Crochet Tip #5 Increasing and decreasing stitches and
changing colors
Increasing
and decreasing stitches
Some items require that you
decrease stitches to form a shape, for example, when making a
triangle. The simplest decrease is to skip a stitch. There are
other methods, which do not leave a hole in the work. To
decrease in single crochet, insert the hook in the next
stitch, yarn over and pull yarn through. Instead of completing
the stitch, insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull
through so there are three loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull
the yarn through all three loops to make one decrease.
In double crochet,
work the first double crochet until only two loops are on the hook. Yarn
over and insert your hook in the next stitch. Yarn over and pull through
stitch – there’ll be three loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through
two loops, and then yarn over and pull the yarn through all three loops to
complete a decrease. You will often need to
increase stitches when working in the round (see below). To increase, simply
make two stitches in one stitch.
You need to use increasing and decreasing
v
To
increase the size of your row. Increasing will you give you a slant or
triangle shape.
v
To decrease the size of your
row. This gives sleeves and shawls their shape.
v
To produce a ripple effect.
v
To correct mistakes
The pattern
instructions will tell you where to increase or decrease. Most increasing
and decreasing will happen at the end of the row. To increase you will
stitch an extra stitch in the final loops of your row. To decrease, you will
skip a stitch. Another place to increase or decrease is in the middle of the
row. Here you can correct a previous mistake without undoing the whole row.
More on changing
colors
When you’re ready to change to a different color, pull up the
first loop for a single crochet in the old color, then pull the new color
through the last two loops to complete that single crochet. Continue in the
new color, following your pattern.
Sometimes you will need to change color after working only
one or two stitches. Carry the unused colors along the wrong side of the
work. Do this loosely enough so that the work does not pucker. One method is
to crochet over the unused colors as they are carried along the wrong side
of the work. This hides the strands and stops the problem of having long
unused strands carried across the back of the work. Sometimes a dark strand
that has been crocheted over in this manner will show up through a light
color, so this may not always be the best method to use.
When there are long areas of one color, it's better to use
separate balls of yarn for each colored section so that you can avoid
carrying unused colors across the wrong side of the work in the one color
area. You need to make sure that the balls of yarn don’t tangle. You can
either place each ball of yarn in a zip-lock or buy yarn bobbins, made for
the purpose of holding small amounts of yarn for multi-color work.
To change to a different colour in single crochet,
pull up the first loop for a single crochet in the old color, then, pull the
new color through the last two loops to complete that single crochet.
To change to a different color in double crochet, work the
beginning of the double crochet, in the old color until you have completed
all but pulling the last loop through the two loops on the hook. Drop the
old color, pull a loop of the new color through the last two loops on the
hook to complete the last part of the double crochet in the new color.
When crocheting a piece with color changes, carry unused
color strands along the wrong side. You may also crochet over unused
strands. If unused strands are too long, when carried across, it's easy to
accidentally pull the unused strand too tight, which makes the crocheted
piece buckle.
Working with colors means that in addition to selecting the
right colors that will work together, you also decide how much volume you
need want of each color. By combining the look of the stiches, you can make
colors stand out or sink in. If you don’t want too many ends to deal with
when you have finished you can use a border around the project and hide the
ends under that.
Happy Crocheting,
Kris Perry
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After reading this book you’ll be able to create magnificent
crochet pieces to enjoy for years to come. So, what will you
find in the “Official Guide to Crochet”?
- The history of crochet is fascinating! Who knew it
dated back so far?
Exactly how far back does is date? Find out the
history of crochet and its many uses-from bookmarks to
blankets-on pages 7-11.
- What size hook, what kind of yarn, where can these
things be purchased?
Using the right crochet equipment is very important.
Pages 12-24 outline everything you’ll need to get
started and where you can find these supplies.
- The purpose of this book is to teach you how to
crochet and pages 24-27 get you started.
You’ll learn how to hold the hook and yarn and how to
form a chain of stitches. You’ll be crocheting in
minutes!
- To get started you will learn how to single crochet.
Pages 27-29 give you the fundamentals of creating a
quick, solid fabric and the opportunity to perfect your
stitches through single crochet.
- Some projects will require changing the color of your
yarn.
Page 29 details this process so you can create
colorful pieces of crochet.
- There are different ways to stitch and pages 30-32
give written instructions and illustrations for slip stitch,
half double crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet.
You’ll be an expert in no time after reading this
book!
- Page 33 begins a section on crochet tips from gauge
to how to create the perfect circle.
If you’re a “lefty”, your in luck because there is
info on left-handed crochet in here too!
- In Crocheting you’ll need to start a new ball or
skein of yarn and tie off loose ends.
Pages 35 and 36 show you exactly how to do this.
You’ll learn how to do this without showing knots on
page 37.
- Having just the right tension is important in order
to keep your crochet uniform.
On pages 37-40 you’ll learn how to work tightly or
loosely and how to move the yarn through your fingers
all while keeping your edges straight. You’ll also learn
how to increase or decrease your stitches as you go.
- Changing yarn color takes practice, but you’ll learn
even more about doing this on page 41.
- Being able to tell right from wrong is important when
crocheting.
Page 43 shows you how to know the right and wrong
side of your crochet piece.
- Sometimes you might have difficulty pulling your hook
through your loops or with puckering in your foundation row.
These issues as well as what to do with extra
stitches are discussed on page 44.
- If you already know how to crochet but are having
trouble with missing stitches or uneven edges, page 46 of
this guide will help you solve your problem and get you back
on track.
- When you are ready to take on a more difficult
pattern you will be able to do it with confidence after
reading the section on working front, back or both and
working around the post.
You’ll also benefit from pages 47-49 on turning
corners, joining seams, and joining squares. You’ll be
crocheting afgans in no time!
- Growing up did you ever play with those little round
doilies your grandmother had lying around? Well, now you can
make your own!
You’ll learn how to crochet in the round and to
create the perfect circle on pages 52-54. Make Grandma
proud!
- With the section on crochet tips concluded, you’re
ready to start a project.
Page 54 begins a discussion on choosing the right
first project and how to complete it. It’s just starting
to get good!
- There are many different stitches to choose from in
crochet. The stitch guide on pages 59-69 will help you
determine which stitch you want to use.
On these pages you’ll find details about popcorn,
cluster, shell, star, afghan, bobbie, picot, arabesque,
roll or bullion, daisy, eyelet, and fan. With this guide
you will be able to not only know the name of each
stitch but how to do them as well.
- Crochet can be highly decorative and learning how to
make your crochet more interesting is outlined on pages
69-83.
After reading these sections you’ll be able to
identify and create Irish loop lace, the Granny square,
Rag crochet, Bead crochet, Tunisian crochet, and Filet
crochet. You’ll be able to use what you learn to create
unique crochet pieces.
- As with any project, you must have a pattern to
crochet.
Pages 88-99 tell you all you need to know about
patterns!
- Where to find patterns and how to read them is
outlined, as well as converting patterns between the US, UK
and Australia.
- You’ll be able to adjust the size of a pattern and
adapt it for different hook and thread sizes.
- Want to make golf club covers for your spouse or
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Read page 97 to learn how to create your own patterns
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