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!

Friday, August 20, 2004Name: Linda

Subject: keeping up with rows

Comment: I saw someone had an idea with the post it notes....well that is a good one and also I use them to keep up with the rows...that way you dont mark on your pattern and if you copy it for someone it isnt marked all over and no erasing either... GOOD IDEAS YOU GOT LADIES

Friday, August 06, 2004Name: Pat

Subject: Remedy for dragging Crochet Hooks

Comment: Whenever I am crocheting there are times where it seems as if some textures of yarn, although the same brand just different colors, the hook begins to drag and doesn't go threw the stitches as easy. I get a small piece of wax paper and rub it back and forth on the hook and go back to crocheting. Works everytime!!!! Plus there is no residue.

Friday, August 06, 2004Name: Dianne

Subject: markers

Comment: As I've been reading the tips, I noticed that many of you use safety pins for markers/stitch holders. If you go to the quilting section of your favorite craft store, you will find that quilters use those popular hair clips to hold quilt pieces together. They are usually about $2.00 for 50 and are the plain stainless steel type. I bought a package of those & use them for my stitch holders. I also put a small sticker on the top end & use a felt marker to write the hook size on the sticker. This way, when I pull out a WIP, I have no problem knowing the right size hook. The clips also can be used like a paperclip to show me where I am in the pattern. I've passed this on to the people I've taught to crochet & they love the idea. Happy Hooking!!

Friday, August 06, 2004Name: Monica

Subject: wedding gift

Comment: For wedding shower and housewarming gifts, I find out what the kitchen colors are. I make a set of 3 dishcloths and a plastic bag holder. I have gotten such positive comments...not many people make things themselves these days, so my gift is often the only handmade one. By the way, many of the younger women have no idea what a dishcloth is, or how to use one! They are used to using paper towels and sponges.

Friday, August 06, 2004Name: Courtney

Subject: Measurements

Comment: I'm 13 years old, and I found out that, when you crochet something, you need to make sure that you use the exact measurements that the pattern tells you to, because, I was making a hat for my cousin and used a size I needle instead of a size H needle that the pattern said to use, and it ended up WAAAAAAAY to big for her head. So you need to be careful!!!!!

Friday, August 06, 2004Name: Denise

Subject: Yarn usage

Comment: Making a large bedspread or afghan (especially with more than one color)? I made a bedspread with alternating colors and finished the entire skien and attached a new color even if it was the middle of the row. No wasted yarn (16 skeins of chunky weight can be a bit expensive!) Everyone loves it and they all keep asking when I am going to make more (yikes)

Friday, August 06, 2004Name: Heather.Rose.Russell

Subject: Bookmarks and other subjects

Comment: I find that patterns for the strips for mile-a-minute afghans can be easily adapted for bookmarks if you use a small hook and size 10 cotton instead of a large hook and yarn and if you just do enough pattern repeats to make the bookmark about 3" in length, not including "tail." Also, the "traditional" granny square pattern makes good use of leftover scrap yarn for a random-coloured afghan, as even the tiniest amounts of any colour would be enough to complete the first round. Finally, tip #3, if you purchase a large metal ring at a craft store (say a diameter of 5 or 6"), then crochet around it with green yarn in a base sc pattern followed by two or three rows of any desired fancy pattern (e.g. shells), you have a nice wreath shaped door knob hanger to give away for a Christmas gift to somebody, or to keep for yourself.

Friday, August 06, 2004Name: Evelyn

Subject: my hints

Comment: I have also been crocheting for about 45 years, I use a small garbage can with a plastic grocery bag to hold my yarn while im working on it. it keeps yarn and balls of thread in place, then I store my project in it ,and tie it when not working on it. I also pull my loop out about 12 inches, and tie a slip knot so it doesnt unravel. To mark my rows I make copys of my patterns, then make a little pencil mark, and make sure I dont quit in the middle of a row. I also wash and dry my hooks to make them slide easier. I use different colored yarn for stitch markers, if working rounds I pull it thru each row as Im Working

Friday, August 06, 2004Name: Michelle

Subject: Left handed learner

Comment: I am left handed and taught myself to crochet from a book by first reading the instructions, but looking at the pictures and diagrams in a mirror.

Friday, August 06, 2004Name: Melissa

Subject: Patterns

Comment: Ever sit back down to a large project in progress and lose your place in the pattern? Try using post-its. I move the post-it to the next round on the pattern as I crochet, then if I don't get back to it for a few days, I know exactly where I left off.

Friday, August 06, 2004Name: Tyler

Subject: Fun

Comment: I am 12 years old and I learned how to crochet when I was 10. I have enjoyed doing crochet. It is a great stress reliever! I had trouble finding beginner patterns but the patterns on this site really helped me get started. Some of the tips in this section really helped me, THANKS!

Friday, August 06, 2004Name: Courtney

Subject: Learning from books

Comment: I'm 13, and I enjoy crocheting like my mom, aunt, and Grandma. When I was beginning to learn from a book, it took me forever because when they were to single and double crochet, it was on a project that I didn't want to learn. So it really helps to have someone else there to tech you, and now, all those things are EASY!!!!

Friday, August 06, 2004Name: Christine

Subject: Beginning Crocheters

Comment: Hi! I'm 12 years old and love to crochet. My tip to beginners is that learning from a book takes longer and learning from another person is better. I think it is better because they can show you short cuts. For instance I was learning how to make a slip knot and I didn't get the instructions, so I asked another person who knew how to crochet and found out there is nothing to it! I've been crocheting for 1 year and recommend it to everone!

Friday, August 06, 2004Name: Susan

Subject: Photos

Comment: I give all my crochet projects as gifts, so I take a photo of each completed item and file it with my notes on yarn usage, hook size, etc. The photos remind me of projects I particularly enjoyed and designs that evolved as I worked on them. When I offer to make an afghan for a friend, I show the photos as sample designs and color schemes; the recipient chooses her favorite, and then I can create a gift she truly will love.

Friday, August 06, 2004Name: Sherrie

Subject: Counting

Comment: Instead of using those fancy stitch counters, i use safety pins. I use several sizes to help keep the counting simple. When I'm finished with 25 rows, i'll attach a Little gold safety pin, 50 rows I use medium size etc. Use whatever scale works best for you.

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