Crochet Patterns and Supplies

Crochet is a hobby that is enjoyed by many people today. With the availability of so many patterns, and the fact that so few supplies are needed, this easy-to-learn craft has become very popular. It is worthwhile to be able to make many useful articles for personal use, the home, and for gifts

Crochet is placing a slip knot on a hook, hooking the yarn and pulling it through the slip knot, and then hooking the yarn and pulling another loop through that one and so on until the chain is the desired length. The work can then be turned at the end of the chain to work stitches along the chain. The stitches range from the basic single crochet and double crochet stitches to more complicated and elaborate designs.

Basic Stitches Described

Single Crochet - To do a single crochet stitch on a chain as described above, the hook is inserted in the second chain from the hook to start the row. The yarn is then hooked (called a yarn over - YO) and drawn through, hooked again and drawn through both loops. After making the first single crochet, the stitches are done in every chain after the first.

Double Crochet - YO before inserting the hook. Insert the hook, YO, pull through. There are now 3 loops on the hook. YO and draw through 2 loops. YO and draw through the 2 remaining loops.

There is no written record of crochet patterns before the 1800s when the first crochet patterns were published. Prior to that, the art of crochet was passed down from generation to generation, working from samples of finished work. Today, there are many wonderful printed patterns available along with a wide variety of types and colors of yarn.

The art of crochet is interesting and enjoyable, a very pleasurable, yet practical hobby for making clothing and accessories, decorative and useable items for the home, holiday decorations, and thoughtful gifts for friends and family.

Quick and easy crochet patterns can be found online at FREE CROCHET PATTERNS