Crochet Hacks: Learn How To Crochet In A Day 20 Basic Stitches + Summer MUST HAVE DIY Crochet Bikini Project!: (WITH PICTURES, Crochet patterns, Crochet ... Knitting, Afghans, Patterns, Stitches)
Author: Smith, Adrienne
Date: 2015-06-14T04:00:00+00:00

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1– The Knotty Truth

Chapter 2– The Stitches

Foundation Chain

Single Crochet

Double Crochet

Front Loop Only

Back Loop Only

Triple Crochet

Half Triple Crochet

Shell Stitch

Chevron Stitch

Moss Stitch

Picot Stitch

Slip Stitch

In the Round Stitch

Seed Stitch

Crab Stitch

Popcorn Stitch

Basket Weave Stitch

Treble Stitch

Checkerboard Stitch

Chapter 3– Clothing Patterns

Floppy Summer Hat.

Summer Bikini.

Chapter 4– Accessory Patterns

Easy Summer Clutch.

Summer Star Scarves.

Chapter 5– Mods and Improvs

Conclusion

Crochet Hacks: Learn How To Crochet In A Day 20 Basic Stitches + Summer MUST HAVE DIY Crochet Bikini Project!: (WITH PICTURES, Crochet patterns, Crochet ... Knitting, Afghans, Patterns, Stitches)

Adrienne Smith

(2015)

Crochet Hacks: Learn How to Crochet in a Day

20 Basic Stitches Plus Summer MUST HAVE DIY Crochet Bikini

Table of content

Introduction

Chapter 1– The Knotty Truth

Chapter 2– The Stitches

Foundation Chain

Single Crochet

Double Crochet

Front Loop Only

Back Loop Only

Triple Crochet

Half Triple Crochet

Shell Stitch

Chevron Stitch

Moss Stitch

Picot Stitch

Slip Stitch

In the Round Stitch

Seed Stitch

Crab Stitch

Popcorn Stitch

Basket Weave Stitch

Treble Stitch

Checkerboard Stitch

Chapter 3– Clothing Patterns

Floppy Summer Hat.

Summer Bikini.

Chapter 4– Accessory Patterns

Easy Summer Clutch.

Summer Star Scarves.

Chapter 5– Mods and Improvs

Conclusion

Introduction

There you are in the department store, looking at all of the delicately made scarves and handbags, and even swimsuits. Of course they are all really expensive… because they are handmade.

You can see that they are crocheted, and you know that crochet is something that has to be done by hand. There isn’t a machine on this planet that has the ability to perform a crochet stitch.

Wouldn’t it be nice to know how to do these? You ask yourself.

Well now you can. This book is going to show you step by step how to make a number of different stitches, in a simple enough way that you don’t have to have any prior knowledge of the hobby, and you will still be able to follow along.

Rounding up all of the stitches and turning them into simple summer patterns that you can enjoy right away, this book is your handy guide to learning all of the ins and outs of this interesting hobby, and putting that knowledge to good use.

Read on to discover how easy it is to make custom made items for yourself, and your friends and family, and never have to stand there again and wish that you could spend the money on that beautiful scarf or swimsuit.

There is a world of fashion that is waiting for you to join in… what are you waiting for?

Chapter 1 – The Knotty Truth

Before we begin in how to crochet or take a look at our patterns, let’s first take a look at crochet as a whole, and learn some insider’s tips that will help us later on.

What is Crochet?

Crochet is an artsy craft that uses fancy knots to create beautiful and stunning projects. The knots are so intricate that it is impossible for a machine to duplicate them, so anything that is crocheted, had to be handmade.

What Yarn should I use?

Ultimately, yarn does come down to personal preference, although the patterns in this book use cotton. When creating something that is going to get wet, cotton is a good yarn to use as it holds its shape and doesn’t shrink.

It also is lighter and easier to work with than other yarns, such as wool.

What Hook Should I use?

Again, this is something that comes down to personal preference, but a J size hook is a good standard. The stitches are small enough that there aren’t a lot of spaces between them, but it is still large enough that you will have shape and drape to the project that you make.

What do the Abbreviations Mean?

One thing that you are going to run into a lot in crochet is abbreviations for the stitches. This is because it is a lot easier to abbreviate rather than write ‘single crochet’ a thousand times, so it will serve you well to learn the abbreviations and use them in your patterns.

SC – Single Crochet

DC – Double Crochet

HDC – Half Double Crochet

TC – Triple Crochet

FLO – Front Loop Only

BLO – Back Loop Only

YO -- Yarn Over

Yarn over is a term that means you wrap the yarn around the hook coming from the back and over the front. It isn’t a stitch, but rather a technique that you will use no matter what stitch you are doing.

