Adding Fringe to Crocheted Items

http://crochet.about.com/od/finishing-techniques/tp/fringe.htm

Various ways to fringe a crocheted item.

Health Benefits of Crochet

this article was written by Sedruola Maruska  and posted on her website http://yarnobsession.com/author/sedruola/.   Thought it worthy of sharing.

Health Benefits of Crochet

I think by now we’ve all heard of the health benefits of crochet. We know that they are there and vaguely think of what they are. But, I want to take some time to let you know exactly what the health benefits of crochet are. Why? Because when we know things more specifically, we tend to value and be more focused on it (notice I said ‘tend to’, not always true, but I’m hoping). Besides, it helps me to know too for those times when I’m tempted to put my hook down and let life get in the way of my craft time.

Relieves Stress

One of the big things is that crochet helps to relieve stress. The repetitive motion of crochet helps reduce the effects that stress can bring on and therefore help you to relax and manage your stress better.

Lower Memory Loss

We all know that as we get older and accumulate more information in our brains there tends to be some memory loss. However, studies have show that those engaged in knitting, crochet and sewing tend to have almost 50% less decrease in memory loss than their counterparts. Yay for all those stitch counts and calculations!

Helps Relieve Depression

I did an article last year on how crochet makes us better and the whole idea was how as crocheters we have found that crochet has helped us overcome some of the most difficult times in our lives simply by doing it. It is now scientifically proven that crochet helps alleviate depression because it helps lower anxiety and blood pressure giving us an escape from that with ails.

Helps Relieve Pain

This was new for me, but it turns out that crochet may also help alleviate pain. Just as it helps lower stress and relieve depression, the rhythmic and repetitive motion of crochet may help relieve pain in various areas of the body. Isn’t that wonderful?!
Basically, the benefits of crochet are many and truly just being discovered. Knowing and practicing crochet can benefit you in ways you didn’t even know when you picked up that hook to try. Sending something crochet to a loved one that hasn’t heard from  you in some time may help open up lines of communication. Picking up the hook and doing a few rows can help diffuse a situation when you really need to think things through.

For those who need references:

http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/health

http://www.crochetspot.com/studies-show-knitting-and-crocheting-is-good-for-your-health/

Finishing a Beanie: Weaving in the beginning yarn tail.

How to finish a beanie: weaving in the yarn tail at the beginning of the beanie.

At the top (beginning) of the beanie, thread the yarn tail into the needle.  Insert the needle in a counterclockwise direction, placing the needle between the inner and outer stitches, so that it is invisible, both inside and outside. 

Work between about 5 or 6 stitches at a time, working your way around the circle (counterclockwise).  Notice how the circle closes as you proceed.  When it feels secure, you are done!  Cut the yarn close to the beanie. 



The finished product!  This will insure survival from handling and washing.

#crochet

Foundation... NO chain

Here's a great site with descriptive diagrams of how to create a foundation chain of single crochet.  Great when creating something like a scarf lengthwise, where you don't want a chain foundation that might tug and pull too much.   http://snuffykin.livejournal.com/43642.html

Sew Invisible Seams When Stitching Squares Together

See the LionBrand website step by step directions on how to make invisible seams when sewing crocheted squares together. 

http://blog.lionbrand.com/2012/04/19/how-to-invisibly-seam-granny-squares/?utm_source=20120420_April20_Split2&utm_medium=Emails&utm_campaign=Weeklynewsletter&utm_content=HowtoInvisiblySeamGrannySquares


#crochet

Edging Fleece with Crochet

Fleece Blanket using Skip-Stitch blade to crochet edge

Easy-to-follow instructions for making a blanket using a Skip-Stitch blade (blade available at http://skipstitch.com/ )

1. Place fleece on self-healing cutting mat.  Cut fleece into size desired, removing selvages (if necessary). (Rounding corners is optional... use plate or container cover to create rounded corner). 
2. Position see-through ruler over 1/2" - 3/4" edge of fleece.
3. Using a 45mm rotary cutter with the Skip-Stitch blade installed, run cutter along edge of ruler with enough pressure to perforate the fleece.
4. Reposition ruler to continue cutting. Place a blade tooth in the last perforation in the fleece, and continue cutting.
5. With right side facing you, just to the left of a corner, start edging the fleece by putting your hook (size H is favorable) through a hole, from the front, picking up the yarn from the back.  Pull through and continue to work a single crochet.  Chain 1. Continue single crochet, chain 1 around the fleece, completing the round with a slip stitch atop beginning stitch. (Work 3 single crochet stitches in each corner if you did not round the corners).
6. Options: crochet only this initial row, add another row of single crochet, or try anything creative!

Scallop pattern: work this into the foundation row, or after a second row of single crochet, or try something different!

1. From the front side of your project, slip-stitch into the foundation row.
2. Skip a stitch and work 3 double crochet stitches in the next stitch .(or 3 hdc)
3. Skip a stitch and slip stitch into next stitch.  Continue around, finishing the row with a slip stitch into the original slip stitch. (compromise as needed for a neat finish).
4. Finish by weaving in ends. NO KNOTS!

#crochet   #freeCrochetPatterns  #howtocrochet

Left hand Crochet Fundamentals

http://www.crochetgeek.com/2008/07/blog-post_11.html