Craft Blog

Crocheting has experienced a comeback in recent years, and many people are finding this form of handiwork as the perfect hobby – it’s relaxing and a great way to be artistic without messy or expensive materials.
 
One of the things that makes crochet appealing to people is the ability to choose different types and colors of yarn. However, it is important to know the different types of yarns before starting on a project, as each pattern has specific requirements with regards to yarn.
 
Types of Yarn by Weight

Although it varies throughout the world, in the United States, yarn is classified in terms of size, from the smallest to the largest. There are five basic types of yarn used in crocheting (from smallest in thickness to the largest):

•    Cobweb. This type of yarn is used for very lightweight projects, such as baby clothing or lacy items.

•     Baby/fingering. Also used for baby clothing and lightweight projects, baby/fingering yarn is also used for heavier projects that require greater detail.

•     Sport/double knitting. This is one of the most versatile yarns and can be used for an assortment of projects, from baby booties to heavy blankets.

•     Worsted weight. Keep in mind that worsted weight yarn is often broken down into “light worsted” and “heavy worsted.” This type is usually used for garments that require cables.

•     Chunky. This is a good yarn for beginners, since it is easy to work with. It is most often used for throws, afghans, or caps.

•     Bulky. Bulky yarn is similar in weight and purpose to chunky yarn.

The pattern you are crocheting will tell you what type of yarn to use. Be sure to follow the pattern’s instructions. A bulky yarn, for example, would not work with the type of stitches and finished product of a pattern that calls for baby yarn.

Types of Yarn by Structure

Yarn is also often classified by its structure, or the way it is spun to give it its distinct appearance. Types of yarn by structure include:

•    Chenille. This is a soft yarn that is very popular for blankets and baby clothing. A strand of chenille yarn is often similar in appearance to a pipe cleaner, but the short threads are much softer. Chenille is formed when two binding strands of yarn and pulled very tightly together in order to hold the fuzzy velveteen fibers in place.

•     Boucle. Boucle is another popular type of yarn. With this structure, two threads are held together by a binding structure to give the yarn a looped appearance.

•     Loop. Loop yarn is very similar to boucle, only the loops are larger and more exaggerated.

Types of Yarn by Fibers

Another way to categorize yarn is through fibers. A number of different fibers are used to make yarn, and include those from animals, plants, and synthetic (or fake) fibers. Wool, mohair, angora, silk, cashmere and alpaca are forms of protein fibers, which come from animals. Yarn made from cotton and linen, for example, is derived from plants. And fibers such as acrylic, nylon, and polyester are all synthetic fibers.

As you can see, there is more to crocheting that just going to the fabric store and grabbing a spool of yarn. There are many different types of yarn, and it’s important to pick the correct one for your project.

When you are crocheting, there are many different types of yarn you can use. For beginning crocheters, they may not know this. Most people think of yarn as just the basic stuff you can pick up at Wal-Mart. They think of the cheap stuff that children use for school projects and such. For advanced crocheters, they are probably very well aware of the different types of yarn that can be used.

Along with the many different types of yarn there are many different yarn weights. One type of yarn that probably few beginning crocheters know about is recycled silk yarn. When most people think of recycled they think of something like recycled paper—the paper that is not quite as strong as unrecycled paper and is harder to erase on; the stuff you used in third grade when learning to write cursive.

While this may not be what you think of exactly when you think recycled, you will have some sort of image, however, it is important to understand that it is great to recycle, it just seems that people tend to have the view that products that have been recycled do not have quite as good quality as products that have not been recycled.

This is not the case with recycled silk yarn however. Recycled silk yarn is very good yarn and it probably more expensive than a lot of other yarns. Recycled silk yarn comes from colorful saris that women in South Asia wear. It is made from the loose ends of the saris that are collected in the industry mills. There is a little stereotype that products that come from the orient always seem to be a little bit more refined and a little bit better quality. That is what this yarn is like, fine, high quality yarn.

