Caring for Crochet: Unraveling the Secrets to Preserving Handmade Art

Crochet products are unique as they are entirely handmade and each piece is a work of art. If you own a crochet product, you own a piece of art. Like any art piece crochet products also need proper care and maintenance, especially if it’s a wearable or a doll. While maintaining these products may sound cumbersome, simple tips and tricks can make the process easier. 
This article will give you the proper care instructions for each and every crochet product.

 

Double

Crochet flat circle – Double Crochet

1) magic circle  with 12DC (12)
2) 2DC in each st (24)
3) 1DC then 2DC in next st (36)
4) 1DC in next 2 st then 2DC in next st (48)
5) 1DC in next 3 st then 2DC in next (60)
6) 1DC in next 4 st then 2DC in next (72)
7) 1DC in next 5 st then 2DC in next (84)
8) 1DC in next 6 st then 2DC in next (96)
9) 1DC in next 7 st then 2DC in next (108)
10) 1DC in next 8 st then 2DC in next (112)

Increase the circle size in the same pattern to the required circumference The same Pattern Can be used for double crochet

Single flat crochet

Crochet Flat circle – Single crochet

1) magic circle  with 6sc (6)
2) 2sc in each st (12)
3) 1sc then 2sc in next st (18)
4) 1sc in next 2 st then 2sc in next st (24)
5) 1sc in next 3 st then 2sc in next (30)
6) 1sc in next 4 st then 2sc in next (36)
7) 1sc in next 5 st then 2sc in next (42)
8) 1 sc in next 6 st then 2sc in next (48 )

Increase the circle size in the same pattern to the required circumference The same Pattern Can be used for double crochet

The Enduring Legacy of Granny Squares: A Timeless Journey Through Crochet’s Charming History

Crocheted is a wonderful form of ancient needlecraft that passed down across many generations and cultures. Over a million crocheted motifs exist, but nothing can beat the humble and versatile Granny squares. In this article, we are going to take a trip back to the roots and learn how these motifs have become an essential skill for every crafter. 

Origins of the Term “Granny Square”

The earliest published references of granny squares are found in the Granny Square design by Mrs Phelps in the April 4, 1885 issue of Prairie Farmer Magazine

Granny Square design by Mrs Phelps in the April 4, 1885 issue of Prairie Farmer Magazine

The earliest known example of a traditional granny square, designed by Mrs Phelps, was published in the April 5, 1885 edition of Prairie Farmer.[3] She wrote:

 

.I have been trying a new crocheted pattern for an Afghan, which is on the principle of the crazy work so popular now. It is made in strips of the desired length, and with two of the blocks, which I have brought, forming the width (fig. 2). The long strips are crocheted together with a double chain stitch which is twisted, and of any two desirable colours. The small blocks can be sewn or drawn together, so as to make a perfect square, this joining being done on the wrong side. The idea is to have the blocks appear as one straight strip. Use Germantown wool, the colours of the block being bright and varied to one’s taste, but the outer edge of each is black

The term “granny square” has its roots in the cherished connection with grandmothers who played a significant role in passing down this art. In the olden days skilled needle crafters often grandmothers collected scraps/carefully unraveled knitted garments to create tiny squares and made them in various products. These granny squares have repetitive but intricate patterns and hence the motif gained quick popularity.

The name reflects the fondness of grandmothers and evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort. The squares often reminded people of the cosy blankets and handmade garments lovingly crafted by their grandmothers, making them a symbol of care and warmth

The Simplicity and Versatility of Granny Squares

Granny squares use simple stitches in repetitive patterns. This is one of the significant reasons for its popularity. The simple stitches make it the go-to pattern for beginners. Using just double crochet and chain stitches one can create an endless array of designs and products. 

Moreover, Granny squares are incredibly versatile. They are commonly used for Afghans and blankets, but their adaptability to any design has kept them relevant even in the modern fashion world. Granny squares can be incorporated as a design element in any garment or be made into a whole garment. 

