Ask avid crocheters or knitters why you should learn their art and they’ll probably say because it’s the most beautiful and versatile art form. Some say one’s faster; others, more fashionable. Beginner crochet is easy to master and you can use large hooks and yarn which make it easier to do. You need to decide for yourself whether knitting or crocheting is right for you.
Crochet
Crochet is an extremely versatile and popular technique for making a variety of fashion and home decor accessories. By combining basic crochet stitches and lighter weight or softer yarns, you create a delicate, drapable fabric; a thicker yarn produces a sturdy fabric. Beautiful textured and raised stitches are especially easy to make in crochet.
All you need to crochet is a continuous strand of yarn and a single hook. You start with a slip stitch and continue to make loops (called chains), creating a foundation row. Rows are built on this foundation. Crochet stitches are made with loops and wrapping yarn around the hook. The loops are drawn through the wrapped yarn to make the stitches.
You can crochet in rows, keeping your work flat, or you can join your stitches, creating a ring and work in the round. Their are many free patterns on the web to get you started. Online crochet has something for everyone. Choose something that is practical for you so you have something of value when you are done. Don’t start with something to intricate. For beginner crochet be sure to follow directions for the type of pattern you are doing. An eBook on how to crochet is good for this.
One of the most recognized crochet patterns is the Granny Square motif. These colorful crocheted squares or circles are joined together to create afghans and vests. At a fall European couture collection, a Granny Wrap was a big hit and was even featured on a recent cover of Vogue Magazine.
Knitting
Knitting has long been the favorite technique for sweater making because of the detailing and color patterning that is possible, and the supple, drapable fabric the stitches produce. The two basic stitches–knit and purl–can be worked alone or together and form the basis of dozens of designs as well as other stitches.
Knitting requires two needles and a continuous strand of yarn. You begin by making a slip knot on one needle and “casting on” the number of stitches you need for the project. (That’s the term for creating the foundation row on one needle.) The basic stitches are created using both needles, wrapping the yarn over one needle and drawing the wrapped yarn through loops on the other needle.
Circular knitting needles–long, flexible needles with a point on each end–are growing in popularity because they eliminate seams and the need to continually turn your knitting at the end of a row. It is important to control the motion of your hands as you manipulate the needles. You want to have a tight weave for more elegance in the finished product.
Crafting with Yarn
Wrapping, twisting and braiding yarn provide endless home-dec and fashion possibilities. Make amazing silk tassels, twist multiple strands of yarn into holiday wreaths, braid yarns to trim a favorite outfit, or just have fun wrapping gift boxes. The possibilities are endless, fast and fun.
