Monday, August 19, 2013

Hook and Needle Size Charts and Abbreviations


Crochet Hooks
USA English Metric
-- 000 10.0mm
N 00 9.00mm
-- 0 8.00mm
K-10 1/2 2 7.00mm
10 1/4 3 6.50mm
J-10 4 6.00mm
I-9 5 5.50mm
H-8 6 5.00mm
7 7 4.50mm
G-6 8 4.00mm
F-5 9 3.75mm
E-4 9 3.50mm
D-3 10 3.25mm
C-2 12 2.75mm
B-1 13 2.25mm
B-1 14 2.00mm
5 steel - 1.75mm
7 steel - 1.50mm
8 steel - 1.25mm
10 steel - 1.00mm
Knitting Needles
USA English Metric
15 000 10
13 00 9
11 0 8
-- 1 7 1/2
-- 2 7
10 1/2 3 6 1/2
10 4 6
9 5 5 1/2
8 6 5
7 7 4 1/2
6 8 4
5 9 3 3/4
4 - 3 1/2
3 10 3 1/4
-- 11 3
2 12 2 3/4
1 13 2 1/4
0 14 2
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -

Abbreviations
Crochet
Knitting
beg = beginning
bpdc = backpost double crochet
CC = Contrasting Color
ch = chain
cl = cluster
dc = double crochet
dec = decrease
dtr = double treble crochet
fpdc = front post double crochet
hdc = half double crochet
inc = increase
lp(s) = loop(s)
MC = Main Color
p = picot
rep = repeat
rnd = round
RS = Right Side facing you
sk = skip
st = stitch
ss or sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
sp = space

tog = together
tr = treble
tr tr = triple treble
woh = wool over hook
WS = Wrong Side facing you
yoh = yarn over hook
beg = beginning
bet = between
CC = Contrast Color
CO = cast on
dec = decrease
dpn = double pointed needles
eor = every other row
inc = increase
K2tog = knit 2 together
K = knit
MC = Main Color
KB = knit through back of st (loop)
P = purl
PB = purl through back of st (loop)
psso = pass slipped st over
PW = purl wise (or as if to purl)
rem = remaining
sk = skip
sl = slip
sp = space

st = stitch
tbl = through back of loop (st)
tog = together
wl. fwd = wool forward
won = wool on needle
wrn = wool round needle
Y fwd = yarn forward
yo = yarn over
yon = yarn over needle
yrn = yarn round needle




 




Sunday, August 18, 2013

Granny Square Cap and Bill Crochet Hat

FREE Pattern from my daughter.

Granny Square Cap and Bill Crochet Hat This is my daughter's design. Designed By: Farrah for 365 Crochet. Skill Level: Easy. Yarn: Bernat Softee Chunky Size 5, approx. 100yds. Hook: G/4.0mm. Gauge: 14 sts x 12 rows = 4”. Size: Adult head, approx 21 inch circumference. (stretchy). You can get the pattern for FREE on her site

 

Here is another one of her own designs Crocheted Berry Band Reversible Hat.


She wore this hat when she and my sweet little 20 month old granddaughter came to visit. I loved it! I didn't ask for the pattern because she would of given it to me if I did. I wanted to buy it from her so I waited until after they had left and then I went to Etsy and bought it, it's only $1.75. I'm excited to start making one for myself now! (Update: I've made quite a few of them since the time I got the pattern. They were so fun to make!)


Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Understanding Some Basic Yarn Properties.



By Becky Lindstone

Yarn can be described as a combination of fibers which are used to produce different textiles or in sewing, rope making, knitting and embroidery. Yarns will have different properties depending on how they were produced. Yarn can be manufactured using synthetic fibers like polyester or natural fibers like wool. Wool is an animal fiber that has been used extensively in the manufacturing of yarns. Other than the fibers used, the manufacturing process will also determine the kind of properties yarns have. Below are some of the characteristics of different yarns that will help you to understand them better.


First and foremost, there are two main fibers that can be used to manufacture yarns. These are filament fibers and staple fibers. Great examples of filament fibers are rayon and polyester. These two are extremely long and can be used to make yarns on their own. Yarns can also be manufactured using staple fibers. These ones are rather short and they must be twisted together in order to form the final product. This process of twisting and pulling the fibers together is very popular and the resulting product is known as spun yarn.


The perfect example of a staple fiber that is used to make yarns is wool. It is a unique fiber that is found in sheep. This fiber is elastic and durable and it is known to bend over 30,000 times without breaking. The unique thing about this animal fiber is the fact that it can absorb moisture vapor but repel liquid. There are many reasons why this fiber has been used in making garments.


First of all, it is warm and cool. The absorbent fiber can be used for making a number of warm clothes. Additionally, wool is naturally flame resistant. It is the only fiber that doesn't burst into flames when exposed to fire. If the fiber is exposed to a flame source, it will smolder or char. This is not the case with most artificial fibers in the market. Acrylics are known to melt or stick to the skin when exposed to flames. This fiber has been appreciated worldwide because it is resistant to breaking, piling or snagging. Woolen clothes are usually considered a great investment because they do not wrinkle or sag unlike other fabrics. The fiber is naturally elastic so it will last longer than other fabrics you know of.


Regardless of the fiber that has been used to create the yarn, twisting must be done to hold these fibers together. Twisting gives the yarns adequate strength. Twisting is done in different directions, that is clockwise and anti clockwise. The yarns can also be textured to increase strength and give them better insulation. Texturizing of yarns also helps in increasing the softness of the fabric. When choosing the ideal yarn, it is important to understand the kind of fibers it has as well as the method used to manufacture it. Look for respectable brand names like Sirdar if you want premium yarns that will last long.


Becky Lindstone is the author of this article on wool. Find more information about yarn here.

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Pattern Search and Craft Discussion Forum

Forum

I want to put a link here to my Pattern Search and Craft Discussion Forum.

Over the years so many people have helped others to find patterns they were looking for.
I want to thank all those who have helped. It is much appreciated!

Of course I also help when I can. There have been some great patterns posted that I also 

liked and made use of myself. I invite you all to stop by and have a look.