The Crochet Handbook: Learn what Equipment you need to Crochet, The Basics of Crochet, How to Read Written Patterns, Graphs, Charts and Diagrams, and More (7 page)

Example of a simple C2C graph

Thank you for purchasing this book. I hope it has helped you understand written patterns, diagrams, charts, and graphs. As you work more of patterns you will become more familiar with them and be ready to tackle more complicated and intricate patterns. You may even want to try your hand at creating your own.

Ripple Afghans and Crochet Diagrams for Beginners

Learn How to Read and Crochet Diagrams and Four Versions of the Ripple Afghan

By Florence Schultz

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER   ONE – Basic Crochet Stitch Refresher

CHAPTER TWO – Crochet Diagrams Demystified

CHAPTER THREE – How to Figure Out the Number of Stitches for a Foundation Chain

CHAPTER FOUR – Basic Ripple Pattern

CHAPTER FIVE – Ripple Variations

TABLES

INTRODUCTION

Ripple afghans have been very popular for many decades. The pattern is a timeless one that will sure to become one of your favorites. In this book I will teach you the basics of crochet and how to read and crochet a diagram. Reading diagrams is an important skill for any crochet artist to have, and they are not hard to read at all. We’ll go over the different symbols used in diagrams, and how to read them correctly. Next we move onto the basic ripple and chevron pattern. After we master these we move onto some pretty ripple variations. This book is written for beginners, but if you have always wanted to be able to read and understand diagrams, then this book will be a valuable resource no matter what skill level you may be. Are you ready? Then let’s get started!

CHAPTER   ONE – Basic Crochet Stitch Refresher

You may already know how to crochet, but I thought it would be a good idea to include a basic crochet stitch refresher. If you don’t know how to crochet, then this chapter will teach you the basic stitches and techniques you need to start to crochet. Ripple and chevron patterns use the chain stitch, single crochet, double crochet, sometimes the treble crochet, and crochet two stitches together. In this chapter we will go over all of these stitches as well as how to change colors and carry color changes up the side of the crochet fabric.

What You Need to Get Started

All you really need is a hook and a skein or ball of yarn. Choose a medium weight acrylic, wool, or wool blend to begin with. These types of yarn are easy to work with and easy to care for. You will also need a crochet hook. I recommend you purchase a nice quality set of aluminum hooks. You can find sets in many different sizes. I have a set which ranges from E to K and I’ve been using them for many years. You will also need a pair of shears or scissors, and a tapestry or blunt end needle to weave in the tails once you are finished with your project. Once you have all your supplies gathered to together we can begin.

How to Hold the Hook

There are two ways to hold the hook; pencil and knife hold. Each one is correct and it is a personal preference on which one you use. As long as you are not straining your hand and the stitches come out correctly either hold is acceptable.

Knife hold

Pencil hold

Chain Stitch

Most crochet patterns begin with a foundation chain of chain stitches. The pattern will indicate how many chain stitches you will need to crochet, or you can figure it out by the number of stitches in a pattern repeat (we’ll go over this a bit later in the book). First create a slip knot and place it on the hook. Place the yarn over the hook (known as a yarn over from now on) and pull the yarn through the slip knot on the hook. This is a chain stitch. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the loop on the hook. This is the second chain stitch. Continue to crochet chain stitches until you are comfortable handling the hook and the yarn. Concentrate on getting your stitches and tension even.

Single Crochet

Crochet 12 chain stitches to begin. Skip the first chain stitch and insert the hook into the second chain from the hook. The first skipped chain stitch is counted as the first single crochet stitch. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the chain stitch. There are now two loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull the yarn through both loops on the hook. This is a single crochet stitch. Repeat this across the chain until you come to the end. You will have 12 single crochet stitches all together including the one skipped chain stitch. Turn your work.

To begin the next and subsequent rows chain one. This chain one is the first single crochet stitch in the row. When you begin a new row of single crochet you will always chain one and count it as the first stitch. The chain stitches at the beginning of a row are known as the turning chain. Insert the hook into the next stitch, not into the base of the chain one. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. Yarn over and pull through the two loops on the hook. Continue across the row working to the end. When you reach the end, the last single crochet is worked into the skipped chain stitch. For the rest of the rows the last stitch will be worked into the chain one turning chain.

Chain one to start a new row of single crochet.

Insert the hook into the first stitch of the second row, not into the base of the chain one.

Work the last stitch in either the skipped chain stitch of the foundation chain or in the chain one of the turning chain.

Double Crochet

The double crochet stitch is used quite a bit in crochet. It is the base of many patterns and stitch combinations. Begin by chaining 12 again. Yarn over and skip the first three chain stitches and insert the hook into the fourth chain from the hook. The three skipped chains are considered the first double crochet stitch. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the chain stitch. You now have three loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. Yarn over and pull through the last two loops to complete the stitch. Crochet across the chain and work the last double crochet stitch into the last chain stitch. You should have 12 double crochet stitches including the three skipped chain stitches at the beginning. Turn your work.

To begin a new row of double crochet chain three. These chains are considered the first double crochet stitch. At the beginning of each new row of double crochet you will chain three. This is also known as the turning chain. Yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch, not into the base of the chain three. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through the last two loops on the hook to complete the stitch. Crochet a double crochet stitch into each stitch across the row. When you reach the last stitch, it is worked into the third chain of the skipped foundation chain stitches. For each row after the second row the last stitch is worked into the top (third chain) of the turning chain.