Crochet Patterns For Dummies E-Book

Susan Brittain

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 394

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2011

Beschreibung

This hands-on workbook gets you crocheting fashionable, fun designs in a focused, step-by-step manner Would you like to learn to crochet? Already know the basics, but would like to stretch your crocheting skills? From scarves and sweaters to hats and handbags, you can create beautiful, useful designs with ease using Crochet Patterns For Dummies. From choosing the right hooks and yarn and crocheting basic stitches to joining pieces together, this easy-to-follow guide will have you hooked in no time. You get a review of the basic stitches and stitch combinations, along with a concise appendix containing easy-to-follow instructions for working these stitches. You'll find plenty of tips on changing colors and adding shape to your projects. Plus, you get full-color photos of every project--from potholders to afghans, belts to table runners, skirts to vests, and much more. You'll also discover how to: * Decipher crochet lingo * Make a gauge swatch, read a pattern, and understand garment sizing * Work with the most common stitches and stitch patterns * Crochet in the round or with color * Shape a design through increasing or decreasing stitches * Use new techniques like felting and working with wire * Crochet pictures and words using the filet crochet technique There are also quick-and-easy designs that are great for kids to make, as well as handy hints on caring for your finished items. Featuring more than 50 fantastic patterns perfect for beginners or those wanting to take their skills to the next level, Crochet Patterns For Dummies is your one-stop guide to crocheting success!

Leseprobe

Crochet Patterns For Dummies

by Susan Brittain

Crochet Patterns For Dummies®

Published byWiley Publishing, Inc.111 River St.Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774www.wiley.com

Copyright © 2007 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

Published simultaneously in Canada

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2007931552

ISBN: 978-0-470-04555-8

Manufactured in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

About the Author

Susan Brittain’s fascination with crochet began very early, when she was 4 or 5 years old. She would watch her grandmother, who had lost her sight in midlife, spend hours crocheting beautiful afghans for friends and family, counting the stitches with her fingers. By the age of 8, Susan was crocheting her own projects, starting with simple patterns such as scarves, and then moving on to afghans, toys, and sweaters. Although her creative streak has led her to learn many different crafts, crochet has been a steady thread throughout.

Susan finally had the opportunity to combine work with pleasure, and she held the position of assistant editor for Crochet Fantasy magazine for a little more than two years, contributing as a designer as well. She is also the coauthor of Crocheting For Dummies (Wiley) and con- tinues to design new projects for various yarn companies, as well as friends and family.

Dedication

This book is first and foremost dedicated to my family, without whom I could never have completed this book. They gave me the time and space I needed to crochet all the designs, and then get them down on paper. My husband, Paul, and daughter, Angela, put up with boxes and bags of yarn, late meals, and piles of laundry that never seemed to quite get finished. Also, to my stepdaughters, Ashley and Sarah, who provided me with insights about what crochet projects the younger generation would like to see. Ashley even took a whole box of yarn and hooks with her when she went off to college.

Again, my gratitude goes to my family, the most important people in my life.

Author’s Acknowledgments

First of all, I’d like to thank Lindsay Lefevere at Wiley Publishing for giving me the opportunity to write another For Dummies book and, hopefully, expose more people to the craft of crochet. Even though crochet is “in” these days, it’s a dying art, and I’d hate to see it go by the wayside. I want to thank Elizabeth Kuball, my first project editor, and Alissa Schwipps, my second and final PE, for attempting to keep me on track and for their wonderful insights, even though I probably gave both of them some sleepless nights. Thanks also go to Vicki Adang, my copy editor, for her creativity with words and making sense of my sometimes mixed-up wording.

I have to thank my husband, Paul, and my daughter, Angela, for putting up with piles of yarn, hooks, and notes scattered throughout the house and my distraction when designing a new project.

Many thanks go to Lynn Carlisle of Caron Yarns, as well as Kathleen Sams and Terri Geck at Coats & Clark for so willingly supplying me with some fabulous yarn for many of these projects.

