Crochet Patterns For Dummies

Title Page
Copyright Page
Table of Contents
Introduction
	About This Book
	Conventions Used in This Book
	Foolish Assumptions
	How This Book Is Organized
		Part 1: Reinforcing Your Crochet Foundation
		Part 2: Hook, Yarn, Action! Crocheting Simple Projects
		Part 3: Putting Your Skills to the Test
		Part 4: The Part of Tens
		Part 5: Appendixes
	Icons Used in This Book
	Beyond This Book
	Where to Go from Here
Part 1 Reinforcing Your Crochet Foundation
	Chapter 1 Gearing Up and Getting Started
		Taking a Look at the Crochet Hook
			Considering hook types and construction
			Selecting the right size
			Keeping your hooks in tiptop shape
		Comprehending Yarn Complexities
			A light discussion of yarn weights
			Understanding what your yarn is made of
			Unraveling a yarn label
			A ply for a ply: Swapping yarns
		Getting Your Fingers Moving
			Holding the hook and yarn
			Working with the hook and yarn together
		It’s in the Bag: Completing Your Crochet Kit
	Chapter 2 Gauge and Garments: Sizing Facts and Figures
		Practicing with a Gauge Swatch
			Making a swatch
			Determining whether you’re on the right track
			Making adjustments
		Sizing Your Garment
			Tale of the tape: Taking accurate measurements
				Sweaters and vests
				Hats
				Skirts
			Fit to be sized: Adjusting the fit
				Sweaters and vests
				Hats
				Skirts
		Picking the Right Pattern Size
	Chapter 3 Sum and Substance: Reading a Pattern
		Interpreting the Written Instructions
			Understanding the abbreviations
			Taking note of common terms
			Deciphering the symbols
				Bouncing bullets
				Playing with parentheses
				Embracing brackets
				Rows and rounds repeated
		Decoding the Diagram
	Chapter 4 Brushing Up on Stitch Basics
		Keeping You in Stitches
			Refreshing the fundamentals
			Constructing combinations
		Change Is Good: Adding New Yarn
			Making the switch at the beginning or end: It’s all the same
			Midstream changes
			Hold on tight! Carrying your yarn
			Weave it to the end
		The Ins and Outs of Increasing and Decreasing Stitches
			Expanding rows by adding stitches
			Shortening your rows with dwindling numbers
				When two become one
				Skipping stitches
		You’ll Come Around: Crocheting in Circles
			Crafting the center ring
			Making the first round
			Joining ends
			Branching out
			Just keep going: Spirals
			Creating shapes
Part 2 Hook, Yarn, Action! Crocheting Simple Projects
	Chapter 5 Working in the First Dimension
		Practical Potholders
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
			Variation: Doubling the thickness
			Variation: Pumping up the size
		Handy Headbands
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
		A Smart Scarf
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
		Wooly Warmer Afghan
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
			Variation: Supersize it!
			Variation: Trying a different yarn
	Chapter 6 Expanding and Diminishing Dimensions: Adding Shape
		Beaded-Fringe Belt
			Materials and vital statistics
			Working up one end and the length of the belt
			Beginning the other end
			Finishing with fringe
			Variation: Adding some color or a jingle
		Shades-of-Gray Shawl
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
		Festive Diamond-Shaped Table Runner
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
			Variation: Giving it some shine or adding a detail
		Curlicue Scarf
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
			Variation: Shrinking the scarf
	Chapter 7 Going in Circles: Crocheting in the Round
		Flirty Denim Skirt
			Materials and vital statistics
			Building the skirt body
			Adding the all-important waistband
			Decorating the hem with a ruffle
			Finishing with the drawstring tie
		Coffee Suede Beret
			Materials and vital statistics
			Stitching in circles to create the beret
			Joining the visor as you craft it
				Bottom
				Top
			Finishing with basic stitches
			Variation: Add a different color
		Red Velvet Crusher Hat
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
		Bella Drawstring Bag
			Materials and vital statistics
			Going 17 rounds for the base
			Working your way up the sides
			Finishing with the drawstring cord
			Variation: Making a sturdier bag
	Chapter 8 Coloring It In
		A Scarf of a Different Color
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
		Denim Cloche
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
		Wavy Chevron Throw
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
			Variation: Highlight the stitches, not the colors
		Cozy Chenille Throw Rug
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
			Variation: Size it to fit just right
			Variation: Fringe it!
