Archive for September, 2010
Crocheting edges on receiving blankets requires some basic crocheting skills. This project will take some time, but you will end up with a homemade piece that can be given to others. When you make this project, various colors may be used.
Required Materials
Scissor
Size F crochet hook
Sport or baby weight yarn, 1 skein (around 200 yards)
Tapestry needle
Receiving blanket
Step 1
Take the tapestry needle and a single strand of yarn. Use this to stitch around the corners of the blanket. To make a blanket stitch, lay the fabric on an even surface and pass the needle up the blanket.
Take the needle down below the fabric. Pass it in one more time. This will make a loop at the blanket’s edge. Next, pass the needle in the loop. By pulling it you will get the blanket stitch. Repeat this all around the blanket. Knot the yarn.
Step 2
Get a single strand of yarn and create a single crochet for every blanket stitch. Create 3 single crochets for every corner. This will prevent bunching when crocheting edges on receiving blankets. When you complete the round, don’t cut the yarn.
Step 3
Single crochet at the 1st stitch of the preceding round. Chain 5 and single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat this all around.
Step 4
Slice the yarn. Weave the ends with a tapestry needle.
Tips and Suggestions
It is possible to make wider borders by putting in a row of double crochet stitches between rounds one and two. Distribute the stitches with a space of 1/2 inches, depending on the yarn width. The thicker the yarn, the farther the stitches will be. The stitches will have
to be closer if the yarn is thin. Keep this in mind as it affects the blanket’s apearance.
It is possible to create a border for blanket fleece employing the same method. You simply need to punch a hole on the edges. When this is made, you can proceed as indicated in the instructions.
Make sure the stitches are not too tight. Otherwise, the edge will curl. If you are just starting out and having a hard time, try using a fuzzy yarn. It can hide some of the mistakes you make. If the blanket doesn’t have thread borders, you’ll have to make one.
When crocheting edges on receiving blankets, it is important to take your time. With enough practice, adding fancy edges to your blankets will be easy.
By learning how to crochet blanket borders and edges, you’ll be able to decorate even the simplest of blankets. Fortunately, crocheting blanket edges is easy.
Required Materials
Thread
Sewing needle
Crochet yarn
Crochet hook
Step 1
Check if the blanket has sewn edging. If it doesn’t have one, you have to create it. Do this by sewing a basic stitch around the borders of the fabric that will be crocheted.
Make sure it isn’t too tight so the crochet hook can be put in. But make certain that the edge will not hang too loose from it.
Step 2
To crochet blanket borders, select a starting point. Insert the hook in the initial hole. Make a single crochet using this stitch. When you get to the next loop, make another single crochet. Repeat this procedure all around the item.
Step 3
After making one layer, add more rows using the same process. You can add different stitches any way you like. Keep repeating the process until the border is finished.
Suggestions for Beginners
If you are uncertain about your crocheting skills, try the fuzzy yarn. This will conceal some small errors. Remember that mistakes in the border will not damage the original piece. Just remove the mistake and put on a new one.
A Basic Border Pattern
Row 1
Pick a number 8 crochet hook. Crochet a chain. Make half a dozen double crochets in the 5th chain at the hook. Jump 3 stitches and work 7 double stitches for the proceeding stitch. Repeat the last step for the whole border length. Flip and chain 3.
Row 2
Double crochet in-between the first 2 double crochets. Chain 2 and create 1 double crochet between the 2 double crochets. Next, chain 2 at the row’s end. Turn and chain 4.
Row 3
Single crochet in the 1st, chain 2 space then chain 3. The next step is to single crochet at the next chain 2 space. Chain 3 at row’s end. Slip stitch and fasten the end off.
Slice the crochet thread. Stitch the edging. You can find other simple projects online and in magazines. They are also available in some libraries and a few specialty stores.
Even those new to stitching will find it easy to crochet blanket borders and edges. Just remember to start off with the basic borders as described here. These simple borders will form the basis for other complex and intricate border designs.
It takes a bit of skill to crochet baby blanket patterns, but it’s a skill that is worth learning. Using this method, you can design the blanket just the way you want it to look for baby.
Required Materials
Crochet hook (size K)
Worsted skeins (4 skeins with different colors)
1 skein in neutral color
This blanket measures 36 x 32 inches, but it is possible to make it larger. You can add 14 chains to the foundation chain for every four inches. Make it smaller by removing some of the chains.
Step 1
Make the slip knot and loop. This will be the first chain. Make a foundation chain of about a 100 chains minimum. When you are done, put in 4 more chains in the end. This is the turning chair for row 1.
Step 2
Set the yarn over the hook two times. Place the hook in the center of the third stitch (this is from the yarn hook). Yarn over and pull through the first couple of loops on the hook.
Yarn over and draw again through the proceeding two loops. Yarn over one more time. Draw through the last 2 loops of the hook. You have just made the treble crochet.
