From an expert’s approach, a crochet is the method use to produce a fabricated product from long threads and yarns. Crochet is simply derived from the French word “croche” which means to make a hook or loop. It is always associated when it comes to stitches, thread, and creating patterns of fabric materials from creating a slipknot on the hook.

The process of pulling another knot on the hook to the second loop and repeating the process continuously to make a chain of stitches is called a crochet. The way the chains of stitches are made must be in rows or they are combined from a step-by-step chain connection in rounds of creating a crochet. A single loop of crochet can also be created depending on the rounds that were used in the chain of stitches.

The stitches are made in the process of pulling multiple loops in the center of another loop of the chain. This process explains why the crochet pattern differentiates from a knitted fabric material where the crochet pattern is made entirely on chains of loops and single hook stitches that will leave a free space on the ends of the thread and pulling it on the last loop of the pattern.

To create different crochet products like a crochet hat, he must consider the use of different supply materials to come up with a crochet made hat. A yarn is very important supply to create a crochet hat.

He may consider the use of different colors and textures in creating the design he would like to have in a crochet hat. Almost all yarn outlines need to have specific types of yarns. The types of yarns, which are commonly used in crochet, include sport or baby yarn, chunky yarn, bulky yarn, baby or fingering yarn, and the worsted weight yarn.

These yarns vary in their textures and thickness. The fingering or baby type of yarn should be the best yarn to create a crochet hat. It has the finest number of strands in its ply. Although most yarns are made of natural fibers or synthetic strands, they can also be combined to make yarns acrylic, which are most convenient for people wash and wear these kinds of crochet hats and other crochet products.

Another tool needed to create a crochet hat is the crochet hook. It is used to slip the knot on the ends by pulling the loops of the thread and sliding them through the crochet stitches. They come in wood, plastic, or aluminum, where they are more popular and commonly known.

Sometimes they serve as size markings to some patterns that may involve lettering designs. Those big crochet hooks are 19 millimeters while the small ones are 2.25 millimeters. Some crochet hats with larger patterns may need larger crochet hooks that may come in sizes of 6 inches.

Another supply that he may need is the knitting needles. They are commonly straight and very thin. They are also made of wood, plastic, and aluminum. He may find knitting needles with different sizes as well.

They range from 2 millimeters as the smallest and the sizes 15 millimeters as the largest. He may buy these tools in pairs where they feature a knob and a pointed end to the needles that help prevent any stitches from loosening and sliding out from their place.

Now he may start choosing what type of crochet hat he would like to create. He may have the option of different types of hats such as:

1. Crocheted plastic bag hat, which are designed to have a variety of colors with highlighted letterings on the outline.

2. He may also want to create a Brimmed straw hat, which is mostly made of cotton.

3. Creative preemie hats, which are made of large designs of preemie. He can make a smaller version by lessening the number of double crochet on the first rows. It may depend on the patterned yarn that is used for this hat.

4. Pompom hats are mostly made of 100 percent wool, which is outlined on a one crochet hook.

5. Amish hat is made of 100 percent wool yarn, and the ruffled hat which is also pretty and can be made if it is crocheted.

The supplies and tools are very essential in making these different crochet hats. The texture and the way he had made the crochet hat would result to a better design no matter what kind of crochet hat he would like to create.

Learning crochet is easy and fun. All it takes is a bit of patience to get yourself acquainted with all crochet terminologies and then you are off to a good start!

Holding the hook

There really is no wrong or correct way in holding the crochet hook. It all depends on how comfortable you are when holding it. There are crochet hooks having a “thumb rest” for easy grip. You can hold the crochet hook between your index finger and your thumb just like you would hold a pencil or you can hold it in an “overhand” manner, much like you hold a knife.

Holding the yarn

Just let the yarn flow and feel free to hold it in a way that is again, comfortable to you. With your right hand, you can hold the “slip knot” and coil the yarn round your left-hand fingers.

Then, moving the “slip knot” onto your “left hand”, hold lightly the knot in between your middle finger and your. When you go ahead to crochet, you then will manipulate the portion of yarn which runs through between your index finger on your left hand and the hook.

Your right index finger then will be the one to move down or up as you perform about to make an even pressure (tightness or looseness) in your yarn.

What is yarn over?

Catching or grasping the yarn or thread with the crochet hook is the basic element of each crochet stitch; carry the yarn or thread over the tip of your hook, then back to the front, catching or grasping the yarn in the hook’s groove.
Slip knot

This is the very fist step when doing any crochet project. Create a pretzel outline with your yarn, then slip the hook through the pretzel and pull both yarn ends in order to tighten it and regulate tightness of the loop.
Foundation chain

All crochet projects starts with the foundation chain. The stitches are similar to a chain and you need to construct a certain number of rows as the pattern dictates.

