Pattern Gal Express Orders: 1-800-Ma-Kuilt                      PatternGal.CQuilt.com Crochet Basics         By:  Melanie Capener  1998      Hook and thread placement:  Hook:Hold hook as you would a pencil or a fork between your index and middle fingers, using your thumb and index fingers to guide your hook.  As I crochet I also use my middle finger a lot to check  where the thread is placed on my hook.  It stays a little closer to the hook and checks the my crocheting stitch. Thread Tension: Thread is placed around the little finger of your opposite hand and then wraps across your palm to the outside of your index finger.  The index finger moves back and forth to pull a  little more thread as you crochet. The little finger (and sometimes your entire hand) moves to pull the thread off of the skein. To Begin: Make a Slip knot and place it around your crochet hook. To End:  Slip stitch into the beginning or the top corner of the row you began.  Slip stitch again and pull your thread up to loosen about an inch to an inch and a half.  Cut thread in the  center of this stitch (where your hook came out of) and pull tightly.  This will knot your rows together.  Then weave the tail into you last stitches crocheted, or if adding another row or  color. Simply place your thread tails on top of the stitches and crochet around them as if the stitch were a little thicker. Simple Stitches: CH = Chain,  Pick up thread and pull through the loop on your hook. SL = Slip Stitch, Put hook through stitch or  hole, pick up thread and pull back  through the loop on your hook. SC = Single Crochet,  Put crochet hook in hole (or stitch from row below) and pick up thread from the other side.  Pull hook and thread back through hole.  (Now you have 2 loops on your  hook).  Pick up thread again and pull it back through both loops on hook. You have ended the stitch and should have one loop on hook. DC = Double Crochet,    Pick up thread, (2 loops on hook), Go into the hole (or stitch below), Pick up thread from the other side and pull back through hole.  (Now you have 3 loops on  your hook).  Pick up thread and pull it through first two loops on hook, pick up thread again and pull through the last two loops on hook.  You have ended the stitch and should have one loop on  hook.   TC = Treble Crochet,    Pick up thread, (2 loops on hook), pick up another thread, (3 loops on hook), Go into the hole (or stitch below). Pick up thread from the other side and pull back  through hole.  (Now you have 4 loops on your hook).  Pick up thread and pull it through first two loops on hook, pick up thread again and pull through the next two loops on hook, pick up thread  again and pull through the last two loops on hook.    You have ended the stitch and should have one loop on hook.      Have Fun Crocheting! Items needed:  7, 8, or 9 Crochet hook, and thread.   Thread: I prefer, DMC #8 Pearl Cotton or Pearl Crown Rayon because it is smooth which makes it fast and easy to crochet.   DMC Cebeila or Baroque is my next choice. Preparations:  Trim edge down to 1/4 inch if desired. A.  If you want a larger looking edge, crochet over the full 1/4 inch.  You will use more thread this way, but have a nicer looking finish.  B.  For a smaller edge and less thread used.  Fold over the 1/4" seam allowance and crochet the raw edges of the fabric under your first row of stitching.  This makes the first row about  1/8” wide.  Copyright © 1998 RaMel Enterprises Inc. for M. Capener  All rights reserved.  You may copy this for limited personal use.  No part of this publication may be  reproduced for commercial use without prior written permission.

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