Shortcuts And Techniques Every Crocheter Should Know

Crocheting is a wonderful hobby that allows you to create beautiful and intricate designs with just a hook and some yarn. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crocheter, there are always shortcuts and techniques that can help improve your skills and make the process more efficient. In this article, we will explore some of the top shortcuts and techniques every crocheter should know.

1. Magic Circle

The magic circle technique is a great way to start working in the round. It creates a tight and seamless center for your crochet project. By using this technique, you can avoid the hole commonly seen when starting with a ch4 or using a slip stitch to form a ring. To create a magic circle, simply form a loop with your yarn and work your stitches into the loop.

Lily Chin's Crochet Tips and Tricks: Shortcuts and Techniques Every Crocheter Should Know

by Sue Wilkes (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5119 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	208 pages

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2. The Invisible Join

The invisible join is a must-know technique if you want to achieve a seamless finish when working in rounds. Instead of joining with a slip stitch, which leaves a visible seam, the invisible join creates a smooth and seamless appearance. To achieve this, simply cut your yarn and pull it through the final loop on your hook. Then, thread the yarn through a yarn needle and sew it to the base of the first stitch of the round.

3. Stitch Markers

Stitch markers are essential tools for any crocheter. They help you keep track of your stitches and ensure accuracy in your work. By placing a stitch marker around a specific stitch or in a particular spot, you can easily identify where to begin or end a stitch pattern. This can be especially helpful when working on complex designs or patterns with multiple repeats.

4. Blocking

Blocking is a technique used to shape and set your crochet projects. It involves wetting or steaming your finished piece and then shaping it to the desired dimensions. Blocking helps even out stitches, opens up lacework, and gives your project a finished and polished look. It is particularly useful for items like shawls or doilies that require precise shaping and drape.

5. Join-As-You-Go Technique

The join-as-you-go technique is a time-saving method that allows you to join motifs or squares together as you crochet them. This eliminates the need to sew or join pieces at the end, saving you both time and effort. The technique involves working a join-as-you-go stitch at the designated joining points while simultaneously crocheting the next motif or square.

6. Magic Knot

The magic knot is a quick and secure way to join new yarn without having to weave in ends later. This technique is perfect when working on projects that require frequent color changes or when you need to add more yarn. By simply tying a secure knot between the old and new yarn, you can continue crocheting without any interruptions.

7. Reverse Single Crochet

The reverse single crochet, also known as the crab stitch, is a decorative border stitch that adds a nice finishing touch to your projects. This stitch creates a braided or twisted look that can be used as an edging on blankets, scarves, or garments. By working reverse single crochet stitches in the opposite direction, you can achieve a clean and beautiful border.

8. Using a Yarn Bowl

A yarn bowl is a handy tool that helps keep your yarn clean, organized, and tangle-free. It prevents your yarn from rolling around or getting tangled on the floor while you crochet. Yarn bowls typically consist of a bowl-shaped base with a hole or slit that allows the yarn to smoothly feed through. They come in various materials, such as wood, ceramic, or plastic, and can be a fun and functional addition to your crocheting experience.

These shortcuts and techniques are invaluable for any crocheter looking to improve their skills and enhance their projects. From starting with a magic circle to using a yarn bowl for organization, incorporating these techniques into your crocheting routine will not only make the process more efficient but also result in stunning finished pieces. So, grab your hook, yarn, and give these shortcuts and techniques a try. Happy crocheting!

Lily Chin's Crochet Tips and Tricks: Shortcuts and Techniques Every Crocheter Should Know

by Sue Wilkes (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5119 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	208 pages

FREE

Toss Lily into your project bag and bring her stitching savvy, troubleshooting techniques, and no-frills know-how wherever your crocheting takes you!

Every crocheter, from the newest beginner to the most versatile expert, needs an accessible technique guide. And who better to compile one than Lily Chin—the author of four hugely popular knitting and crocheting manuals, a veteran teacher, and one of the fastest crocheters in the world?

Lily Chin's Crochet Tips & Tricks compiles more than 75 of her best techniques—some collected from her regularly sold-out classes, many more never seen before—into one comprehensive, pocket-size guide. This book is filled with simple solutions to every crocheter's pet peeves, as well as nonstandard approaches to some of the biggest crocheting bugaboos. At the end of it, you'll be left with one satisfying question: "Why didn't I think of that?!"