Old English Creations

Crochet Your Calm and Create with Joy

 

Types of Crochet

 Entrelac crochet

Entrelac crochet is a method of working on the side of previously crocheted pieces. The rows go in different directions and not just straight up. It creates an interesting piece and is strong. This method is usually done with color as the defining result.

Fair Isle crochet

Fair isle crochet is similar to Fair Isle knitting. Each row is worked with two colors and they change throughout the row to make designs in color. Each row has two different colors and the colors change every few rows.

For example:

Row 1: Red and blue

Row 2: Red and green

Row 3: Green and blue

But because each row only has two colors that sets the thickness of the finished item. The Fair Isles are in Scotland and women shepherdesses would tend their flocks of sheep with crochet hooks and balls of wool in their pockets. They would walk the highlands on foot working their crochet as they went.

Filet crochet

Filet crochet is a French type of crochet created in squares. The finished piece looks like a grid with open and closed spaces. The combination of open and closed results in flat pictures of roses or swans or whatever.

Filet designs were originally used to make lace curtains to cover cottage windows. These days filet crochet is used for table cloths, place mats and can be hung as art.

Filet crochet can be done in the round and resultss in beautifully intricate designs.

Tapestry crochet

Tapestry crochet is used to make thick baskets and rugs. It is a sturdy technique and the items are very firm.

You use several colored threads at once, working with one color and carrying the rest along the top of the row being worked. This makes each row very thick.

Color is changed on a stitch by stitch basis. Bowls are a good example of tapestry crochet.

Tunisian crochet

Tunisian crochet is also referred to as afghan crochet. For Tunisian crochet you use a special hook (called a Tunisian crochet hook), which typically has a crochet hook at one end and is as long as a knitting needle and has a knitting needle stop end at the other. So really it is like a knitting needle but with a hook and not a point.

Below are my two favourite Tunisian crochet hooks, (in my size 5mm as usual), and these have hooks at both ends opening up the possibilities for advanced Tunisan crochet work.

IMG_2052Tunisian crochet hooks come in all the same sizes as regular crochet hooks. With Tunisian crochet you carry many stitches at once on forward rows and hook them off on the backward rows.

Tunisian crochet makes a very thick fabric and is normally used for blankets, cushions, bags and soft furnishings.

Tunisian crochet is like a combination of crochet and knitting all in one. It is an advanced technique. Tunisian crochet can be combined with entrecôte crochet.


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Tension and Gauge Swatches

Tension and Gauge Swatches

Make your garment the same size as the pattern intended

Gauge swatches are a fundamental tool in the world of crochet and knitting.

They typically measure 4 inches or 10 centimeters square, and their purpose is to ensure that your project turns out just right.

 

New Project New Swatch

When you embark on a new project, the pattern provides guidelines, specifying the ideal hook size and yarn to use.

However, in the real world of crafting, we often find ourselves reaching for the yarn that’s readily available, and it may not match the pattern’s recommendations.

This seemingly small deviation can lead to a project that turns out either too large or too small compared to what the pattern intended.

This is where the importance of making a gauge swatch, or as some call it, a tension square, becomes evident.

A gauge swatch is your safeguard against potential mishaps in your crafting journey.

How To Create a Guage Swatch

To create a gauge swatch, you select the yarn you intend to use and pair it with the hook you plan to work with.

Then, you crochet a small square that adheres to the pattern’s specifications for the gauge.

This usually involves making a square that’s 4 inches by 4 inches or 10 centimeters by 10 centimeters.

 

Too Big or Too Small

  • If the swatch is too small then you should use a larger hook.
  • If the swatch is too big then you should use a smaller hook.

The idea is to use the hook that results in the same measurements as the original pattern.

Tension

The purpose of this little square is to test your tension, which is how tightly or loosely you crochet. Everyone’s tension can vary slightly, and it can even change from project to project.

By creating a gauge swatch, you can see if your tension matches the pattern’s requirements.

