Hooks 4

Hook Sizes 6

Compare Hook-Size Labels 8

Other Tools and Notions 10

Yarn Fibers 12

Yarn Construction 13

How to Read Yarn Labels 14

Yarn Weight 16

Estimate Yarn Requirements 17

Substitute Different Yarn 18

How to Handle Store-Bought Yarn 19

Yarn Care and Storage 24

2 Basic Stitches 26

Slip Knot 28

Yarn Over 29

Chain Stitch 30

Foundation Chain 32

Turning Chains 33

Foundation Single Crochet 34

Anatomy of a Chain 36

Slip Stitch 38

Single Crochet 39

Half Double Crochet 40

Double Crochet 41

Treble Crochet 43

Count Your Stitches 45

Crochet Symbols 46

Teach a Child Basic Stitches 47

3 Basic Techniques 48

Increases 50

Decrease By Leaving Stitches Unworked 52

Decrease by Working Stitches Together 54

Crochet in the Round 56

Create a Ring Using Chain Stitches 58

Create a Ring Using a Loop 59

Use a Chain Stitch as a Ring 61

Basic Shaping in the Round 62

Join New Yarn 63

Fasten Off 65

Weave In Yarn Ends 66

4 Advanced Stitches 68

Double Treble Crochet 70

Extended Crochet Stitches 72

Work in Front Loop or Back Loop Only 73

Spike Stitches 75

Post Stitches 77

Clusters 79

Bobbles 80

Puffs 81

Popcorns 82

Bullions 83

Clones Knot 84

Lover’s Knot 86

5 Beyond the Basic Techniques 88

Felting/Fulling 90

Tunisian Crochet 92

Work with Color: Stranding 103

Work with Color: Intarsia 104

Work with Color: Tapestry Crochet 105

Filet Crochet 107

Crochet with Beads 109

Broomstick Loops 110

Hairpin Lace 112

Simple Daisy 116

Corkscrew 118

Teardrop 119

Triangles Using Increases or Decreases 120

Triangle in the Round 122

Rectangle in the Round 124

Mitered Square 126

Pentagon 128

Granny Square 130

6 Finishing 134

Buttonholes 136

Zippers 138

Patch Pockets 140

Join Motifs 141

Pompoms 143

Fringe 145

Edgings 147

Blocking 151

Seaming 153

Seam Pieces Together by Crocheting 156

Care for Crocheted Items 158

7 Working from Patterns 160

Abbreviations 162

Pattern Syntax 164

How to Read a Pattern 165

Gauge 168

Adjust Your Gauge 169

Take Your Measurements 170

How to Read a Chart 174

Standard Measurement Charts 175

8 Diagnose and Fix Problems 180

Recognize Extra Increases and Decreases 182

Fix Extra Increases and Decreases 185

If Something Still Seems Wrong 187

Use Stitch Markers 188

Working with Splitting Yarn 189

Smooth Uneven Sides 190

Loosen Up a Tight Foundation Chain 192

Fix the Fit of a Garment 193

Appendix:

Online Resources 194

Index 200