Beginner's Best Friend: How To Make A Chain Stitch and Single Crochet

As you begin to explore the world of crochet, you will often see the terms chain stitch (ch) and single crochet (sc) used in patterns. These are the basic stitches. This short tutorial will show you how to make a chain stitch and a single crochet stitch.

 
Any questions? Please comment!



Beginner's Best Friend: How To Hold A Crochet Hook

Is one of your new year's resolutions to learn to crochet? Maybe you've always admired you're grandmother's gorgeous afghans, or maybe you have a friend who's inspired you by crocheting some cute hats. Whether you're looking for something to do with your hands or you just want to pick up a new skill, this you've come to the right place! I'm starting a new series for new beginning crocheters called "Beginner's Best Friend", with both photo and video tutorials (because I know personally that sometimes the best way to learn something is to watch someone else doing it).  So, with that in mind...lets get started!

How To Hold A Crochet Hook

For those just learning to crochet, the hardest part is getting used to holding the crochet hook and the yarn. The crochet hook is held like a pencil, between your forefinger, your middle finger, and your thumb, as shown.


The yarn is held in your left hand. As shown below, the tail of the yarn is held between your thumb and middle finger, and the tension of the yarn is held with your forefinger.

Although the above is the correct way to hold your yarn, I learned to crochet by instead using my middle finger to hold the tension. Even though this is technically not correct, you can also crochet this way, though I encourage newbies to try it the correct way. However, in my tutorial videos, you may frequently notice that I hold my work as shown below.

For those of you who are left- handed, its debatable as to whether you should crochet left handed. As you become more advanced, you will stumble upon patterns that may trip you up if you crochet left handed. It wouldn't be a bad idea to go ahead and learn to crochet right handed, since this will make life easier for you in the long run. However, my younger sister is left handed and hasn't had much trouble, so its completely up to you!

Any questions? Please comment!

Happy Anniversary!

Today is Fat Cat Crochet's 1 year anniversary! To celebrate, I am officially going to start posting again! Haha, its been a crazy holiday season, for me especially. But I haven't forgotten you, my friends! And now I really am back for good. I am so thankful for all my wonderful readers who have enjoyed my patterns, shared with me your own work, and left a bazillion wonderful comments! You all mean so much to me. So whaddya say? Lets get this New Year crackin'!

Happy 2011! And Happy Anniversary to Fat Cat Crochet!

Another Project Completed!

Just wanted to post a picture of this lovely dress from Paula, one of our readers, following the Autumn Celebration Dress pattern for dolls. She gave it an elegant touch by adding a row of shell stitch on the bottom of the dress. Thank you for sharing this picture, Paula!

If you have made anything from my patterns, feel free to share pictures with us here.

And...we're back!

Hey everyone! I'm back! I've been taking a bit of a break to finish my show in Lancaster and recuperate, but now I am back for good, with loads of ideas to share. Look here for new patterns and tips in the next couple of days.

Until then, Happy Holidays from me and Violet!

Love,
~ Tennyemaye ~

Would You Crochet This?

Would you crochet this mad-scientist cerebrum hat, or even wear it? Whats your opinion...creepy or cool? Please comment!

Check out the link here: http://crochettoday.com/crochet-patterns/brainy-maniac

Center-Pull Skein Part 2 of 2: Easy Storage

Now that you know how to make your own center-pull skeins, learn how to stash them in these handy, easy-to-make containers. These containers separate your skeins of yarn, preventing them from becoming battered or tangled while on the road. Your yarn can always stay nicely in these containers. No taking them in and out; just pull your yarn from a hole in the top!

Want to see what I mean? Follow these easy steps to making your own storage container.

You will need:

-scissors
-a plastic container that will fit your ball of yarn (I like to use old yogurt containers)

1. Start with a clean plastic container of your choice that will fit your skein of yarn. I find that old yogurt containers work very well for this.

2. Remove the lid. With your scissors, cut out a circle (with about 1/2 inch in diameter) in the center of the lid.

3. Place your center-pull skein in the container, with the center pull facing up.



4. Draw the yarn through the hole in the center of the lid, and secure the lid shut.

5. Make one for all your center-pull skeins, and you have your own, user-friendly yarn separators in which to store your yarn. These are especially great for traveling with a project that requires lots of color changes.

This is super easy to do! And now that you know how, you'll be wanting to make one for all of your center-pull skeins.

Any questions? Please comment!