If your square turns out too large, it indicates that you are crocheting too loosely.

Conversely, if it’s too small, you’re crocheting too tightly.

The beauty of the gauge swatch is that it allows you to make adjustments before you dive into the main project.

If your swatch doesn’t meet the pattern’s gauge, you can experiment with different hook sizes until you achieve the correct tension.

This small but essential step can save you hours of work and prevent the disappointment of ending up with a project that doesn’t fit or look as intended.

 

When to Do a Gauge Swatch

Size and tension matters more in garments that have to fit like clothes rather than blankets or throws which are still ok if they are a little bigger or smaller.

When you start a new pattern always do a test swatch  to make sure you will have the correct size at the end.

A Practice Run

So, in the world of crochet, the gauge swatch is like a practice run, a test drive, ensuring that your creativity aligns with the pattern’s specifications.

It’s a valuable tool that empowers you to take control of your crafting and achieve the desired results.

Remember, while the initial excitement of starting a new project can be irresistible, taking the time to create a gauge swatch is a wise and caring step that ensures your crafting journey is smooth and successful.

 

Author Bio

Alison Heathcote, a passionate crochet enthusiast and dedicated business blogger, combines her love for crafting and entrepreneurship to inspire and connect with others.

With a knack for transforming yarn into beautiful creations and a flair for sharing valuable insights about running a successful crochet business, Alison embodies the perfect blend of creativity and practicality.

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Learn to Read a Crochet Diagram

by Alison Stapleton

Features of a crochet diagram pattern

In general

Reading a written crochet pattern assumes many things.

Such as:

  • That you can read English
  • That you use either UK or USA stitch names
  • That the pattern is written correctly
  • That the pattern instructions are clear

Let’s look at each one by itself.

It assumes that – you speak English

I speak English as probably you do to as you are reading this. But I also like to use patterns from other countries.

I think the Japanese crochet diagrams are the best. They are clear and precise and I don’t have to read Japanese to use the patterns.

Likewise, if I design a crochet garment and I only write the pattern in English words, then other world wide crocheters can’t read my work.

I want my designs to be used by all crocheters and that is why I write the pattern in English and draw the crochet stitch diagram to go with it.

Almost every pattern on my site and my books are both written and have a diagram.

It assumes that – you know the difference between a UK or USA stitch

The difference between UK and USA crochet stitches and why the diagram is clear.

The UK double crochet and treble crochet are the same as the USA single crochet and double crochet.

The actual stitch is the same but the name of the stitch is different.

Double Crochet (USA) is the same as Treble Crochet (UK)

  • Yarn over hook (two loops on hook)
  • Insert hook into stitch below.
  • Yarn over hook, and pull through stitch below (three loops on hook)
  • Yarn over hook, pull through two loops (two loops remain on hook).
  • And then, yarn over hook, pull through two loops (two loops remain on hook).
  • Yarn over hook, pull through last two loops (one loop remains on hook).

It assumes that – the pattern is written correctly

In a written crochet pattern there are lines of code for the pattern rows. Such as:

RSF R1, yoh (rep5.) 3tr, 2ch 1FPst (rep. from * to * 8 times) turn.

Now in the above sentence (if it is a sentence), any error in the typing (a typo) will create an error in the pattern. And the crafter will not be able to complete the garment because she can’t read the pattern.

In a long pattern with motives, sections and finished borders there could be over 100 lines of pattern instruction. One line will create a problem and often there are two or three errors in a pattern.images-1

This makes the whole job a frustration and the crocheter may give up and (this is the worse part), tell others that your patterns are always incorrect and they should avoid them.

This is not good if you are in the business of selling patterns.

It assumes that – the instructions are clear

There comes a time in written crochet patterns when they will benefit from more explanation. This is achieved by expanding on the instructions and writing instructions in plain English.

We can all do with clarity at times. And crochet patters are no exception.

If a pattern is too hard to understand because of how it is written then it will not work. That pattern is no good.