 

Granny Squares and Sustainability

Granny squares are the ideal scrap yarn projects. Their simplicity has provided crafters with creative and sustainable solutions to repurpose leftover yarns making the crafting process more eco-friendly. In our studio, every crochet project ends with creating granny squares with the scraps of the project. 

A Canvas for Creativity and Expression

 Granny squares are not merely patterns; they are a canvas for creativity and personal expression. Each square offers the opportunity for a crafter to infuse their work with memories, emotions, and vibrant colours. Many crocheters use squares as a way to tell a visual story, capturing their experiences, interests, and inspirations in every stitch. The end result is a stunning tapestry of individuality, where each square becomes a reflection of the unique crafter who brought it to life. This artistic expression is what gives granny squares their distinctive character and makes them cherished heirlooms for generations to come.
long jacket 5

Crocheters from all walks of life unite in admiration for this classic motif, forming a global community where patterns and ideas are shared with passion and enthusiasm. The granny square serves as a bridge between the past and the future, preserving cherished traditions while embracing the evolving world of creativity.

In Conclusion

The History of granny squares is a heartwarming tale of love, craftsmanship, and tradition. From their humble beginnings in the hands of grandmothers to their status as cherished symbols of creativity worldwide, these delightful crochet motifs have stood the test of time.

Their simple yet captivating design, adaptability, and sustainable nature make them an endearing favourite among crafters of all skill levels. More than just squares, they represent a legacy of creativity, resourcefulness, and the power of handmade art to bring joy and comfort to our lives.

As long as there are those who treasure the art of crochet and appreciate the sentimental value of handmade crafts, the granny square will continue to be a timeless treasure that weaves together generations and cultures, stitching a thread of love and creativity through the fabric of time.

5066C11E-075C-4289-BD44-0918374377F2_Original

How to start crocheting

Crochet is a form of needle art which creates a woven fabric of interlocking loops of yarn in different patterns. It’s a simple yet addictive art form, often mistaken for knitting. Crochet can be done only by hand. So every crochet product is unique and  

Crocheted Fabric may vary based on factors like hooks, yarn and Stitches. It is essential to understand these aspects to create your crochet fabrics. 

Materials Required

  • Crochet Hook
  • Yarn
  • Scissors
  • Darning Needle
  • Stitch markers
  • Measuring tapes 
  • Pins 

HOOKS

Crochet can be done either by hand or by using a crochet hook. Crochet hooks are an essential tool for a crocheter. Understanding the structure and material of the hooks available would help choose the right hook for a project. 

Know your Crochet hook

Bamboo Hooks

Aluminium Hooks

Ergonomic Hooks

Plastic Hooks

Anatomy of Crochet Hooks

  • Tip
  • Hook
  • Throat
  • Shaft
  • Thumb rest
  • Grip/Handle

Tip

There are two types of crochet hook tips, 

Pointed Tip

Rounded Tip  

Pointed tips are helpful when working on a thin yarn or tight crochet stitches; they help get into closely knit stitches. 

Rounded tips are for loosely crocheted work and delicate yarn.

Hook

The hook is the curved part of the needle. Its the part that pulls the yarn out while crocheting

Throat

A hook can have a deep or short throat . The throat holds the yarn in place . Deep throated hooks are helpful in multilayer stitches , like the star stitch.

Shaft

The shaft determines the size of you crochet hooks and the size of you stitches . The stitches are always aligned to the size of the shaft to ensure smooth crocheting .

Thumb rest and Grip

Thumb rest is to rest your thumb. There are ergonomic needles available to provide maximum comfort for crocheting.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

YARN

Types of Yarn

Crochet yarns are classified based on their size and the material used. 

Yarn weights : Yarn weights means the size of the yarn not the actual weight of yarn . Example a size 0 yarn is called lace weight , a size 5 is called bulky weight . 

