Double Crochet

Double Crochet 

1. Make a foundation chain to start.
2. Insert the hook into the 2nd chain from the hook. ( the 1st chain is the turning chain) 
3. Wrap the yarn around the hook, from the back and over the hook. 
4. You can insert the hook into both parts of the v or just the top one. ( I like to use just the top part of the v)
5. Holding the foundation chain with your other hand, draw a loop through this chain.
6. There are now 2 loops on the hook.
7. Next yrh and draw a loop through both loops on the hook. 
8. As you use the yarn, allow it to flow through the fingers of your free hand, tensioning softly as you work.
9. This completes the 1st Double Crochet. 
10. Continue across the foundation chain, working one Double Crochet into each chain in this way. 
11. At the end of the row, chain one and turn your work, ready for the next row. 
12. This chain brings the work up to the height ready for the next row. 
13. Work the 1st Double Crochet into the top of the 1st stitch in the row below. 
14. Insert your hook into both parts of the v stitch. 
15. Continue this until the end of the row. It is a good idea to count the stitches as you go so you know when you have reached the last stitch.
16. Note- While learning it can be difficult to see the last stitch. 
17. At the end of the row, work the last stitch into the top of the last Double Crochet of the row below. 
18. Work all following rows in this way. 
19. When your piece is complete cut the yarn leaving a long tail for sewing. 
20. Pull up the final loop and remove from the hook, then pass the yarn through this loop and pull to secure. 

Chain Stitches and The Foundation Chain

Chain Stitches and the Foundation Chain 

Making a Foundation Chain

1. Start with a slip knot on the hook.

2. Wrap the yarn around the hook, (yrh).

3. Move your hook under the yarn at the same time as you move the yarn slightly forwards. 

4. With the yarn gripped by the tip, draw a loop of yarn through the loop on the hook.

5. Hold the base of the slip knot with your free fingers.

6. This completes the first chain. 

7. Yrh and draw a loop through the loop on the hook for each new chain made. 

8. Continue making these chains in the same way until you have the required number. 

9. The back of the foundation chain has little bumps along it, while the front of the chain shows little v’s.

10. It is useful to count the chains as you go.

11. Recount each chain before beginning your project.

Making a Slip Knot

Making a Slip Knot 
1. To make the first loop,begin by crossing the yarn coming from the ball over the yarn end (the tail) to form a circle of yarn.
2. Insert the tip of the hook through the circle of yarn.
3. Then use the hook to grab the ball end of the yarn and pull the yarn through the circle.
4. This forms a loop on the hook and a loose, open knot below the loop.
5. Pull both ends of the yarn firmly to tighten the knot and the loop around the shank of the hook.
6. Make sure the completed slip knot is tight enough on the hook so that you can barely slide it along the hook’s shank.
7. The yarn tail on the slip knot should be at least 10 cm long so it can be threaded onto a blunt ended yarn needle and darned in later. However, your pattern may instruct you to leave an extra long tail for sewing seams.

Holding the Yarn

Holding the Yarn 
1. In order to control the flow of yarn to your hook, you need to lace it around the fingers of your free hand. This can be your left hand or your right hand. Which works the best for you.
2. Method One - Left Hand - Start winding the yarn around your little finger, then pass it under your two middle fingers and over your forefinger. With this method the forefinger is used to position the yarn.
3. Method Two - Right Hand - Wrap the yarn around your little finger, then pass it behind the next finger and over the top of the middle finger and forefinger. This method allows you to position the yarn with either the forefinger of middle finger, whichever is more comfortable and gives you more

Basic Stitches

 Basic Stitches
1. First get to know your hook and how to hold it.
2. The Pencil position - To hold the hook in this position, grip it as you would a pencil. If the hook has a shaped thumb rest, position your thumb and forefinger on this part. 
The centre of your thumb will be about 5cm from the tip of the hook. If your hook does not have a thumb rest position your thumb and forefinger here.
3. The Knife Position - To hold the hook in this position, grip it as you would when using a knife. If your hook has a thumb rest, settle your thumb and forefinger on this part. 
The centre of your thumb will be about 5cm from the tip of the hook. Grip a hook without a thumb rest the same distance from the tip. 

Conversion Chart

Conversion Chart
EU Metric.  US Sizes.
0.6mm.         14 steel
1mm.            12 steel
1.25mm.        7 steel
1.5mm.           6 steel
1.75mm.        5 steel
2mm.
2.25mm.          B-1
2.5mm.
2.75mm.           C-2
3mm.    
3.25mm.           D-3
3.5mm.             E-4
3.75mm.           F-5
4mm.                G-6
4.5mm.             7
5mm.                H-8
5.5mm.             1-9
6mm.                J-10
6.5mm.             K-101/2  
7mm.
8mm.                L-11
9mm.                M-13  
10mm.              N-15
12mm.              P
15mm.              Q (16mm)
20mm.              S(19mm)

Hooks and other equipment

Crochet Hooks 
The hook lip grabs the yarn to form the loops and the shank determines the size of the loop. The crochet handle gives weight to the tool and provides a good grip. 
1. The tip of the hook can also be called the throat or the lip.
2. The next part is called the shank.
3. Then the thumb rest.
4. Then the handle.

Alternative Hook Handles
1. A metal hook with a plastic handle, maybe more comfortable. There are 3 parts to this hook. The 1st is the metal shank and hook.
2. This hook has an easy grip thumb rest.
3. A comfortable plastic handle.

Hook Types
1. Lace hooks- 0.6mm to 1.75mm
2. These hooks are used for fine lace crochet.
3. Use the point protector as this hook is very fine.

Metal Hooks
Some ranges of aluminium hooks are available in bright colours - a different colour for each size, which can be handy for picking up the right size at a glance.

Wooden Hooks
Hardwood and bamboo hooks are very attractive and lighter in weight than metal hooks. They also provide a good grip to prevent your fingers from slipping when crocheting.

Plastic Hooks
Plastic hooks are not as precisely made as metal and wooden hooks, but they come in great colours, so are enjoyable to work with.

Jumbo Hooks
The largest crochet hook sizes - from 10mm (US size N-15) to 20mm (US size S) are made in plastic. They are used for making a thick crochet fabric very quickly.