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Do you crochet? We do!

by 7 September 20, 2014 4 min read

crochet how to crochet kjirstine

Knitting. It's the new yoga. It's hip. It's trending. You can knit on your arm or fingers. Celebrities knit. We hear more about knitting today than any other craft.

What's happened to crochet?
Plenty! Crochet is full of innovation, creativity, and beauty. I sometimes feel crochet is the craft people "admit" to doing.  I hear customers in our store say, "I don't knit, I only crochet.", almost as if crochet is something less than knitting. But it's not less, it's just different. I did a quick search on youtube- the word knitting returned 717,000 videos. The word crochet returned 1,670,00 videos. I believe that people like to crochet! Crochet was the first needle craft I learned. I grew up surrounded by thread crochet pieces that my grandmothers and great-grandmothers had made and I was impressed. At age 17, I went to my local yarn store and took a beginning crochet class. That began a fiber adventure that has lead me to knitting, spinning, tatting, and now even working in a yarn shop.  I still enjoy crochet. It's my personal favorite way to use a lace weight yarn. If crochet has been overlooked by the major pattern and yarn companies, it has not been overlooked by independent designers. There are patterns all over the internet, both free and purchased that are beautiful and wearable. I know that crochet has a bad wrap sheet- I remember the days of toilet tissue covers and Christmas candles crocheted to fit over aluminum cans. It was ugly. But today you can find a huge variety of patterns and styles that are stunning. One of my favorite designers is Tara Murray. Her patterns are a delight.  I made these cuties out of Cascade 220. [caption id="attachment_3651" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Galilee Booties, designed by Tara Murray, crochet by me! Galilee Booties, designed by Tara Murray, crocheted by me![/caption]   The crocodile stitch is really hot right now and a fabulous design element. My favorite design that incorporates this stitch is Crocodile Stitch Booties, from Ravelry. I saw a pair of these given an outstanding award at our county fair in August. [caption id="attachment_3653" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Exquisite booties by Bonita Patterns. Exquisite booties by Bonita Patterns.[/caption]   Maria, one of our staff members, made this project in Cascade Ultra Pima  early this summer: [caption id="attachment_3652" align="aligncenter" width="225"]Angel Wing Pinafore, designed by Maxine Gonser, crocheted by Maria Angel Wing Pinafore, designed by Maxine Gonser, crocheted by Maria[/caption] She was busy the rest of the summer, filling  requests to make more!   [caption id="attachment_3658" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Crocheted Mobius Cowl from Churchmouse Patterns, crocheted by Tina Crocheted Mobius Cowl from Churchmouse Patterns, crocheted by Tina[/caption] Another staff member, Tina, made this beautiful cowl from Cascade Kid Setaand taught it as a class here in the store.
So, do you crochet?  We do!
We haven't forgotten crochet here at Alpaca Direct. We carry a variety of crochet hooks, both beautiful and practical. You'll find crochet patterns on our website, and a passion for crochet in our staff members! If Alpaca Direct is your local yarn store, look for a Begin to Crochet Class in January 2015 followed by other crochet classes in the late winter and spring. Here's my contribution to the crochet pattern community. I hope you enjoy it! [caption id="attachment_3654" align="aligncenter" width="263"]My sister in law, Elizabeth wearing her Sisters Cowl My sister in law, Elizabeth, wearing her Sisters Cowl[/caption] My sister sent me photo of a scarf she admired, asking if I could make something similar. This pattern is the result. When my sister-in-law saw the finished scarf, she asked for one too! So it’s the “Sisters” scarf, because I’ve been blessed with a wonderful sister and sister-in -law!
Enjoy your Free Pattern!