Stitch

There are two ways kinds of crochet patterns . 

  1. Linear Patterns  
    Linear crochet patterns start with a foundation chain and are crocheted in back and forth rows . The resulting pattern is mostly a rectangular patch . 
  2. Circular Patterns 
    In this case you can either start the pattern with a magic circle or a foundation loop . The pattern progIt is possible to make rectangle , squares or any shape using this method . Granny squares and Amigurumi patterns are made only using this method . 
 

Basic Crochet Stitches

  1. Slip Stitch 
  2. Single crochet 
  3. Half Double crochet 
  4. Double Crochet 
  5. Triple Crochet 
  6. Double Triple crochet

The best way to start is to practice the basic stitches .

Beginner Friendly Patterns

Crochet Mobile Pouch / Rectangular Purse

Make a rectangular patch using any of the basic stitches . 

Row 1 : Chain stitches twice the width of your mobile + turning chain of the stitch of your choice 

Row 2 to the length of mobile . : Any basic crochet stitch 

Once you get to the length , fold the patch in half and connect using tapestry needle / slip stitches leaving one side open . 

 

The same can be done horizontally  to create a purse . This kind of simple projects would help you to understand the structure and fabric created using each of the stitches

Double crochet Beanie

Cotton Yarn: 4 ply – fine weight yarn 

Row 1: Magic Circle,  Ch 3, 11 Dc – 12 St ( slst on top of the chain 3 ) 

Row 2: Ch 3,1 Dc into the same space, 2 Dc into each – 24 st  ( sl st on top of the chain 3 ) 

Row 3: Ch 3, 2dc into the next, (1 dc, 2dc )-repeat till the end of row –30 st  (slst on top of the chain 3 ) 

Row 4: Ch 3, 1 dc, 2dc into the next, (1 dc, 1, dc  2dc )-repeat till the end of the row – 36 st  (sl st on top of the chain 3 ) 

Row 5: Ch 3, 1 dc, 1 dc  2dc into the next, (1 dc, 1, dc ,1 dc  2dc )-repeat till the end of the row – 36 st  (sl st on top of the chain 3 ) 

Row 6: Ch 3, 1 dc, 1 dc, 1 dc, 2dc into the next, (1dc,1dc, 1dc,1dc  2dc )-repeat till the end of the row – 42 st  (sl st on top of the chain 3 ) 

Row 7 : Ch 3 , 1 dc , 1 dc , 1 dc , 1dc , 2dc into the next , (1dc , 

1 dc, 1, dc,1 dc, 1dc2dc )-repeat till the end of the row – 42 st  (sl st on top of the chain 3 ) 

Headwigowl, Blog

Hedwig Owl Pattern

Head and body
Wings
Beaks
Talons (Hand)
Eyes

Materials required : 200 g of sport yarn

Head and body

Row 1 : Magic Circle 6 sc , sl st , ch 1 (6 sc ) 

Row 2 : 2 Sc in each st , sl st , ch 1 ( 12 sc ) end in inc 

Row 3 :  (1 sc in next st and inc in next )repeat 6 ,sl st ,ch 1(18 sc ) end in inc 

Row 4 :   (1 sc in 2 st , inc in 3rd st ) repeat 6 , sl st , ch1 (24 sc) end in inc 

Row 5 :  ( 1 sc in 3 st , inc in 4th st ) repeat 6 , sl st , ch 1 ( 30 sc ) end in inc 

Row 6 : ( 1 sc in 4 st , inc in 5th st ) repeat 6 , sl st , ch 1 ( 36 sc ) end in inc 

Row 7 : ( 1 sc in 5 st , inc in 6th st ) repeat 6 , sl st , ch1   (42 sc ) end in inc 

Row 8 -16   1 sc in every st ( 42 sc ) 

Row 17   ( 1 sc in 5 st , dec in 6 th st ) repeat 6 , sl st ch1 (36 sc ) end in dec 

