by Alison | Crochet Basics, Crochet Patterns, Hooks
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.
Tunisian 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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by Alison | Crochet Basics, Hooks
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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by Alison | Hooks
by Alison Stapleton
Crochet Hook Sizes
Crochet hooks are measured in different sizes and the two types of measurement are metric and imperial.
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.
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 |
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.
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.
