Tips 'n Tricks

Do 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!

Monday, February 04, 2008Name: Janean

Subject: Carpal Tunnel

Comment: I am a hairdresser, and I enjoy crochet, knitting, cross stitch, and beading. I have carpal tunnel syndrome and have had surgery on it about seven years ago, but am having problems with it again. I have found that taking breaks and stretching the hands back like praying, only a bit further helps. Wearing a brace to bed helps as well. Hope this helps.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008Name: DG

Subject: Remebering what you have

Comment: When ever I go to a yarn store, I bring an index card that says all the sizes of hooks and the colors and types of yarns I have. That way, I don't end up buying the same hook size twice. Also, when ever I am starting a new project, I go look at my index card to make sure I have all the supplies I need for the pattern. This way I know I have all the supplies I need and never have extra.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008Name: Laura

Subject: gauge squares can be usefull too!

Comment: Sometimes, I get stuck for hours. I look through 5 or 10 books and still have no Idea what I want to do, so I make a ton of little squares and join them to make cute patterns. It's something to do if you need to clear out a basket of gauge squares. It's really nice for beginners.

Sunday, January 27, 2008Name: TJ

Subject: Quick Reference

Comment: When you save the patterns on your computer, .pdf, .html, .mht, etc, save a separate version of the picture in the same folder. Then name it exactly the same as the directions. (You can do this as long as the file extension is different.) The files will automatically be grouped together if you have your folder set to 'arrange by name'. Then you can surf through by opening a picture in (windows picture & Fax viewer for example)and either hitting the arrow keys on the keyboard or the little forward key at the bottom of the window. This way you don't have to open the whole thing to see if you want to make the project.

Friday, January 25, 2008Name: RS

Subject: Keeping yarn close

Comment: If you have a ball of yarn that keeps rolling all over the floor, then grab a bowl from the kitchen!! It really helps.

Thursday, January 24, 2008Name: Rose

Subject: Storing Hooks

Comment: I found a cheap way to store crochet hooks that I thought I would share. My mom had a lot of those plastic cylinders that the powder drinks mix is coming in. These are the ones that the mix is in individual packets- the Wal-Mart brand of raspberry ice tea is sold that way now. She had given me some for my scrapbooking stuff and beading supplies, but tried putting my hooks in there one day and they fit with plenty of room at the top to put the lid on. It's nice because all my hooks are in one place. I have about 10-15 in there right now (I have a bad habit of buying multiples) and there is probably room for 20 or 30 more! So there is plenty of room! I like it because the container fits nice in my bag and doesn't take up much room!!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008Name: lisa

Subject: theraphy

Comment: I have a 1 year old son with down syndrome. He has trouble with his fine motor skills so when i crochet I give him a crochet hook (a size I) so that it is less likely to hurt him.I sit him in front of me so I can watch him and give him a ball of yarn that matches my yarn color. He tries to "crochet" like mommy. This is great theraphy to help him learn to hold pencil and crayons. This can be a bit dangerous but as long as I am there to keep an eye on him things should go well. He has been "crocheting" with me for about 2 months and has never gotten hurt. I do not let him stand or crawl with the hook. I may lose a ball of yarn in the process but thats nothing when the benefits are so great. He is doing great and is right on target with other children. I know that allowing him to "crochet" with me has helped a great deal.

Saturday, January 19, 2008Name: sherry

Subject: keeping pattern readable

Comment: I have had patterns that are my favorites, I used them so much they started to get torn up. I finely got the Idea to copy the one pattern I was using, then i could mark it as i went, and still had a good copy.

Another thing I have done is to take a note book and put the basic instructions down and write the stitch row down and mark off the rows as I go, keeping the note book with the project. when you pick up the project later you will know where you are on it.

Saturday, January 19, 2008Name: Janice Chandler

Subject: organizing yarn

Comment: When making an afghan with six different colors of yarn, I was having trouble keeping them organized for easy switching of the colors. I took my tall laundry basket stood all six colors on the end, tail end pointing up. I then pulled the tails up and put them through the hole in the side of the basket right above each skein of yarn this way I can just clip the yarn off and spin the basket to the next color . Works GREAT

Tuesday, January 15, 2008Name: Shelley

Subject: weaving vs. carrying along

Comment: I detest weaving in those pesky ends. When I'm working on a pattern w/ more than one color yarn, I tend to carry the color up along the side instead of breaking off and weaving in the ends. This is especially true if I'm working on an afghan where the border will easily hide the yarn that's been carried. It's less wastefull, I find, than ending the row and weaving in.

Monday, January 14, 2008Name: Jenn

Subject: Keeping a Leash on Yarn

Comment: I purchased a round box w/ a lid at Hobby Lobby (mine is heavy cardboard but wood would be nice, too) and drilled 6 holes in the top, all spread out. Thread your yarn, up to 6 different colors through and it will keep your skeins clean and is easily transportable!! One of these days I'll decorate the box. ;o) A pre-decorated hat box would also work. Have fun!

Monday, January 07, 2008Name: Janet from Tacoma, WA

Subject: comfort while crocheting

Comment: Wrap your crochet hook with foam rubber or scoot-guard (a product to keep rugs from sticking) and wind a rubber band around it. This is much easier on your hand, especially if you are doing "hard" crochet making tight stitches as in some hats and most rugs.

Friday, January 04, 2008Name: Linda

Subject: I can't find it!!!

Comment: Hi. I've been crocheting for 40 years and have a tip for keeping track of stuff like scissors and needles. I made a bunch of little cloth bags and into each I put a clear pill bottle of needles, a scissor (buy a bunch at school supply time), and buttons or beads or anything else I need for my current project. Put one in the car, in each project bag, by your chair, etc, and you'll always have your supplies handy.

Thursday, January 03, 2008Name: Jenny

Subject: Patterns

Comment: I find it helpful to use a sticky note when doing patterns and move it down each row, especially when the pattern is lace. It keeps me focused on what I am doing so I make less mistakes. Also when you are doing clothing with varied sizes, be sure to circle or highlight your size so you don't end up with two mismatched sleeves.

Wednesday, January 02, 2008Name: mzklever

Subject: plastic hooks

Comment: My niece told me about this one... plastic hooks don't set off the metal detectors in airports/government buildings, etc (obviously!!). I work in a county courthouse and have no problems getting my hooks through the doors. It's great to be able to work on a project while waiting for jury duty or delayed flights!

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