Row 18 ( 1 sc in 4 st , dec in 5th st ) repeat 6 , sl st ch 1  (30 sc) end in dec 

Row 19  ( 1 sc in 3 st , dec in 4th st ) repeat 6 , sl st ch 1 (24 sc) end in dec 

Row 20  1 sc in each st , sl st , ch 1 (24 sc) 

Row 21  (1 sc  in 3st , inc in 4th st ) repeat 6 , sl st , ch1   (30 sc)  end in inc 

Row 22  ( 1 sc in 4 st , inc in 5th st ) repeat 6 ,sl st , ch1 ( 36 sc ) end in inc 

Row 23 ( 1 sc in 5 st , inc in 6th st ) repeat 6 , sl st , ch 1 ( 42 sc ) end in inc 

Row 24 ( 1 sc in 6 st , inc in 7th st ) repeat 6 , sl st , ch 1 ( 48 sc ) end in inc 

Row 25  ( 1 sc in 7 st , inc in 8th st ) repeat 6 , sl st , ch 1 ( 54 sc ) end in inc 

Row 26  1 sc in every st ( 54 sc )

Row 25  ( 1 sc in 8  st , dec in 9 th st ) repeat 5 , 2 sc in next dec in next st , sl st , ch 1 ( 48sc )

Row 25  ( 1 sc in 7 st , inc in 8th st ) repeat 6 , sl st , ch 1 ( 54 sc ) end in inc

Wings

Row 1 : Magic Circle 6 sc , sl st , ch 1 (6 sc ) 

Row 2 : 2 Sc in each st , sl st , ch 1 ( 12 sc ) end in inc 

Row 3 : (1 sc in next st and inc in next )repeat 6,sl st ,ch 1(18 sc ) end in inc 

Row 4 :   (1 sc in 2 st , inc in 3rd st ) repeat 6 , sl st , ch1 (24 sc) end in inc 

Row 5 – 7 :1 sc in every st ( 3 rows ) – (24 sc)

Row 8 :  ( 1 sc in 3 st , inc in 4th st ) repeat 6 , sl st , ch 1 ( 30 sc ) end in inc 

Row 9 -12: 1 sc in every st ( 4 rows ) -( 30 sc )

Row 13 : ( 1 sc in 3 st , dec in 4th st ) repeat 6 , sl st ch 1 (24 sc) end in dec 

Row 14 : ( 1 sc in 2 st , dec in 3rd st ) repeat 6 , sl st ch 1 (18 sc) end in dec 

Row 15 – 18 :1 sc in every st ( 4 rows ) – (18 sc)

Row 19 : ( 1 sc in 3 st , dec in 4th st ) repeat 3 , sl st ch 1 (15 sc) doesn’t end in dec 

Row 20: ( 1 sc in 2 st , dec in 5th st ) repeat 3 , sl st ch 1 (12 sc)

Row 21 – 22  1 sc in every st ( 12 sc )

Beaks

Row 1  Magic circle 5 sc , sl st ,ch 1.( 5 sc ) 

Row 2  (1 sc 1st st , inc in 2nd st ) repeat twice and 1 sc in last st, sl st ,ch 1. ( 7 sc ) 

Row 3  ( 1 sc 2st , inc  in 3rd st ) repeat twice and 1 sc in last st, sl st ,ch 1. ( 9 sc ) f/o leaving a long tail for sewing .

Row 4  ( 1 sc 3st , inc in 4th st ) repeat twice and 1 sc in last st, sl st ,ch 1. ( 11 sc )

Row 5  ( 1 sc 4st , inc in 5th st ) repeat twice and 1 sc in last st , sl st ,ch 1.( 13 sc ) f/o leaving a long tail for sewing .

