Crochet Tips: The Humble Dc. Part1

 There was me thinking that Double crochet was the most boring stitch there was. But I've been doing a bit of research and I think I might surprise you. So much so that this is going to be a double post.
(When I say Double Crochet, I do of course mean Single Crochet (USA). This being bilingual crochet thing gets quite frustrating at times. I learnt to crochet with the UK terms and those are the ones that make the most sense to me, but I notice that my local college has decided to teach new students the American terms. So much for Brexit and being all independent!)
Language is certainly confusing, I'd really love to learn the true history of the craft. I've read that it is relatively new, despite clear evidence that historically, crochet has been used all over the world! The names that I'm using in this post all come from the nineteenth century book by Therese De Dillmont, Encyclopedia of needlework.

I had no idea that bog standard Dc was actually called Russian stitch! Russian stitch is when the stitches are all made in the same direction. That is to say only working on the front and either fastening off at the end of each row or working in the round without turning.

If you turn at the end of the row and work back on the wrong side, that is to say you work to and fro, then this is called Rose Stitch.

In fact Ms De Dillmont doesn't have anything she calls either Double Crochet or Single Crochet. She calls Slip stitch 'Single or small close stitch'. The stitch above which I would call Back Loop Double Crochet, she calls Plain or Close Stitch.

You're going to have to look closely at this one to see any difference. This is Slanting Stitch. (I think this is a good point to apologise for the rubbish cotton yarn I used. I fancied a change from beige!) This stitch is also made into the back loop and worked in one direction only. The teeny tiny bit of difference is made by the fact that there is no initial 'Yarn Over'. You put the hook under the back loop of the stitch below, but you don't yarn over. You put the Hook Over the yarn instead and pull it through. Then you Yarn Over and pull through both loops as normal. 

The Ribbed stitch here is back loop Dc worked to and fro.

Double Stitch is basically Dc2tog. Double crochet together the first two stitches, then *double crochet together the last st again and the next stitch. (repeat from*) This is worked on the front only, and unless you are working in the round you need to add a stitch at the beginning of each row so that you don't run out of stitches!

This is Russian Crossed Stitch. You might know it as Knit stitch or Waistcoat Stitch. Jess from the Make & Do Crew has a blog post, video and some patterns using this stitch. As you can see it creates a diagonal line and Jess recommends working it in the round with a larger size hook than usual. This is another stitch which is made from the front in one direction only. The pattern is created by putting the hook between the two vertical threads instead of under the loop.

 This is my attempt to work the stitch to and fro. I think it still needs a bit more experimentation! You'll also notice that I used a different yarn which wasn't liable to split!

 This is Pique stitch, once again worked from the front only and with a larger size hook. The instruction is to "put the hook in under one of the vertical threads" and make a Dc as usual. The image below is the back of the stitch.

I'm not a big fan of this pattern, it was hard to work. Have a go and see what you think, you might be able to turn it into something!

In my next post I'll add three more examples of ways we can distort the humble double crochet!

Don't forget to say Hi! if you pop by!

Book Review: Custom Crocheted Sweaters

It was my birthday this week, which means cake and crochet presents! After dropping some HUGE hints I got Dora Ohrensteins first book of sweaters. (Thanks Nick!)

Have you noticed how many patterns there are for cowls, scarves and shawls? I think it's because we're all a little afraid of taking on a garment. That's why I'm such a big fan of Top Down Sweaters. It's so easy to adjust the size as you go. My first attempt at a sweater was made without a pattern. Because I started from the bottom and worked upwards the sleeves are just a tad too long!

I never intended that this blog should be about what "Rachie did next"! It is meant to contain all the stuff that I've looked for at one time or another and not found. I get so frustrated when deciding whether to buy a book or not. I bet you've got a few disappointing purchases on your shelves that you've never used. So here's what's actually in "Custom Crocheted Sweaters" and why you should rush out and buy it!

This book is not only like a Master Class in crocheting garments, but includes masterclasses. It's a great bedtime read if like me you're so addicted to crochet you just have to take the stuff to bed with you! To start with, Dora explains the 4 most common ways to make sweaters and how to make sure that the garment you make will not only fit you but will also be flattering.

Next she gives you a set of patterns which explore each of these styles. Out of the ten patterns there is only really one that I wouldn't want to make for myself. There are a couple of other ones that I would want to alter, mainly make longer, (Let's face it I'm not 21 anymore!) or change the sleeve length. I don't see this as being a problem because that's exactly what this book is about.

There are a huge 17 lessons teaching you how to alter  everything from the neckline down. These lessons are spread throughout the book so you don't have to feel overwhelmed.

The patterns include cardies and jackets as well as sweaters. Rather than my try and describe them use this link to pop over to Ravelry to have a look at them. The patterns start with the most basic dropped shoulder method and move through tailoring, raglan and top down construction. Right now I'm interested in raglan construction so I'm going to be starting somewhere near the back of the book. Even if you never make one of the patterns, this book will be a boon to all your garment making.