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Common Crochet
Techniques |
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Crochet |
The word
"crochet" is derived from the French word "croc" or "croche",
meaning "hook". This is the action of creating fabric from a
length of thread with a hooked tool. Crocheting starts by
placing a slip-knot-loop onto a hook then pulling another loop
through the first loop and so on to create a length of stitches
called a "foundation chain". This chain is either turned and
worked in rows, or joined end-to-end and worked in rounds.
Stitches are made by pulling one or more loops through some or
all of the loops in this chain. The way in which stitches are
repeated creates a distinct pattern. Crochet is different to
other methods of fabric-making as it is composed entirely of
loops and is only secured when the free end of the thread is
pulled through the final loop. |
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Bosnian Crochet |
Bosnian crochet may be the
oldest type of crochet known, made of slip stitches worked in
the back loop creating a ridge in the fabric created. |
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Broomstick |
Although it's known as other
names depending upon where you are in the U.S. and various parts
of the world, Broomstick (lace) is a series of crochet stitches
created with a regular crochet hook over the stick of a broom
(thus the name), or over the end of a knitting needle or other
tubular device. |
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Crochet on the Double |
Crochet
on the double, which may be called "cro-hooking", "reversible
crochet" or "crochenit" is a crochet technique using a
double ended crochet hook (cro-hook) which quickly produces
a soft, knit-like fabric. This technique is similar to Tunisian
(tricot or afghan) crochet but uses 2 or more colors of yarn
and produces a soft, reversible finish. Stitches are drawn up
through either the vertical or horizontal bars with the loops
left on the hook (like knitting). When all loops are on the
hook the work is turned, color is changed and the stitches are
taken off in 2's or 3's or as the pattern indicates. The yarn
color is changed every 2nd row so there are no ends to sew in
later, just run them up the side of the work. Crochet on the
double appears to be called "crochenit" when thicker yarn and
hooks of 9mm or more (crochenit hooks) are used. |
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Crochenit |
Crochenit appears to be the same as crochet on the double (see
above) when using thicker yarns and double ended hooks 9mm or
thicker. |
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Crochet'n'WeaveTM |
Crochet'n'Weave is a two step
method. First, an open mesh is created to the desired size using
a series of (usually) double crochets and chains. Then a series
of seperate chains are created and then threaded onto a needle
and woven over and under the bars of the double crochet mesh
according to the design. |
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Cro-Tatting (Crochet-Tatting) |
Crocheters can now add the delicate tatted rings and picots to
their favorite articles. Cro-tatting blends the delicate look
of tatting and the ease of crocheting with the use of a single
cro-tat hook. This hook has an extended shaft of uniform
thickness from the handle and holds the thread like a tatting
needle. Change between cro-tatting and crochet all in the one
article, using the same hook and still achieve the delicate
tatted look. This technique can also be applied using yarn and
a cro-tat master hook which features marked ¼" increments on the
hook shaft to assist with formation of picots. |
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Entralac |
Entralac is a variation of the
Tunisian Crochet method, using the long crochet hook and working
a series of decreases and increases to create the fabric. |
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Felting/Fulling |
Felting is more of a process
than it is a type of crochet. Using wool, an item is crocheted,
usually with single crochets, much larger than the intended
size. It's then placed in a washing cycle of hot water, removed
after a time, shaped, and then allowed to dry. Baskets, bags,
and slippers are some of the more popular items created using
this "shrinking" process. |
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Filet |
Filet is usually a series of
double crochets and chains to create solid and open mesh spaces.
These open and closed meshes come together following a chart to
create an image, or lettering. Usually filet is reserved for
fine laces, wall hangings, and table cloths and dates back to
about 1600. |
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Hairpin |
Hairpin crochet is a two-sided
loop crochet stitch that is made on a two-pronged fork with a
standard crochet hook and yarn. |
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Irish Lace |
If you were a noble in the
1700's, you wore lace as a way to show off your wealth.
Crocheting motifs that mimicked nature -- flowers & leaves --
blossomed in Ireland during the potato famine becoming the
salvation for many a families. Using ultra fine hooks made of
bone, wood or cork, young girls would create the most detailed
motifs. Many types of Irish lace were named from the location of
which it was created, as patterns were closely guarded and
rarely shared! Because many of the prized patterns were never
shared or written down, many were lost when the family member
passed away. Maire Treanor came out with a book in 2002 on
Clones Lace which goes into this in further detail. Pretty much,
Irish lace is created with thread. Stitches are created over a
cord giving the stitches a thicker appearance. One of the
greatest fans if Irish Lace helping bring it into popularity was
Queen Victoria. |
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Steeks |
Steeks is a technique of surface
crocheting with slip stitches on top of a knitted garment,
usually, to create an area that the designer wishes to cut for
an opening. The crochet stitches act as a barrier to keep the
knitted fabric from unraveling. |
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Tunisian Crochet (Tricot) |
Tunisian
crochet may be called "tricot crochet", "Afghan crochet",
"shepherd's knitting", "hook knitting" or "railroad knitting".
Tunisian crochet uses a
tricot hook which is similar to a standard knitting needle
with a hook rather than a point. Each row is made by placing
loops on the hook and then working them off again. The work is
not turned, so one side of work, usually the front, always faces
you. |
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