Today I will show you how to make a single crochet.
A single crochet in a pattern will be written as "sc".
So let's review:
ch or Ch =chain(s)
sc = single crochet
There are two ways to start your FIRST single crochet row:
1) you can go through the BACK RIDGE or
2) you can go through the top loop like shown below (this one might be easier for you for now).
Making a Single Crochet
Below are diagrams of How to make a single crochet.
I have also posted a link to one of my videos on how to make a single crochet below.
Good Luck!
If you need any further assistance , don't be afraid to ask me.
And don't forget...I want to see some pics. You can send them to me privately or just post them here so that everyone can see your progress : )
Step 1:skip the first chain from your hook and go through the second chain from your hook.
Step 2: Loop your yarn over the hook. Grab the yarn with your hook and pull up a loop. (Do not pull this through the loop on your hook yet)
Step 3: Loop your yarn over your hook again. Grab the yarn with the hook and this time pull it through BOTH loops that are on your hook.
Congratulations! You have made a single crochet.
Once you reach the end of your first row , you are going to make ONE chain and turn your work. You will do this at the end of EACH row.
Here is a direct link to my photobucket making a sc video.
http://s144.photobucket.com/albums/r177/annemkell/?action=view¤t=102_3566.flv
To start your second row , you can do one of three things:
1) go through the FRONT loop (above on the right)
2) go through BOTH loops (middle of pic above)( work with this one first and then I'll show y'all how to make your work look different by going through the other loops at a later time, ok)
3) go through the BACK loop (above on the left)
Checking Your Gauge
Gauge is the term that is used to define the proper tension you should work to insure that the crocheted piece you make will be the right size when it's completed. The hook size listed in the pattern is just the size used by the designer to work at the proper gauge for themselves. You may need to change hook size in order to work at the given gauge. It is especially important to work to the proper gauge when making garments or anything that you want to fit properly.
Making a Gauge Swatch
A gauge swatch is a square crocheted to determine the stitches , rows, look ,and feel over a set measurement.
Think of a gauge swatch, as not only a way of measuring but also a way to get a feel of the yarn you will be using.
Say you have a pattern that gives this gauge:
With Worsted Weight Yarn and size H hook ,
14 single crochets and 16 rows =4”
To check your gauge you will use a worsted weight yarn and a size H hook.
Step 1:Ch 15 (make 15 chains )This is your beginning chain.
Step 2: Make a single crochet in the second chain from hook and in each chain across ( you will have 14 single crochets) This counts as your first row.
NOTE: make sure you count each single crochet as you go across
Step 3: after you make your last sc on the first row , ch 1 and turn your work. (refer to video on how to turn your work)
Step 4: sc in first sc on the first row and in each sc across , ch1
Step 4 counts as Row 2. Repeat row 2 until you have 16 Rows total. (You might want to keep a pencil and paper near by and make a mark each time you finish a row)
Step 5: Now that your swatch is complete , get your ruler and measure the swatch.
If the swatch is LARGER than 4” , switch to a SMALLER hook and repeat the gauge again until the swatch measures 4”.
If the swatch is SMALLER than 4” , switch to LARGER hook and repeat the gauge until the swatch measures 4”.
Quoting kt1120:
Wow those are great photos. I wish I had those when I was learning. I am well seasoned now but I love those illistrations. I think it is great that you are doing this via Cafemom.katie
I just joined this group, and I'm glad I did. I already know how to crochet, but I'm trying to "expand my horizons" to do more than just granny squares and afghans.
Since you've got lessons posted, maybe you can help me figure out what my guage problem is. When I make a guage swatch, it is almost always right one way and wrong the other way. For instance, if the guage is supposed to be 12 dc and 4 rows = 2", my swatch will be fine horizontally (12 dc = 2"), but not vertically (4 rows = 2"). It is always too 'tall'.
Can you give me any pointers or help me figure out what the heck I'm doing wrong? It's been this way for me for as long as I can remember. Please help if you can.
Thanks!
Vicky (mom_94_97)
I found a link to a similar question and there is a lady there that has been crocheting longer than I have been alive ,lol. Check out her answer about gauge and see if it helps you.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080215212158AAfMX77
Quoting mom_94_97:
Hello,
I just joined this group, and I'm glad I did. I already know how to crochet, but I'm trying to "expand my horizons" to do more than just granny squares and afghans.
Since you've got lessons posted, maybe you can help me figure out what my guage problem is. When I make a guage swatch, it is almost always right one way and wrong the other way. For instance, if the guage is supposed to be 12 dc and 4 rows = 2", my swatch will be fine horizontally (12 dc = 2"), but not vertically (4 rows = 2"). It is always too 'tall'.
Can you give me any pointers or help me figure out what the heck I'm doing wrong? It's been this way for me for as long as I can remember. Please help if you can.
Thanks!
Vicky (mom_94_97)
Lesson 3:Half Double Crochet and turning work (project included)
- ShellBell334
on Mar. 15, 2008 at 11:49 PM