Crocheting
Crocheting
By Olivia Gehl
Crochet is a French word which means hook. Crocheting is a process by which fabric is made from yarn or thread using a hook. It is similar to knitting but involves using only one loop at a time. Knitting requires two needles and can be done by machine while crochet stitches can only be done by hand.
Materials needed for crocheting include yarn or thread, cardboard cut outs to make sure the fabric comes out right and tape measures which are used for accuracy in the size of the crafted fabric. The crochet hook, which is a very important material, comes in different sizes. They range from 3.5 to 0.4 millimetres in size. The hooks could be aluminium, plastic or even artisan made; these are mostly wooden and are sometimes decorated with beads or semi-precious stones.
A crocheted fabric is made by placing a slip-knot loop on the hook. Another loop is pulled through the first and the process is repeated until a chain of suitable length is achieved. This chain can be joined to other chains or turned and sometimes, worked in rows by using crochet stitches.
There are different types of crochet stitches. They include the slip stitch, the single crotchet, the double crochet, the treble crochet, the triple crochet, the half double, double-triple and the triple- triple crotchet. These stitches produce different crochet patterns.
Crochet patterns differ for so many items. The patterns for hats differ from the patterns used for bags, doilies and tablecloths, rugs, slippers, toys and socks. Patterns can even be obtained online from different crocheting websites.
Crocheting is a very interesting craft that produces items which are always cherished especially if made by a loved one.