Step 3
Yarn over two times and put the hook in the center of the proceeding stitch. Just continue to crochet baby blanket pattern until you get to the row’s end. Chain 4 for the turning chain.
Step 4
Begin the next row at the 2nd stitch from the endpoint. Yarn over two times. Keep doing the treble crochet until you reach the end of the row. Keep this up for three more rows. Fasten the end and chop off the yarn.
Step 5
To put in a new color, make a slip knot with another color. Put the hook in the treble stitch. Yarn over and then draw the loop. Next, chain 4 stitches.
Yarn over a couple more times and put the hook at the 2nd stitch from the end. This will start the treble crochet. Keep crocheting the new color for the next 5 rows.
Step 6
Switch colors and keep repeating the process described until the required size is reached. Use the neutral color to add the edge. A single crochet on the edge will be enough.
As you crochet baby blanket pattern edge, chain two and do a single crochet. Do this in 1 stitch. Repeat the process in the area left by the chain.
There are many types of crochet baby blanket designs that you can choose from. If you are new to crocheting, you can use the following as a guide. It can serve as the foundation for making other more complex patterns.
Required Materials
Yarn
Crochet hook
Pattern
Step 1
Using your right hand, take hold of the crochet hook. Make a slip knot using the yarn, encompassing the neck of the hook. This is just under the hook itself. Holding the yarn with your left hand, cross at the hook’s back. Grab this using the hook.
Step 2
Pull the hook yarn. Hook this in the slip knot. Do the looping again so you end up with a chain.
Step 3
Create a 2nd side for the chain. Hook the 2nd to the final loop you made. Now pull it through the slip knot. Repeat this and you will end up with a two sided hook chain. Keep repeating this until the desired dimensions are attained.
Step 4
When you crochet baby blanket designs, begin with the design features in the middle. You can crochet the design elements individually if the pattern is simple. Every element may be composed with basic stitch crochet loop.
Step 5
For the next step, there are two options: a complex single layer or simple double/two layer. If making the two layer blanket, crochet the whole background.
On the top layer, crochet the design (a basic stitch will suffice). If it’s a single layer blanket, place the design on the work surface. Crochet the foundation followed by the design.
Step 6
Tie the final yarn using a double knot. Stretch the blanket from the inner portion in an outward manner. Wash and dry.
Tips and Warnings
Avoid using coarse yarn with glitter or sparkles. For babies, soft yarn is recommended. Look through the Web if you are stuck for ideas. Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns.
Combine the elements from different patterns and make it on your own. It will help if you sketch the design on paper or in a computer program. You can use it as reference. Don’t forget to set down your own color scheme.
Remember that learning to crochet baby blanket designs is a craft. By mastering the basics, the more advanced techniques will become easier to do. It won’t take long before you are able to reproduce those lovely patterns you see in magazines and the Web.
Learning to crochet a granny square blanket is very easy as the method used is similar for all the rows. The following steps will show you how this is done.
Required Tools and Materials
Yarn
Crochet hook (any size will do but H is frequently utilized for the worsted yarn; get a larger hook if you will be using a large weight yarn)
Step 1
Buy the yarn you prefer. Get a hook that matches up with it.
Step 2
Chain six and create a slip knot that encompasses the hook. Make sure the yarn is enveloped around the hook. Now pull through the knot’s loop. After the yarn had been pulled and wrapped, pull one more in the loop. Do it through the one you made earlier. Make sure there is a bit of yarn at the start in case it is required later.
Step 3
The next step to crochet a granny square blanket is to slip stitch at the 1st chain. This will create a ring. With the loop in the hook, pull a new one through it. The new loop should be pulled through the chain stitch too.
Step 4
Chain three. Next, create a double three crochet in the middle of the ring.
Step 5
Chain two. Create a three double crochet in the middle of the ring.
Step 6
Chain two.
Step 7
Repeat it a couple more times. You will have four clusters of 3 double crochet (dc).
Step 8
To end the first row, slip stitch at the top of the 3 chain.
Step 9
You can start the new row with another color if you want. Begin by chaining three.
Step 10
Three double crochet in the corner. Make three double, chain 2 and 3 double at the space made by the chain two.
Step 11
Chain two to the other proceeding corner. Repeat the steps. Make all the corners. Now you have to slip stitch on the 1st corner. This ends the round.
Just keep making as many rounds as desired. Remember that the side space will go up. By stitching up multiple squares you will end up
with a nice afghan.
Tip: use light colored yarns because the darker ones are harder to count. It often helps to use a big hook as work can proceed more quickly.
Understanding how to crochet a granny square blanket is easier than it seems. With a bit of practice, the process will become second nature to you.
For those new to the craft, it is easier to learn how to crochet a blanket with pictures. With an illustrated guide, it becomes easier to understand the stitching process.
