|
| Featured Pattern of the Week: Pretty Frilly Flower Bookmark |
        Interested in knitting? Visit our sister site: Knitting Pattern Central  | Tips 'n TricksDo you have a helpful hint or handy trick that will make any aspect of crocheting easier? Share it! Post ideas on scrap yarn usages, stitch markers, starching, hook organization, color changing, maintaining your sanity while following a difficult pattern, etc. There is most probably someone out there that will benefit from your help. Need ideas yourself? Read others' comments--we all live and learn! Name: Dawn Schippers Subject: Rolling yarn Comment: my mom does alot of crafts and we found it was alot easier to roll the yarn into balls. but it started to get hard for mom since she has arthritis, so i decided to use toilet paper rolls. i cut a slit in one end, put the yarn thru and away we went wrapping the yarn around it. sometimes we even used papertowel rolls. they help wonders and it is recycleable. Name: Linda Subject: Yarn Holder Comment: I've been crocheting a long time and find the best way to keep my yarn balls clean and rolling easily, is to drop them in a clean soup kettle or dutch oven. I have a special one that I picked up at a garage sale and never use for cooking. The yarn does not rub against anything, because I put the pan at my feet (between my feet seems to work best on shorter projects, or to the right side when I am doing an afghan). And, when not in use, I just drop everything in the pan (yarn, hooks, etc.) and put the lid on to keep all dust-free. Name: natalia Subject: making a slip knot Comment: when you are learning to make a slip knot make a loop and insert the neddle under the length (top). draw the yarn through the loop and pull both ends to tighten the knot on the neddle (bottom). Name: amy Subject: beginning knit and crochet Comment: when i first started learning to knit and crochet i used to get confused on how many loops you make the stitch into, so i made up a short ryme to help me out. knitting one loop, crochetting two loops. i know some times you do different patterns where that doesnt apply but when your just starting it helps out Name: Liz Wick Subject: Pictures Comment: Whenever you finish an item, take a picture of it! This way if you give the item away, you still have a record of what you made. Because I don't always follow patterns, and seldom write down what I did, I find having an image helpful if I want to try and recreate it. Name: Dee Subject: dry fingers Comment: Hello....I have been crocheting for over 26 years. My fingers get dry and cracked no matter how much I moisturize them. They then drag and snag on the yarn, so I always keep a small piece of fine grade sandpaper around to smooth out the snags. Works great! Name: Joyce Subject: Translating Filet Charts Comment: It's easier for me to translate each row of a filet chart into easy-to-read, easy-to-track written instructions something like the following example: R1: 5O, 1S, 1O, 3S, 1O, 1S, 5O R2: 4O, 3S, 2O, 1S, 2O, 3S, 4O O = open mesh, S = solid Name: Melissa Subject: scrap/leftover yarn uses Comment: Simple solutions-winter hats, scarfs and mittens for the kids! I have two elementary age kids and they are always loosing track of these things so I make several pair over the summer when I like to keep my projects simple and keep them in a plastic tote for winter. If you arent a parent they make great gifts and craft fair projects. Name: Sharon Subject: buying no lot number yarn Comment: When buying yarn that has no dye lot numbers, that is supposed to match, I found that by checking the label for the date works. All "no dye lot numbered" yarn does not always match. Name: Linda Perkins Subject: Yarn storage Comment: The large plastic coffee container (red with black lid) makes a great yarn storage container. Just wash out, cut hole in lid, feed yarn through hole and you've saved $8-$10 they cost at a craft store, and you've done your share to recycle! Name: Dorothy Subject: loose ends Comment: Most of the time I choose to work the loose ends as I go, but sometimes it's better to wait till your sure your not going to have to unravel the work. It might be easier to find the ends this way. Name: carmen Subject: crochet hook Comment: I have been crocheting for over 40 plus years and it's something that I love. I was having a hard time holding the hooks for a certain amount of time. I discover one day a new type of hook and its clover hook brand. I bought it at a craft store or even some pharmacy stores that sell yarn carry it. The hook is rubber on the top and very comfortable to hold and smooth. I can crochet for hours and faster and my fingers don't cramp. I know that some people use rubberband around the hook, but it's not the same. It's a little more expensive but worth it. I have one in each size. My favorite is a G hook. Name: Peggy Subject: crocheting over ends Comment: I have been crocheting for 30 plus years. I get ideas from patterns, but always make something original. I prefer to crochet as many ends in as I can. when you lay them on top and crochet over they will work out over time when the project is stretched during use. I crochet over for about two inches or less, then I bring the end up and over after drawing a loop through the next stitch, bringing it up to the next row to crochet over in the other direction. this will secure it so it will not work itself out down the road. Name: kay darke Subject: sticky hooks Comment: if your hook gets sticky and seems like it doesn't want to go thru the loops, just take it out of your work and run it thru your hair. hold it down against your scalp and push it backwards and forewards a few time. my mother told me this about 60 years ago! it works a treat. happy hooking :) Name: Holly Subject: Storage Comment: I use the plastic packaging that comforters and sheets come in to store yarn and projects. They keep everything clean and most have zippers for closures. You will be surprised just how much yarn you can fit in the comforter bags. Select a Page << Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 Next >> Share your own hints by filling in the form below... |
   |
|