If a pattern tells you to yarn over several times when completing a stitch, wrap the yarn around the hook as many times as the pattern says to yarn over. Crochet is a looser kind of project, so it really doesn’t matter how many times you yarn over, you will still be able to pull the yarn through the loops.

Of course you may run into other abbreviations based on the pattern that you are doing, but these are the most common, and they are universal, so you will always know what they mean if you run across them in your patterns.

Chapter 2 – The Stitches

The whole world of crochet is out there, just waiting for you to come in and join, but first things first, and that would be learning the stitches. Take your time to get these right, you will get better with practice, and you will be happier with the results when you are better at them.

There is no rush, so if you feel that a stitch is too hard, you can either take the extra time to learn it, or you can skip that one for now and come back to it later. The important thing is to take your time and learn what they are supposed to be.

Everyone learns at their own pace, so don’t feel pressured or like you need to rush anything, simply move on once you are ready.

Foundation Chain

Holding the yarn in your right hand, and the hook in your left hand, make a slip know around the hook. Bring the yarn up from around the back of the hook, and grab it with the hook, then pull it through the loop of the slip knot.

Repeat this, each time pulling the grabbed yarn through the loop of yarn that is on the hook. This is your foundation chain. This is the basis for every project that you will do, so it is important to learn how to do it well.

Practice makes perfect, and don’t get discouraged!

Single Crochet

Create a foundation chain that is roughly 6 inches long. Holding the chain in your right hand, push the hook through the center of the loop that is closest to the chain, yarn over, then grab the yarn with the hook and pull it through the first two loops on the chain.

http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/faq-search.cgi?faqKey=122

Yarn over again, and pull through the rest of the loops. This is your single crochet stitch, and it is the basic stitch for all crochet projects. It takes some time and effort to get it down perfectly, but be patient, and you will have it in no time.

Double Crochet

Stitch a foundation chain that is roughly 6 inches long, and follow the directions for single crochet. For all of these stitches, you can jump in and start stitching right on the foundation chain, but it is easier to work with a firmer base, and you can see what you are doing a lot easier with a single crochet base.

Once you reach the end of the row for your first single crochet, chain 2 at the end. Yarn over twice, then push it through the first stitch of the row. Yarn over again, and pull the yarn through two of the loops.

http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/mar06_dc.html

Yarn over, and pull the yarn through two more loops. Yarn over a final time, and complete the stitch. Repeat this all the way across the row, and remember to chain 2 before turning the project around and going back across the other way.

Front Loop Only

Create a foundation chain 6 inches long. Turn, and single crochet in each of the loops all the way back across the row. Chain 1, turn, and now you are ready to begin the front loop only stitch.

With your project held up, slip the hook through the center of the single crochet stitch, and only go through the loop that is further away from you. This is the front loop.

Continue to do a single crochet stitch, but only stay in the front loop. Repeat this all the way across the row, chain 1 at the end, then turn and repeat.

Back Loop Only

Chain your foundation chain, and follow the directions for the front loop only stitch. Only this time, instead of going through the loop that is further away from you, push the hook through the loop that is closer to you.

Continue with the single crochet stitch, only keep going across the row in only the one loop. Chain 1 at the end, turn, and repeat.

Triple Crochet

Make a foundation chain that is 6 inches long, then single crochet all the way back across. Chain 3, and turn. Yarn over the hook 3 times, go through the first stitch. Yarn over, pull it through 2 stitches, yarn over, pull it through the next 2, yarn over, pull it through the final 2, and with a final yarn over, complete the stitch.

Repeat this process all the way across the row, remembering to chain 3 at the end of the row.

Half Double Crochet

Create a foundation chain that is six inches long, single crochet all the way across the row, then chain 2. Now is when you are ready to create your half double crochet.

Yarn over twice as you would if you were going to do a double crochet, only this time, don’t yarn over after you pull the hook through the first time. Pull it all the way through as you would with a single crochet, only remember each time that you must yarn over twice before you begin the stitch.

http://newstitchaday.com/fhdc-foundation-half-double-crochet/

This will create a whimsical looking stitch that has a nice twirl to it, a very pretty pattern that has the height of a double crochet, but half the work.

Half Triple Crochet

Create a foundation chain that is 6 inches long, chain 1, turn, and single crochet all the way across the row. Chain 3, and turn. Now you are ready to make your half triple crochet.

This stitch has the same concept as the half double crochet, only this time you yarn over three times as you would if you were making a triple crochet stitch, only you complete the stitch as though you were making a double crochet.