Sisters Cowl, by Kjirstine Prickett

Materials: 2 skeins Berroco Ultra Alpaca or approximately 430 yds worsted weight yarn US J Hook 3- 1-¼” buttons Gauge is not terribly important to this project. You should adjust the hook and yarn to produce a fabric that you like. I wanted it slightly drapey, but still wanted to maintain a certain amount of structure. Finished dimensions: Approximately 8” x 60” Abbreviations: Ch- chain Dc- double crochet- wrap yarn around hook once Trc- triple crochet- wrap yarn around hook twice   Chain 203 Row 1: Dc in 4th chain from the hook, dc in each chain across. Ch 3, turn Row 2: Trc in 2nd dc, trc in each dc across, dc in top of turning chain, ch 2, turn Row 3: Dc in 2nd trc, dc in each trc across, dc in top of turning chain, ch 2, turn Row 4-5: Dc in 2nd dc, dc in each dc across, dc in top of turning chain, chain 2 turn Row 6: Dc in 2nd dc, dc in each dc across, dc in top of turning chain, chain 3 turn Row 7: As row 2 Row 8: As row 3 Row 9-10: As rows 4-5 Row 11:As row 6 Row 12: As row 2 Row 13: Dc in 2nd trc, dc in each trc across, dc in top of turning chain. Finish off.   Block gently, stitch buttons on one end to correspond with Triple crochet rows, which are used as buttonholes. Happy Crocheting!    

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27 Responses

Tina
Tina

October 05, 2016

Nice article!

Mary
Mary

October 05, 2016

I love to crochet!!!! I wish there where more books on it.

Diane Luther
Diane Luther

October 05, 2016

I loved the article, and crochet has been given a bad rap, mainly from articles made that you described. The endless hats made from pop cans or beer cans certainly didn’t elevate the craft. Take a look at some lovely crocheted tablecloths and you aren’t even talking the same craft. I love to knit, but when I make baby blankets I always turn to crochet, it’s quicker and produces a lovely item. Thank you so much for telling us about your experiences.

donna kremp armstrong
donna kremp armstrong

October 05, 2016

love to crochet love making things n giving them as gifts

mamamarie90
mamamarie90

October 05, 2016

I crochet and knit at different intervals it gets tricky at times but it makes for an interesting pattern

Suanne
Suanne

October 05, 2016

Crochet is my relaxation and meditation. I have spent many, many hours on projects for myself and others (mostly!)

Angie Hannon
Angie Hannon

October 05, 2016

Nice job Kjirstine! Great picture of Elizabeth and the scarf.

Pam
Pam

October 05, 2016

wow nice job I have been crocheting for years. Love it! always on the look out for new patterns and yarns. thanks!

debra vanorden
debra vanorden

October 05, 2016

Hi, I love to do anything fiber. I crochet, knit, weave, spin. I especially like alpaca yarn that I spin myself. I make spindles on a wood lathe. Teeatta@verizon.net.

Maurine
Maurine

October 05, 2016

I crochet. Have tried to knit and seem to be unable to conquer it. My grandmother taught me to chain and when I started working out, I decided to make a crocheted vest and had to teach myself the stitches. Lady I worked with said I could not just crochet something as I didn’t know how, but that was all I needed. A challenge. I did it. I have learned many new stitches through the years. And just this summer tried more new ones. I believe the difference in how we react to crochet items now has a lot to do with the yarn. Back then yarn was more stiff and chunky. Crochet is more chunky than knit. Now we have so many neat patterns, stitches, and a different yarn to make so many different looks, it is hard to compare our old crochet experience to what we can do today.

Debirag
Debirag

October 05, 2016

But do you Tat? I do. Learned from my grandmother.

Kjirstine Prickett
Kjirstine Prickett

October 05, 2016

I do tat! I learned originally from a VHS video because I could not find a local instructor. I kept watching this sweet lady, sitting in her chair demonstrating it, rewind, watch it again, and again…
Years later I took a class and it was wonderful to ask questions!!

Celia
Celia

October 05, 2016

Where are you located Teeatta? I’m in Nantahala, NC and I also like to do all of those things.

Rita M Simone Milford, Ct.
Rita M Simone Milford, Ct.

October 05, 2016

Nice to see others, many many others are still crocheting, I find it very relaxing. It is 3:24 a.m. in New England cannot sleep so picked up scarf I am working on from a full bag of yarn and finishd scarves. Have many I have finished and am going to pack them up and give them to the Homeless shelter when the snow leaves. Cannot resist going to craft stores with coupon in hand to buy more more more yarn. Also buy online, just love Alpaca it works so smoothly and feels so good. Experiment with stitches all the time, but like something I can do almost automatically and watch tele at the same time. Soothing and productive at 80 years old. Have made blankets for everyone even relatives in England, one daughter-in-law’s Mum in a nursing home over there, she cuddled it until she passed. Makes me feel good inside.

