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!

Saturday, December 01, 2007Name: Jessica

Subject: Teaching Beginning Crochet

Comment: When teaching someone how to crochet, be sure to call every stitch by it's real name. Do not refer to the beginning chain as the "V" shape or anything other than the proper name for the stitch. Calling the stitch a different name works in the beginning, but after a while it gets confusing for the teacher and the students.

Monday, November 26, 2007Name: Jessica

Subject: Pesky yarn tails

Comment: When you are making a piece where you change colors often, weave in yarn ends as you go. It is hard to force yourself to weave them in as you go because you want to go on, but it will save you a lot of frustration when you finish your project and have to weave all of those ends in.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007Name: Diana

Subject: Storage

Comment: I use old makeup bags I got as "gift with purchase" to store my hooks, needles, scissors, etc in.

Also when I get a bag from a store with handles on it I use them to hold different WIPs.

I also store all my stuff together in large Rubbermaid containers to keep them together and keep the pet hair off.

Friday, November 09, 2007Name: Anna

Subject: Zip Lock Big Bags

Comment: Right now I'm crocheting a afghan for my room, and what I found works wonderful for holding my work in progress is a Zip Lock Big Bag! My afghan has me switch colors every row and so I have about 10 different skeins of yarn which the bag holds, along with the afghan and I still have plenty of room in the bag.
You can buy them at stores like Wal-mart. I'm using the XL size but they also come in XXL.

Wednesday, November 07, 2007Name: Diane Weston

Subject: starting chain

Comment: When I teach younger ones to crochet, I have them make the starting chain on a hook 1-2 sizes larger than the one in the pattern. This keeps them from making the chain too tight (a common beginner problem). I have them switch to the right size for the first row. It makes the first edge a bit uneven, but is great practice for starting.

Sunday, October 28, 2007Name: Yvonne McMillon

Subject: Pattern Shopping Cards

Comment: I created a Pattern Shopping Card, I complete this card when I purchase a pattern. Information on the card contains; the Pattern Name/Description, Source, Suggested Materials, Suggested Quantity and the size hook(s) to be used. I file this card as I would a recipe card, take it with me when shopping for yarn. No more guessing. I love it!

Monday, October 22, 2007Name: Susan

Subject: Cushion for hooks

Comment: I use pencil cushions for size J hooks and larger. They are inexpensive and make it easier to hold the hook. They can be bought in any office supply store or Walmart may have them.

Sunday, October 21, 2007Name: Katy Thorna

Subject: Storing Projects

Comment: I am a BIG crochet person so I usually have a lot of projects going on at once. I usually have one big project and several small projects, but i've found that if I keep my big project in a small portable basket, I can find it easier and I can pack it up and take it places easier. EASY EASY EASY!

Saturday, October 13, 2007Name: Lanna Clark

Subject: foldable scissors

Comment: I picked up 5 or 6 of the foldable scissors at Wal-Mart. To keep from losing them in your craft bag, I tied them to a piece of yarn to the handle or the pocket zipper in the bag. This way it will always be around & if the string is long enough you can use it while the bag is on the floor. I also have it in my purse as well & hooked on on my key chain. Never know when you need a pair of scissors. Also these are good for ripping out seams of garments. I used it at a sewing factory that I worked at. They are small & handy to get into small places that need sniped.

Tuesday, October 09, 2007Name: Sheryl

Subject: Darning Needle holder

Comment: These plastic pill bottles that are empty are great for carrying your darning needles. The labels are easy to just remove. Now you can see clear thru the bottle. Good luck

Friday, October 05, 2007Name: susanG

Subject: storage of wip

Comment: I usually have more than 1 wip, currently 4 with #5 brewing in my mind, I use purses that I like but don't use to store and carry the smaller projects, and am teaching my children to do the same since they both crochet. for a really big project, I have a zip top tote bag. And for all my hooks, I use a tennis ball container.

Friday, October 05, 2007Name: Zach

Subject: charts

Comment: I'm a math major in college so naturally I love graphs. If you have microsoft you probably have a paint feature. If you go into paint and click on the paint brush you can choose from three sizes of squares to use. If you choose the big size I find that it is easy to make your own colored charts for your patterns. The only downside is that you have to magnify it in order to see the squares clearly, and when you print out your chart the squares appear very small. I'm sure someone out there can figure out how to make in print bigger though.
So, I hope this helps make your crocheting more fun!
Zach

Thursday, October 04, 2007Name: Fawn

Subject: Carry along

Comment: I use a well made back pack to carry my WIP's. They have several pockets, so I can store my hooks and scissors. The main compartment is usually big enough to store any project I have crocheted. They can be a bit costly, but worth it, it keeps the yarn protected and the item you are crocheting clean.

Thursday, October 04, 2007Name: Fawn

Subject: Scissors and such

Comment: I buy a nail kit from the dollar store to keep with my crocheting. There is usually a small pair of scissors for clipping the yarn, and a nail file, in case my nails get ragged.

Most come in containers that open and shut easily and keep those crocheting needs in one place.

And best of all, the whole set cost is only a dollar.

Monday, September 24, 2007Name: Dorothy

Subject: new pattern troubles

Comment: When I'am having trouble with a pattern, I work it out first with used yarn. That way I don't have to keep ripping out my good yarn. Give it a try you'll be glad you did!

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