Archive for August, 2010
If you want to make crochet blanket designs, being aware of the terms and symbols used in guides and instructions will be necessary. Although they may look bewildering, this guide will help you decipher their meanings.
Rnds and Rows
Rows and rnds are not the same. An rnd in the instructions means you have to work in rounds. This indicates you will end up where you began. In other words, you finish the round by joining to the first stitch you made.
Rows on the other hand, indicate that when you get to the end, you must turn the work and head the other way. This is where the instructions will be done.
What the Parenthesis Means
Crochet blanket designs with parenthesis means that one has to do the stitch again. The number of times will be indicated in the parenthesis. Just make sure that you follow the instructions thoroughly.
It may denote the coming number of stitches or the upcoming stitch. For instance, (dc,ch,dc) in the next stitch 5 times instructs you to do it five times.
The Cross Symbol
The symbol instructs you to do all the stitches up to the point you reach the cross. Next, you have to repeat them for a specific number of times.
The cross symbol is seen in the more intricate patterns. sometimes there are stitches in parenthesis between the cross. As you reach the end and finished the stitches, the guide will inform you on how to finish the round or row.
The Asterisk
There are also patterns that have to be repeated from a specific point in the design. This will be usually marked by the asterisk symbol. This will be the mark when the repeating process will commence. The double asterisks express some instructions that must be done.
Tips for Reading the Symbols and Patterns
The design symbols will be simpler to read if the pattern is broken down. This will make it simpler to understand. To make it easier, you should take your time when examining the symbols. It may be easier to keep a copy of the symbols’ meaning and use it as reference when working. This can be handy for beginners and newbies.
Understanding the crochet blanket designs and the symbols is integral to creating patterns. The confusion will only be in the beginning. As you start crocheting, the meaning of the signs will be second nature to you.
These crochet blanket instructions are for baby sizes. If you want to make a larger blanket, you can use the same instructions but you have to increase the amount of materials used.
Materials Needed
Large-eye blunt needle (plastic)
A couple of skeins (3 colors; 50/50 cotton / acrylic yarn, medium weight)
Crochet hook size S-35
Note: the project gauge is 6 single crochet stitches = 4 inches, 6 rows = 3 1/2 inches. You will end up with dimensions of 24 inches x 36 inches.
Step 1
Pick colors that work well together. Now perform 55 stitches using a single strand. This should be done with all three colors. Make sure the strands are held together through the stitching process.
Step 2
Look for the second chain at the hook. Make one crochet when you find the chain. Make a single crochet for all the chains across. When you get to the end, you should have 54 single crochet stitches on the row.
Step 3
When you are at the end of that row, make one crochet.
Step 4
Flip the material over onto the right. This means the part that was down should now be up. To carry out these crochet blanket instructions, create one single crochet on the material. This has to be all across.
Step 5
Keep repeating step 4 until the entire material comes up to 24 inches from the bottom to the top. Slice the yarn and fasten off the end.
Step 6
Get the large eye blunt needle and weave the ends in the material.
Tips and Warnings
As you come near the end of the yarn, secure it at the end of the row. Make sure that you weave at the ends prior to beginning a new skein. It is important that the stitch size is consistent. Otherwise the outcome will not be acceptable.
To avoid problems, assess the gauge. This is to ensure the stitches will be appropriate. It will also ensure the blanket will appear fine. As you look for some yarn, make sure that the dye lots possess the same color. This is important because the colors vary depending on the dye lot. There are many types of yarns, so you have lots of options.
These crochet blanket instructions may seem difficult to follow, but once you start, the process will be easy. You just have to be patient. After you make the first blanket, the rest should be easy.