Sunday, June 20, 2010

Crochet Patterns As Old As Time

Have you ever wondered where and when this needlework hobby started? According to the September 1997 newsletter of the Crochet Guild of America, a researcher theorized that the art of crochet could be traced as far back as 1500s in Italy. However, there is no solid evidence for this statement.

But even so, we can only imagine that this craft has been around for the longest time. And it has evolved from making only home dÈcor works to stitching clothes and other fashion accessories as well.

Reminiscing
Crocheting can let you do a lot of things. From small purses to jackets and sweaters, there are a lot of options to choose from. But there are probably some hobbyists that are looking for those old, classic patterns that can usually be seen during the early 1900s or even earlier. To help you in finding those hard-to-look for patterns, here are some resources that you can check out in the World Wide Web.

- Vintage Crochet Patterns. Tabitha Gibbons, the owner of this web site, offers several volumes of crochet patterns books. She sells a wide selection of vintage crochet patterns, from little doilies, rugs, afghans to bed covers and table cloths. By visiting her web site, one can fill out the name and email form to receive a free pattern book.

- Crochet Treasures. 'Patterns from the past; Creating heirlooms for tomorrowÖ' This is the slogan of this web site with a collection of classic patterns. It is a member-based site that offers over 950 vintage patterns to its subscribers. For visitors, it also offers about 25 free vintage crochet patterns for personal use. However, it is not accepting new members at the moment until further notice by the owner.

- Celt's Vintage Crochet. Yet another vintage crochet patterns site, this really has a wide variety of vintage patterns to choose from. And the best thing about this site is that all of these patterns are for free! It also showcases the owner's finished projects, most of which are doilies and other table accessories.

- Soft Memories. This site brings you back to the past with its collection of more than a thousand vintage crochet patterns. The patterns are grouped in different categories ñ doilies, bed jackets and slippers, hanky edgings, potholders, ruffles and flowers, doll clothes, and other home dÈcor pieces. All of these patterns can be viewed and printed out by subscribing to the site. There are also a few free patterns available for visitors to get a peak of what the site has to offer.

- Vintage Crochet Patterns e-book. This sort-of e-book contains 20 wonderful vintage patterns that are easy to crochet and can be hits in fairs and bazaars. Some examples of the patterns available are the crochet work bag, beaded doily, and the wedding ring bedspread. This is a portable document file (pdf) that can be downloaded for free from Crochet and Knitting web site.

- 1800's to Early 1900's Vintage Pattern Links. This site, authored by a lady named Martha who is also known as StarGazer, has several links to patterns that were designed way back 1800s up to 1930s. These patterns can be accessed for free. The site also has links to other web sites that offer vintage crochet patterns.

- Antique Crochet Patterns. This section in the web site Knitting-Crochet has almost a hundred of vintage patterns categorized into baby pieces, men's or ladies' wear, slippers, tablecloth, doily, and many others. It also offers to convert your knitting patterns to crochet and vice versa. Best of all, these patterns are free to access and print for personal use!

- Antique Crochet Patterns. This one is different from the site above as this is the web site name itself, not just a section. This site offers vintage crochet patterns from 1850s to 1950s and all of these are baby items such as bonnet, booties, hat, jumper, afghan, and a lot more. It also provides free lesson for the wannabes and beginners of this needlecraft.

These are just a few of the tons of resources you can find online that offers hard-to-find vintage patterns. Whether free or fee-based, these sites and resources can surely take you back in time with the wonderful, classical patterns that they offer.

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Learning the Craft of Crocheting

Crocheting is not an activity made only for our grannies and for bitter spinsters. It can be done by everyone. Especially, now that clothing trends are now more inclined into the use of crocheted items, popular clothing designers are also smitten by crocheting.

However, crocheting is not only for the plain Jane. One has to have the patience and, of course, the time to be able to do anything crocheted. So how does one actually get herself learn to crochet?

It really is not a hard skill to learn. But it neither is an easy one. In order to get you going, all you need is a good crochet hook, yarns, measuring tape, yarn needle, some pins, and a lot of determination to finish a crocheting project.

Here is a rundown of tips on how to easily learn crocheting:

Hold the Yarn Like a Pro

For newbies in crocheting, holding a yarn could be quite a tricky job. Even if it only takes some time of getting used to, knowing how hold it properly and skillfully is not to be overlooked.

Here is how:

1. Let the yarn pass through your fingers upon holding it. This is how it is done: the little finger, then, beneath the ring finger, then, above the forefinger and the middle finger.