First you need to create a “slip knot” and do a “yarn over”. Holding your hook in front, do a “yarn over” and then bring your hook underneath the yarn and then up so to grasp the yarn.

Turn your hook so that it faces or pointing downwards, then slide it going through your original loop bringing your yarn or thread with it.

Now you have successfully created one “chain stitch”. Continue doing the chain stitch so you can practice the technique and be able to do them evenly and fluidly.

Starting a project

1. Pick out a crochet pattern that attracts you. Read carefully the instructions and make certain that the pattern is within your level of skill and prepare your materials as called for in the direction. However you may use a different type of yarn also that suits your style, although you have to be sure that the yarn must be of the same “weight” as in the instruction.

2. To start, make a swatch or a sample to be sure that your gauge or measurement is correct.

3. Chain the foundation row in a way that it is slightly loose than your gauge so that your project’s bottom will not pull inward.

4. Carefully follow and understand the instructions for making the design.

Finishing your crochet piece

1. With the use of a “tapestry needle”, you need to weave in the ends so to hide all ends in the crochet body.

2. When creating a garment, position all the “right sides” collectively and overcast the seams or you can join them by means of a “slip stitch”.

3. Blocking is generally a method by which the crocheted item or project is gently or lightly pulled or stretched into its proper or correct shape. Blocking can generally be done by simple using an iron set into “warm” to press the garment piece to its correct or precise shape or blocking can be done by means of using a certain stiffening fabric solution like starch so to bring about stiffness on the your crocheted project.

Learn to crochet today. Ask a friend to help you out or enroll in crochet classes. It is a very relaxing, rewarding and satisfying hobby that you have got to try. Have fun!

Crocheting is now coming back as a great hobby for most women especially those who are just staying at home. There are thousands of different things that can be done with crocheting that hobbyists can make themselves busy with for quite a period of time.

One of the variations of crochet products that can be found even in your famous boutiques is the carrie crochet. It is difficult to define what carrie crochet in particular is. There are online shops and fashion boutiques that have crocheted items named Carrie. There is also a particular web site about Carrie’s crochet products. Nevertheless, they are all good finds and crochet hobbyists may want to take a look at them and check if they can make one for themselves.

Here are some of the carrie crochet items that can be found in the World Wide Web:

- Carrie Crochet Hat. This simple yet stylish hat is hand crocheted using 100% cotton yarn. Its head part is just plain with rainbow pattern on the brim. It covers the head totally which makes it fashionable. It is available in 3 colors – beige, pink and pastel blue. This nice-looking hat can be purchased from Headcovers Unlimited for $19.99.

- Carrie purse. This red and silver, elegant-looking purse is made from the festive fur kind of yarn. This design was created by a Daily Knitter staff and can be seen from their website. This is not for sale though, but instead, a pattern is provided for one to follow.

- Carrie Cotton Crochet for Kids. Little Lids came up with their line spring and summer styles for kids. One of those is this carrie cotton crochet hat that has a snuggle design. This one is totally handmade with a soft, pink, cotton yarn. This flower hat designed with ruffles will surely look lovely in your little lady.

- Fossil’s Carrie Sweater. Fossil has its own version of a carrie crochet in the form of a sweater. This elegantly crocheted piece of fashion clothing has a 6-button opening and a ribbon. It is available in three different colors – bracken, safari, and silver pine green. Sizes available are from extra small to extra large. One can get this from Fossil at $54.

- Guess’ Carrie Crochet Corset. Yet another popular brand in fashionable clothes has its own carrie crochet. This tan-colored corset is handmade with ramie-cotton blend. It has a square neck with floral crochet designs along the top edges. It closes in front with a ribbon lace up tied at the hem. Simple yet elegant looking, this corset is available in three sizes – small, medium and large. The price of this nice piece of clothing is CAD $69.25 from Guess’ online store.

- Carrie’s Crochet Page. This web site showcases Carrie’s crochet projects for sale. There are different hats and shawls available starting at $20. There are pillow cases, mats and rugs in different colors and styles. Men’s and ladies’ sweatshirts are also available that ranges from $45 to $55. Most of the crocheted bed covers are in black and white and usually with diamond patterns. These are surely nice additions to your room and all around the house.

One will surely not be bored in selecting crochet designs because each piece can be different from another. For those who know how to do it, they definitely will not be bored on same projects again and again because there are literally thousands of patterns available from different sources such as the internet or from needle craft books.

Origins of Crochet
There are indeed more and more people getting hooked into this hobby. But do you know where this hobby actually started and when?

There are a number of articles released talking about the history of this not-so-easy-to-learn needle craft. But almost all of those do not exactly say when crocheting actually began. It might really be difficult to trace back the roots of this hobby.

