The tips I’m sharing with you are things I’ve learned during my 50+ years of crocheting. I like to make my crochet as easy as possible while keeping the quality excellent.
Double Crochet (dc):
- Eliminate the gap at the beginning of a dc row. Do not chain 3 unless the third chain is supposed to be a space. Chain 2, and in the same stitch, start a dc (take first two loops off hook), then start a dc in next stitch. Yarn over (yo) and take off all 3 loops. You have just crocheted 2 dc together and eliminated the gap.
- Skip the last stitch in the row. Do 2 dc in the stitch before. It’s often difficult to get your hook into the loop of the chain that began the last row.
Your project will have a “scalloped” look. In my humble opinion that’s okay. If you will be attaching the piece to another as a seam, it won’t show. I think the scalloped edge is attractive.
Single Crochet (sc) Edging:
Patterns often instruct you to sc evenly down the length. If you 2 sc in each row, you might have a wavy edge.
Avoid wavy edges by doing this: 1 sc, ch 1 (1 sc per row). If you have rows of sc also, you would skip a row with the ch 1.
Simple Seams:
Cut off a long piece of yarn at least twice as long as you think you’ll need. When I have a long seam, such as the side of a sweater, I start my seam in the middle of the length. First I divide the yarn in half and tie a knot through both layers of fabric, then at half-inch intervals I start a single crochet, but instead of completing it, I pull the yarn all the way through the loop and pull it tight. Moving right along, I do it again about ½ inch up until I reach the end. Then I turn my garment around and do the other side of the seam.
The advantages are that the seam is not bulky like a slip-stitch seam and can be done more quickly.
Finishing off:
This tip applies to items that will cause the yarn to stretch when used, such as afghans and sweaters. When you weave in the ends, make sure they don’t pop out by doing this: Twist the yarn so it divides into two strands. Pull one strand through a nearby stitch, then tie the two strands into a knot. Pull the first knot firmly but not too tight. Tie a second knot and pull as tightly as you can. Cut off the yarn ends as closely to the knot as possible.
Filet:
I love the look of filet, but staying on track with the chart is difficult. I translate the chart row by row as follows: O = open and S = solid.
Example: The chart reads xxxooxoxoxxxxooooxxooxxx
On my translation sheet I write 3S, 2O, 1S, 1O, 1S, 1O, 4S, 4O, 2S, 2O, 3S
Proof as you go to ensure accurate translation.
Counting:
Old crocheters never die, they just lose their count. Humor me and laugh.
I’ve strung 15 beads on a pipe cleaner. I move a bead for each row completed or stitch instructions to do X number of times.
I hope you’ve found these tips helpful and spend many happy hours creating beautiful crochet art.