I also send many thanks to Elizabeth, Chelsea, Savannah, and Lu for helping me out when this book was in its beginning stages.

And last but not least, thanks to the readers, who I hope get as much enjoyment from reading this book as I did from writing it.

Publisher’s Acknowledgments

We’re proud of this book; please send us your comments through our Dummies online registration form located at www.dummies.com/register/.

Some of the people who helped bring this book to market include the following:

Acquisitions, Editorial, and Media Development

Senior Project Editor: Alissa Schwipps

Project Editor: Elizabeth Kuball

Acquisitions Editor: Lindsay Lefevere

Copy Editor: Victoria M. Adang

Technical Editor: Karen Frisa

Senior Editorial Manager: Jennifer Ehrlich

Editorial Assistants: Leeann Harney, Erin Calligan Mooney, Joe Niesen

Cover Photo: Kreber

Cartoons: Rich Tennant (www.the5thwave.com)

Composition Services

Project Coordinator: Jennifer Theriot

Layout and Graphics: Stacie Brooks, Carrie A. Foster, Brooke Graczyk, Denny Hager, Stephanie D. Jumper, Laura Pence, Alicia B. South, Erin Zeltner

Illustrations: Many illustrations in this book are based on illustrations published in Crochet Fantasy magazine, an All American Crafts publication; other illustrations are based on the art of Karen Manthey.

Photography: Photographs, Kreber/Mark Madden; Art Direction, Kreber/LeeAnn Kolka; Set Stylist, Kreber/Suzanne King

