Archive for February 3rd, 2010

• Learning crochet: the single (UK: double) crochet controversy

  Date: 2010.02.03 | Category: Amigurumi | Response: 4

  So, I’ve had to admit to myself that despite crocheting Amigurumi (several unblogged) and making a crochet scarf several times over (because I changed my mind about colours), I don’t actually know how to crochet. Or if I did once know, I’ve clearly forgotten. Crochet doesn’t feel comfortable and natural to me, the way knitting does.

  I decided I’d learn to crochet. Systematically, properly, mindfully. The right way once and for all, so that I won’t forget or get confused ever again.

  Anyway. I was following along with a pamphlet from the American School of Needlework (subtitle: “excellence in instruction”), when something just didn’t seem right … the first row (if I understood correctly) was different to all the subsequent rows. Why? I decided I’d just check with a couple more books.

  Now, I’ve always known that there are differences between US and UK crochet terminology. Doesn’t worry me. (Although it’s a little disconcerting the library has 2 basic crochet books published by Reader’s Digest, one with US and one with UK terminology, and no indication on the books which is which …)

  It wasn’t until I read Debbie Stoller’s The Happy Hooker (ISBN 978-0-7611-3985-0) that I understood what was going on. She explains crochet is a newer craft, so there really isn’t a proper, once-and-for-all-correct way to do some things. Like single (UK: double) crochet. She calls the method I was learning “not-so-technically correct”:

  “There are a good number of books that show it this way, and there are plenty of crocheters who do it this way, too-many of whom have taught themselves using these books. To crochet into the chain using the cheater’s method, simply insert your hook under only one strand of the V. It’s certainly easier to do than the other methods I’ve described, but also less aesthetically pleasing, as it can leave large loose loops…”

  I agree about the aesthetics bit. Stoller then conciliates, saying do what you like. I went back and noticed one of the Reader’s Digest books views crocheting only into the front, or only into the back of the Vs running along the top of your fabric as “variations”. I decided to try the variations. Not just for the first row, but for all rows.

  And wow, doesn’t a little change in technique make a big difference to how it looks?

  Left:

  Single (UK:double) crochet only into the back of the V. Result: distinct ridges, very stretchy, would make nice ribbing turned on the side.

  Centre:

  Single (UK:double) crochet only into the front of the V. Result: alternating rows of ridges and knots. Flatish. And not very aesthetically pleasing, in my opinion.

  Right:

  Single (UK:double) crochet the Stoller way, hooked under both parts of the V. Flat, knotty, a bit lacy looking.

  I’m glad I experimented. I’m planning to go further, see the effect of changing techniques in the middle of a row, or between rows. I’ll let you know ;-P

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