Crochet
What is Crochet?
Crochet is a craft and technique used to create fabric from yarn or thread using a crochet hook. The process involves pulling loops of yarn through other loops, creating a chain and subsequently intricate patterns. Crochet is enjoyed by many as a hobby, a form of artistic expression, and a way to make practical items. It can be learned by following tutorials, learning from friends, taking classes, or practicing with instructional books and online resources.
Crochet Hook Brands we carry
- addi: addi has the ergonomic line.
- Skacel: color coded handles. The smaller sizes have caps to protect their delicate tips. Very large sizes are plastic with elegant gold flakes on their insides.
- Clover Amour: our favorite with a nice size rubber coated handle. Slightly more pointed tip and deep throat to keep the yarn in control.
- Lykke: we stock their full wood crochet sets, as well as their Tunisian hook set.
Crochet fabric is usually thicker than knitting because there are 2-3 strands overlapping, whereas, knitting is 1-2 strands. Many basic crochet stitches, such as the every popular granny square has small open areas creating more of a lace weight look.
Besides basic crochet other forms of crochet are
- Amigurumi: The Japanese art of crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures. Usually a single crochet worked very tightly.
- Tunisian Crochet: Combines elements of crochet and knitting, using a longer hook. Many loops are added to your hook, before working off.
- Filet Crochet: Creates images or patterns within the fabric using a grid of open and filled squares. Crochet stitches are laid out to create a lace look or pattern. Usually used with very thin yarn, and items are commonly house hold items, or delicate shawls or veils.
Even so, all forms of crochet still use the loop through loop technique. Here are a few of the most basic stitches. But there are many more.
- Chain Stitch (ch): The foundation of most crochet patterns, creating a base chain.
- Single Crochet (sc): A simple and tight stitch.
- Double Crochet (dc): Taller and looser than single crochet, creating a more open fabric.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): Used to join pieces together or move the yarn to a different part of the project without adding height.