Anniversary Logo Design: Richard Pacifico

Proofreaders: Betty Kish, Susan Moritz, Christy Pingleton

Indexer: Sherry Massey

Publishing and Editorial for Consumer Dummies

Diane Graves Steele, Vice President and Publisher, Consumer Dummies

Joyce Pepple, Acquisitions Director, Consumer Dummies

Kristin A. Cocks, Product Development Director, Consumer Dummies

Michael Spring, Vice President and Publisher, Travel

Kelly Regan, Editorial Director, Travel

Publishing for Technology Dummies

Andy Cummings, Vice President and Publisher, Dummies Technology/General User

Composition Services

Gerry Fahey, Vice President of Production Services

Debbie Stailey, Director of Composition Services

Contents

Title

Introduction

About This Book

Conventions Used in This Book

Foolish Assumptions

How This Book Is Organized

Icons Used in This Book

Where to Go from Here

Part I : Reinforcing Your Crochet Foundation

Chapter 1: Gearing Up and Getting Started

Taking a Look at the Crochet Hook

Comprehending Yarn Complexities

Getting Your Fingers Moving

It’s in the Bag: Completing Your Crochet Kit

Chapter 2: Gauge and Garments: Sizing Facts and Figures

Practicing with a Gauge Swatch

Sizing Your Garment

Picking the Right Pattern Size

Chapter 3: Sum and Substance: Reading a Pattern

Interpreting the Written Instructions

Decoding the Diagram

Chapter 4: Brushing Up on Stitch Basics

Keeping You in Stitches

Change Is Good: Adding New Yarn

The Ins and Outs of Increasing and Decreasing Stitches

You’ll Come Around: Crocheting in Circles

Part II : Hook, Yarn, Action! Crocheting Simple Projects

Chapter 5: Working in the First Dimension

Practical Potholders

Handy Headbands

A Smart Scarf

Wooly Warmer Afghan

Chapter 6: Expanding and Diminishing Dimensions: Adding Shape

Beaded-Fringe Belt

Shades-of-Gray Shawl

Festive Diamond-Shaped Table Runner

Curlicue Scarf

Chapter 7: Going in Circles: Crocheting in the Round

Flirty Denim Skirt

Coffee Suede Beret

Red Velvet Crusher Hat

Bella Drawstring Bag

Chapter 8: Coloring It In

A Scarf of a Different Color

Denim Cloche

Wavy Chevron Throw

Cozy Chenille Throw Rug

Chapter 9: Mixing It Up: A Few Changes Make a Dramatic Difference

Beads-’n’-Bows Belt

Ruffles-’n’-Bows Scarf

Child’s Rolled-Brim Hat

Adult’s Rolled-Brim Hat

Part III : Putting Your Skills to the Test

Chapter 10: Seams Sew Easy: Joining Pieces Together

Furry Boa Pillow

Flower-Power Belt

Southwest Vest

Chapter 11: Finding the Loopholes and Creative Combinations

Elegant Evening Wrap

Double-Crossing Belt

Love Those Loops Scarf

Geometric Wrap

Chapter 12: Sensational Sweaters

Vertical Stripes Tunic

Lacy Bolero

Springtime Pullover

Shell Stitch Tank Top

Fur-Trimmed Jacket

Chapter 13: Timeless Techniques: Using the Afghan Stitch and Filet Crochet

Afghan Stitch Baby Blanket

Tunisian Stitch Tote Bag

Love-to-Read Bookmark

Heartland Window Valance

Chapter 14: Mixing Traditional Stitches with Contemporary Materials

Not Your Granny’s Scarf

Shells and Lace Pillowcase Edging

Honey, I Shrunk My Bag

Hemp Basket

Wire-’n’-Beads Necklace

Part IV : The Part of Tens

Chapter 15: Nearly Ten Projects That Take an Hour or So

Lacy Bookmark

Geometric Coaster Set

Fun Fur Scrunchies

Friendship Bracelet

Velvet Roses

Pocket Patches

Stemmed-Glass Markers

Must-See Fur Frame

Standout Luggage Tags

Chapter 16: Ten-Plus Tips for Caring for Your Crochet

Be a Pack Rat: Save the Labels

Show You Care: Attach Your Own Care Labels

Forget Dishpan Hands. Get Afghan Hands!

Blocking for a Better Shape

Take It to the Cleaners

Get a Load of This: Machine Washing

Let It Go for a Spin: Machine Drying

Iron It — but Only If You Must

Put Those Hangers Away!

Dazzling Displays and Safe Storage

Get Rid of Those Pesky Pills

Chapter 17: Ten Kid-Friendly Projects

Blue Note Scarf

Wear Your Heart Pin

MP3 Player Cover

Beadies Can-Cozy

Page Runner

Camouflage Belt

Chocolate Lace Headband

Chain-Link Bracelet

Think Pink Pocket Purse

Beaded Anklet

Part V : Appendixes

Appendix A: Crochet Stitches

Slipknot

Chain Stitch (ch)

Slip Stitch (sl st)

Single Crochet Stitch (sc)

Double Crochet Stitch (dc)

Triple Crochet Stitch (tr)

Double Triple Crochet (dtr)

Half Double Crochet Stitch (hdc)

Decrease 1 Single Crochet Stitch (dec 1 sc)

Decrease 1 Double Crochet Stitch (dec 1 dc)

V-stitch

Crossed Double Crochet Stitch

Shell Stitch

Picot

Cluster Stitch

Reverse Single Crochet Stitch (reverse sc)

Puff Stitch

Popcorn Stitch (pop or pc)

Bobble Stitch

Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc)

Back Post Double Crochet Stitch (BPdc)

Long (Spike) Stitch

Fringe

Tassels

Whipstitch

Blanket Stitch

Appendix B: Yarn Supply Sources

: Further Reading

Introduction

There’s nothing like being able to sit down in a favorite chair for a while to catch up on some much needed down time, whether it’s in the evening after the dinner dishes are done or on a rainy afternoon. If you’re anything like me, though, you find it hard to just sit. This is when I like to get my crocheting out and sit and relax, but still be creative at the same time.