Crochet diagrams symbols

Diagram symbols

In diagram a there is one symbol for every stitch.images

Chain

Slip stitch

Double crochet

Treble crochet

Each symbol is drawn separately.

Diagram rows

Each row is numbered.

Every row has an arrow indicating which way the row is worked. Either left to right, right to left or in the round.

Typically each Rosie drawn in a different color so you ca clearly see which row you are on. Here I use black and blue to separate the rows.

Benefits of crochet pattern diagrams

A picture is worth a thousand words. And this is true of crochet diagrams.

  • Uses left brain of visual imagery.
  • Designer can be non-native English speaker.
  • The diagram can be read by everyone on earth.
  • Clarity uses less space. One page for each project.
  • Can be printed bigger for older eyes.
  • Kids can use them.

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How to Use Pattern and Colour in Crochet

by Alison Stapleton

Many crochet projects use pattern and color to add to the beauty of the item

Crochet excels at being flexible and there are so many patterns and color ways to choose from it can become overwhelming at times.

Knowing when to use either pattern or color is important to the aesthetic integrity of your item.

It is not usual to mix pattern and color changes together in the same garment.

When to use pattern stitches

imagesUse a pattern stitch with a yarn that is a plain solid color.

Use a pattern stitch for a garment that is one color all over.

Do not use pattern with a variegated yarn and do not use pattern with multiple colors as you can’t see the beauty of the pattern in amongst the color changes.

  • An example of pattern over color is this intricate white square.

When to use color combinations

IMG_1855Color is best used on plain stitch items where the stitches are all the same and the color changes and combinations add to the beauty of the item.

  • An example of color over pattern stitches is the granny square.

By spending some time choosing your color and patterns wisely you can vastly improve your handcrafted crocheted items.





Crochet Hooks

Author: Alison  –   Updated: February 2025

Crochet Hooks

Crochet hooks come in various sizes, materials, and styles, each suited for different projects. The size of a hook, measured in millimeters, determines stitch size and tension. Smaller hooks (e.g., 2mm) are ideal for fine lace, while larger hooks (e.g., 10mm) create chunky textures. Materials like aluminum, wood, bamboo, and plastic offer different grips and feels. Ergonomic hooks reduce hand strain for long projects. The hook’s shape—inline or tapered—affects stitch formation. Beginners should start with a medium-sized hook (5mm) and smooth yarn. Understanding hook types and choosing the right one ensures a smoother, more enjoyable crochet experience.

 

Parts of a Crochet Hook

A crochet hook has several key parts, each serving a specific function to help form stitches smoothly and efficiently. Here’s a breakdown of the different parts:

1. Tip (Point)

The very end of the hook that inserts into stitches. It can be sharp or rounded, affecting how easily it moves through yarn.

2. Throat

The sloped section leading to the hook’s deepest part. It helps guide yarn into position. Hooks can have either an inline throat (a sharper angle for precise stitches) or a tapered throat (a smoother, rounded transition).

3. Hook (Head)

The curved part that catches and pulls yarn through loops. It can be more pointed (great for tight stitches) or rounded (easier on delicate fibers).

4. Shaft (Shank)

The section just below the hook where loops sit before being worked into stitches. Its diameter determines stitch size and tension.

5. Thumb Rest (Grip/Flat)

A flattened or slightly textured area where you place your thumb and forefinger for better control. Some hooks omit this feature.

6. Handle

The lower part of the hook, designed for grip and comfort. It may be smooth, ergonomic, or padded for longer crochet sessions.

Hook Sizes

Crochet hooks are measured in different sizes and the two types of measurement are metric and imperial.

IMG_1996

Metric Size Hooks (UK)

Metric hook sizes are measured in millimeters (mm). This refers to the diameter of the hook. Such as: 1.25mm, 2mm, 3.5mm, 4mm, 4.5mm, 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 1mm, 15mm and 20mm.

IMG_1994

Imperial Size Hooks (USA)

Imperial sizes are usually feet and inches and in this case crochet hooks are given a letter of the alphabet.