	Chapter 9 Mixing It Up: A Few Changes Make a Dramatic Difference
		Beads-‘n’-Bows Belt
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
		Ruffles-‘n’-Bows Scarf
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
		Child’s Rolled-Brim Hat
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
		Adult’s Rolled-Brim Hat
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
Part 3 Putting Your Skills to the Test
	Chapter 10 Seams Sew Easy: Joining Pieces Together
		Furry Boa Pillow
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
		Flower-Power Belt
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
				First motif
				Second and successive motifs
			Variation: Choosing hues that fit your style
		Southwest Vest
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
				Shape right front
				Back
				Shape left front
				Assembly
			Variation: Belt it!
	Chapter 11 Finding the Loopholes and Creative Combinations
		Elegant Evening Wrap
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
		Double-Crossing Belt
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
		Love Those Loops Scarf
			New skill: The loop stitch
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
			Variation: Adding more loops
			Variation: Fashioning a furry look
			Variation: Swapping yarns
		Geometric Wrap
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
			Variation: Why knot add beads?
	Chapter 12 Sensational Sweaters
		Vertical Stripes Tunic
			Materials and vital statistics
			Starting with the front
				Beg shoulder
				Shape neck
				Shape armhole
			Turning to the back
				Beg shoulder
				Shape neck
				Shape armhole
			Moving on to the sleeves
				Seam edging
			Putting the pieces together
		Lacy Bolero
			Materials and vital statistics
			Laying the foundation
			Beginning with the body
			Focusing on the left front
			Heading around to the back
			Turning to the right front
			Joining the fronts to the back
			Adding the sleeves
			Finishing with easy edgings
				Outside edging
				Sleeve edging
		Springtime Pullover
			Materials and vital statistics
			Fashioning the front and back
				Shape armholes
				Beg first neck
				Second neck
			Attaching the front and back
			Checking out what’s up with your sleeves
			Completing the sweater assembly
			Adding the finishing touches
				Bottom edging
				Sleeve edging
				Neck edging
		Shell Stitch Tank Top
			Materials and vital statistics
			First, you’ve got your back
				Shape armholes
				Shape right neck
				Shape left neck
			Next, focus on the front
				Shape armholes
				Shape left neck
				Shape right neck
			In the home stretch! Tackling the assembly
			Finally, finishing with armhole edging
		Fur-Trimmed Jacket
			Materials and vital statistics
			Getting down to business: The back
				Shape armholes
			What’s left? The left front
				Shape armhole
				Shape neck
			It’s all right: The right front
				Shape armhole
				Shape neck
			Fronts meet back: Attaching the pieces
			Armed and delicate: Creating the sleeves
			Sew what? Joining the sleeves to the jacket body
			Delightful! Finishing with details
				Button band
				Buttonhole Band
				Collar
				Cuff
	Chapter 13 Timeless Techniques: Using the Afghan Stitch and Filet Crochet
		Afghan Stitch Baby Blanket
			New skill: The afghan stitch
				Working the first half of the foundation row
				Working the second half of the foundation row
				Working the next row and beyond
			Materials and vital statistics
			Creating a couple of panels
				Panel border
			Putting the panels together and adding the final touch
				Edging
			Variation: Making a bigger blankie
			Variation: Picking a new color palette
		Tunisian Stitch Tote Bag
			New skill: The Tunisian knit stitch
			Materials and vital statistics
			Making the body of the bag
				Assembly
				Top edging
			Adding the handles
		Love-to-Read Bookmark
			New skill: Basic filet crochet stitches
				Making spaces
				Building blocks
				Practicing with a swatch
				Decreasing spaces and blocks
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
		Heartland Window Valance
			New skill: Fancy filet crochet stitches
				Creating lacets
				Putting in bars
				Practicing with a swatch
				Increasing spaces and blocks
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
			Variation: Using the pattern to create edging
	Chapter 14 Mixing Traditional Stitches with Contemporary Materials
		Not Your Granny’s Scarf
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
			Variation: Making a cozy afghan
		Shells and Lace Pillowcase Edging
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
		Honey, I Shrunk My Bag
			Materials and vital statistics
			Crafting the tote
				Base
				Beg sides
			Getting the hang of the handles
			Finishing up with felting
			Variation: Felting? Fuhgeddaboudit!
