarf. Tote bags and hats are also simple projects to make requiring very little shaping.

There are a wide selection of colors and yarns so you can choose what colors suit you best, but remember to begin with a moderately smooth yarn that is easy to handle, like a worsted-weight type of yarn.

Patterns that use large hooks or needles and two threads of yarn can be great first projects because will be fast to complete. Search for patterns that are marked as “beginner”.

Here is a pattern that when accomplished, makes a 7 inches by 9 inches block that can be a good practice for beginners; also, with these basic crochet pattern, one can easily create a scarf, pillow or a doily:

Knitting is Not for Grannies Anymore

One of the fastest growing trends today is teenagers learning to knit. While the word “knitting” used to make you think of grandma sitting in her rocker knitting a baby blanket for some distant relative, this is just not the case anymore. Today, millions of teens and young adults everywhere are learning to knit. And, they are creating some amazing garments and decorative items!

Today, there are many knitting books published which are targeted specifically at teens and young adults. These books are flying off the shelves in record numbers. Many of the knitting books today come with some really hip and colorful projects which appeal to teens and young adults. Add to that the amazingly cool yarns and fibers available today, and you have a winning combination.

A Knit Baby Blanket is One of the Best Baby Gifts

Finding the perfect gift for new parents can often be a challenge. Many times new parents have either already shopped for their babies, or they have other children and have many of the things they will need already in their homes. One perfect gift option in this case is the gift of a handmade knit baby blanket. By presenting the new parents with a handmade blanket you can show that you took the time to make something special with their baby in mind. The blanket will be appreciated and likely treasured for years to come.

Tips for Joining A Knitting Group

If you are new to knitting, or a seasoned pro, a knitting group might be just what you have been looking for. Joining a knitting group can offer you help with a new pattern, help completing a lingering project, new knitting project ideas, and the ability to make new friends with a very similar interest to yours.

You may have investigated the idea of getting some classes to help with your knitting and found that the cost is too high for your budget, or there are no class times which work for your busy schedule. A great alternative to the structure and cost of knitting lessons are knitting groups.

Knitting groups are simply a collective of people who get together to knit and teach each other things about knitting. Whether you have never knit anything or if you have a bunch of successful projects under your belt, you can benefit from a knitting group.

Here are four of the top benefits of a knitting group:

Benefit #1 – Learn New Patterns from People Not Books – Have you ever read a knitting pattern and went “huh?” Most everyone who knits does that at some point. The abbreviations get the best of us and we have no idea what a pattern is talking about, let alone try to knit it.

Knitting Yarn Selection Tips and Tricks

Most everyone who knits appreciates all of the variation in the yarns and fibers available on the market today. Even in a large store like Wal-Mart, you can discover many different kinds of yarns. As you move to craft stores and knitting shops your yarn selection options go through the roof. At these specialty shops you can find yarns made of some of the most exotic fibers such as alpaca and cashmere. For a knitter, browsing through all the options in a store which carries yarn can take hours and is a very enjoyable pastime.

Yarn selection for your knitting projects is a much more complicated process than simply selecting a color which appeals to you. While yarn color clearly matters, the most important thing about the yarn you select is that it matches your project and that it is the highest quality available in your price range. The product you end up with is a direct result of the yarn you choose; if you choose quality you will have a quality end product, if you choose a lesser yarn it will show in the quality of your finished work.

Knitting as a Home-Based Business

The word “knitting” used to conger up thoughts of grannies sitting in their rockers and making baby blankets to pass the time, but thankfully it has now taken on an entirely different connotation. Knitting has seen a major resurgence in interest in the past ten years or so. People young and old, from all walks of life, are discovering knitting in an entirely new way. And, the best part is that now some stay-at-home parents are using their love of knitting to create income for their families. As owners of a home-based knitting business, many are finding they can earn some extra money to support their family, while enjoying their craft as well.

There are many aspects to knitting which can be made into a home-based business venture. The most obvious one is selling the items which you knit. However, even more in demand is teaching knitting to others, and selling knitting items to others who knit for their hobby. With the proliferation of the Internet, you can now set up shop and be in business in just a couple days’ time.

Aran Knitting Is Simple But Sure Doesn’t Look Like It

Aran knitting is a form of knitting where you use one solid color of yarn and essentially make patterns and cables by using various basic stitches and needle techniques. The Aran knitting technique is also sometimes called sweater knitting, cable knitting, or fisherman knitting, because Aran knitting techniques were used in the past primarily to knit cable sweaters. Today, Aran knitting techniques are used on a wide variety of hand knit items from the more traditional sweaters to blankets, scarves and bags.

While Aran knit garments and household items may look very complicated to knit, they really aren’t all that difficult to do once you have mastered a couple new techniques. Anyone with basic knitting skills can learn to do Aran knitting and create wonderful heirloom items for their friends and family.

In addition to traditional knitting needles, for Aran knitting you will also need to have a cable needle which you will use to make the special cable designs with. Cable needles come in various shapes and sizes. The shape and size you choose to use in your knitting is mostly about personal preference as they all perform the same function. Personally, I know that I prefer wooden cable needles because they are less likely to slide out of my projects.