Lion Brand Notebook ®
I think that every crocheter and knitter should be open to trying new skills–by challenging yourself as a crafter, you grow your abilities and open up the possibilities of making even more amazing projects.
On a recent episode of YarnCraft (that’d be our podcast or downloadable online radio show), we talked a little bit about 5 crochet techniques we think that everyone should try! Here they are:
This technique involves two passes of the crochet hook (one to pick up loops onto the hook–bearing a resemblance to knit stitches on a needle–and one to work those loops off the hook) and creates a fabric that can look woven or knitted. Click here to learn more about this interesting skill.
Create beautiful lace stitches with just your basic single crochet and a large knitting needle (or a handle…like that of a broomstick)! Find out how in this easy photo tutorial.
Both crocheters and knitters can create wonderful colorwork simply by following a chart. See some examples in this blog post.
This unique looking lace is created with a special tool and a crochet hook. See this helpful video to see how it’s done.
Wonderful braids and raised textures are yours for the making with crochet cables. Learn just how easy this technique actually is with this blog post.
[Basic shell stitch pattern shown in swatch above can be found here; please note the photo above uses 4 colors and is shown sitting upside-down from the stitch pattern photo.]
To learn more about this episode of YarnCraft, click here. Use the player below to listen to the episode directly from this page (this particular segment starts at 27:24).
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guest
I’ve been crocheting for over 40 years. I find hairpin and broomstick lace annoying, because the loops get ruined easily or “caught” on things (or fingers) in the finished product. They’re good for lightly used items. Tunisian crochet is good for potholders or trivets, but the result (unless you do the stitch VERY loosely and use a thinner-than-worsted weight yarn OR a larger-than normal hook size) is just too thick and inflexible. Front- and back-post stitches can make wonderful patterns including cables while leaving the item still flexible. I don’t mind working color designs but tend to prefer the stitch/pattern and quality of fiber “do the talking”. I’m very into having my products be usable/wearable, pleasing to the touch as well as the eye. Just my opinion, of course. Everyone has to learn what works best for them, both in the making and use of the final product. That’s what’s great about making things for oneself – choice! 🙂
greening
I know I have to learn Tunisian crochet, because there are more patterns out now that use this technique, and I like the different look of the fabric. Lion Brand, I wish you would offer a kit — maybe with the cute bag that combines Vanna’s Choice in purple and Vanna’s Glamour in Copper; I’ve wanted to make it for years! — the right size Tunisian hook, the pattern and a booklet (if you have one) on how to do Tunisian crochet.
kristen
It would be great if Lion Brand offered a kit! Until they do, check out the tunisian crochet kits at purl soho.
Diane Wiman
The Instructions/video that I would like to see would be for crochet using a double-end hook. I bought a pattern book and 2 sizes of hooks on Clearance a few years ago, but I cannot make sense of it– perhaps because I usually crochet left-handed.
Emmy
I am right handed but I agree that it would be a great idea to have it clearly explained/illustrated. I have been crocheting since I was 8 and I am nearing 70. Please help!
Zontee
Hi Diane and @disqus_4iPzC1vuKx:disqus, check out this video from Clover (whose double-ended hooks we carry on LionBrand.com) that very clearly shows how to use the double-ended Tunisian crochet hooks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQfp88HI2WY
Hope that helps!
tracy
I’ve been crocheting for over thirty years. I’ve tried tunisian crochet and don’t really like it..too stiff. I really enjoy crocheting in the bavarian stitch the pattern makes beautiful projects. This stitch is also called ” catherine’s wheel”. I would like to see Lion Brand offer tutorial on bavarian crochet.
marte
I have crochet for over 40 years and i love to learn something new and challenging. Afghan stitch (tunisian crochet) makes great ground fabric for Cross-stitch. Also being an advid cross-stitcter it is hard to find different ways to show off your work. I can also I made the fabric too. The only problem I have is this stitch tends to roll on the edges. Is there any help.
I would like to see more information about Enterlac crochet I think that is how it Is spelled I know I have done an afghan in it.
Sue Tringali
The shell pattern in the picture is different than on the link. Can you tell the difference and it is not just the color?
Zontee
Hi Sue, good catch. I’ve updated the link.
Please note the photo above uses 4 colors of Cotton-Ease with a slightly larger-than recommended hook (I think it’s pictured with Lion Brand’s J-10 hook), which is why it’s looser-looking.
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