This yarn is very fine. It has vibrant colors and textures that are unique. It is considered by the best crocheters to be very beautiful yarn. It is supposed to make very beautiful items such as scarves, hand bags, etc.

There are two different types of recycled silk yarn. One type is first grade recycled silk yarn. This type is very good. It is tighter than the other grade and it is spun more evenly. It is smaller than grade two and it is also denser. Its diameter tends to be more consistent than some yarns. It is very soft and has no odor. This is one type of recycled silk yarn and it is a very good type for certain things.

Second grade recycled silk yarn is a little bit different. It is not quite as fine as the first grade. It has a coarser feel and is less consistent in its width variety. Its width variety is much broader. It can have different color, as well as texture, than the first grade.

Both grades are very good yarn overall and can make beautiful items that will be enjoyed by the owner. If you learn to work with basic yarn first then working with recycled silk yarn would not be hard, though if you start with the recycled silk yarn, you won’t likely want to try your lesser expensive and lesser quality yarn varieties as they are not as easy to work with, or create as beautiful end results.

One word of warning, is that recycled yarn is not as tough as other yarn. If you do make items you will use regularly, such as scarves, mittens, and hand bags out of recycled silk yarn you will probably want to be careful with them. You will want to take good care of them and be sure that you do not ruin the yarn. Care isn’t that hard, but it is probably something that you will want to be aware of.

If you use recycled silk yarn you could probably have a lot of fun with it. It is definitely a lot more fun than normal, basic yarn. You could make things that are a lot more fun to use because they are unique, high quality, and truly beautiful.

You’ve been crocheting for a while now and you feel like your skills have gotten to the point where you need a new challenge.  You are fairly competent in making sweaters, blankets, bibs, scarves, and you’ve even tried hats.  But you’re looking for something a little more difficult.  You’re ready to embark on a sock making extravaganza.  But how exactly do you go about crocheting socks?

Keep reading and you’ll learn how.  And you’ll also learn a little bit about crocheting in general, where it came from and a bit more about how to do it.

First, let’s have a general review of what crocheting actually is.  Crochet is a process of creating fabric (creating a sweater or blanket or bib or shawl, etc.) from yarn or thread.  The word “crochet” comes from the French word croc or croche, meaning “hook.”  Crocheted fabric is begun by placing a slip knot loop on the crochet hook, pulling another loop through the first loop, and repeating this process again and again in order to create a chain of the desired length.  The chain is either turned and worked on in rows, or joined at the beginning of the row with a slip stitch and worked in rounds. 

Crocheting socks is most easily learned by practice.  And there are many different patterns you can use to make socks.  The suggestions given here may be different than a pattern you find at your local craft store.  But here are some suggestions for getting started.  You will need to find a pattern on your own in order to finish the socks. 

For materials, you will need about 100 grams of fingering or sport weight yarn.  Your hook should be about an E.  Your gauge size should be about 5.5 stitches per inch.  You can also try using light worsted weight yarn, of about 100-200 grams.  Use a size G hook or a gauge size of 4.5 stitches per inch.  A final option is using heavy worsted or bulky weight yarn of about 200 grams.  Use a size I hook, a gauge size of about 3.5 stitches per inch. 

Next, for a good fit, you should measure the length of the foot from toe to heel and the size around the foot at the instep (or arch). 

To begin, start at the toe. Working into the bottom bump of each stitch, slip the stitch in the 3rd chain from the hook and in each chain across, making the last slip stitch into the first chain. From here on, insert hook under both top loops of each stitch, as is usual in crochet.

Continue in a coil (right side facing).  Then continue in a pattern stitch to end of a side. Make a toe increase in the next stitch to turn the corner. Place a marker in the middle of the increase. Continue in pattern stitch to the end of the side. Make a toe increase in the next stitch. Place a marker in the middle sc of the increase.

Continue in pattern stitch to next marker.  Move the marker to the middle. Find your instep size and then repeat for the total number of stitches for your instep.  Remove the markers and set them aside. Continue in a pattern stitch, without any more increases, until the piece measures about 2 inches less than your desired foot length. Lay the piece flat. Place a marker in the sc at each side corner. Continue in a pattern stitch to the first marker. Remove marker.

