topic Re: crocheting question in Home

crocheting question

shaina — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 05:07:48 GMT

I'm just learning to crochet and a pattern I'm looking at says to use a hook a few sizes smaller than the yarn specifies.

Can anyone tell me what the reason for this is? why would a smaller hook be necessary/important? - it seems weird

Thanks

Re: crocheting question

Azcowgirl — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 05:11:44 GMT

I think they mean that you need a smaller hook so you get a tighter denser finished piece.....thg larger hook may result in a stitch that is too loose and see through, and not have enough body.....does that make sense ?

Re: crocheting question

Azcowgirl — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 05:13:02 GMT

P.S.....For instance, I made a shrug, and I wanted it to be lacy and see through, so I used a larger hook.

Re: crocheting question

shaina — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 05:16:25 GMT

that makes a lot of sense. this project does need to be dense and sorta stiff. Isn't it difficult use a hook that is too small for the yarn, though? I haven't tried it yet, but it seems like it would be hard to do because the hook wouldn't hold the yarn easily.

Re: crocheting question

Azcowgirl — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 05:19:23 GMT

Hi Shaina....it is a bit more of a challenge, it helps if you use a light colored hook for dark yarn, or a dark hook for light yarn.

Re: crocheting question

sipp — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 05:44:59 GMT

If you are following a pattern and use a smaller needle- the piece you are making will be smaller--- ie if you are making a sweater- that smaller hook is going to make smaller loops and therefore your gauge is not going to be correct- your size will have to be adjusted accordingly and you would probably have to increase any amount of stitches per inch -- at the beginning of your pattern, regardless of the yarn - it will tell you how many stitches per inch should be used - and also the pattern will suggest what yarns to use that will give you the best results. If you use a huge bulky yarn- but the pattern is for a smaller ie mohair thin type yarn- there is going to be a huge difference and all your work will be for nothing.

Re: crocheting question

shaina — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 02:27:30 GMT

All of this makes a lot of sense. THe pattern is a for a set of numbers 0-9 that could be affixed to another item, like an afghan etc. Thus, they need to be a tighter and denser. I want to make them as a 'toy' for a young child to practice counting etc.

I am a beginning crocheter and am teaching myself, so I so appreciate ya'll taking the time to answer my questions.

Re: crocheting question

sipp — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 06:41:57 GMT

On 3/15/2014 shaina said:
All of this makes a lot of sense. THe pattern is a for a set of numbers 0-9 that could be affixed to another item, like an afghan etc. Thus, they need to be a tighter and denser. I want to make them as a 'toy' for a young child to practice counting etc.

I am a beginning crocheter and am teaching myself, so I so appreciate ya'll taking the time to answer my questions.

So, as I stated- if you use a smaller hook- you should use a recommended yarn type or size that the pattern is recommending. If you see a yarn that catches your eye, but is not compatible with the gauge- it's not going to give you the results you want. I get that you may have seen some that you practically fall in love with- there are so many new variations- but follow the suggested type yarns for your pattern first and foremost. And as for that one that you fall in love with on the shelf- well- usually the label will give you ideas for using it and many times even a free pattern--By the way- a good idea is to type that yarns label name into your search engine ( like LIONS brand) --- they often have whole pages of either free or inexpensive patterns that their yarns work with. And if you have a Joann's in your area, they often have free pattern sheets hanging along their yarn aisles. Good luck with your projects!!

Re: crocheting question

seehorse — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 12:49:15 GMT

Hi Shaina,

Your project sounds like it's going to be fun and educational for the kid who's getting it! Best wishes in getting the look you want.

You can also get newsletters by email from the yarn companies.

As dgluvr said: Lion Brand, and also Yarnspirations.com (Paton's, Bernat and Caron), Red Heart.

I really enjoy www.bevscountrycottage.com. Just found www.craftyarncouncil.com

Re: crocheting question

jackthebear — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 12:52:23 GMT

On 3/14/2014 shaina said:
I'm just learning to crochet and a pattern I'm looking at says to use a hook a few sizes smaller than the yarn specifies.

Can anyone tell me what the reason for this is? why would a smaller hook be necessary/important? - it seems weird

Thanks

if you need more help with crocheting take a look at the ravelry.com website,

the most amazing resource for knitters/crocheters. There are forums to help you, it is a very friendly place.

Re: crocheting question

Kachina624 — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 23:05:19 GMT

I taught myself to crochet one Super Bowl Sunday years ago when I was desperate for entertainment. I found that the various stitches are really easy to learn but the instructions can be a real PIA. Best to find an experienced crocheter to have on stand-by just-in-case. I have never been able to comfortably use the standard Boyle crochet hook. I like the Susan Bates hooks about 1,000X better.

Re: crocheting question

seehorse — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 13:29:25 GMT

Wondering how each of you holds the crochet hook.

Looked it up and I'm a ""knife"" holder.

The other is ""pencil"". Can't get the hang of this! Great news is that either way works!

Re: crocheting question

charlotte — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 14:03:33 GMT

Have you tried the website Ravelry? It's a community for needlework of all kinds! Try and you will be ""hooked""! Lol. I'm a knitter.

Re: crocheting question

bells4me — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 18:24:21 GMT

I've crocheted for over 40 years. Use the hook that will give you the gauge stated for the pattern. I usually go down one hook as I tend to crochet loose. I am a ""pencil"" holder.