Yarn over three time, grab the yarn and pull through two of the loops that are on the hook. Yarn over again just once more, then pull through all the way. Complete the stitch with a final yarn over and stitch.

Chain three at the end of the row as you would if you were doing a triple crochet.

Shell Stitch

Make a foundation chain that is 6 inches long. Single crochet all the way across, chain 1, turn, and single crochet 3 stitches into the row. Now, make a double crochet stitch in the next stitch. Then make 2 more double crochets in the same stitch.

Skip 1 stitch, and single crochet for 3 more stitches. Then double crochet 3 times in the next stitch. Repeat this pattern all the way across the row, chain 1 at the end, turn, and go back the other way.

You will notice that they will start to fan out and form shells in your pattern. A very pretty stitch for shawls, and even a bikini.

Chevron Stitch

Create your 6 inch foundation chain, and your first row of single crochet. This stitch is a little different from the other stitches in that your project is going to be wavy, so that even though you are starting with a 6 inch foundation chain, your project is only going to be about 4 inches across.

Single crochet 5 stitches into the row, skip 1 stitch, then single crochet into the next 5 stitches. Repeat this pattern all the way across the row, chain 1 at the end, and start single crocheting for the next 5 stitches. Skip the middle stitch, and single crochet again.

Repeat this row once more, then you will be able to see the pattern that you have made very well, and all you must do is follow the row. Remember to chain 1 at the end of every row.

Moss Stitch

A slightly different stitch, this stitch is made in the spaces between the other stitches. Create your foundation chain, and your single crochet base. Chain 1, turn, and single crochet in the 4th space between the two stitches.

Continue chaining 1 and crocheting in the next space, all the way across the row. Chain 2 and turn, and single crochet in the next chain space. Repeat this all the way across the row, and turn.

Remember to chain 2 at the end of every row with this stitch, otherwise the project will get pulled too tight as you are progressing.

Picot Stitch

This is the perfect finishing stitch. It can be used to create a project, but it is an excellent lace kind of edging to whatever it is you have made.

Stitch a single crochet square that is 4 inches by 4 inches. This is just an example for you to practice the picot stitch on so you don’t have to make it very big. Once you have reached the edge of the row, chain 4, and place the hook in the side of the row, slip stitch to join, then chain 4, and slip stitch into the side of the next row.

http://www.allfreecrochet.com/Tutorials/Crocheting-a-Picot-Stitch

You will be working your way down the side of the project, then along the bottom. Back up the other side, then across the top, following this same chain 4, slip stitch pattern.

You can do another row, chain 4 and slip stitch in the center of each of your first loops, but this is up to you.

Slip Stitch

Create a foundation chain. To make a slip stitch, all you have to do is a single crochet without doing the second yarn over. Simply go through the center of the stitch that you are joining it to, then yarn over one time, and pull the yarn through.

Fast and simple, this is a joining stitch. It pulls projects together quite literally.

In the Round Stitch

Foundation chain 6 stitches, and join with a slip stitch to the first loop. Single crochet 12 times in the center of this loop, and join with a slip stitch to the first stitch.

Now, single crochet in each of the stitches, working all the way around the loop, and always slip stitching in the first stitch of the row. When you turn each time, make sure that you chain 2 instead of the traditional 1 with single crochet.

This will ensure that your disc lays flat when you set it down.

Seed Stitch

This is a stitch that looks a lot more complicated than it is. Create your foundation chain, and the first row of single crochet.

Chain 1, turn, and single crochet in the first stitch. Double crochet in the stitch immediately following, then single crochet once more. Continue to alternate all across the row, and chain 1 at the end.

Begin each row with a single crochet regardless of what you ended the last row with. It is remarkable how much this stitch looks like the seed stitch in knitting. It is really easy to do, yet beautiful.

Crab Stitch

Create your six inch foundation chain, and your first row of single crochet. This stitch looks a lot more complicated than it is. Another name for the crab stitch is the reverse single crochet stitch, which is exactly what it is.

Hold the right side of your project facing you, and instead of coming through the back as you would with a single crochet stitch, simply go through from the front. Create a single crochet stitch as you would normally, only remembering to do it in reverse.

This pattern is going to end up looking twisted and complicated, but it is really a simple stitch to create. Chain 1 at the end of every row, and stitch into the first stitch from the hook.

Popcorn Stitch

Create your foundation chain, and your first row of single crochet. This stitch is exactly like the shell stitch, only you place more double crochets in the single stitch than you do in the shell stitch.

http://www.allfreecrochet.com/Tutorials/How-to-Crochet-a-Popcorn-Stitch

Single crochet in the first 5 stitches from the chain, then double crochet 5 times in the next stitch. Single crochet in the next 2 stitches, then double crochet 5 times in the next stitch. Continue this pattern all the way across the row.

