different thicknesses, commonly referred to as “weights.” Generally speaking, the higher the number assigned to a weight, the thicker it is. So a size 3 yarn would be a good weight to create baby items. A fine size 1 yarn would be ideal to make intricate wraps and shawls.
Basic Stitches
All directions in this book are written using US crochet terminology.
Chain (ch)
All chains start with a slipknot. Holding the yarn that leads to the ball in your left hand and your hook in your right, maneuver your hook under the yarn so that the yarn comes over the hook from back to front. Twist the hook so it captures the yarn and pull through the loop. You should have one loop on the hook. Repeat. After you’ve done a few of these, what you’ve created begins to resemble a chain: Hence the name of the stitch.
Foundation Row (FR)
A series of chain stitches into which all successive stitches are worked.
Slip Stitch (ss)
Start with one loop of yarn on the shaft of your hook. Push the tip of your hook under the “arms” of a previously worked stitch and swing the hook under the yarn. Twist to catch the yarn, and pull back toward you. There are two loops of yarn on your hook. Pull the left loop through the right, and you’ll have one loop on your hook!
Single Crochet (sc)
Start with one loop of yarn on your hook. Insert the tip of your hook into a previously worked stitch and swing the hook under the yarn. Capture the yarn and pull the hook toward you. There are two loops on the shaft of your hook. Catch the yarn again and pull through both loops on the shaft, leaving one loop on your hook.
Double Crochet (dc)
Start with a single loop on the shaft of your hook while holding the piece in your other hand. Position the hook so it passes under the yarn, capture the yarn, and twist so the yarn is wrapped around the shaft of the hook. You now have two loops of yarn on the shaft of the hook. Then push the hook into the middle of a previously worked stitch, capture
the yarn with your hook, and pull it back through the stitch. You should now have three loops on your hook. Capture the yarn with your hook and pull it through the first two loops. You now have two loops on your hook. Capture the yarn again and pull through both loops. You now have one loop on your hook and you’ve made a double crochet stitch.
Whip stitch (for sewing up)
Hold your two layers of fabric (in this case, crocheted pieces) with the two public sides, or “right sides” together. Thread a darning needle with yarn and push the needle through both pieces, from front to back. Bring your needle to the front and once again, push it from front to back. This is one whip stitch. Move your needle slightly to the right and repeat the steps. Do this for the length of the two pieces of fabric. The smaller and neater these stitches are, the less noticeable they’ll be.