SINGLE CROCHET
Make a foundation chain of 20 stitches for practice piece.

FIRST ROW

1. To begin row, insert hook from the front under the two top threads of second chain (ch) from hook (FIG. 11).

2. Catch thread with hook ("thread over") (FIG. 12) and draw through stitch (st). There are now two loops on hook
(FIG. 13).

3. Thread over and draw through two loops. (One loop remains on hook). One single crochet (s c) is now completed (FIG. 14).

4. For the next single crochet (s.c), insert hook under two top threads of next stitch (st) and proceed as before.  (Repeat steps 2 and 3).

5. Repeat until you have made a single crochet (s c) in every ch.

6. At end of row of single crochets, chain (ch) 1 (FIG. 15).

7. Turn your work so that the reverse side is facing you (FIG. 16).

SECOND ROW

1. Insert hook from the front under the two top threads of second stitch from hook. (First stitch on previous row).

2. Repeat steps 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 in directions for first row.

                 THIRD ROW

1. Repeat second row.

FOURTH ROW

1. At end of fourth row, do not make a turning chain.

2. Clip thread about 3 inches from work, bring loose end through the one loop remaining on hook and pull tightly (FIG. 17).

3. Now you have completed your practice piece in single crochet.

Note: In all crochet it is customary to pick up the two top threads of every stitch as you work, unless otherwise specified. When only the back stitch is picked up, a different effect is produced, known as Rib Stitch.

DOUBLE CROCHET
Make a foundation chain of 20 stitches for practice piece.

FIRST ROW

1. To begin row, thread over and insert hook from the front under the two top threads of 4th chain (ch) from hook (FIG. 18).

2. Thread over and draw through stitch (st). There are now three loops on hook.

3. Thread over (FIG. 19) and draw through 2 loops. (Two loops remain on hook, FIG. 20).

4. Thread over again and draw through the two remaining loops. (One loop remains on hook). One

5. For next double crochet (d c), thread over, insert hook from the front under the two top threads of next stitch (st) and proceed as before. (Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4).

6. Repeat until you have made a double crochet (d c) in every chain.

7. At end of row, chain three (ch 3) (FIG. 22) and turn. (The three chain stitches count as the first double crochet (d c) in next row).

SECOND ROW

1. To begin row, thread over, insert the hook from the front under the two top threads of the fifth stitch from the hook. (Second stitch on previous row).

2. Repeat steps 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 (FIG. 23).

THIRD and FOURTH ROWS

1. Repeat second row.

2. Finish off at end of fourth row by cutting the thread about 3 inches away from last double crochet (dc). Bring end through the loop and pull tightly.

HALF DOUBLE CROCHET

The stitch known as half double crochet (half d c) is made by repeating steps 1 and 2 of double crochet. At that point there are three loops on the hook. Then thread over and draw through all three loops at once (FIG. 24). In half double crochet chain two (ch 2) to turn.

SLIP STITCH

It is not necessary to make a practice piece for slip stitch (sl st) because it is used only in joining or when an invisible stitch is required. If the directions call for a slip stitch (sl st), refer to this page to see how it is done. When the directions say join you always use a slip stitch.

1. Insert hook from the front through the two top threads of stitch (st) (FIG. 25).

INCREASING and DECREASING

HOW TO INCREASE WITH THE STITCHES YOU HAVE LEARNED

HOW TO DECREASE WITH THE STITCHES YOU HAVE LEARNED

i. Complete a single crochet (s c) to the point where two loops remain on hook.

2. Keep the two loops on hook and insert hook from the front under the two top threads of next stitch (st).

3. Thread over and draw through stitch (st). There are now three loops on hook.

4. Thread over and draw through the three loops at once. (One loop remains on hook). You have now worked two single crochets together and there is one stitch less on row.

5. The directions instruct you where to decrease.

1. Make a double crochet (d c) to the point where there are two loops on hook.

2. Keep the two loops on hook, thread over, and insert hook from the front under the two top threads of next stitch (st).

3. Thread over and draw through stitch (st). There are four loops on hook.

4. Thread over again and draw through two loops. (Three loops remain on hook).

5. Thread over and draw through the three loops. (One loop remains on hook). You have now worked two double crochets together and there is one stitch less on row.

6. The directions instruct you where to decrease.

FILET

     Filet is a type of crochet which consists of blocks and spaces, so arranged as to produce an interesting design.   All filet designs are worked from a chart of squares. The dark squares represent blocks and the light squares represent spaces. Unless otherwise instructed in the directions, allow four double crochets (4 d c) for the first block and three double crochets (3 d c) for each additional block. For instance, three blocks require ten double crochets (10 d c).

      To make a row of spaces, first work a foundation chain. Then, make double crochet (d c) in 8th chain (ch) from hook, * chain (ch) 2, skip 2 chain (ch), double crochet (d c) in next chain (ch). Repeat from * to end of chain (ch). Chain (ch) 5 to turn at the end of the row.
      When there are several rows of spaces to be made, each double crochet is worked directly over double crochet of previous row and same number of chains is made between double crochets.

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