As with any new skill, practice makes perfect. Even after 30-plus years of working with a hook and yarn, I still learn new techniques and new ways to do old things. Mastering the basics is, of course, essential, and even if you’ve been crocheting for a while, it never hurts to review skills that may be a little rusty.

Crochet Patterns For Dummies was written so you can practice and enhance your skills in this time-honored craft, while at the same time create designs that are both useful and fashionable.

About This Book

The craft of crochet has been around for hundreds of years, originally developed out of necessity, and then continued throughout the ages because of the beautiful designs that can be created. I can’t even begin to count the variations of stitches that can be crocheted, but one thing I can tell you is that they all begin with the basics. For that reason, I give you projects in this book that allow you to develop a strong foundation of the most commonly used stitches and stitch patterns.

Patterns’ skill levels are categorized as Beginner, Easy, Intermediate, or Advanced, and some pattern books note the skill level using one of the following symbols:

I don’t include the symbols in this book because most of the patterns fall into the Beginner and Easy categories. I note which patterns are more advanced in the pattern introductions. Each chapter is organized so the patterns graduate from the least to the most complicated, so you can pick and choose where you want to begin.

Each part of this book focuses on a different aspect of crochet, and the parts are further broken down into chapters pertaining to specific information, such as

Hook and yarn information, and how to choose the right materials

Deciphering crochet lingo, reading a pattern, and understanding garment sizing

A review of the basic stitches and stitch combinations, with a concise appendix containing step-by-step instructions for working these stitches

Loads of patterns separated into chapters for specific skills used

To give you an idea of what the projects look like when they’re finished, I include photos:

Each set of project instructions within the chapter includes a photo of the completed item.

In the center of the book, you can find color photos of the projects. These photos also give you a better idea about the yarn colors I chose. (Of course, if you’re not crazy about the yarn I used, you can always branch out on your own and choose colors that are more suited to your taste.)

Some instructions also include illustrations that show you stitch diagrams or project dimensions. Some things are easier to visualize than read about, and these illustrations are meant to show you how stitches or sizes relate.

Some projects include a “Variation” section after the basic instructions. This can be as simple as how to substitute materials, or it can give you ideas about creating a whole new project from the original pattern. Read these sections even if you don’t want to employ them. They can expand your knowledge about crochet and how you can adapt designs and patterns.

The best thing about this book is that you don’t have to read it cover to cover. You choose where to start. If something looks interesting, go ahead and flip to that chapter. If you need a refresher on a certain skill used, go ahead and flip back, make a practice swatch, and then continue on with the project.

Conventions Used in This Book

The following conventions are used throughout the text to make the patterns consistent and easy to understand:

New terms appear in italic and are closely followed by an easy-to-understand definition.

Bold is used to highlight the action parts of numbered steps and for keywords in bulleted lists.

When you see a set of bulleted (•) instructions in this book, work the stitches through once, and then go back and repeat them the number of times indicated.

If a new skill is introduced that is not included elsewhere in the book, you’ll find it listed within that particular pattern under the heading “New skills.” In that section, you’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to work that particular stitch.

The specific part of an illustration that relates to the step you’re working on is shaded dark gray. For example, if you’re inserting your hook into a certain stitch, only that stitch is shaded so you can clearly see where to go.

The patterns included in this book are all written in typical crochet fashion, as you’d see in any publication. Crochet has a language all its own, most of it abbreviated. To brush up on the lingo, see Chapter 4.

Foolish Assumptions

My greatest hope is that, by picking up this book, you are looking to further develop the crochet skills that you already possess. If you have a working knowledge of the basics and are ready to take your skills to the next level, then you’ve come to the right place. This book does contain a little bit of very basic, beginner-level information to help jog your memory, but you should have at least some prior experience.

If you’re looking to learn to crochet from the start, then look around the bookshelves for Crocheting For Dummies, the companion book to this one. In that book, you’ll find in-depth information about crochet from start to finish. If you’re feeling really adventurous, pick up both books so you’ll have a complete set.