However, there are some researches that suggest that crochet must have developed from Chinese needlework and reached Europe in 1700s. But many still believe the possibility of it being started as early as the 1500s.

But no matter when and where crochet started, it is still making its name again in the arts and crafts scene and gaining fame to most people all over the world.

When just beginning to crochet, keep in mind that your first work must be easy and something that is fun to do. Select a pattern that needs no or very little shaping like a pillow or a scarf. Tote bags and hats are also simple projects to make requiring very little shaping.

There are a wide selection of colors and yarns so you can choose what colors suit you best, but remember to begin with a moderately smooth yarn that is easy to handle, like a worsted-weight type of yarn.

Patterns that use large hooks or needles and two threads of yarn can be great first projects because will be fast to complete. Search for patterns that are marked as “beginner”.

Here is a pattern that when accomplished, makes a 7 inches by 9 inches block that can be a good practice for beginners; also, with these basic crochet pattern, one can easily create a scarf, pillow or a doily:

Materials needed:

• Any color of yarn that is Worsted-weight

• Size 8, and 14 inches long “knitting needles”

• Big eye yarn needle

• Small scissors

“Casting On”

1. Create a “slip knot” on the needle’s shaft, on one needle.

2. Put this “needle” in your left hand, and hold the other needle on your right hand so you can manage the yarn. Insert the point of the “right needle”, starting from the front to the back, in the “slip knot” and underneath the “left needle”.

3. While holding the left needle which is still in your left hand, move your “left fingers” over so that it braces the right needle.

4. With your index finger at the right, get the “yarn from the ball”.

5. Let go your grip on the right hand that id holding the needle and use your index finger so to carry the yarn “under and over” the right needle’s point.

6. Return your “right fingers” to the right needle, then pull the yarn all through the stitch with the point of the right needle.

7. Slide the point of the left needle unto the back of the new stitch, and take off the right needle.

8. Gently pull the ball of yarn to create the stitch that should fit well on the needle. Now you have successfully made a stitch known as casting on.

9. Insert the point of the “right needle”, starting from the front to the back, and into the stitch you have just made, under the left needle. Then repeat steps five up to step nine 26 times, up until you will have “28 stitches” on your left needle. This now completes the “cast-on row”.

“First knit row”:

1. Hold the needle having the stitches on your left hand and insert the point of the “right needle” in the first stitch, starting from the front to the back, same as in “casting on”.

2. With your “right index finger”, draw the yarn from its ball underneath and then over the point of the right needle.

3. Pull the yarn through out the stitch with the “right needle point”.

This now completes the one knit stitch. Repeat Steps 1 to 4 every stitch remains on the left needle.

Measure the piece, so that it is 7 inches wide. Start the next “knit row” as follows:

Turn the right needle then hold it in your left hand. On your right hand, with the free needle, follow steps 1 to of your “first knit row” in every stitch. Work these until the block is 9 inches long. Then “bind off” all of the stitches.

Here is a sample of a free doily pattern:

Pattern: Start at the center. Chain 5, “join in a ring”.

R1: Chain 8, * double treble crochet (thread 3 times over ) in the ring, chain 4, and then repeat from * 10 times more (12 double treble crochet total counting starting chain), join with “sl”, “st” to 5th “st” of ch-8 first made.

R2: Chain 9, double treble crochet in every double treble crochet with chain-3 between. Join with “sl”, “st” to 5th “st” of starting chain.

R3: Chain 8, * double treble crochet in the center of the chain-4 of the preceding round, chain 3, double treble crochet in the next double treble crochet, chain 3, and then repeat from * around.

R4: Chain 9, double treble crochet in every double treble crochet with chain-4 between. Join to starting chain.

R5: Chain 5. * over chain-4 work 6 double treble crochet, double treble crochet in the next ,double treble crochet, chain 5, double treble crochet in next double treble crochet, chain 5, double treble crochet in next double treble crochet, and repeat from *. Then chain 5, and join to starting chain.

R6: Chain 6. * skip 1 double treble crochet, double treble crochet in next, chain 1, and make a d treble crochet with chain-1 between in every other double treble crochet of group of previous round. Chain 6, double treble crochet in next d treble crochet, chain 6, double treble crochet in next, chain 1, and repeat from * to end of round. Chain 6, join.

R7: Chain 5, * double treble crochet in each chain and each double treble crochet until 11 double treble crochet have been made (counting ch-5 as 1st d treble crochet) chain 7, double treble crochet in next double treble crochet, chain 7, and double treble crochet in next double treble crochet, and repeat from *. Join.

R8: Chain 6 (to count as double treble crochet and chain 1). Make double treble crochet in every 2nd “st” of proceeding round with chain-1 between. Join.