The next step is to turn the heel.  As this is where crocheting socks becomes a bit more complicated, you will need to find a pattern to help you complete the socks.  Though it may be wiser to simply get a pattern on your own and start from scratch.  Good luck!

After a trip to the grocery store, most people either toss the dozens of plastic grocery bags they receive or stuff them under the sink to be recycled as trash bag liners. However, if you crochet, you can use your plastic grocery bags for a variety of crocheted projects and crafts by transforming the bags into “yarn.”

What Can I Make With Plastic Bag Yarn?

Plastic bag yarn can be used for tote bags, rugs, outdoor mats, and a number of other projects. Keep in mind that as a general rule and for obvious reasons, plastic bag yarn is not used for clothing. You can find entire books in the library on how to crochet with plastic bag yarn and patterns. These can also be accessed online.

How Do I Make Plastic Bag Yarn?

There are a number of resources that show step-by-step how to make yarn using an ordinary plastic bag. You will probably be surprised how simple it is. The steps for making a ball of yarn out of a plastic bag are as follows:

1)    Make sure the bag is clean and dry. As a general rule, it should not have been used to hold anything that could carry bacteria, such as meat or poultry and eggs. It’s easier to just toss the bags that have carried meat or fish, but if you want, you can still use them by washing them in the sink with a disinfectant soap and then letting them air dry. Obviously, it’s faster and easier to throw away bags that have held contaminated materials and just use those that were used for dry goods.

2)    Lay the bag flat, and cut off the handles and the bottom seam.

3)    Fold the bag lengthwise several times so it ends up a strip. This is similar to folding a piece of paper to make a fan, without rotating it. It should be about 1-2 inches in diameter when you’re finished.

4)    Lay the strip horizontally and cut into 1 ½ – 2-inch pieces. You should end up with about 6-8.

5)    Unfold the strips; they will resemble rings. Lay one ring over the other, so it overlaps slightly.

6)    Next, take one end of one ring and loop it through the other, pulling it back through so it connects the two with a knot.

7)    Keep repeating this until you have a ball of “yarn.” Keep in mind that it could take dozens of bags to do a project.

Things to Keep In Mind

In order to make sure your bags will make sturdy, useful yarn, it’s wise to keep the following points in mind:

•     Never use bags that have contained pesticides or poisons, even if you do wash them – they can still contain traces of the poison.

•     If the bag has holes or tears, you can still make it into yarn using the above-mentioned loop method. Just avoid the tears when knotting the rings together.

•     Avoid bags that have a distinct odor.

•     Be creative. The bags you use need not be limited to the grocery store, nor do they need to be all white. Use bags from the dry cleaner, bubble wrap, or anything made from that same material.

If you’re looking to spice up your crocheting with a new and different type of yarn, consider making plastic bag “yarn.”

Avid hobbyists are taking sides in an ongoing debate.  Each side professes that their hobby is the best, easiest and most cost-efficient.  They say it’s the most beautiful and versatile art form.  Some say one is faster or more fashionable.  What is the debate? – knit versus crochet.  While these questions may go unanswered except by fervent opinion of each side this article will attempt to discuss the differences. 

Crochet

    Crochet is an extremely versatile and popular technique for making a variety of fashion and home décor accessories.  There seems to be a recent resurgence of crochet amongst everyone from avid hobbyist, designers and even celebrities.  Fashion designers are even showing clothing made in part of entirely of crochet!  By combining basic crochet stitches and lighter weight or softer yarns, one can create delicate, drapable fabric.  Using a thicker yarn produces a sturdy more durable fabric.  It is especially easy to make beautiful textured and raised stitches using crochet techniques.  All one needs to crochet is a continuous strand of yarn and a single hook.  The crotchetier begins with a slip stitch and continues to make loops (called chains) which then create a foundation row.  Rows are then built on this foundation.  Crochet stitches are made with loops and by wrapping yarn around the hook.  The loops are then drawn through the wrapped yarn to make the stitches.  One can crochet in rows, keeping the work flat, or the stitches can be joined creating a ring and allowing the crotchetier to work in the round.  There is an extensive array of both crochet stitches and motifs that can be achieved.  Crochetiers often comment that the fun of their hobby is constantly learning new stitches and techniques to be applied to the next project. 