2. Another way to hold the yarn is to loop in the region of the little finger, and then, make it cross the forefinger.

3. Upon holding the hook, imagine how you would hold a pencil or a spoon. That's how it should be held. In that position, it won't be hard for you to heave the yarn from your fingers down to the loop in the hook.

As you go along the process of crocheting and you start to get the hang of it, you will learn your unique and most comfortable way of working with the yarn. Don't be afraid to adopt a new method of holding it. It will help you become more of an efficient crochet craftsperson in the long run.

Size Matters When it Comes to the Hook and Yarn

One should not take for granted the skill of identifying the right hook and yarn to use in any crochet project.

Hooks are identified through different letters and numbers that correspond to certain sizes. In crocheting, the higher the number or letter of the hook, the thicker the hook is. As for yarns, their varieties are identified through names.

Resizing the Crochet Project Through the Pattern

To reduce the size of a project, it is as simple as deducting some stitches. One can skip a stitch in a row and continue with the next to reduce the size of the project. To enlarge a project, it is as easy as inserting more stitches in a row. One can easily join two stitches of the same row together. This will make one produce a solo stitch on the next row prior to it.

Reading a Pattern Like a Book

What can complicate the activities of one that is engaged in crocheting are the abbreviations on a pattern. The use of memory and logic can help a lot in surmounting this little crocheting obstacle. The outcome of being able to memorize these important abbreviations is a much faster pace in crocheting and more efficient hands.

1. Crochet patterns and instructions are worked usually in rounds or rows. It will be indicated on the pattern if you are doing or working in rounds, rows or mixture of both.

2. Crochet patterns and instructions are generally ranked according to difficulty level such as advanced, intermediate, easy or beginner. Choose a pattern with a difficulty level that suits your abilities. Then, increase the level of difficulty as your skill advances.
3. Count the stitches that you have made as you go on with your work to monitor the stitches needed on each round or row as required by the pattern.

4. Verify your gauge by crocheting a sample of about 4 X 4 inches in the pattern. When your gauge results into a larger size than what is on the pattern, then use a smaller hook; when your gauge is smaller, then use a larger hook.

When it's time for you to actually accomplish a crochet project, make sure that you follow the instructions well and you make your patience a bit sturdier than before. Prepare your devices beforehand to ensure the smooth flow of your crocheting endeavor.

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Learn How to Crochet the Easy Way

There are different methods on how crochet a particular product. Each method should be according to the type of crochet item that will be made. The patterned diagrams will provide the person the needed instructions and details to proceed in making his crochet. A crochet is hand worked and needs a lot of patience to finish a particular pattern.

The type of pattern he will use must correspond to his skill level in crocheting. He may not want to attempt doing the tough patterns because they may require great crocheting skills. There are patterns, which have basic diagrams and simple instructions for those beginners in crocheting.

Here are some simple basic steps for beginners on learning the steps of crochet:

1. A person must have the right tools and supplies in making a crochet product. There are tools that he can avail cheaply in the market like yarns, knitting needles, crochet hooks, and patterned diagrams. He may also need scissors, size G crochet hook if he chooses to make pompom hats, worsted weight yarns with a variety of colors to choose from, and a yarn needle for doing the stitches.

2. He may begin with his crocheting by holding the crochet hook with his right hand allowing the forefingers to bend the hook of the loop. He may then make his next step by pulling through the knot on the center of the hook.

3. He may slide the loop of the hooked thread to create a slipknot on the hook. He must simultaneously repeat the same process in order to create the chained stitches needed to have a quality made crochet product. The thickness of the chains should just be appropriate on the type of product that is being made.

4. He may perform his next step by bringing back the thread or yarn on the top of the loop making the thread to go around the hook so that it will be double stitched. He may use his forefinger to grab the knot to tighten the chain stitches of the crochet.

5. He may skip the first double stitched chain to proceed on the knot that is not properly hooked on the knot of the loop. He needs to make sure that the chains do not loosen and the strands should be properly aligned with the other threads. It is much better to have a tighter knot on the chains of the crochet to make the product sturdier.

6. He may position the hook center to the next hole of the second double stitch chain. After getting through the hole, he may slide the thread passing into the center of the third double stitch chain that will go on the upper part of the loop. He has now created two loops on the double stitch chain. This will make the loops tighter and stronger.

7. He may return from the first chain bringing back the hook from back to the front and slowly slide the needle to make a knot on the center hole of the first chain. The hook must be carefully pushed through the middle to create a knot from the first loop.

8. Returning from the third loop, he may create another extra chain stitch to make a reversed counter clockwise loop. This is for the purpose of retaining the knot to support the double stitched chains. He may start from the first step anew to create new chains in a new row and create the similar loops alike from the previous rows.

