Do you know…..

when making your stitches on the foundation chain, some people like to work under 2 loops believing this gives a firmer edge.

I prefer to work under just one loop because I find it much easier when counting the unused loops later, when edging for example.

Whichever way you prefer to work, either method is correct

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When counting chains & stitches, do not count the loop on the hook unless otherwise specified by the pattern.

When counting high posted stitches, the beginning chain (turning chain) always counts as the first stitch unless otherwise specified by the pattern & the last stitch is worked into the top chain of the beginning ch – this helps to keep your work straight

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The first dc (US sc) of working row is worked in the first stitch of previous row under both loops of stitch.

Because the beginning chain (in high posted stitches) is counted as the first stitch of working row, the first  stitch is worked in the next stitch of previous row under both loops

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Finishing off: is so simple that people often ask me if it is correct….

draw yarn through last stitch, cut yarn & draw through – for slippery yarn I draw yarn though twice  before cutting yarn for a more secure hold… that’s it…

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Patterns sometimes require you to work in the front or back loop of the stitch – work your stitch as usual but only go through the loop indicated

Patterns sometimes require you to work around the post (or stem) of a stitch…

front post (FP) – work the stitch required by pattern inserting the hook from the front around stitch indicated by pattern

back post (BP) – work the stitch required by pattern inserting the hook from the back around stitch indicated by pattern

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When working in the round, after joining with a slip stitch to form a ring, the beginning chain (2 for htr (US hdc) / 3 for tr (US dc) / 4 for dtr (US tr) & so on… are counted as the first stitch of the round – join to complete the round with a slip stitch (ss) into the top chain of beginning chain

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By starting with an Adjustable Base Ring you can eliminate the centre hole of crochet motifs – once you have completed the required number of stitches for the centre & joined with a ss to the first stitch, pull the tail end tight to close the hole

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Another interesting  start to your motif can be made by wrapping your yarn many times around your forefinger & crocheting over the multiple layers to create a firm, thick base from which to work a floral center for example

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you can take this technique a step further by working over many strands of yarn, creating a free-standing cord or bringing extra interest to you freeform work

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an easy way to bring in sleeves & cuffs is to simply crochet over a length of elastic that has been joined to form a ring

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