There are lots of different ways this shaping can be worked and each method is more suited to one stitch pattern or shape than another. The patterns in this book will explain the way each piece should be shaped to achieve the desired end result.
WORKING WITH MORE THAN ONE COLOUR
The loop actually on the hook before a stitch is worked forms part of the new stitch. Therefore, if more than one colour is being used, you need to change to the new colour to complete the last ‘yarn over hook and draw this loop through’ stage. This will avoid messy lines where the 2 colours meet.
FANCY STITCH PATTERNS AND GROUPS
The basic crochet stitches can be grouped together or placed within the work to make a myriad of different effects. Whatever the effect created, each individual stitch will be worked in the way it would be normally – it is how it is placed within the work that creates the stitch pattern.
Sometimes one or more basic stitches are combined to create a special effect or type of stitch. If this is the case, you will find that a special abbreviation is used for this group of stitches, and how this group of stitches should be worked will be explained in the ‘abbreviations’ section of the pattern. Before you start your crochet, it’s a good idea to read this section and practice the stitch group so that you know exactly what you are meant to do.
ADDING EDGINGS AND BANDS
Once the main crocheted pieces have been worked and any seams joined, you’ll often find that edgings or bands are often worked to complete the item.
To work the edging, start by attaching the yarn at the point the pattern tells you to. Attach the yarn by making a slip knot on the hook and then working a slip stitch at the required position. Complete the edging following the instructions given with the pattern.
Edgings have a tendency to stretch as they are worked – but they are generally needed to hold an edge to a particular length. It’s therefore a good idea to work the first round (or row) of any edging a little too tightly. That way, as any further rounds (or rows) are worked, it will gently ease itself out to the correct length.
There are no real hard and fast rules as to exactly how many stitches you need to work along an edge – it’s a bit of a trial and error process! If in doubt, work too few stitches – especially if the edging is only one or two rounds (or rows). This can gently be stretched to the right length once you’ve finished. If, once you’ve completed your edging, it looks wavy or frilly, unpick it and start again! No matter how many stitches you work, try to space them out evenly along the edge and try not to split the yarn of the existing stitches as you insert the hook into the work.
Crab stitch
This is a version of double crochet and is quite often worked as the last round (or row) of an edging as it creates a neat ‘beaded’ finish that looks virtually the same on both sides.
Almost all crochet stitches are worked from right to left – but crab stitch is different. It is basically just a row of double crochet stitches that are worked the ‘wrong’ way round – from left to right. It can be quite tricky to get the hang of but, once mastered, it gives a really nice finish. To work a crab stitch edging, do NOT turn at the end of the last row (or round) – you are going to be working back along the stitches you’ve just made. Insert the hook from front to back under the 2 bars of yarn sitting across the top of next stitch to the right. Take the yarn under the hook and draw this new loop of yarn through the work. Wrap the yarn around the hook in the usual way and draw this new loop through both loops on the hook – exactly as you would for any double crochet stitch. Now insert the hook into the next stitch to the right again, twisting the hook towards you and towards the right as you insert it. Take the yarn under the hook and draw this new loop through the work. Wrap the yarn around the hook again, taking it from the back, over, round and under the hook, and draw this new loop through both loops on the hook. Continue along the edge in this way. As each stitch is made it will form a little knot along the edge of the work. Crab stitch can stretch the edge it’s worked along, so make sure the edge is quite ‘tight’ before you start.
CROCHET STITCH DIAGRAMS
Crochet stitch patterns can also be shown as diagrams. These show you exactly how each new set of stitches sits within the work in relation to the previous and next sets of stitches. Each pattern in this book gives you written details of exactly how to work each stitch pattern for each size and piece being made – but you’ll also find a diagram that shows the basic stitch pattern. Use this as a visual guide, referring to the written pattern for how many stitches to actually work.
On these stitch diagrams, a different symbol is used for each type of crochet stitch. Below is a list of what these symbols mean.
AFTERCARE
Once your garment is complete, it’s a good idea to keep one of the ball bands. This will give you details of exactly how the yarn should be washed. If two yarns are combined within one garment, it should be washed to suit the more delicate yarn. For example, if one yarn is only suitable for hand washing whilst the other can be machine washed, the completed garment must be hand washed.
Aran-style jacket
This cosy zip-up jacket features panels of textured diamonds and bobbles, on a base of simple double crochet, which echo traditional aran style knitting – but are surprisingly simple to achieve. Worked in a soft cotton and microfibre mixture yarn, the neat collar completes the look.
MATERIALS
• 3 [4:4:5] x 50 g balls of Rowan Calmer in Drift 460
• 3.00 mm and 3.50 mm crochet hooks
• Open-ended zip to fit
ABBREVIATIONS
• rbtr – work tr round stem of next st, inserting hook from right to left and from back to front
• rftr – work tr round stem of next st, inserting hook from right to left and from front to back
• htr3tog – (yoh and insert hook as indicated, yoh and draw loop through) 3 times, yoh and draw through all 7 loops on hook. See also page 9.
TENSION
21 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over pattern using 3.50 mm hook.
Change hook size if necessary to obtain this tension.
Pattern panel (16 sts)
1st row (RS): 1 rftr around