Tips for Beginners
There are many sites on the Web about crocheting, so there is no shortage of options. However, they are not created equally. Without images, it can be difficult to comprehend the instructions being given. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind.
First, make sure the site has a picture of the finished blanket. This will give you an idea of what to expect when you are done.
Second, the instructions should have pictures for as many of the steps as possible. This is true for many crochet beginner sites, but not all of them. The major steps in the crocheting process should include images so they will be easier to follow.
The more advanced sites probably use fewer pictures, so beginners may have a harder time following the guidelines. For this reason, it is best to start with simple blanket patterns and designs. One more advantage of these pictures is you can compare the image with your own creation. You will know instantly if you are doing things right or made a mistake.
Reading Crochet Instructions
Although it is easier to learn how to crochet a blanket with pictures, you will not be able to proceed unless you can read the instructions. Here are some of the abbreviations used in crocheting: ch is chain, sc is single crochet, dc is double crochet; tr is for triple or treble crochet. Hdc stands for half double crochet and htr is half triple crochet.
St is for stitch; slst is slip stitch while jn is for join. Yo or y/o stands for yarn over. Fo stands for fasten off, while the loop abbreviation is lp. Cl denotes cluster and p is the abbreviation for picot. Ch lp is for chain loop. Sts refers to stitches and sp is for space.
In some sites, some instructions read like the following “(2 dc, 2 hdc, 2 sc) in 12 ch lp)”. This is read as 2 double crochet, 2 half dc, 2 single crochet stitches at the dozen loop chains you created.
As you learn how to crochet a blanket with pictures, try to keep the abbreviations in mind. Make a notebook with all the abbreviations. If you see parenthesis in the stitches, it means the stitches have to be clustered in one place
This easy crochet baby blanket pattern is designed for beginners. All you need are the following materials.
Required Materials
Plastic large-eye blunt needle
Crochet hook size S-35
2 skeins each of three colors (medium weight, 50/50 acrylic/cotton yarn)
Note: this blanket has a gauge of 6 single crochet stitches = 4 inches, 6 rows = 3 1/2 inches. The blanket dimensions are 24 inches x 36 inches.
Step 1
Make 55 single crochet stitches. A strand of each color should be held during all through the stitch.
Step 2
Locate the 2nd chain from the hook. Make a single crochet. Make a single crochet chain for all the chains all across. You will end up with 54 single crochet stitches.
Step 3
Make a one single crochet link at row’s end.
Step 4
To make this easy crochet baby blanket pattern, flip the material on the right. The part that is faced up will now be down.
Step 5
Make single crochet stitches in all the single crochet links.
Step 6
Repeat this until the blanket reaches 24 in (bottom to top). Slice the yarn and fasten the end. Use the blunt needle to weave the ends.
Various Pattern Designs
You can look at magazines and websites for pattern inspiration. You don’t have to copy the patterns in their entirety; you can combine various designs. Next, sketch a design and use it for reference.
When buying yarn, make certain the skeins come with similar dye lots.
Ensure the yarn is soft and suitable for the baby. Unless it is really necessary, steer clear from yarns that are coarse or have glitters and sparkles. The colors are up to you. Just select colors that are suitable for your design. Bright hues are usually preferred for babies.
Tips and Warnings
You can add the initials of the baby on the blanket if you like. After you reach the yarn’s end, secure it at row’s end. Before you begin a new skein, weave the ends first.
Ensure the stitches’ sizes are similar. Check the gauge to be certain the material is proportional. When finished, stretch the blanket a bit. Before letting the baby use the blanket, wash it. Allow it to dry.
This easy crochet baby blanket pattern is not as complicated as it seems. After you get used to the process, other more intricate designs will be easier to do. Experimenting with various patterns is another way to learn more about this craft.
When you crochet a rug pattern that is oval in shape, the double or single crochet may be employed. In terms of yarn type, cotton is preferred by many because it is washable.
Required Materials
Yarn needle
Scissors
Bobby pin
Size H crochet hook
Worsted weight yarn
Step 1
Begin by crocheting the chain that will be in the middle of the rug. Everything else will be worked around this part.
Step 2
Make a single crochet 3 times at the 2nd chain at the hook. Single crochet one time in each chain across the final chain stitch.
Step 3
Create 3 single crochet in the final chain. Do not turn it.
Step 4
Keep working around at the other side of the beginning chain. Single crochet at every chain back to the beginning point.
Step 5
Avoid joining rounds. Put a bobby pin at the first stitch. This will serve as a marker for the commencement of the round.
Step 6
To crochet a rug pattern, you’ll need to create two single crochet in the succeeding 3 stitches. This will lead to an increase in the rug’s curved edge.
Next, crochet down to the rug’s length to the other end. Create two single crochet in the 3 stitches at the end. Now you can crochet back up to the other side. This will finish the round.
