So you've been crocheting for a while now, and
you'd like to get yourself off the printed page
and into making up your own designs. You want to
create rather than just read.
It's easy enough to make up your own designs. The crochet you invent
can be free-form, or very mathematical, or somewhere in between,
depending on your style and your goal.
!! Steps !!
It\'s like learning to spell before trying to write a
novel.Master the basics of crochet. You don\'t need to know
every crochet stitch, but you should know how to tie a slip knot
[1] and make a starting chain [2]. You should also know how to
single crochet, double crochet, slip stitch [3], and how to
increase and decrease with single and double crochet. It's true
there are lots of other stitches and combinations, but there is
much you can do with just these basics. If you do learn other
stitches you like, you can incorporate them in much the same
ways as the standard stitches.
* Notice what each stitch does, and make a practice piece or two if
you need to.
* This hammock [4] is made up entirely of chains with slip
stitches to hold them together.Chains start a piece of fabric or a
new direction in an existing fabric. Chains can also be used as an
element of their own.
* A row of slip stitches rings this edge and one slip stitch
closes the previous round.Slip stitches advance the hook without
making the fabric very much taller, so they are used for things
like finishing rounds. You can also do a whole row of them around
an edge if you want for a finished look.
* This row [5] of alternating chains and double crochets leaves
open holes.Treble crochet stitches are taller than double, and
taller than single, but a fabric made of single crochet is
tighter. A single crochet is about as tall as it is wide. A double
crochet is tall enough to reach over a row of single crochet to
the previous row, or leave a larger space.
Follow a variety of written patterns [6], but
don't just read them off the page and do them;
instead, notice as you do them how the
stitches fit together and how the mechanics
work. These are all elements you can reuse in
your own designs.
* This box [7] is made from five rectangular pieces stitched
together.Pay attention to how to produce effects you can reuse,
particularly the basic shapes. For example, to result in a
rectangular piece of fabric with straight sides, you will need to
make a turning chain at the end of each row, and rows of single
crochet require chaining one whereas rows of double crochet
require chaining three.[1] [8] You'll also want to learn to
crochet in the round [9], both with and without combining rounds.
Do you think you could make a box with a square base but with
sides that increased? Could you make a cylindrical basket?
* Notice rules and patterns in the pieces you crochet. For example,
amigurumi [10] is crocheted in the round [11], usually with
joining rounds. In many cases, it makes it easiest to keep track
of how many stitches you have and where to add them if each row
contains a multiple of six stitches. [2] [12]
* A row of shells makes up this scarf [13].You can reuse or vary
elements such as motifs and stitches, too. If you have crocheted a
granny square [14], you will probably be familiar with how to make
and combine shells, which are simply clusters of taller stitches
used together as a single element.
* A series of hexagonal motifs combined into the beginnings of a
fabric.A series of square motifs could be attached together to
produce a sleeve or a tablecloth, depending on where you put them.
Learn to count stitches and rows, both as you do
them and after you have crocheted. It will help
you figure out what you are doing as you go, and
allow you to take notes and reproduce your
designs later.
* Remember that you can put a crochet stitch just about anywhere you
can put a crochet hook. You can crochet into a row of holes on a
hem (or a piece of paper), the side of a piece of knitting, or
another piece of crochet. In fact, adding a decorative border to
something, even a t-shirt sleeve or greeting card, is a good
practice at improvising.
* You can also go in a new direction at just about any point in a
project by adding a chain and using it as you would a starting
chain. You can also use chains as an element by themselves.
Experiment. Crochet does not take a lot of
time to do, and chances are you have some
leftover yarn around that you can use to make
mistakes with confidence [15].
* Look in craft store bargain bins for unwanted yarn [16] at crazy
prices. This makes excellent yarn for experimenting with.
* A scrumbled work.Try scrumbling or free-form crochet.
Scrumbling is the process of making and combining smaller,
free-form pieces into a larger piece. It can be used for a small,
decorative element, as shown, or combined into a larger piece of
fabric something like a patchwork quilt [17]. Besides being a good
way to use up odds and ends of yarn, scrumbling is good practice
improvising and innovating with a crochet hook and making
different shapes.
* A custom fit is a good first step to a custom pattern.Try
modifying an existing pattern, sizing it to a custom fit, or
adapting it for a different yarn and hook. These crocheted hand
warmers [18] are meant to be crocheted to your size, no matter
what yarn and hook you are using.
Seven stitches in two inches (5cm). Learn how gauge works.
Stitches take up a certain width, depending on your yarn, your
hook, and your technique. In this example, seven stitches make
up two inches (5cm) of width. There are various ways you can
use gauge.
* You can guess and check how many stitches to make. Make some
number of stitches, try on or measure the piece, and adjust as
necessary to achieve the size you need.
* You can adjust the number of stitches in an existing pattern that
states a gauge so that your result comes out at the intended size.
* You can calculate the number of stitches you will need to achieve
a given measurement or size. It's a simple proportion. Multiply
stitches per inch by inches to get the number of stitches you'll
need. (This works equally well with centimeters, as long as you're
consistent about which unit to use.)
* If you want, you can do the same thing to figure the number of
rows you'll need for the desired height of the piece. Simply
measure the height of several rows in your sample piece, and
calculate it the same way.
It doesn\'t need to be conventional.Decide what you would like
to make. A crocheted piece can be utilitarian, decorative, or
both. You can make a flat afghan [19] in square rows, a
free-form sculpture, or anything in between. Perhaps a
particular type or combination of yarn will inspire something.