9. He can then create a single crochet stitch on the first loop tightening the next loops of the double stitch chains on the previous rows. He must create an exact replica of the loops if possible to ensure that the following double stitch chains will have similar results with the first made loops. He should not forget to make knot ensuring that all stitches will be intact and will be on their proper places.

To cap the work, he may cut the excess thread and allot at least 6 inches on the last chain stitches for making an extension. These are the only basic steps for beginners, there are much complicated designs that a person may work on once he has mastered the basic crocheting steps.


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All About Free Online Crochet Patterns

Since the dawn of the new technology, the Internet has been a viable source of lots of information worldwide. With its easy access to almost everything, more and more people are turning to the Internet to find the solutions to their problems.

Take for example the concept on crocheting. With its worldwide acceptance, more and more people are interested to learn how to make crochet by obtaining some useful patterns in the Internet. These types of information are very useful for some people who cannot afford to buy crochet books or crochet patterns in the market.

What's even more valuable and gainful about free online crochet patterns is that they are so easy to download, considering the fact that they are free, which means all you have to do is to find the best crochet pattern that will work for you, download it, and viola! You have an instant crochet pattern to start with.

Consequently, in sewing, whether it entails knitting, crocheting, or cross-stitching, having some patterns to guide you throughout the production of your handicraft is such an important factor in order to create a good product, if not a masterpiece.

Crochet patterns are built to make crocheting easier for most people who are interested to this kind of hobby. Hence, obtaining free crochet patterns online is a definite advantage on every crochet maker's part.

However, even if free online crochet patterns are very useful, it does not necessarily follow that every pattern would work for every crochet maker. This only means that it is also important to consider some factors in choosing free online crochet patterns simply because not all of the free online crochet patterns are created equal.

Hence, for those who simply cannot distinguish which free online crochet pattern he or she should choose, here is a list of some tips that could assist every crochet maker in their projects:

1. Obtain a free crochet pattern nearest to your own size and area of interest

This means that you have to consider whether the online pattern that you are about to obtain would work best for you. To do this you must be able to identify which patterns will suit you according to your size or the size of the person who will wear it, your style, your area of interest like choosing afghan patterns if you are into afghan, etc.

Even if these patterns are for free downloading online, the fact that you might just be wasting your time downloading free online crochet patterns that you will simply not use because you do not have any use for it is a great waste already. Hence, it would be better to obtain a particular pattern that will not waste your time or effort.

2. Get free online crochet patterns for beginners if you are just a newbie

Getting a free online crochet pattern that is not suitable to your level of expertise is just as wasteful as when you have spend your money for it.

Keep in mind that it would be better for a beginner like you to get a good make of free online crochet pattern. There are some patterns that are specially built for the beginners. Besides, getting a free pattern that is on the advanced level will only confuse with all those loops and crochets that you are still not familiar with.

3. Choose a pattern with no specific requirements on tools

There are some free online crochet pattern that are requires some specific tools. This is not bad. The only drawback is that there may be some instances that you simply do not have tools that the pattern is requiring you to use. Some patterns require specific hooks. For example, a typical afghan pattern requires a special 'afghan hook,' known as the 'double hook needle.

4. Check the gauge or measurement

Whether the crochet pattern is free or not, it is extremely important to always verify the 'gauge' of a particular pattern. This is extremely important if the pattern is designed for slippers, clothes, or booties. To do this, you must first sew an unattached example of a finished job before starting on your own project. The ideal size would be those that have at least 10 rows high, and not less than 20 stitches across. Use this on the measurement being claimed by the pattern's measurements. If there is any discrepancy, you have to make some adjustments with the size of your hook.

The point here is that if you have chosen as near as to your own measurements and figure type as possible, there should not be a great of alteration to do.

The bottom line is that not all free online crochet patterns are useful. You should also do your part in analyzing, evaluating, and deciding on which pattern will work well.

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Tips on How to Choose Free Filet Crochet Patterns

One of the best variations of crochet is the filet crochets. Its patterns can either be obtained free or you can purchase them from your local crochet store.

Generally, filet crochet refers to that type of crochet that entails a good combination of the usual chains of loops along with the addition of meshes or 'closed slabs or blocks.'

In making filet crochet, one should remember that the groundwork of the product is constantly the amount of meshes or blocks contained in the first row. Then, you just have to add six more.

When starting to make a filet crochet, you should always start with the ninth chain on the first row from the hook. This is the common way of starting a filet crochet.

Basically, filet crochet has only two individual colors. The first one is the 'open mesh' that is made up of one double crochet, with 2-3 empty spaces, plus a final double crochet. On the other hand, the 'solid mesh' that is highly identified by a 3 or 4 'double crochet' stitches that forms a square.