Knitting

    Knitting has long been a favorite technique for making clothing because of the detailing and color patterning that is possible, and the supple, drapable fabric the stitches produce.  The two basic stitches, knit and purl, can be worked alone or together and form the basis of dozens of designs as well as other stitches.  This allow the knitter almost unlimited versatility in choosing any article to be designed with knitting.  Knitting requires two needles and a continuous strand of yarn.  The knitter begins by making a slip knot on one needle and “casting on” the number of stitches needed for the project.  Casting on is the term used for creating the foundation row on one needle.  The basic stitches are created using both needles, wrapping the yarn over one needle and drawing the wrapped yarn through loops on the other needle. Circular knitting needles–long, flexible needles with a point on each end–are growing in popularity because they eliminate seams and the need to continually turn your knitting at the end of a row.

    Whether you knit or crochet there are many benefits that can be had by doing either.  Many hobbyists on both sides of this question knit versus crochet say that doing either relieves stress.  Many say that it feels good to work with beautiful yarn colors and textures and all agree that having the ability to create and design projects is very fulfilling. Gifts "you make yourself" for family members and friends have special meaning. Knitting and crochet are both a social activity to share with friends and family. And both are portable and can be taken anywhere. The recent resurgence in handiwork even finds airplane passengers practicing their respective hobbies.  Knitters and crochetiers say practicing their hobbies can add balance to a high-tech, fast-paced lifestyle.  And whatever you choose both can be a cost-effective hobby — you can spend a lot or a little!  Finally most importantly while knit versus crochet can be vastly different in technique or design each provides a sense of accomplishment when you complete a project.

Deciphering a yarn label can be comparable to tackling a math equation – different symbols, numbers, and charts make it difficult for those just beginning to crochet to understand. In addition, there is no standardized label in the United States, so each brand of yarn may have different information on its label. 

The following are some basic guidelines to help you read and understand a yarn label, and include some of the things you’re bound to encounter:

•     Suggested needle size and gauge. Needles are generally categorized by the mm; for example, a label might call for a 3.5-4.0 mm needle. On a label, this is usually indicated by a pair of crossed needles. Gauge is the number of stitches per inch and the number of rows per inch you will get when stitching with the specified size of yarn and needle. Keep in mind, however, that gauge will vary depending on the crocheter and his or her skill level.

•    Fiber content. The name of the fiber, such as wool, cashmere, silk, or cotton, will also be indicated on the label. A label usually indicates the fiber content by percentage; say, 95% polyester, 5% cotton.

•  Care instructions. The label will also indicate how the yarn should be cared for. It will generally have little symbols that are easy to decipher that indicate hand wash, machine wash, no iron, tumble dry, bleach, etc. If a certain type of care is not allowed, that symbol will be crossed out.

•    Estimates. The label will also indicate how much of the yarn it would take to make a typical garment for a man, woman, or child (keep in mind that imported yarns will abbreviate man, woman, and child based on the word in that language, so “child” will not always be indicated with a “C.”)

• Color number. The name or number of the color is also indicated on the yarn. This is useful to know in case you need to purchase more in order to finish a project, or if you want to use that same color again.

•    Dye lot number. Yarn is dyed for color in batches, and the lot number is indicated because there are variations, albeit small ones, from batch to batch. Knowing the dye lot number is useful for the same reasons as knowing the color number.

•     Weight. Type of yarn according to weight are often categorized by the numbers 1-6, with the lightest type of weight being a 1 and the heaviest being a 6. Patterns will typically follow this standard of labeling yarn weight.

Yarn Weight on Labels

Because the yarn weight is usually indicated by a number and because it’s so vital the correct number be chosen, it is also useful to know what each number means:

1)    Cobweb. This type of yarn is used for very lightweight projects, such as baby clothing or lacy items.