R9: Chain 10, * skip 2 double treble crochet (count d treble crochet from which chain started) and make double treble crochet over next ch-1, chain 5, skip 2 d treble crochet, double treble crochet over next ch-1, chain 5, skip 2 d treble crochet, d treble crochet over next ch-1, then double treble crochet in each double treble crochet and over each ch-1 until there are 15 double treble crochet in group. Ch 5, and repeat from *. In last group, make only 14 double treble crochet, and join to 5th “st” of starting chain which is counted as double treble crochet.

R10: Chain 11, * double treble crochet in next d treble crochet, chain 6, d treble crochet in next, chain 6, double treble crochet in next, chain 1, double treble crochet in every 2nd “st” of group, always with ch-1 between, chain 6, and repeat from *. Join.

R11: Chain 12, * double treble crochet in next double treble crochet, chain 7, double treble crochet in next, chain 7, double treble crochet in each chain and each double treble crochet (15 d treble crochet in group), chain 7, and repeat from *. Join.

R12: Chain 15, * double crochet in next double treble crochet, chain 12, double crochet in next d treble crochet, chain 12, double crochet with chain-1 between in every other double treble crochet of 15 double treble crochet group (8 d c), chain 12, and repeat from *. Fasten off the thread.

Enjoy your projects!

Crochet is such an ideal craft. It can be so fulfilling. It can also be useful. The craft can even make you such wonderful accessories that you can share to family and friends, like hats, socks and scarves.

If you will choose a fashion accessory to give away to friends, the best choice is the scarf.

A scarf gives the perfect last detail in the outfit of a lady. It is simply a long and narrow piece of textile worn over the head or around the neck. It is very useful to keep the lady warm. It keeps the hair covered and clean especially during commute. It is even a great fashion accessory.

The wonders of a simple scarf are very much recognized that there are many people who ventured into manufacturing scarves. Knitted and crocheted garments, especially scarves, are important aspects of business in some countries.

Given the desirability of having a scarf, it is a must that every woman must have it, even you. It can even be a better idea to make that scarf yourself. Give it your own personal touch and your own details. Use whatever color will suit your taste. Make it extra longer. Making your own scarf can give you so much freedom and room for innovation.

At this point, you might want to consider learning more about crochet.

How the Craft of Crochet Came About

Many theories have come up as regards the history of crochet. Some believe that people early on have been doing this with the use of mere fingers. Some would say that it was plainly part of the sewing duties of a nun. Some even claim that it is part of rituals in the South America.

People can only speculate, still the exact origin of the crochet may remain a mystery.

It is worth mentioning however that the craft of crocheting had been a status symbol in the 16th century. Women members of the high society are the only ones who share the skill of crocheting. It was only in the 1800’s when the craft became accessible to majority of the public.

This craft then spread through many households and families. Women will often be found crocheting something for the household. The skill then is passed on from one generation to another, with the elders teaching the younger ones how to.

Some people would actually think that crocheting is something for the old person, or the old maid. However, this does not hold anymore today. People of all ages, from all walks of life can now crochet.

Another good thing about crocheting as a hobby is that it is not expensive. It is not taxing. All you need is to have the basic materials and dedicate a few minutes of your time for each day.

Learning How to Crochet

Before starting, be sure to have all the supplies needed, the crochet hook, the yarn and the pattern.

There are some basic matters to learn to start crocheting. All crochet designs start with a slip stitch and a chain of stitches. Thus this is the first step to learn. So it is best to learn this first step as well the rest of the various crochet and stitches.

Traditionally, someone in the family will teach a youngster how to crochet. Today, if there is no one in the household to ask for guidance, some people opt to enroll on craft classes.

Learn the lingo. Be familiar with the terms used in crochet, as well in the symbols or legends implemented. This will be very critical when you get crochet patterns and designs.

The next most important detail to make that masterpiece is to get the perfect pattern of a scarf.

Getting Great Crochet Scarf Patterns

There may be craft stores in your locality that offer patterns. However, the choices can be very limited in whatever stock they only have.

The next best stop is to go online. The Internet offers a wide variety of choices. There are endless lists out there. Some web sites offer instructions book with patterns for a value and will have it delivered to your doorstep.

There are sites that give e-books. This is a better option as you can easily get hold of that pattern in minutes, rather than wait for days before it gets delivered. It is more convenient too. All you have to do is to print the pattern and you can crochet wherever you please.

The best choice yet is to get that perfect crochet scarf for free. You can easily surf the net for web sites that offer free patterns. Simply type the keywords ‘free crochet scarf patterns’ in the search engine.

The results can lead you to numerous web sites. Simply click on a link and explore until you find one that best suits your taste.

You can also join discussion groups and forums to meet other people who are into crocheting also. This is one good way to meet friends and also to have someone to exchange tips with and even trade patterns with.

So, grab those crochet supplies now and hold on to a great scarf pattern. Happy crocheting to you!