Thursday 2 July 2009

Crochet in the Round

Having just finished my latest crochet project, I've started wondering why there are some techniques that I'm never able to remember. I've done several crochet in the round project, yet every single time I get extremely confused when closing a round.

Since I don't normally count my stitches this problem always tends to creep up on me without my realizing it.
So I've decided to put an end to it and do a little picture tutorial. Hopefully it will help someone else come unstuck too.

Starting a New Round

Finishing a Round

For a tutorial on the various different ways of crocheting in the round (with loads of pictures), have a look at Crochet in the Round and the Seam.

Wednesday 1 July 2009

Crochet Summer Hat

I finished my crochet hat! And would you believe it, I am actually using stash yarn that I bought on a whim together with some leftover yarn. I am so proud of myself!!!

This hat has now been frogged 3 times (2 times halfway, and 1 to the very beginning). It is now officially my most frogged project. The first time I had to undo it because I was adding an extra stitch every time I finished a round. This was completely messing up the stitch count.


The second time was because I was following a free Drops Design pattern (click here for UK version) and I didn't like the holes decorating the hat. I get sunstroke very, very easily you see. So for the brim I followed pipaw's pattern. I really loved the lacy look of the brim.


I tried just doing plain dc(UK)/sc(US) all the way round, but that was a bit boring, and the two different yarns just didn't look right. So I improvised, taking inspiration from a Let's Knit pattern which first made me think of making a sun hat. I will soon put up a pattern with detailed instructions for this stitch, but since I don't know what it's called, here's a photo. Does anyone know what it's called?


I really loved experimenting with different patterns, but I am a bit relieved that I have finally finished it. I can actually wear it now!