| ade afghans and baby booties are still the types of | | | | what the name implies, a chain of a specified length |
| family heirlooms that evoke memories of home and | | | | into which the hook will be inserted to start the next |
| family. It is a lost art with the advent of modern knitting | | | | row of stitching. Depending on the pattern, the crochet |
| machines, but the craft is still an enjoyable hobby for all | | | | stitch may be worked into each link of the chain or |
| ages and skill levels. | | | | skip links to create spaces in the pattern. |
| Crocheting is a great craft for beginners and experts | | | | A common pattern for a blanket is the “granny |
| both. Beginners can make crocheted scarves in just a | | | | square.” This can be one big square that |
| few hours using large needles (hooks), a bulky yarn, an | | | | makes up the whole blanket or a series of smaller |
| a single crochet stitch. Those who are more | | | | squares that are later stitched together. In the case of |
| experienced can get into double crochets, treble | | | | the granny square, the chain you begin with is only a |
| stitches, popcorn stitches or any number of | | | | few stitches long. Then you work the single crochet |
| combination stitches that can create endless patterns | | | | into it, skipping links so that the stitches begin to circle |
| for hats, mittens, sweaters, slippers, and blankets. | | | | around and form a square. The next row adds |
| The basic tools needed to crochet like an expert are a | | | | stitches as it makes its way around the perimeter so |
| hook and yarn. These tools vary greatly in size and | | | | that the square can grow to the desired size. |
| even material. A beginner may find it easiest to work | | | | Anyone can crochet like an expert with a few basic |
| with an I of J sized hook and a light weight yarn. This | | | | skills. The chain stitch, a single crochet stitch and the |
| allows them to see their work as they progress. The | | | | double or half double crochet stitch can be woven into |
| new fashions using faux furs are a bit more difficult, | | | | endless patterns and accessories. The electronic |
| but can be mastered very quickly once the basic | | | | manual gives you the details invaluable tips from |
| single crochet stitch is learned. | | | | master needle workers. |
| All crochet projects start with a chain stitch. This is just | | | | |