Crochet Australia Learning
Centre
Crochet
The word "crochet" is derived from the French word
"croc" or "croche", meaning "hook". This is the action of creating fabric from
a length of thread with a hooked tool. Crocheting starts by
placing a slip-knot-loop onto a hook then pulling another loop through the
first loop and so on to create a length of stitches called a "foundation
chain". This chain is either turned and worked in rows, or joined
end-to-end and worked in rounds. Stitches are made by pulling one or
more loops through some or all of the loops in this chain. The way in
which stitches are repeated creates a distinct pattern. Crochet is
different to other methods of fabric-making as it is composed entirely of
loops and is only secured when the free end of the thread is pulled through
the final loop.
Learn the basics about threads, crochet hooks, includes useful conversion
charts.
Learn to crochet - Left Handed or
Right Handed
Understand and learn the different crochet stitches -
Left Handed or Right
Handed
Read a crochet pattern - Left Handed or
Right Handed
Crochet on the Double
Crochet on the double, which may be called "cro-hooking",
"reversible crochet" or "crochenit" is a crochet technique using a
double ended
crochet hook (cro-hook) which quickly produces a soft, knit-like fabric.
This technique is similar to Tunisian (tricot or afghan) crochet but uses 2 or
more colours of yarn and produces a soft, reversible finish. Stitches are
drawn up through either the vertical or horizontal bars with the loops left on
the hook (like knitting). When all loops are on the hook the work is
turned, colour is changed and the stitches are taken off in 2's or 3's or as the
pattern indicates. The yarn colour is changed every 2nd row so there are
no ends to sew in later, just run them up the side of the work. Crochet on
the double appears to be called "crochenit" when thicker yarn and hooks of 9mm
or more (crochenit hooks) are used.
More information for Crochet on the Double.
Crochenit
Crochenit appears to be the same as crochet on the double
(see above) when using thicker yarns and double ended hooks 9mm or thicker.
More information for Crochenit.
Cro-Tatting (Crochet-Tatting)
Crocheters can now add the delicate tatted rings and picots
to their favourite articles. Cro-tatting blends the delicate look of
tatting and the ease of crocheting with the use of a single
cro-tat hook. This hook has
an extended shaft of uniform thickness from the handle and holds the thread like
a tatting needle. Change between cro-tatting and crochet all in the one
article, using the same hook and still achieve the delicate tatted look.
This technique can also be applied using yarn and a cro-tat master hook which
features marked ¼" increments on the hook shaft to
assist with formation of picots.
More information for Cro-tatting.
Tunisian Crochet (Tricot)
Tunisian crochet may be called "tricot crochet", "Afghan
crochet", "shepherd's knitting", "hook knitting" or "railroad knitting".
Tunisian crochet uses a tricot hook
which is similar to a standard knitting needle with a hook rather than a
point. Each row is made by placing loops on the hook and then working
them off again. The work is not turned, so one side of work, usually the
front, always faces you.
More information for Tricot crochet.
Embroidery Stitches
More information for
Embroidery Stitches compliments of DMC & Effie Mitrofanis
Left Handed Knitting
Instructions
More information for Left Handed
Knitting instructions compliments of Craft Moods