 

Crochet Hook Size Chart

Old US sizes

Metric

A 0 2.00 mm
B 1 2.25 mm
C 2 2.75 mm
D 3 3.25 mm
E 4 3.50 mm
F 5 3.75 mm
G 6 4.00 mm
7 4.50 mm
H 8 5.00 mm
I 9 5.5 mm
J 10 6 mm
K 10 ½ 6.5 mm
L 11 8 mm
M 13 9 mm
N / P 15 10 mm
O 12 mm
P / Q 15 mm
Q 16 mm
R 19 mm
S 25 mm

 

Crochet Hook Materials

Crochet hooks can be made from many materials but the usual ones are:

  • Steel
  • Aluminium
  • Bamboo
  • Hardwood
  • Plastic
  • Glass

Bamboo and plastic crochet hooks bend and this can slow you down. The best hooks are made from steel, aluminum or hard woods like rosewood. Aluminum crochet hooks come in different colors for each size so you can see immediately the difference between a 4.5mm hook and a 5mm hook.

 

Collecting Hooks

Over time you will collect many crochet hooks in different sizes and also hooks in the same size so you can have one for each project or every place which you crochet.

IMG_1998

For example I have one crochet hook in the kitchen drawer for squares and one in the car also for squares.

I also have a hook next to my chair in front of the TV for the bigger projects and blankets.

Alison-headshot

Author Bio

Alison is a passionate crochet enthusiast and dedicated business blogger. She combines her love for crafting and entrepreneurship to inspire and connect with others.

With a knack for transforming yarn into beautiful creations and a flair for sharing valuable insights about running a successful crochet business, Alison embodies the perfect blend of creativity and practicality.

Read more about Alison’s crochet journey.

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Yarns

by Alison Stapleton

A Good Yarn

Yarns are long stories told over a campfire, sipping hot chocolate at the end of the day.

Yarns are all wool acrylics and threads used in crochet. A yarn is a general term for all the types of wool, cotton and blends that you will use once you pick up your crochet hook.

Natural Yarns

All natural yarns come from plants or animals.

To be listed as 100% wool for example they have to be made 100% from the fleece of a sheep.

Many natural yarns are blends. Blended yarns are either made with other natural yarns, like cotton or silk, or synthetic yarns like acrylic for durability.

Natural yarns are biodegradable and will eventually rot away. They are safe for the planet.

This is why we don’t have many examples of ancient crochet garments.

Animal based yarns

Wool

Wool comes from sheep. It is made from the fleece of a ewe (a female sheep) which is shorn or cut off every year. This process is called shearing.

Shearing does not hurt the animal it is rather like cutting your hair.

Fleece is spun into wool hanks which are long loops of wool. The hanks are twisted and then may be rolled into balls.

Wool was originally spun on a spinning wheel but now mostly by machine. Some communities still spin their own wool from their own sheep.

Wool has superb warming capabilities and a jersey made from 100% wool is warm and cozy although it can be a bit scratchy.

Wool has a distinctive smell when wet. Wool will shrink in a hot wash.

Cotton

Cotton comes from a plant. It is grown as a crop and harvested once a year. Cotton fields are planted is warmer areas and although it is a natural product many chemicals are used in the bleaching of cotton. Cotton will shrink in a hot wash. Although often cotton is sold “preshrunk.”

Raw cotton is very rough to use in crochet.

Mercerized cotton threads have been smoothed to aid a free flow over the hook when crocheting. Mercerized cotton has a pleasant sheen.

Silk

Silk comes from silkworms. After the worm has wound one long thread around it’s body, in a figure eight pattern, the silk worm farmer picks the end of the silk thread and winds it onto a bobbin. This does kill the silk worm.

Each thread of silk is washed and dyed and may be spun with other fibers to create a thicker yarn.

