Sabrina Tunic Crochet-Along: Yarn, Sizing, Gauge and Getting Started

I am so excited to host this summer’s Lion Brand Crochet Along!  I love the project you all voted for… The Sabrina Tunic.  To kick off the first week I will be talking about the yarn, gauge, sizing and getting started with the first few rows.  I hope you are as excited as I am… Let’s get crocheting!!!

Let’s start with the yarn.  This pattern called for Vanna’s Glamour^®  in 3 colors.  This yarn is a light weight yarn and is categorized as a size 2 in yarn standards.  The thing I love about this yarn is the hint of sparkle; this will make our project really special!  It’s important to use the same weight yarn that the pattern calls for to keep our tunic looking and fitting just right.  This yarn also has a nice easy stretch to it which will make our garment keep its shape. It’s not too late order your yarn and join us… Lion Brand Yarn will ship it straight to your door.  Click here to view & order the kits at 20% off.

Now it’s time to move on to the most important part of the pattern… Gauge!!!  I know it’s tempting to skip the gauge and just start crocheting.  Since everyone crochets a little differently, uses different style hooks and working with light weight yarn can change our tension, it is extremely important to check your gauge.  It only takes a short amount of time and I promise it will pay off by giving you a better fitting garment.

The pattern directions ask us to make two swatches. One swatch with the smallest hook and one swatch with the largest hook.  I tend to crochet slightly on the loose side, I started with the hooks that were called for in the pattern and my swatch was way to big… With the smaller hook and 22 stitches for my first attempt the swatch was 6” instead of 4”.   If I would have kept that gauge, by the end of my project it would have been much too large. I went down 3 hook sizes to get the correct size swatch and crocheted enough rows to make my swatch 4” wide and about 3” tall. Now I am all set and I can start the project!!

Swatch using a “C” hook 22 stitches.

Swatch using an “E” hook 19 stitches

Let’s take a moment to chat about the sizing… The pattern has directions for 3 sizes -Small, M/L and 1X/2X.  It is important to get an accurate chest measurement before you begin. By using the measurements indicated in the pattern you will use the size that coincides with that measurement. This will really help you get the garment to fit correctly.  The length will be slightly adjustable and you can make it as long or as short as you like!

Okay… Are you ready to start??  As a long time crocheter, I always dread the first couple of rows in any project!! There isn’t much to hold onto and the stitches like to roll around… Joining the starting chain into a circle can be very tricky too!  Here are two tips I have to help;  1) Place stitch markers every 25 stitches in the beginning chain. This will make it much easier to keep track of where you are. 2) Lay your starting chain carefully out on a piece of fabric, keeping the chain facing in the correct position (see the picture below).  This will help you join your chain and avoid twisting it. If you have difficulty with your chain twisting please don’t hesitate to use the alternative joining instructions provided in the pattern.

Lay out your starting chain on a piece of fabric when you’re ready to join, it will help keep it straight.

Once my chain was joined, the first row was a little tricky as usual… I just took my time and made sure I was crocheting in the correct stitches.  I am using the Onyx colored yarn and it was a bit difficult to see the beginning stitch-work… Just make sure you have good lighting and you will be just fine!  Once I was finished with Row 2, I was really happy with the results. The work started to lie nicely and I had something to hold onto.    It was easy to see the stitching and I am now on my way to a gorgeous Sabrina Tunic!

This week let’s all get our swatches made, and work on the first few rows of the yoke.  I will be hanging out here every so often to answer your questions and also over at our Ravelry Group.  Stay tuned next week for tips about finishing up the yoke.

Happy Crocheting!!

Elena

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About Elena Ramshaw Hunt:
I’m an avid crocheter and yarn-a-holic! My Grandmother taught me the art of crochet when I was 10 and as a young woman the bug really caught me. With 40 years of crochet experience, I have taught and shared my love of crochet to many people in my community and in 2013 I began Beatrice Ryan Designs (named after my grandmother) where I design free crochet patterns including my Amazing Grace Free Crochet Pattern Series that is dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness.I live in a small Northern California mountain community. I have 3 grown children and 2 beautiful Grandchildren! I work full-time as an Administrative Assistant for a Forest Products Company and I love to spend my time with my family, crocheting and gardening.