Perhaps a particular need (like keeping somebody warm) will
inspire something.
* Don't be afraid to sketch [20] what you have in mind or make a
small sample piece to test a concept. You may discover that you
can make a piece, or you may discover what you'd like to do a bit
differently.
* Amigurumi is fun to play withStart simple and small. Make up
your own scarf, bottle cozy, or arm warmers. Then try designing a
vest or shawl before you attempt an entire sweater.
* Real crochet notes for a pair of hand warmers. Write things
down as you go. If you want to be able to share the pattern you
create with friends, post it online, or simply get a second sock
or mitten to match the first, you'll need to take notes. They can
be as simple or as detailed as you prefer, provided that you can
make sense of them when you're done and, if need be, translate
between your own shorthand and something another crocheter can
read.
A pattern.Learn how sewing patterns fit together. Crochet
allows you to make a fabric in a certain shape (which need not
be flat). Having a sense of what the panels in stitched
clothing should look like will give you an idea of what shape
to make pieces of something like a sweater.
You can do things with crochet that you can't readily do by cutting
flat fabric. For example, if you are crocheting in the round, you can
increase each row to produce a disc. If you increase less than
necessary to produce a flat piece, the result will be a fabric that
dishes or cups. If you increase more than necessary to produce a disc,
the fabric will curl and ruffle, taking on a shape like a potato chip.
If you do not increase at all, you will get a cylindrical tube.
A flat disc. [21] A cup shape forms if you increase less.
[22] A potato chip shape or ruffled edge forms if you increase
more.
A fan motif in crochet notation.Make a chart or diagram of what
you want to crochet. If you can visualize this stuff in your
head, fine. Otherwise, sketch out what you want to make. You
can simply sketch the basic shape. You can add measurements and
gauge information if you have it. You can even calculate
numbers of stitches, if you choose.
* Crochet symbols.One way to plan crochet is to learn and use
crochet notation. The stitches will still need to fit together as
you plan, but you can get some idea, especially if the pattern of
stitches is complex. You can also use crochet notation to record
your creations.
!! Video !!
!! Tips !!
* Stitch markers [23] are helpful in figuring out how many stitches
you've done, especially on larger pieces or round pieces. They can
also help you mark where features on the piece will go.
* Filet crochet. Try making up your own filet crochet, which is
simply a pattern of stitches and holes that make a design in a
flat grid. If you are artistic, you can begin with a basic pattern
and chart your own design.
* Computer programs exist to help figure how many stitches are
needed for certain things. [3] [24][4] [25] If you have something
special you want to crochet and can't find or create a pattern,
you could try one of these programs.
!! Things You\'ll Need !!
* Crochet hooks
* Crochet yarn
* Patterns for initial inspiration, or images of crocheted goodies
(look on Flickr, etc.)
* Embellishments, etc.
* Needle and thread if joining anything without crochet stitches
!! Related WikiHows !!
* How to Crochet a Granny Square [26]
* How to Crochet Slinky Coils for Accessories or Dolls [27]
* How to Crochet an Amigurumi Toy [28]
* How to Add Fringe to a Crochet or Knit Project [29]
* How to Crochet Fingerless Sea Shell Gloves [30]
!! Sources And Citations !!
!! Article Tools !!
* Read on wikiHow
*
Links:
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[1] http://www.wikihow.com/Image:Crochet-%28PSF%29-1009.png
[2] http://www.wikihow.com/Crochet-a-Chain
[3] http://www.wikihow.com/Slip-Stitch
[4] http://www.wikihow.com/Image:Crochet_hammock_12.jpg
[5] http://www.wikihow.com/Image:Toy_sling_7.jpg
[6] http://www.wikihow.com/Category:Crochet
[7] http://www.wikihow.com/Image:Crocheted-Box-from-Recycled-Yarn-1626.jpg
[8] http://bemoreconfident.info/#_note-0
[9] http://www.wikihow.com/Crochet-in-the-Round
[10] http://www.wikihow.com/Crochet-an-Amigurumi-Toy
[11] http://www.wikihow.com/Crochet-in-the-Round
[12] http://bemoreconfident.info/#_note-1
[13] http://www.wikihow.com/Image:Granny_rectangle_scarf_17.jpg
[14] http://www.wikihow.com/Crochet-a-Granny-Square
[15] http://www.wikihow.com/Control-Perfectionism
[16] http://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Knitting-Yarn
[17] http://www.wikihow.com/Image:DSCN7059-1503.jpg
[18] http://www.wikihow.com/Image:Hand_warmers_done.jpg
[19] http://www.wikihow.com/Image:Crocheted-dinner-6584.jpg
[20] http://www.wikihow.com/Sketch
[21] http://www.wikihow.com/Image:Bottle_cozy_11.jpg
[22] http://www.wikihow.com/Image:Crochet_increase_less_than_disk.jpg
[23] http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Wire-Stitch-Markers
[24] http://bemoreconfident.info/#_note-2
[25] http://bemoreconfident.info/#_note-3
[26] http://www.wikihow.com/Crochet-a-Granny-Square
[27] http://www.wikihow.com/Crochet-Slinky-Coils-for-Accessories-or-Dolls
[28] http://www.wikihow.com/Crochet-an-Amigurumi-Toy
[29] http://www.wikihow.com/Add-Fringe-to-a-Crochet-or-Knit-Project
[30] http://www.wikihow.com/Crochet-Fingerless-Sea-Shell-Gloves
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