Keep in mind that when making filet crochet, the last stitch of either an open or a solid mesh is the primary stitch of the next mesh as well.

In order to make a good filet crochet, it is also important to consider the pattern that is to be used in the project. Usually, filet crochet patterns are conglomerations of 'open and solid meshes,' typically running the design in most of the 'solid meshes' and the setting of the 'open meshes.'

In today's crochet market, finding a filet crochet pattern is not such a hard work. You can always find some good file crochet patterns in every local store. With the visible existence of the internet, consumers can also avail of the free filet crochet patterns being sold online.

One good thing about it is that they are free. However, not all free filet crochet patterns are created equal. Hence, it is still important to know how to look for the best filet crochet pattern even if they are given for free. It does not necessarily mean that because they are free, you will just have to settle to whatever pattern you can obtain.

Here is a list of some tips that you can use in choosing free filet crochet patterns:

1. Do your homework

Before deciding on which type of free filet crochet pattern you have to use, it is important that you do your homework first. This means that you have to research on the typical filet crochet patterns that worked best form some people.

There are some instances wherein crochet patterns are too difficult to start with. Hence, you must know what factors that is necessary to consider before choosing a filet crochet pattern.

2. Learn the language

This means that you have to learn how to understand the abbreviations of used in making crochet patterns. Keep in mind that most of the filet crochet patterns that are given for free only use abbreviations.

Therefore, it would be relatively harder for you if you keep on referring to your reference manual about the meaning of those abbreviations. This will definitely consume most of your time.

So in order to facilitate the process, learn how to read abbreviations and understand them.

3. Be wary on the crochet gauge

Free filet crochet patterns should also be evaluated according to their crochet gauge. Keep in mind that any discrepancy on the gauge or measurement can ruin the overall result of your project.

Hence, it is important that before you start with your filet crochet pattern, always make a sample first. To do this, you must make a model of '10 by 10 squares' within the specifications of the thread and the hook.

Try to multiply the amount of squares in the project to that of the length of one square. This will enable you to identify the size of the completed work.

The idea here is to work consistently with the specified measurement or gauge of the free pattern; otherwise, you might only be working on a wrong project.

All of these things are boiled down to the fact that even if some filet crochet patterns are given for free, it is still important to consider some factors before obtaining them. Besides, if you have chosen a filet crochet pattern that will not work best for you, even if they are free, you will still waste some money because of the yarn that you have used to create that pattern.

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Where to Find Free Crochet Patterns

Crochet has been a well-known art of making fabrics. Crocheting utilizes a crochet hook to be able to make loops and rows which are turned into fabrics. Today, crocheting is not only a process for making fabric, it has become a worldwide hobby which is loved by people across the globe.

Crocheting is said to have started during the 1800s and first became popular in Europe. However, many people believe that crochet, being a fairly simple method of fabric creation, started centuries before the 1800s. There are claims of evidence of crochet existence during the ancient Egypt times and during the establishment of the Church. But as of now, no available evidence exist in to prove these claims.

Crochet has become popular because of its apparent easiness and one does not need any expensive tools to engage into it. There are also a lot of available resources for people which are available out there regarding crocheting. There are a number of comprehensive books about the art of crocheting and other materials which contains instructions on how to create beautiful crochet patterns. If one is not too keen on buying books about crochet, he can use the Internet to be able to find some resources about different patterns and techniques which are used in crocheting. The Internet provides numerous resources which are free of charge for people who would want to be involved in crocheting.

Here are some websites where one can find different crochet patterns which are easy to do.

Craftown.com

Craftown.com is a website where one can find some nifty patterns which are easy to do. It is a crafter's resource center. This site contains free craft patterns, lessons and projects for crochet. There are more than a thousand patterns to choose from. Aside from crochet patterns, there are also other patterns for other kinds of fabric-making methods such as knitting, sewing and making quilts.

Crochetpatterncentral.com

This website is a center for resources regarding crochet. It is updated weekly and features an online directroy that contains thousands of links to free crochet patterns and techniques. There are more than 90 categories which people can choose from. Categories include hats, afghans, ponchos, doilies, clothing, holiday, kitchen and baby crochet.

This website contains a section for beginners. The introduction directory provides links to crochet tutorials which have illustrations. There are sections on tips and tricks for crochet and one can also read the 'encouragement and testimonials' section to get some emotional boost in doing crochet.

Overall, it is a website which contains comprehensive information and substantive links for people who would want to engage in crocheting.