Remember to chain 1 at the end of the row, and to begin the next row with a single crochet. The stitch is really puffy like popcorn. It is a fun stitch to create, and it makes for a great pillow or blanket.

Basket Weave Stitch

Make your foundation chain, then single crochet all the way across the foundation chain. For the sake of this tutorial, we will say that you chained 26, turn, skip the first chain closest to the hook, and single crocheted all the way back, for a total of 25 stitches.

Now, to do the Basket Weave stitch, chain 1, turn, and front loop only stitch into the next 5 stitches. Back loop only stitch for the next 5, then go back to front loop only. Repeat this pattern until you reach the end of the row, chain 1, turn, and continue this pattern, keeping the pattern flowing on top of each other.

This is a tedious and time consuming stitch, but it is well worth it. The resulting pattern really does resemble a basket weave.

Treble Stitch

Create your foundation chain, and your first row of single crochet. Chain 4, turn, and yarn over 2 times. Now you do a series of yarn over, draw the yarn through, yarn over, draw the yarn through, and yarn over a final time, then complete the stitch.

Do this in every stitch across the row, and remember to chain 4 at the end of the row. This is a very tall stitch that is much like the triple crochet stitch, only it has a much greater twist in the stitches appearance.

It is a very tall and open stitch, making it excellent for blankets and scarves. Even a handbag would be a beautiful creation out of this charming little stitch.

Checkerboard Stitch

Make your foundation chain, then single crochet all the way across the foundation chain. For the sake of this tutorial, we will say that you chained 26, turn, skip the first chain closest to the hook, and single crocheted all the way back, for a total of 25 stitches.

Now, to do the checkerboard stitch, chain 1, turn, and back loop only stitch into the next 5 stitches. Front loop only stitch for the next 5, then go back to back loop only. Repeat this pattern until you reach the end of the row, chain 1, turn, and continue this pattern, keeping the BLO stitches on top of the other BLO stitches, and the FLO stitches on top of the other FLO stitches.

http://www.moms-crochet.com/crochet-checkerboard.html

Once you have repeated this for 5 rows, switch. It can get confusing so you will have to pay attention, but it is a beautiful pattern when you are able to complete it. Use a multi-colored yarn for an elaborate pattern, but make sure you pay attention to where you are on the project to keep the pattern going.

Chapter 3 – Clothing Patterns

Few things are more fun than making something that you can then wear. To hear the compliments and the amazed voices when you tell them that you made it yourself, and the ability to get exactly what you are looking for is something that is absolutely priceless.

Here are a couple of patterns that are for clothing items. You will turn heads all over the beach and at the swimming pool when people see you in your crocheted, custom fit bikini!

Floppy Summer Hat.

Use a size J hook, and a cotton yarn. 4 ply acrylic will work as well, but cotton is a preferred choice. Use the color of your preference.

Chain 8. Join. Single crochet 12 times in the center of the loop to form a circle, join, chain 1, and turn.

Work in the round, increasing each time you go around the circle and joining to the rest of the circle with a slip stitch. Once the disc that you are making is the size of the top of your head, stop increasing, but merely work in the round until it fits like a beanie.

Now, crochet around the whole circle again, this time crocheting two single crochet stitches per single crochet stitch that is already there. This will double the amount of stitches in your row.

Go around the brim of the hat, once in each stitch, then double all the stitches once more.

Continue to do this until you have a nice, floppy brimmed hat the size that you want it to be. Finish with a final row of single crochet, tie off, and knot securely.

Summer Bikini.

Use a size J hook and a cotton yarn. This project will require three balls of yarn, so make sure you purchase enough to begin. Use the color of your choice.

This pattern is made to fit you specifically, so make sure you measure as you go along, and that you use this pattern as a guide for the steps. Stitch as many as you need for your own personal size.

Use a bra as a guide.

Lay a bra out flat, then chain as many as you need to reach the length of the bra straps when they are open. Chain a few extra inches so you have room to tie the straps.

Single crochet all across the row, chain an extra stitch, turn, and single crochet all the way back across the row the other way. Repeat this step until you have a band that is as long as your bra, and 2 inches wide.

Single crochet back across the row, until you reach where the cup starts. Single crochet as far across as the cup fits you, turn and go back the distance the cup reaches.

Decrease by a couple of stitches as you move up the cup, measuring against yourself so you get the coverage that you desire. Once you reach the top, chain a 12 inch chain at the end, then turn and single crochet all the way back down to the cup. Single crochet along the inner edge, then down along the original band, until you reach were the second cup should be.