2)    Baby/fingering. Baby/fingering yarn is often used for heavier projects that require greater detail.

3)    Sport/double knitting. This is one of the most versatile yarns and can be used for an assortment of projects.

4)    Worsted weight. Keep in mind that worsted weight yarn is often broken down into “light worsted” and “heavy worsted.”

5)    Chunky. This is a good yarn for beginners, since it is easy to work with. Bulky. Bulky yarn is similar in weight and purpose to chunky yarn.

Although it may look daunting, once broken down, yarn labels are not too hard to read.

The roots of crochet can be found all the way back to the Sixteenth Century.  It was at one time only used by the poorest of classes to help create the necessities of life but the popular art caught on and became the accomplishment of the most “high bred” ladies.  The word itself is derived from the French word croche, meaning hook.  At first its domain was solely in the convents where the nun’s where known for their prowess at all types of handiwork.  The nuns then taught it to their pupils and it then grew to become a source of revenue for the working class who needed the money most. Irish crochet became especially popular with the ability to manufacture fine lace from a multitude of crochet designs. The popularity of crochet quickly spread and it was then that it became a requirement for all ladies of a certain social class to become proficient in crochet.

     Fast-forwarding to today we see the reemergence of the hot new trend of crochet.  At one time the hobby of crochet seemed only to belong to our grandmothers.  But now we see crochet in all age groups.  Everyone from celebrities to travelers are filling their time and their hands with crochet.    Now a whole new industry has sprung up to cater to the needs of the crotchetier.  Entire websites, magazines and books are devoted to the many aspects of crochet.  Some of these deal with the multitude of crochet stitches or hooks that can be used while others devote themselves only to types of yarn.  But the most basic of needs for the crotchetier is the pattern. 

    At first it may be daunting to the beginning crotchetier to wade through the numerous projects and designs that can be done with crochet.  But after deciding on a pattern there are numerous ways that a free crochet pattern can be obtained. 

    Many websites offer hundreds of free crochet patterns.  The crotchetier only need to go to their favorite search engine and type in “free crochet pattern”.  The choices will be numerous.  After selecting a site that the crotchetier wants to use they need only to determine the heading of the type of project they want to crochet.  For example if a crotchetier wants to crochet a kitchen project.  They will then click on the kitchen project heading.  They are then taken to the patterns some of which can be:  Afghan Stitch dishcloth, Barbara’s Grape Dish Detergent Dress, Basket weave Dishcloth, or Basket weave Towel Topper.  These are the actual patterns the crotchetier will use in creating their item.    The list can go on with endless variations on kitchen-themed projects.  After selecting the desired pattern the crotchetier only needs to print out the pattern and being crocheting!  Some sites offer even more categories and sub-categories.  Should the crotchetier need even more help in determining the type of pattern they want to use some sites will offer more variations on each category.  For instance a crotchetier may select clothing as their project heading.  Under the heading may be scarves, hats, shirts, sweaters and dresses.  The crotchetier then decides what area to focus on.  Under hats may be the headings beanie, slip-on and hats with brims.  After selecting then the crotchetier is then taken to styles under that category to make a final selection on pattern. Each crotchetier needs to take the time to research which site will best suit their needs and offer the most-used resources. 

    Other ways to get free crochet patterns are to subscribe to crochet magazines.  These offers frequently include free patterns with the subscription and information on to continue to obtain these patterns.  Craft stores also often have promotions where free crochet patterns can be obtained.  These are often offered in conjunction with crochet classes.  The crotchetier has many options in finding free crochet patterns which can literally provide years of enjoyment.  

You’ve just decided that you would like to learn how to do something crafty.  Maybe you remember from your childhood that your grandmother used to crochet the most interesting things for you.  So you decide that crocheting is for you.  You go to the local craft store and buy a simple pattern to make a small baby blanket.  You buy a crochet hook.  But you’re not sure exactly which yarn to choose…how can you decide which yarn to buy for your easy crochet pattern?