		Hemp Basket
			Materials and vital statistics
			Building the base
			Working your way up the sides
			Variation: Making the basket just the right size
			Variation: Using different sizes of hemp cord
		Wire-’n’-Beads Necklace
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
			Variation: Dressing up the look
			Variation: Complementing the necklace
Part 4 The Part of Tens
	Chapter 15 Nearly Ten Projects That Take an Hour or So
		Lacy Bookmark
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
		Geometric Coaster Set
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
				Coaster 1
				Coaster 2
				Coaster 3
				Coaster 4
			Variation: Creating coordinating table accessories
		Fun Fur Scrunchies
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
		Friendship Bracelet
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
			Variation: Dressing the bracelet up with ribbon
			Variation: Adding some width
		Velvet Roses
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
		Pocket Patches
			Materials and vital statistics
			Creating and joining the motifs
				Motif (make 3 for each pocket patch)
				Assembly
			Finishing the design and adding final touches
				Edging
				Finishing
		Stemmed-Glass Markers
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
			Variation: Making a marker set for every occasion
		Must-See Fur Frame
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
		Standout Luggage Tags
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
	Chapter 16 Ten-Plus Tips for Caring for Your Crochet
		Be a Pack Rat: Save the Labels
		Show You Care: Attach Your Own Care Labels
		Forget Dishpan Hands. Get Afghan Hands!
		Blocking for a Better Shape
		Take It to the Cleaners
		Get a Load of This: Machine Washing
		Let It Go for a Spin: Machine Drying
		Iron It — but Only If You Must
		Put Those Hangers Away!
		Dazzling Displays and Safe Storage
		Get Rid of Those Pesky Pills
	Chapter 17 Ten Kid-Friendly Projects
		Blue Note Scarf
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
		Wear Your Heart Pin
			Materials and vital statistics
			Stitching the heart
				Beg shaping
				Shape second side
			Fusing the stitches and finishing
				Assembly
		MP3 Player Cover
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
				Front vinyl window
				Front window border
				Beg back
				Beg pocket lining
				Beg pocket front
				Assembly
		Beadies Can-Cozy
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
				Bottom
				Beg sides
				Edging
		Page Runner
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
		Camouflage Belt
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
		Chocolate Lace Headband
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
		Chain-Link Bracelet
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
			Variation: Making matching pieces
		Think Pink Pocket Purse
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
				Beg front flap
				Assembly
			Variation: Stitching a small handbag
				Beg the bag
				Beg front flap
				Assembly
				Adding a shoulder strap
		Beaded Anklet
			Materials and vital statistics
			Directions
Part 5 Appendixes
	Appendix A: Crochet Stitches
		Slipknot
		Chain Stitch (ch)
		Slip Stitch (sl st)
		Single Crochet Stitch (sc)
		Double Crochet Stitch (dc)
		Triple Crochet Stitch (tr)
		Double Triple Crochet (dtr)
		Half Double Crochet Stitch (hdc)
		Decrease 1 Single Crochet Stitch (dec 1 sc)
		Decrease 1 Double Crochet Stitch (dec 1 dc)
		V-stitch
		Crossed Double Crochet Stitch
		Shell Stitch
		Picot
		Cluster Stitch
		Reverse Single Crochet Stitch (reverse sc)
		Puff Stitch
		Popcorn Stitch (pop or pc)
		Bobble Stitch
		Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc)
		Back Post Double Crochet Stitch (BPdc)
		Long (Spike) Stitch
		Fringe
		Tassels
		Whipstitch
		Blanket Stitch
	Appendix B: Yarn Supply Sources
Index
EULA