How This Book Is Organized

This book is divided into five easily identifiable parts, with a total of 17 chapters and two appendixes. Any brand-new stitches that are introduced within a particular chapter are illustrated in the “New skills” section. If at any point it seems that you need specific knowledge about a concept, I’ll point you in the right direction.

Part I: Reinforcing Your Crochet Foundation

This part contains all the reference material you need to crochet your way through the rest of the book. It starts off with choosing the right hook and yarn, and then moves on to figuring out gauge. Information about reading patterns, sizing garments, and understanding stitches and their relationships to each other is included in this section. And last, but not least, you can refresh your memory about how to change colors correctly, increasing and decreasing stitches, and crocheting in a circle.

Part II: Hook, Yarn, Action! Crocheting Simple Projects

Part II has five chapters packed full of patterns designed to get your fingers moving. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of the basic skills. You can choose a project in which you concentrate on crocheting your stitches evenly, or one that has you shaping the design through increases and decreases. You can make great accessories while crocheting in the round, or you can crochet multicolored patterns designed to get you into the color-changing mode.

Part III: Putting Your Skills to the Test

Ready to take your skills a step further? The patterns in this part of the book combine all of the basics and more. I include a whole bunch of sweater designs, as well as more home décor and accessories. You’ll use some slightly more advanced techniques, as well as see what it’s like to work with unconventional materials such as hemp and wire.

Part IV: The Part of Tens

Not to be outdone, Part IV has loads of patterns as well. Included are quick ’n’ easy designs that are great for when you need a creative fix. I also came up with a whole bunch of designs with the younger set in mind. I hope these patterns get them crocheting, but they’re great for you to make as gifts for tweens and teens as well. This part also contains information on caring for your work after it’s done.

Part V: Appendixes

When you get stuck, turn to this part for a little help. Appendix A walks you through how to do basic and not-so-basic crochet stitches. Appendix B provides yarn companies’ names and contact info that you can use when you can’t find the yarn you want in your neighborhood craft store.

Icons Used in This Book

To make this book easier to read and simpler to use, I include some icons that can help you find and fathom key ideas and information that are worth taking a second glance at.

This icon appears any time I provide information that can make your work a bit easier or show you a trick that experienced crocheters have developed over the years.

Any time you see this icon, you should know that the information that follows is important. It highlights different points in the skills or pattern that you should remember.

When you see this icon, be sure to read carefully the information that follows. It can help you avoid common mistakes and pitfalls that can lead to a disastrous finished design.

Where to Go from Here

The beauty of this book is that you can start anywhere you want. If it’s been a while since you’ve crocheted, or if you’re still a relative beginner, then by all means start at the beginning. If you’re ready to jump right in, browse through the project chapters or take a look at the color insert and choose one that looks like fun. Chapter 12 is all about sweaters. Chapter 15 has a bunch of patterns that you can make in an hour or so. And I’ve scattered accessories and home décor items throughout the project chapters.

Remember, though, that you can always seek additional, in-depth information in the companion book, Crocheting For Dummies. It provides detailed explanations on everything provided in this book.

Part I

Reinforcing Your Crochet Foundation

In this part . . .

Taking another step into the world of crochet is exciting. Gaining more experience will help you expand your skills and knowledge of this time-honored craft. Even the best of us, though, need some refresher information now and then.

This part of the book provides some basic information that will never be obsolete. First and foremost, I explain how to choose the right materials, from hooks to yarn. Moving on, you can refresh your knowledge of the all-important concept of gauge, from how to calculate it to the impact it can have on the final outcome of your finished piece. You’ll also find some invaluable information about reading patterns and deciphering the lingo associated with crochet. And last but not least, I include a review of the stitches you’ll find throughout the book.

Take some time to glance through this part, and know that it’s here as a reference for you as you crochet.