Keep reading and you’ll learn how.  And you’ll also learn a little bit about crocheting in general, where it came from and a bit more about how to do it.

The first thing you should know is how to choose a crochet hook.  Crochet hooks come in many sizes, ranging from 3.5 to .75 millimeters, or 00 to 14 in American sizing.  These smaller hooks are used for very fine crochet work.  They come in both aluminum and plastic.  Some of the more popular hooks are made by Boye or Susan Bates. 

Crochet is a process of creating fabric (creating a sweater or blanket or bib or shawl, etc.) from yarn or thread.  The word “crochet” comes from the French word croc or croche, meaning “hook.”   Crocheting is similar to knitting in that you’re making a fabric out of yarn, but instead of using two needles to make the fabric, you are pulling loops of yarn through other loops.  Crochet also differs from knitting in that only one loop is actively being used at a time.  Crocheted fabric is begun by placing a slip knot loop on the crochet hook, pulling another loop through the first loop, and repeating this process again and again in order to create a chain of the desired length.  The chain is either turned and worked on in rows, or joined at the beginning of the row with a slip stitch and worked in rounds. 

Choosing which yarn to use for your crocheting project can be very difficult.  There are so many options available to you that it’s almost impossible to choose.  But you should know that yarns, garment shape and stitch patterns must work together in order for your crocheting project to be successful.  If you’re planning to make a scarf or a blanket, you are fairly safe with most types of yarns.  However, if you plan to make a sweater or other item of clothing, you must be a bit pickier.  Your best bet would be to find the pattern you want to use and then choosing one of the yarns specified in the pattern (most patterns give suggestions for the best type of yarn to use).

If you have already found the perfect yarn and you want to make a sweater, find a pattern written especially for the kind of yarn you’ve chosen.  Another option is to choose a pattern calling for another yarn but that works up to the same gauge (also known as tension and is measured by the number of stitches and rows over 4 square inches) as the yarn you’ve chosen.  If the pattern you’ve chosen expects you to get 5 stitches and 5 rows to the inch and your yarn gives you something different, your sweater will turn out to be a different size than the one given in the pattern. 

You should also consider the texture of the yarn you’ll be working with.  Ask yourself these questions: does the yarn pill; is it colorfast; is it stretchy; is it a good quality?  Before you commit yourself to one particular yarn, you may want to crochet a small square in order to see exactly what the qualities of your yarn will be on your project. 

Have fun and good luck!

What is ribbon yarn?

There are many different types of yarn that you can use to crochet with. Most people know of the basic types of yarns, but there are many more yarns that are considered “novelty” yarns. This is they type of yarn the ribbon yarn is considered to be. It is like ribbon, thus the name.

How can ribbon yarn be problematic?

Ribbon yarn can be problematic because of its likeness to ribbon. If you think of the properties of ribbon you realize how it twists and turns…it curls. That is just what ribbon yarn does. It spins and twists as your crochet, making it very difficult. When you are crocheting you are trying to keep the yarn as straight as you can so that the item you make turns out well.

You do not want to have weird lumps and twists in the middle of a beautiful blanket that you have crocheted. Some people get annoyed with constantly trying to keep the ribbon straight. Especially perfectionists. They would have an especially hard time working with ribbon yarn. It would drive them nuts. If you could learn to work around the problem though, it is a very nice yarn to use, and makes beautiful handiworks.

How can you learn to work around the problems with ribbon yarn?

Some people have found that when working with ribbon yarn if they have it going through a straw, it stays much straighter. You could put it through a straw and then squish the straw so that it is flat like the ribbon. Then the ribbon could not curl while going through it.

If you are not too much of a perfectionist then you could just learn to be patient with the yarn. Or, you can take advantage of this so called problem, and use it creatively. For example, one woman said that she lets her ribbon twist just a little because it makes whatever she is crocheting turn out a little fuller looking. That is something that would be a plus. Ribbon yarn, and it’s “problems” such as twisting ribbon is not all bad, so make the most of it.

