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Introduction to crochet fabric

HISTORY
Crochet or crochet is a technique that consists of creating a fabric from thread or wool, using a

single needle that has a hook at one end. Crochet stitches are made using chains and yarn

overs, working with a single stitch at a time. Although the specific date of crochet's appearance

is not very clear, the technique has been known for several centuries. In Europe, crochet

became fashionable in the 19th century.

MATERIALS
In order to crochet, you need a series of basic materials to work with. Among these materials

are, of course, special crochet needles and threads. But you also need other materials such as

scissors, stitch markers, binding needles or a meter stick.

NEEDLES
The crochet hook is the most important element for crocheting. A single special needle is used

that has a hook on one end. This allows you to grab the thread to pull it through the loops.

Crochet needles can be of different sizes depending on the thickness of the thread we use. The

thinnest needles are always metal, while the thickest ones can be made of different materials:

metal, plastic or wood, for example. Some needles are manufactured with handles to make

gripping easier.
The thicker needles are identified by their thickness in mm, but the thinner ones can come either

in mm or identified by a number.

POINT MARKERS
A very useful accessory for crochet are stitch markers. When we are knitting in a circular or

spiral way, it is easy for us to lose the beginning of the round. The point markers help us mark

the beginning so we can correctly count the laps completed.

LAP COUNTER
Another very useful accessory when making circular knitting is the row counter.
SCISSORS
To crochet you also need good scissors to cut the thread at the end of knitting. Since they are

only going to be used to cut threads, they do not need to be very large.

NEEDLES
Once the work is finished and the thread has been cut, it is necessary to finish off the excess

thread with a needle. Depending on the thickness of the thread being used, a needle with a

larger or smaller eyelet will also be necessary.

Benefits provided by the crochet technique:

• Stress hormones and blood pressure are reduced, while the level of endorphins and
dopamine, a neurotransmitter released by the brain when we perform a pleasant
activity, increases.
• The mind is focused on the activity, and leaves aside the person's worries and
fears.
• The fact that it is a repetitive action, in which you have to do point after point, over
and over again, causes a relaxing effect that is compared to that produced by
practicing yoga or meditation.
• If it is practiced in company, you talk with other people, share experiences,
achievements, laughter, etc., which helps reduce anxiety states in people who find
it difficult to express what they feel.
• If you are weaving alone, it is a perfect time to reflect and organize our thoughts.
 Symbolism and abbreviation of crochet fabric

Crochet symbols and nomenclature in English

Spain (E) United States (US) United Kingdom (UK)
EITHE
c Chain stitch either ch chain stitch eithe ch chain stitch
R
r
• pe Dwarf point • yes st slip stitch • yes slip stitch
st
t X bp Low point t X HE Single Crochet t X of Double Crochet
T pma Half High Point T hdc Half Double Crochet T htr Half Treble
T pa High Point T of Double Crochet T tr Treble
F pad Double High Point F three Treble (triple) crochet F dtr Double Treble
Yo pat Triple High Point F dtr Double Treble (triple) Crochet F tr tr Triple Treble
x 2 dc taken from the same st x 2-dc into same stitch x 2-tr into same stitch
TO 2 dc closed together TO dc2tog
2-dc together TO tr2tog 2-tr together

2 dc taken in the same st and closed

0 together 0 2-dc Cluster/Puff st/Bobble 0 2-tr Cluster/Puff st/Bobble
* 3 pad at the same point * 4-trc Shell * 4-dtr Shell
Ak 3 pad closed together TO frc3tog 3-trc together Ak 3-dtr together
dtr3tog

3 pads held at the same point and

closed together
3-trc Cluster/Puff st/Bobble an 3-dtr Cluster/Puff st/Bobble
4 Arbutus
< 5-dc Popcorn
4 5-tr Popcorn

3 pa relief in front
3 FPdc Front Post Double Crochet
3 FPtr Front Post Treble

3 relief from behind ¿ BPdc Back Post Double Crochet 3 BPtr Back Post Treble

• Piquito with 3 chains • ch-3 picot • ch-3 picot

83 Piquito with 4 chains 83 ch-4 picot 83 ch-4 picot

Equivalence between chain stitches and basic stitches