Getting Started - Crochet Basics

Q. Dear Aunt Esther,
Hello from Canada eh! I've never ever crocheted in my life however I'm willing to learn because of a pattern I came across of a unicorn/horse that I would like to make time and time again.
Link: http://web.archive.org/web/20070104045405/http://www.allfreecrafts.com/crochet/horse.shtml
In your opinion, where should I start and what should I be learning to understand the basics of crocheting and not just the doing but the written instructions as well? Thank-you for your time and all of your great videos!
Sincerely,A Canuck Wanting to Crochet

A. Hello, my Canuck friend! I'm so glad you're wanting to learn to crochet! You will really enjoy it! You ask where to get started in learning how to crochet. First, you'll need to buy a hook. Some of my favorite sizes are the F and G hooks. Hooks can be labeled differently, so I've made a chart up showing how the different labels match up. It's shown on this site:
http://askauntesther.blogspot.com/search/label/Different%20Size%20Hooks

This same page also shows the different terms that are commonly used in crochet patterns. The basic 2 that you'll need to learn first are the chain (ch) stitch and the single crochet stitch (sc). It looks like the pattern that you're wanting to make is made up of single crochets, so that would be good. Before you start your pattern, though, I would recommend that you make a practice swatch (square) just to learn how to do these 2 stitches. Perhaps chain 15 stitches, then turn and single crochet in each of those stitches. I have a YouTube that shows how to do this at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w45qDIM5S9Y

After you're comfortable with these 2 stitches, I have 2 other YouTubes that show a couple of other stitches, if you're interested. Here they are:

Double crochet, how to hold the yarn for tension, counting stitches, end of row turn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwXiDHblne4

crocheting in back of stitch, half-double crochet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOd2EOtLi1I&feature=related
When you've accomplished these few techniques, you'll be able to crochet most patterns! Even if a pattern uses another technique, they will always explain how to do it in the pattern. I plan to do some more videos of different stitches, but need to learn how to do a movie maker editor first.

Again, I know you'll love crocheting - let me know if you have other questions!
Esther

Crochet Hook Charts

Hello fellow crochet-ers! I have found another chart in a book I have, called "All-Time Great Afghans". It shows the hook sizes, and seems to be easier to understand. Here they are:

Crochet Abbreviations

Question: Great videos, thank you. I'm also watching from the UK (Wales). Could you please run through pattern abbreviations for us. I can understand the stitches you're showing us visually but then when I read the baby beanie pattern I don't know what any of the shorthand means. And there's a mixture of you talking about 'G' sized hooks but pictures with numbered sizes. I'm a complete n00b so don't know what the equivalents are. Thanks again :)

Answer: Thank you - yes, I'll be glad to give a list of the US abbreviations! Here they are:

ch = chain
st = stitch
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
hdc = half double crochet

I've got to admit that I need to do some more searching on the hook-size terms! I'll try to do that this week. I've been surprised that the hooks labeled with "letters" are not being listed on the sites I've already checked with. It could be that the "letters" are phasing out. I WILL check into this, though.

P.S. It sounds like you are doing wonderful - so just keep up the good work!

What size of hook to use

Q. Dear Aunt Esther, THANKS! Your instructions are great -- slow and repetitive makes it work for me! My mother is a knitter, and I could just never get the hang of knitting. This looks a lot more like my kind of thing...one short hook, instead of two big needles. I have a long train trip coming up, and now I am motivated to give crocheting a go. I have Sugar and Cream yarn, and I would like to make dishcloths -- what size crochet hook do you suggest? Thanks again!



A. I know you can do this! I would use a crochet hook size C, D or E - these are larger sizes. If you're wanting a smaller stitch, you would use hooks F, G or H... You never know, my niece and I might do a learn-how-to-knit video one of these days! It's not too hard, either! Good luck!
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The higher the number of the thread, the thinner it is.

A popular thread size for crocheters who are just beginning to crochet with thread, is thread size 10, used with a U.S. size 7 or 8 steel crochet hook.

U.S. Steel Hook Size
Matched To Approximate Thread Size

U.S. Steel Hook Thread Size
14 80 - 100
13 40 - 80
12 30 - 60
11 30 - 40
10 20 - 30
9 20
7, 8 10

Links to this page are welcome. URL of this page is http://crochet.about.com/library/blthreadhook.htm
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http://www.crochet.org/hook/hooktype.html
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http://www.geocities.com/nornsneedlework/crochet/hookchart.htm