Plant based yarns

Banana silk

Banana silk is made from the fronds leaves of the banana plant strelitzia nicolai

It is a slightly rough texture and good for rugs and mats. There is a sheen to the yarn.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a plant. The inner fibers are cut out and washed and spun into either a 100% bamboo yarn or it is mixed with other natural or synthetic fibers. Bamboo is grown in regrowth forests and takes little from the natural world.

Hemp

Is a plant and has many uses. It is most often seen as hessian or burlap sacks from grain.

Synthetic yarns

All synthetic yarns are man made. Synthetic yarns first became widely available in the 1800’s. Victorians used silks and cottons and wools.

Nylon

Nylon was originally created in both New York (NY) and London, England (LON) at the same time. Nylon is a basis for many synthetic yarns.

Rayon

Rayon is a derivative or nylon and has a dry silky feel and sheen.

Acrylic

Acrylic yarns can be a blend of several man made yarns twisted to form the length of yarn. Acrylic yarns wash well and hold their colours well. Acrylics are often used in children’s clothes. Acrylics are used for durability.

Mixed yarns

Mixed yarns are a combination of either natural or synthetic yarns.

Often they combine 2% silk with cotton or bamboo to give the yarn a silky feel.

Wool is combined with acrylics for cost purposes as natural wool is expensive.


Yarn thicknesses

Yarns purchased today often conform to the standard thickness symbols for the weight.

The thicker the yarn the bigger the crochet hook you need, and the thinner the yarn the thinner the hook you need.

When wool is spun the finest thread is known as lace and moving up the scale the manufacturers combine two three or four threads together in the manufacture of thicker yarns.

Yarns come in different thicknesses. They each have a name and are used for different things.

The thicker the yarn the thicker the hook.

Do not use a thin hook with thick yarn or a thick hook with a thin yarn.

As a rule the thickness of the yarns should be the same as the diameter of the hook.


Yarn weight and category names

Yarns have been categorized by their thickness. Most yarns conform to these symbols and you can swop out the recommended yarns for each pattern by using a yarn in the same weight as the suggested yarns.

In this way if you don’t have the specific ball of wool you can make adjustments and use a yarn of a similar weight to obtain the same results as the item in the pattern.

0 = Lace (fingerling), use hook 1.00 mm – 1.50 mm

1 = Superfine (sock), use hook 2.50 mm – 3.50 mm

2 = Fine (baby or 4 ply), use hook 3.50 mm – 4.50 mm

3 = Light (double knitting or DK), use hook 4.50 mm – 5.50 mm

4 = Medium (worsted, Afghan or Aran), use hook 5.50 mm – 6.50 mm

5 = Bulky (bulky or rug), use hook 6.50 mm – 9.00 mm

6 = Super bulky (super bulky), use hook 9.00 mm – 15.00 mm

7 = Jumbo (jumbo), use hook 15.00 mm or larger


1ply Fingerling

This is the fine thread that comes from a spinning wheel. It is the basis of all yarn weights. This is also referred to a floss. It is as thin as dental floss.

It is used is light and airy shawls and christening shawls.

2ply

Used for socks and light baby shawls.

3ply

3ply is used for socks and thin under garments. It is used for Scottish Fair Isle where two colors are used at ones and the spare color is carried over.

So the actual garment is thicker because of the two threads.

4ply

4ply is used with a 3.5mm hook and is a popular yarn weight.

4ply is good for cool summer tops and light garments.

Sport (Double knitting) (worsted)

Double knitting is used in many projects for nursery cardigans blankets and is easy to buy. Double knitting uses 5mm hooks.

Chunky or Bulky

Chunky and thick yarns you can use an 8mm, 9mm or 10mm hook.

Chunky yarns are great for afghans, chair covers and thick jerseys, coats and scarves

Extra Chunky Extra Bulky

Extra chunky yarn will use the biggest hooks. Such as a 12mm, 15mm or 20mm hook.

Extra chunky is used for baskets, rugs and mats.

In Thickness and in Thin

The thinner the yarn the thinner the hook, and the thicker the yarn the thicker the hook.




 


yarn