Starting Your Crochet Project
1. Select a crochet design of your choice. Read the instructions
carefully to make sure it is in your skill level and that you have the
crochet thread and hook called for in the instructions. If you do not
want to use the yarn or thread called for, you may substitute a yarn or
thread that is the same weight and will produce the same gauge.
2. To begin, create a swatch to make sure your gauge is correct.
3. Chain your foundation row a little looser than the gauge so the bottom of your project will not pucker or pull inward.
4. Carefully follow the written instructions or chart for creating the design.
Finishing the Crochet Project
1. Using a tapestry needle weave in all ends to hide them in the body of the crochet.
2. If making a garment, put the right sides together and either overcast stitch the seams or join them with a slip stitch.
3. Blocking is a process in which your crocheted item is gently
stretched or pulled into the proper shape. Blocking can be as simple as
using a warm iron to press a garment to the correct shape or it may be
as structured as using a stiffening solution such as starch to make the
item stiff before stretching it to the desired shape.
4. If you simply desire to block the item, but not stiffen or starch it, follow the recommendations below.
- If necessary, wash your project by hand using a mild soap and warm water.
- Rinse it well in warm water
- Do not wring the item. Place it in a thick terrycloth towel and roll it while applying pressure to force the water out.
- If your piece is clean, lightly spray it with water to dampen it.
- With the right side up, spread the item on a flat, padded surface.
- Smooth the project to the correct size, making sure all loops, picots, etc are open.
- If necessary pin the piece in place with rust-proof pins.
- If desired, lightly spray with spray starch.
- Let dry completely.
5. If you want to starch or stiffen your item, you will need the following supplies:
- Stiffening solution such as:
- A commercial stiffening solution found in craft or needlecraft stores;
- White craft glue; or
- A thick solution of boilable starch (liquid or spray starches will not work).
- Plastic bag that zip locks
- Pinning board such as a sheet of Styrofoam“, heavy cardboard or fabric cutting board
- Rust-proof straight pins
- Blocking form, if one is need, the pattern will call for the
correct shape and size. It can be as simple as a tea cup or mixing bowl.
- Spray bottle of water if necessary to dampen the item.
6. Follow these guidelines to starch or stiffen your item:
- Cover pinning board and blocking form with plastic wrap and pin
in place. Hint: If you use colored plastic wrap, it may be easier to
see what you're doing.
- Make sure your hands are clean.
- Pour stiffening solution in the plastic bag and put it into a bowl.
- Totally immerse your item into the solution.
- When it is well coated, remove it from the bag and gently press out
the excess solution. Do not wring or squeeze the item. Make sure all
solution is removed from any decorative holes in the item. Hint:
Leftover solution may be stored in the zipped plastic bag for a couple
of days. After that, throw it away.
- Pin the item on the board or form, shaping as necessary. If desired, pin it in place.
- Remove pins from item while it is still slightly damp.
- Use spray bottle of water to moisten item to reshape if necessary.
- Do not bend starched item unless it is still damp. If it is too dry, it may crack.
- Let dry thoroughly before removing it from board or form.