Kjirstine Prickett
Kjirstine Prickett

October 05, 2016

Celia- Our store is located in Hayden, Idaho, but you can visit our website, alpacadirect.com, anytime!

Kjirstine Prickett
Kjirstine Prickett

October 05, 2016

How wonderful that you make and donate your scarves! We collect and donate items to Project Linus at our store in Idaho. Such a great way to enjoy our craft and give back to the communities we live in. Thanks for stopping by the blog and have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Connie
Connie

October 05, 2016

Craft stores that carry yarn and crochet cotton usually have crochet books. You can also find many patterns free on line.

aahjdr123456
aahjdr123456

October 05, 2016

I LOVE TO CROCHEY HAVEN’T DONE ANY SINCE I MOVED BUT WILL START AGAIN REAL SOON ,LOVED YOUR POST THANKS FOR SHARING.

Amanda
Amanda

October 05, 2016

yes, I love crochet. I learned crochet when I was in elementary school. And still love it. Thank you for the Article about crochet, refreshing and inspiring. I goin to make that cowl scarf.

Sue Hetland
Sue Hetland

October 05, 2016

I have been crocheting since 1971. Most of what I crochet is baby blankets for friends. I have my own little pattern that I use. It is simple and it is always well received by the recipients. In fact, the nurses like it because the child cannot suffocate as the holes from the crocheting make it perfect..

I make them all white and after the 5 rows of soft white I use blue for 3-4 rows and then white again and then pink for 3-4 rows and then white until I am at almost the end and do the same at the other end and then I use a shell stitch to edge the blanket. It feels good to give someone something you have made especially for them. I have also used yellow, green and pink and blue on them. It is mostly dc for the whole blanket.

I have also done the Valentine stitch for baby blankets, but they almost have too big of holes for babies little fingers. I do it more to keep my hands busy in the car while riding and at home so I do not want to eat something—good diversion. I love the booties and scarf.

The first afghan I made was so tight in the beginning and then as I found my feel for it the afghan became larger and looked so funny, but my mother in law kept it until she died as she loved that I made it for her as a gift. I have made afghans, but the baby blankets are more fun and easier to do and give as gifts.

Josephine Hernandez
Josephine Hernandez

October 05, 2016

I am 82 years old and love crochet but my first language is Spanish which I feel more confortable to get your instructionsI will appreciate your help my blesings my email is bartowperuvian @ outlook.my residebce is fla. living in this adorable country for 50 years have a good day

Brenda
Brenda

October 05, 2016

Websites like Project Gutenberg have a catalog you can search for what we would call “vintage” patterns, many crafts. The search may take a little more effort, but you will find a treasure trove – I felt quite piratical ;-)

Deborah
Deborah

October 05, 2016

Mary, go into Pintrest it has all sort of free patterns and oodles of ideas! Happy crocheting ☺️

Mary Jo
Mary Jo

October 05, 2016

I love to crochet.

Vlasta Stawiszynski
Vlasta Stawiszynski

October 05, 2016

Yes, I have been crocheting since I was 9 years old. I am now 84 years and never stopped in all those years. I always have a project or 2 in the works. It is working with the Senior Center on wheel chair lapgans, baby blankets, and or baby hats, hats and scarves for the homeless. then I have projects I make for gifts for family and friends for baby showers, wedding showers, birthdays, and just because gifts. I also have to keep up with a stash of crochet items for the 2 craft shows I inter . One in spring and one for Christmas. So YES I THINK YOU CAN SAY I CROCHET. Thank you for the lovely patterns
VAL

Jessica Hrehor
Jessica Hrehor

October 05, 2016

I think we can say you crochet, too. I’m glad to hear you’re still enjoying your favorite craft!

Betsy Ryan
Betsy Ryan

October 05, 2016

This sounds like a great group.

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