Crochet Supplies: Do You Have Everything You Need?
by: Terry Roberts

There are many supplies used when crocheting and the specific kinds depend solely on the type of patterns used. There are many basic items that beginners need but when using more complicated patterns and designs it can be essential to expand on the crochet supplies used. Yarn and a crochet hook are the most basic supplies but also used are knitting needles and a wide variety of yarn types amongst other items. More than one hook and needle set is needed as they can be left in an unfinished part of the crocheted item while another area is concentrated on. Patterns are a necessary part of the process, especially for beginners or if the person is creating something for the first time.

Anyone learning how to crochet may also need supplies of books or magazines full of tips and patterns. Depending on the type of pattern, other crochet supplies may be needed such as ribbon or lace. Ribbon can be run through certain areas of a crocheted design and lace can be a necessary addition to many designs. When making clothes, materials that can be layered under the yarn may be an important part of your crochet supplies. Sewing needles, threads, beads, sequins and other accessories can all form part of a crochet supply box as they can add decoration to a crocheted piece. There is so much that can be done with crocheted materials that the lists of possible crochet supplies are enormous.

Crochet Yarn Supplies

One of the most significant parts of crocheting is the types of yarns used. There are a huge number of different yarns used for crocheting; the texture and thickness of the yarn is most important. Yarn can have a lot of variations: some are thick, others are thin; yarn can be soft, fluffy, hard and come from many different animals. Yarn can be either natural or synthetic and the five basic types are baby/fingering, sport/baby, worsted weight, chunky and bulky - and they all have different uses.

Fingering weight is mainly used for light items such as socks. Sports weight is heavier and used for items like sweaters. Worsted weight is for much heavier and warmer items. Chunky and bulky are used for very heavy and warm items. Some of the most popular fibers used in yarns include acrylic, alpaca, camel hair, cashmere, chenille, lambs wool, mohair and even silk. The types of yarn depend on the item of clothing and the pattern used. So, as you can see, you’ll need to get yourself a big box to keep all the crochet supplies you’re going to need!

About The Author

Terry Roberts is a professional translator and linguist, with a wide range of interests. To read more about chocolate, please visit his website: www.crochetfornovices.com

Where to Find Easy Crochet Patterns As a beginner, it’s important you start with easy crochet patterns.  They will help you with the basic crochet stitches, and you can finish your patterns within an hour or less.  These will help you master basic crochet stitches, and learn how to follow patterns and instructions. For simple projects, the crochet patterns follow a general step-by-step instruction, often with colorful photos or sketches to help you with the design.  In addition, the instructions also offer tips and additional notes to aid you with the project.   Included are suggestions on the type or yarn you should use, so you get familiar with the different types the yard as well, and their different benefits. A scarf is typically one of the super loose patterns any beginner can do when crocheting.  There are different patterns to make scars, ranging from a single crochet stitch to two or more stitches. Other easy crochet patterns are dull blankets and dish cloths.  Another thing to consider is a granny square project.  This is where you make granny squares, which can be used for other crochet projects like creating custom blankets, Other easy crochet patterns to try out are kitchen mats, and even some ponchos.  In addition, you can try coasters that are both square and round, as well as miniature purses and hats. There are many books to help a beginner with easy crochet patterns.  Also, different craft magazines can be purchased in large quantities at a discount from bookstores, or online.  Typically, these magazines feature beginner patterns. Finally, you can search on the Internet for beginner patterns.  This is a great resource for the crochet enthusiast, and for easy crochet patterns.  Some of these patterns are free, while others require you to purchase or sign up as a member before you get the patterns. Crocheting is a wonderful hobby and passion, and if you’re a beginner it’s great to start with simple patterns, like some of the above that we have discussed.