What types of things can you make with ribbon yarn?

Ribbon yarn can be used to make many handiwork items. Some people have found that it is good for items such as belts, headbands, bags etc. Many women make accessories such as a scarf from the ribbon yarn and they absolutely loved the uniqueness of them, not to mention they can be very fluffy and cozy. She said it was very much worth the hassle of working with the ribbon yarn.

Many people use ribbon yarn because they love its look and style. They, find that it is worth the hassle to just work with the yarn as in the end, the quality of the products is very good.

So, in summary: Ribbon yarn is a specialty yarn, some love it, some hate it. Ribbon yarn is great yarn if you can just learn to work with it and be patient with it. It can help you to create great products that will last you if you take care of them well. You just have to be careful with them like you would with any other valuable piece of clothing or product that you owned.

Crocheting is a great skill to learn and is something you can use for a lifetime. If you learn beyond the basics and the basic yarns and get into some of the more difficult yarns such as ribbon yarn you can have a lot more fun with crocheting and have a lot more variety.

Some people think that crocheting is only for old ladies but that is not true. It can be for anyone. There are even classes for children to learn how to crochet. It is a great past time if you are just sitting watching TV or something. So that you do not waste your time you could pick up a needle and yarn and crochet.

In crocheting there are many different types of yarns. There are the basic yarns that everyone knows of and then there are yarns that are considered “novelty” yarns. One such type of novelty yarn is hand painted yarn. This is a type of yarn that many people use and like. It can make beautiful designs in many different items such as bags, scarves etc. and can add a little something extra to your crochet project.

Hand painted yarns are, as the name tells, hand painted. They are hand painted in different color ways that make very beautiful designs when crocheting. They can make very neat designs that are fun to look at and wear.

Problems with hand painted yarns:

One problem that people may run into with all yarn, but can be especially prevalent with hand painted yarns is color blocking. This is where one color gets crocheted next to itself many times in many rows. So you may have ten different rows and one block of color. It is something that people do not want in their crocheting and they try very hard to avoid it.

How to avoid color blocking with hand painted yarns:

There are two main ways to avoid color blocking with hand painted yarns. 1) Is to use two different spools. 2) Is to use different ends of the spool. Using two different spools can be good because it basically guarantees that you will not have color blocking. You would have two different spools with similar colors, but not exactly the same. Every couple of rows you could switch off what spool you were using. This would make it so that colors were constantly being mixed up and would never get stuck together.

Using different ends of the same spool can also be good. That way you can stick with one spool and the colors that are in it, while also guaranteeing that the colors will not block. If you are switching ends of the spool every few rows or so the colors will stay mixed up and will not get stuck together.

Hand painted means no two scanes are identical. Thus, you get unique, beautiful designs. Using hand painted yarns makes creative, beautiful patterns in whatever it is that you are crocheting. There are many things you can make out of yarn, and by using hand painted yarn, you can make two duplicate things, and have them turn out different.

Things that you make out of hand painted yarn are not that difficult to care for. You would care for them the same way that you would take care of other knitted or crocheted items. Depending on the fibers in the yarn, it can or cannot be washed in the washing machine. Otherwise you will have to wash it by hand. That is a little bit more difficult process, but it isn’t too bad really.

All you do is wash it in a bucket with soap, let is soak, squeeze the water out using a towel and then lay it out to dry. You will also have to reshape it so that it looks how you want it to and it does not turn out all weird like. It can sometimes loose its shape a little bit in when it gets washed which is why reshaping it while it dries is so important.

Hand painted yarns are very beautiful and very fun to work with. They can make great designs and be beautiful for sweaters, scarves, bags etc. Once you have down the basics in crocheting, you should explore and try out some of the yarns and such that are more exciting and fun to use. You will probably find that crocheting is much more exciting when you try out different yarn types and patterns like those offered by novelty yarns, especially hand painted. The things you make will be much more exciting. They will not just be plain, made of basic yarns with one color, or even multi-colored. They will have personality, be unique, and be a lot of fun.