Adventist Youth Honors Answer Book/Arts and Crafts/Crocheting

2. Make squares of at least 20 stitches of the following: SC, DC, HDC, TR, and DTR.

 * sc: means single crochet.
 * dc: means double crochet.
 * hdc: means half-double crochet.
 * tc: means triple crochet.
 * dtr: means double triple crochet.

3. Show how to measure stitch gauge or row gauge on sample squares.
Checking your gauge is very important because if the gauge is off, you may run out of yarn before the project is complete or the item may not be the proper size. If you are making an afghan, this is not so important, but if you are making items of clothing it is. On most patterns, it will give you the gauge for the project. It will read something like "GAUGE: 7 rows = 1 1/4"; 8 st = 1 1/4". CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size hook to obtain the gauge." To check your gauge, crochet a swatch approximately 4 inches by 4 inches in the stitch pattern used in the crochet instructions. Lay a ruler beside the swatch and count the number of rows. Then lay the rule underneath the swatch and count the number of stitches across. Those numbers are your gauge. There should be, according to the sample shown above, 7 rows in the space of 1 1/4" and 8 stitches in the space of 1 1/4". If your gauge is larger than the gauge indicated in the pattern, try a smaller hook. If your gauge is smaller, try a larger hook.

When you are making the swatches, it is important to make it larger than simply the 1 1/4" by 1 1/4" called for in the gauge directions. That is because there will always be some variance in the size and tightness of the stitches, and having a larger swatch allows for that to be accounted for.

4. Know how to care for items made out of wool, orlon, nylon, and cotton.
You can either wash your crochet work in the machine or by hand, but only if you know what the content of the yarn is. If you choose to wash in by machine it is preferable to use a front-loading machine. If you wash items by hand you should use a mild detergent. Wool items should be washed with a detergent developed especially for wool or with baby shampoo.

If you choose to hand wash your item, fill a sink or tub with cold water. Add the detergent and swish it around a bit to mix it in. Dunk the item in the water and gently swish it around with your hands. Never wring or scrub the item. Drain the sink and add fresh, cold water and swish the item around to rinse it. Repeat the rinsing until the water is clear and suds-free.

Once your item is washed (whether by hand or in the machine), you will need to dry it properly. Lay it flat on a dry towel and roll the towel up, pressing firmly as you roll. Do not wring the towel! Unroll the towel, remove the item, and lay it out flat on a dry towel on a surface that is large enough to hold the item. Be sure that, if you are using something with a wood surface, you protect the wood with a vinyl tablecloth or shower curtain. Gently re-shape the item, avoiding pulling or tugging. Ribbing should be gently pushed together at the neckline, wrists, and waist. Fasten any buttons and fold the collar. Allow it to dry for 24 hours. If it is not dry after a day, flip the item onto another dry towel and allow it to dry for another 24 hours.

Never hang a crocheted garment as the weight of the fibers will stretch out the shoulders very quickly.