How to Make Your First Crochet Scarf Mastering crochet takes desire and patience.  At first, crochet patterns may seem complicated.  But once you get a feel for them, you will quickly be on the way to making your first crochet pattern masterpiece. All projects begin with a slipknot.  Create the knot, and slip the crochet hook in the loop you created, and then tighten it to fasten the knot.  The basic crochet stitches are single crochet (sc), chain (ch), double crochet (dc) half double crochet (hdc) and finally treble crochet (tr).  Your foundation stitch is your chain, or ch. With your slipknot on your hook, do a yarn over, and begin making as many changes as the pattern requires. Let’s look at a scarf pattern for beginners. 1. Start with chain 15.   Start with 15 chain stitches. 2. Row 1, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in ea of next 13 chs, ch 1 (to turn). (14 sc). Through a single crochet into the second chain from the heart, but do not add any more to the chain.  Count only the first chain attached to the hook. 3. Row 2, sc in ea sc across, then ch1, to turn. (14sc) A single crochet stitch is done in every single crossed a stitch across the pattern.  Unless noted otherwise, crochet in both loops of the stitch.  Enter your hook below the top loops found in the stitch, so you can start to create the next single crochet. 4. Last row, sc in ea sc across. (14sc) Here you will perform a single crochet in every single crochet that goes across the pattern, but don’t make a chain one at the end of the row.  When you’re finished, leave some links to secure the weave at the end, then cut the yarn and weave the ends. 

The Easiest Way to Understand Crochet Instructions and Materials Crochet instructions can be easy to follow once you get used to them, and understand the abbreviations. The both style writing is important in understanding crochet patterns and instructions.  You don’t have to memorize what the symbols and abbreviations are, because you can always reference them from the list. Having someone read the instructions to you can be very beneficial. The directions usually contained parentheses and asterisks for pattern repetitions.  For example, if a pattern instructs to “repeat from *”, more than one time, then you know to go back and locate the * and repeat a pattern as many times as required. Typically one * per row is found and repeats until the row ending, but with no supplement instruction for where you and the repeats. Some patterns use a single * at the start and end of the repeat.  That way when you arrive at the end of single asterisk, you’ll be aware of when the repeat should be stopped. Some patterns use a single asterisk and a double asterisk. With a double asterisk, it is an indication where you need to run the repeat.  For example, a pattern might instruct you to “repeat from * to **”.  You have to locate the single asterisk and proceed until you arrive at the double asterisk.  Then continue from where you left off before making the repeat. When a direction states to “work even”, it means you should work on the same stitch, band not decrease or increase any stitches. Other things to consider — patterns and instructions usually work in rounds or rows, and will tell you so.  Typically, patterns and instructions will be ranked from beginner to advanced.  This will help you determine which ones to work on.  It is also important for you to keep count of the stitches made, so you know when to start a new round or row. Also, you need to constantly verifier gauge.

In the imperialism era, many communities used crochet as their main form of industry and source of living.  Crocheted and knitting products were consumed by middle-class society. Crochet was a culture practiced by royalties in early history.  They were the only ones able to afford expensive products and lace available to create beautiful crochet patterns. Many believe that crochet was developed by people living in China in Middle Eastern countries, and even South America people.  Another popular theory is that crocheting was first developed to help strengthen the muscles of the forefinger, more so than for fashion. European communities in the early 1800s used crochet products to replace lace made materials.  Crochet required few materials, and was accepted by many different social classes.  In this era, crochet was done mostly with thread.  Typically, the designs were filet crochet with rows of open and closed mesh, creating a particular pattern. Today, crocheting and knitting are popular with many people.  It is popular form of handicraft, which has been made so by the high quality of yarns and threads now used. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how somebody may design a crochet product. 1.  Crochet supplies are first gathered, like yarn, needles, a crochet hook and small scissors. 2.  The hook can be held in one hand, with a slipknot created on the hook. 3.  The hooked yarn is slid onto the slipknot of the hook.  This will create a continuous stitch.  The yarn is then brought back to the top of the hook, and slipped through the hook, grabbing the slipknot. 4.  The first change stitch is passed allowing the knot to hook onto the thread.  This is to keep it from loosening. 5.  The hook is inserted into the whole of the next chain stitch, with the yarn slipped through the second chain stitch to the upper part of the hook.  Two loops have now been created in the hook of the threads. This process is repeated until a new row needs to be started.  When finished, the excess yarn is cut access for the last 6 inches for the last chain stitch.