Lionbrand.com

This website contains easy-to-follow instruction on how to crochet and on how to do other methods such as knitting. There is also a section on newsletters and stories regarding crocheting. There is a full-blown section on free patterns. The pages containing the patterns contain illustrations which is very helpful for many people. They also have a section which provides help in doing the patterns.

The patterns in this websites are very useful for making practical clothing stuff such as ponchos, hats, caps, handbags, scarves and other decorative materials.

Knitting-crochet.com

There are numerous resources about crocheting in this website. One can sign-up for their free newsletter to be able to receive information about the new development in crocheting. Aside from crochet, it contains information for other crafts such as antique crochet and antique knitting. There are also materials on the basics, terms and techniques, general instructions and other items regarding crocheting.

Allfreecrafts.com

This website contains over 30 crochet patterns that are available free of charge. These patterns compose of projects for toys, hats, afghans, filet crochet, classic granny squares and scrunchies.

There are also some sections on other crafts such as candle making, knitting, sewing, recycling and home decorating. Projects are also itemized according to occasions such as halloween, mother's day, christmas and valentine's day.

The Internet has given crochet a new boost in terms of gaining popularity because it makes available the different resources that can be used by crochet enthusiasts and experts. The Internet lets people share their patterns and take crochet into new heights. One can use the Internet search engines to find more free crochet patterns and projects.

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Free Crochet Resources For Your First Project

Have you been hearing a lot about crocheting? Are you friends and neighbors so much into this hobby that you also want to try out but do not know where to start?

Crochet is gaining its name back again in the needle craft industry. This hobby started a long time ago, probably in the 16th century, but still staying alive especially with its popularity now even in the fashion industry.

Crocheting may not be that easy to learn and master. A lot of patience is needed when starting out with this new hobby. You should be able to learn how to read the patterns, understand the terms and know the basic hand moves and stitches. Also, you would need a pattern to start with. The pattern will guide you how to make those designs that you choose.

There are books and magazines available in your local bookstore that has several patterns in them. But there are also web sites in the internet that offer tons of different patterns for free. Some even have a free tutorial for beginners to learn how to make a successful crochet project.

Here are some of the free resources that can be found online:

- Craftown. This site is indeed a 'Crafter's Resource Center.' The site offers thousands of crafts projects and patterns including crochet. There is also a learning center section which offers free lessons on the craft you want, be it crochet or any other needle craft hobby.

The free crochet lessons page on the Craftown's site shows the different chains and crochet styles that are usd in almost all projects. It has drawings that show the correct hand form, how the stitch should look like and the needle position. It has clear instructions that any beginner can surely follow.

Of course, to get you started in your crocheting adventure, the site offers a lot of crochet patterns with different difficulty levels. Thus, a beginner will surely find an easy one to start with.

- Crochet Pattern Central. This site is like an online directory of thousands of links to sites that have free crochet patterns. All kinds of crochet projects can be found here like afghans, doilies, hats, kitchen décor, baby items, ponchos, scarves, and many more. For the beginners, the site also has the Crochet Instruction Directory section where you can find a list of links to crochet tutorials and lessons. These tutorial sites are illustrated with clear and easy-to-follow instructions to make your first crocheting experience a lot more fun.

- Crochet in About.com. The crochet section of About.com also has several links to sites that offer how-to's of different crochet stitches and patterns both for beginners and experienced alike. There is also an A-Z index of free crochet patterns available in the internet.

- Lion Brand Yarn. One of the most popular yarn brands, the Lion Brand offers several resources for free to the hobbyists which is a good marketing strategy for them. First of all, it has its own set of crochet tutorials that can either be viewed online or downloaded for offline use. It even has an illustrated dictionary for beginners who cannot fully grasp yet the terms being used in most of the crochet patterns.

And, of course, the site also has almost a thousand free patterns available that feature their different yarn products. These patterns have different categories such as adults, children, infants, home décor, and pets. These patterns are also classified according to the skill level required so hobbyists can easily determine which pattern to choose.

- AllCrafts. This web site is also like a one-stop-chop for all your needle craft needs, be it crocheting or knitting. It has several links to free crochet patterns organized in different categories. The site also offers reviews of crochet books and magazines available at Amazon.com or from your local bookshops.

- Crochet N More. This online site offers over 300 free crochet patterns for hobbyists to start a new project. There are also premium patterns available for a certain fee. The site also has links to some web sites of other people who just love crocheting, with free patterns and free advising on your project.

These are just some examples of the many resources online that are all about crochet. Even if you are just a beginner, you will not feel left out because of the different help and tutorials that you can get for free. So start checking these sites now and make your very first project that you can show off to your friends!

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