Step 7
Continue with the pattern described in the preceding step. The 3 stitches’ space should increase uniformly at the rug’s ends. You can do this by skipping 1 stitch in-between the increases. This means that for the next round, the skip is 1 stitch. For the succeeding round, the skip between increases is two, then three.
Step 8
After the rug has attained the dimensions you want, connect the first stitch using a slip stitch. Now you can secure it. Chain 1 and slice the yarn. Make sure there is a 6 inch tail. This will be used to weave with the needle.
Tips and Hints
You’ll want to use a couple of strands of worsted weight yarn if the rug will be thick. You’ll also need a hook sized between K and P.
As you learn to crochet a rug pattern, consider getting a non-slip rug pad.
Put this under the rug. This will keep it from slipping and sliding. Some deem this necessary because novices find yarn to be quite slippery. Alternatively, you can get a nonslip, nonskid rubber rug backing compound.
When you crochet quilt squares, any number of stitches and colors may be used. This flexibility is one of the reasons why this project is suitable for beginners.
Required Materials
Tapestry needle
Crochet hook
Worsted yarn
Step 1
The first step is to create the pattern. You have several options, including 4 quarters, 2 halves and the full square. The size of the quilt is up to you. This project will make a 48 in square piece. You can also add stripes; two rows of one hue and two rows of another color.
Step 2
The next step is to select the stitch and yarn. Your options include a 2 ply yarn or the 4 ply. The 4 ply is thicker. Beginners should create samples utilizing various hook sizes. Keep in mind that the stitches vary per manufacturer.
The double crochet provides an open appearance, while the single crochet makes the stitch look more solid. But you can utilize both when you crochet quilt squares.
Step 3
Assess how many stitches are per inch. You also have to evaluate how many rows there are per inch. This is essential when working with different styles. Using the gauge will ensure the sizes are the same for every piece.
Step 4
Now you combine the pieces. Use the needle and whip stitch to connect the separate pieces. Make sure to conduct the work on the wrong side. All the tails have to be weaved. As you crochet, check every now and then to ascertain the rows and pieces correspond.
Step 5
When you are done, add the border. This will give the quilt that finished, well made look. Pick a corner to start and employ a double crochet. The double crochet should be used regardless of the stitching technique you used for the quilt.
By using the double crochet, you cut the rounds in half. It takes twice as long if you will do single crochet. Make 3 double crochets when you get to a corner. Create 3 rows and weave it.
Tips and Warnings
Hold the yarn in a firm manner; not too tight or loose. Don’t hesitate to use various colors; try different combinations and you might be pleasantly surprised at the results. If you are adding lots of colors, try using a dark background so there is harmony and unity.
When you crochet quilt squares, it’s preferable to use washable yarns. Otherwise the material will disintegrate.
You can crochet quilt patterns without too much difficulty, but it will be necessary to have the right materials. Make sure you have the following ready.
Required Materials
Measuring tape
Plastic yarn needle
Pattern
Crochet hook 5 mm (size 
1 ball of Color B (four ply medium weight)
2 skeins of Color A yarn (four ply medium weight, 8 ounces)
Step 1
Decide on the colors and dimensions. Small quilts measure 36 x 40 inches. Darker hues should be used for the edges while the lighter colors are for the quilt.
Step 2
Decide on the chains to be used for the base (i.e. the yarn says 4 x 4 inch swatch is 17 stitches with a size 8 crochet hook). A 36 in wide quilt is equivalent to 9 four by four swatches. If the 4 x 4 swatch is 17 in, 9 swatches are 153 chains. Add the stitches for flipping to create the double crochet, and you will have 155 chains.
Step 3
To crochet quilt patterns, chain the 155. Make sure to double chain on every chain along. Count and you will end up with 153 double stitches. Keep making 153 double crochets for every row until it reaches the size you want.
Step 4
As you get near the final double crochet on the last row, get the last 2 loops of color A at the hook. Take color B yarn and pull it in the yarn. This will alter the colors.
Step 5
With the B color, single crochet around the quilt. This will finish the borders and edges. When you have made 4 single crochets, break the A color yarn. Leave a six inch tail. Keep single crocheting around the quilt until you get back to the point you started.
Step 6
Break the yarn off. Make sure to leave another six inch tail. Weave the tail on the single crochet edging using the yarn needle. Thread the needle with color A’s tail. Weave onto the crochet border.
Tips and Warnings
Always examine the yarn gauge before starting a project. Regularly check the rows to be certain there are 153 double crochets. Too many or too few will result in a lopsided quilt. For this reason, keeping tabs is a necessity. Just keep counting and you won’t go wrong.
When you crochet quilt patterns, make sure to purchase more yarn that needed. You can always bring back the unused skeins if the labels are still intact.