Repeat the custom steps for the first cup, then, when you come back down from the 12 inch chain that you make the second time, single crochet until you reach the end of the whole band.

Tie securely, and tie off the yarn.

That is your bikini top, now we will make the bottom.

Lay out a pair of underwear that you love. Stitch a length that is equal to the front of the underwear laid flat, turn, and single crochet all the way back.

Follow the same steps to make a triangle like you did for the cups, only this time make it big enough to cover the panty. Repeat this for the back. Once you have two triangles, take a yarn needle and sew them together on the bottom (the part that will be between your legs.

Chain 4 twelve inch chains, and turn them into single crocheted strips. Attach these to the corners of the triangles that you have made to tie your bikini together when you are wearing it.

Tie off everything securely, and you are ready to go out and rock your hot summer’s body in that hot summer sun!

Chapter 4 – Accessory Patterns

Now that you know what you are going to be wearing this summer, what are you going to be accessorizing with? Don’t worry, we have the answer for that, too! Here are a couple of patterns that will be the perfect last touch to any outfit you don this summer!

Each of these are crocheted using a J hook, but you are free to use whatever hook you prefer to get the tensions and drape that you would like!

Easy Summer Clutch.

The perfect accessory to that hot summer date, crochet this clutch and proudly have it by your side for that next dinner!

Use a J hook, cotton yarn, and whatever color you would like to radiate your personality.

Chain 21, turn, and in the second chain from the hook, single crochet in each stitch all the way across. Chain 2, turn, and double crochet in each stitch all the way back across the row.

Chain 2, turn, and repeat until you have a rectangle that measures 12 inches.

Lay the rectangle flat, then fold both edges in to the center. Take a yarn needle, and sew the outside edges closed, but leaving the inner folds open, creating two pockets.

Loop a small loop on one of the edges, then fasten a big button that compliments your clutch perfectly.

Tie off securely, and there you have it! A clutch that is ready to rock the night away right by your side.

Summer Star Scarves.

There is nothing that goes so well with that tank top or that little sun dress quite like a flowy and flirty scarf. Whip one up and you will be ready for a day out downtown in that favorite coffee shop you enjoy so much.

Use a J hook, and cotton yarn in whatever color you choose. A multi colored yarn makes a fun and playful pattern without you having to do anything special to the crocheting.

Chain 13, turn, and in the second chain from the hook, single crochet all the way across the row until you reach the other side. Chain 2, turn, and half double crochet in each of the single crochets all the way back across the row.

Repeat this pattern until the scarf is as long as you would like it to be. Tie off securely, and you are ready to flaunt your stuff!

Variations:

Follow the directions exactly, only instead of doing a half double crochet, use a regular double crochet.

OR…

Skip a stitch and only double or half double in every other stitch. If you do this, make sure that you chain an extra chain for each stitch that you skip, otherwise your scarf is going to start pulling in the middle and you will have more of an arrow shape rather than a rectangle.

Note: When you are working in a long, rectangular shape, it is very important that you keep your tension even and your stitch count on track. If you skip these steps, your scarf is either going to have a sloppy look to it, or it will be squished and tight.

Take your time and practice. Practice is what makes perfect, and if you don’t get it the first few times, don’t give up, just pull it out and begin again. There is no race, and as long as you are having fun, you are being successful.

Chapter 5 – Mods and Improvs

These stitches and these patterns are all easy to make, and they are really easy to modify if you need to.

There are times that modification and improvisation are necessary, and no one can tell you exactly how you will need to do that to make it your own. This is a place for creativity and personal preference, and a time for you to express yourself in any way that you choose.

Some people find that they are allergic to certain kinds of fibers, and thus they can’t use a certain kind of yarn. Read the labels and use what you know will work for you.

If you don’t like the size of something, add or subtract stitches until it is the size that you want it to be. There is nothing wrong with making a project your own, and crafting is a beautiful way to embrace your own creativity.

Go ahead, express yourself in any way that you can think of. There is no way you can do a custom piece of art the wrong way, and what is always important is that you feel good about yourself.

Show the world what you got, and have fun doing it. If you ever feel frustrated, pull it out and begin again, or set it aside and come back to it later. There is no rush, and it is supposed to be fun.

Rock this craft with everything that you have, and you will see your passion, enthusiasm, and talent shine through in the pieces that you make.

Conclusion

There you have it, and entire new world has been opened up to you, and you can do whatever you like in it.

Master each and every one of these stitches, and make the patterns for yourself, your friends, and your family. You can make, change, and modify in any way that you want, and you will always have a fully customized product that is entirely signature of you.