Helpful Hints For the Crocheter


 

Buy Sufficient Material—At the time you make your initial purchase of the yarn for the garment you intend to make, it is important that you buy the complete amount of each color necessary to finish the article, making sure that it is all of one dye lot number as the next lot number of any color may differ slightly in shade from the original lot you purchased and make it impossible to complete your garment satisfactorily.

Check Your Gauge First—Before starting your garment,  knit or crochet a small sample. If you cannot procure the exact gauge given in the directions, try a needle one or even two sizes smaller or larger until you obtain the exact gauge specified for the garment you intend to make. Because some work tightly and others loosely, we suggest you test your own work first to verify the gauge.

If you find you have to use a different size needle than that called for in the directions, the change will not in any way alter your garment, provided your gauge is in accordance with that called for in the directions.

To Change Size of Garments to Another Regulation Size—Add the number of sts required to make 1 inch (see gauge at beginning of directions for garment to be made) to both the back and front of garment for each size larger than the size given in directions; or subtract the number of sts required for 1 inch from both back and front for each size smaller. When a pattern stitch is used, add (or subtract) the number of sts given for 1 or more repeats (or "multiples") of pattern, according to the number of inches required. Then follow the directions given. When shaping armholes, bind off 1 st more each side for one size larger (1 st less each side for one size smaller). Make the armhole ¼ inch longer at both back and front for one size larger ¼ inch shorter for one size smaller). When shaping shoulders, bind off more (or less) sts than given in directions for shoulders and back of neck, adding 1/3 of the extra sts to each shoulder and remaining sts to back of neck. When casting on the sts for lower edge of sleeve, add ¼ inch for each size larger, then increase  ½ inch extra. This will make sleeve  ½ inch wider at underarm for each size larger.

If You Vary from a Regular Size—Take your own measurements wherever you differ from the size given in the directions. Multiply the number of inches of each of these measurements by the number of sts (or rows) equivalent to 1 inch, to obtain the number of sts (or rows) required at each particular place where it is necessary to make your garment larger, or smaller. Follow directions given, changing number of decreases or increases, to obtain desired width or the number of rows between decreases or increases to obtain desired length. In making a garment, always count the rows on the front and back, being careful to have the same number on each piece. Count the rows in same way on each sleeve.

Belt Loops—Join yarn   ½ inch below waistline at underarm. Make a chain the width of belt and fasten above waistline. Make loop at other underarm in same way.

To Wash Knitted/Crocheted Garments—First take complete measurements of your garment, then using Lux Soap Flakes, make thick suds with hot water; then add enough cold water to make it lukewarm (comfortable wrist temperature). Avoid using hot water which shrinks wool. Immerse garment and gently work suds through the fabric—do not rub or twist or allow the weight of the garment to pull it out of shape. Keep the garment supported in the hands when squeezing out water.

Rinse thoroughly in three lukewarm waters immediately after washing, squeezing garment gently between the hands to remove soap. Do not twist or wring. Roll garment between two turkish towels to knead out excess moisture— unroll at once and shape garment according to original measurements, leaving it on turkish towel. Let it dry slowly, not forgetting to stretch it frequently into its natural shape, according to measurements. While garment is still damp, block according to directions given below.

To Block or Steam Yarn Garments—Turn garment wrong side out. Lay flat on a pressing board. Pin edges of garment if necessary to make it lie flat. For one-piece dress, pin across waistline, then pin skirt according to directions given below. Lay a wet cloth over garment. Pass a hot iron over the cloth allowing the steam to go through the garment. Do not allow the weight of the iron to rest on the garment. Leave garment pinned until thoroughly dry.

To Stretch Pattern Stitch Garments in Blocking—In special cases when a stitch of the rib type is used, it is necessary to stretch garments out to their correct width. Pin garment to pressing board, stretching to measurements given for finished garment. Then follow directions for steaming yarn garments or skirts, using enough pressure on iron so that garment will retain desired measurements. Be careful not to flatten pattern too much or to leave a mark of the iron by pressing too hard.

StarchingStarch the article, pin out on a padded surface following original measurements and outline. Press through a dry cloth and remove pins when article is dry. The stiffness of the starched article is governed by individual taste. Following directions on packaged starch and experimenting will bring desired results.

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