Talons (Hand) - Crochet on back loops only

Row 1 Magic circle 8 sc , sl st ,ch 1. ( 8 sc ) 

Row2  Inc in every st , sl st ,ch 1. ( 16 sc ) 

Row 3 – 6  one sc in every st for 4 rows , sl st ,ch 1. ( 16 sc ) 

Row 7   (1 sc in 2st and dec in 3rd st ), repeat 4 times , end in dec , sl st ,ch 1.( 12 sc )  

Row 8 ( 1 sc and dec in 2nd ) repeat 4 times, sl st ,ch 1. f/o leaving a long tail for sewing . ( 8 sc )  Wrap around with black thread from the 4th row to shape the claws  add puff st in-between the black lines

Eyes

Row 1 : Magic Circle 6 sc , sl st , ch 1 (6 sc ) 

Row 2 : 2 Sc in each st , sl st , ch 1 ( 12 sc ) end in inc 

Row 3 : (1 sc in next st and inc in next )repeat 6,sl st ,ch 1(18 sc ) end in inc  4 rows 

Row 4 :   (1 sc in 2 st , inc in 3rd st ) repeat 6 , sl st , ch1 (24 sc) end in inc 1 , 2 

Row 13 : ( 1 sc in 2 st , dec in 3th st ) repeat 6 , sl st ch 1 (24 sc) end in dec 

Row 13 : ( 1 sc in 1 st , dec in 2nd st ) repeat 6 , sl st ch 1 (24 sc) end in dec 1 , 2 

Row 13 : ( 1 sc in 1 st , dec in 2nd st ) repeat 6 , sl st ch 1 (24 sc) end in dec

Blog class

Crochet Classes Syllabus

Class 1
Introduction To crochet

Theory

  • Crochet Origin 
  • Basic Crochet Nomenclatures 
  • Posture 
  • Structure of Crochet hooks, its types and its significance 
  • Crochet Symbols 
  • Understanding different types of yarn

Practical

  • Slip Knot
  • Chain Stitches 

Class 2
Basic Crochet Stitches and its uses | Single Crochet

Theory

  • Structure of Chain stitch & Single Crochet 
  • Pros and cons of single Crochet 
  • Types of Single Crochet 
  • Turning Chain and its significance

Practical

  • Chain Stitches
  • Single Crochet 1st row
  • Single crochet 2nd and further rows

Class 3
Gauging and how to chose the right yarn | Half Double & Slip stitch

Theory

  • Materials required for Gauging 
  • Pros and cons  
  • Slip stitch 
  • Half double crochet introduction 
  • Finishing a row 
  • Project discussion 

Practical

  • Half double Crochet 1st row 
  • Half Double 2nd and further rows 
  • Finishing methods

Class 4 :
Double Crochet | Triple Crochet | Double Triple Crochet

Theory

  • Structure of Double crochet , Triple and double triple crochet
  • Determining the right stitch for a project
  • Project Pattern

Practical

  • Double Crochet 2 rows 

Class 5 :
Double Crochet | Triple Crochet | Double Triple Crochet

Theory

  • Structure of Double crochet , Triple and double triple crochet 
  • Determining the right stitch for a project
  • Project Pattern 

Practical

  • Project Starting

Class 6 :
Part 1

Theory

  • Explain till next and finishing

Practical

  • Complete project till finishing 

Class 6 :
Part 2

Theory

  • Different Finishing techniques
  • Finishing the project
  • Choosing the next Project
  • Next project pattern explanation

Practical

  • Project Completion
  • Classes will be scheduled only after 2 days from the date of full fee payment.
  • 6 classes to be completed within 30 working days from the date of the first class.
  • Classes are to be scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays.
  • PENDING CLASSES WILL NOT BE CARRIED FORWARD TO THE NEXT MONTH.
  • In case there is any delay from our side classes will be compensated on a mutually agreed time slot.
  • Students to schedule the class 48 to 24 hours in advance.
  • Classes are to be scheduled only on the above-given days of the week.
  • RAW MATERIALS NOT INCLUDED