Blocks 1 – 3 of the Learn to Crochet Series 

As I mentioned in the general instructions of the learn to crochet series (Part 2A), this month, we are going to start with 3 squares; all using two basic stitches-the chain stitch (CH) and the single crochet (SC).

To create the chain stitch (CH)

Chaining is the first step for starting crochet. You will use the chain stitch (CH) as your foundation stitch for these blocks. There are other ways to crochet your foundation row which we will learn later in the series but for today let’s learn to crochet the chain stitch.

Attach your yarn onto your hook using the slip knot.  Pull the yarn over (YO) the hook and pull through the loop to create a new loop. Keep these loose. EASY, PEASY, YES?

To create a single crochet (SC)

Single crochet (referred to as double crochet in British patterns) is one of the easiest stitches and you will find you will use it a lot.  

Once you have made the foundation chain, you will insert your hook through the second chain.  Slide the hook under both loops on the top of the chain.  (see video below)

For the second row and beyond, you will insert your hook into both loops of the single crochet (SC) stitch directly below it in the row.  

NOTE:  Some variations of the single crochet (SC) will have you work through only one of the loops.  Will will learn this when we make other blocks.  For now, you will go through both loops.

Once your hook is inserted into the loop, wrap the yarn over your crochet hook, and grab it with the hook.  Pull it through the loop.  You will have two loops on your hook.

Wrap the yarn over (YO) your hook again, grab it and pull through both loops on your hook.  DONE!  You will now have one loop on your hook for you to start the next single crochet (SC).

Now let’s learn to crochet your first block

Attach yarn to hook with a slip knot.  Start your square by crocheting a chain  of 32 chains (or whatever you need to make 10 inches)  Do not count the slip knot as a stitch

Row 1: Single crochet (SC) in the second chain (CH) from the hook.  Single crochet (SC) in the remaining chains across entire row. You should have 32 stitches.  Turn

Row 2: Chain 1(CH) turning chain.  Single crochet in all the single crochet from the previous row. Turn.

Row 3 and beyond:  Repeat (REP) row 2 until your piece measures 10 inches. Finish off.    To “finish off”, simply pull the  yarn through the remaining loop on the hook and pull tight.

EDGING

For ALL the blocks we are going to crochet an edging. This will make the blocks look more “finished”

To add the edging,  single crochet (SC) into each stitch of the last row, Single crochet (SC) 3 times into the corner (all three single crochets will be in the same space), single crochet (SC) into each row down the side, Single crochet (SC) 3 times into the corner, single crochet (SC) into each chain (CH) of the first row, Single crochet (SC) 3 times into the corner,single crochet (SC) into each row down the side, Single crochet (SC) 3 times into the corner, then attach with a slip stitch into the beginning chain (CH)stitch.    Finish off by pulling yarn through remaining loop on the hook and pulling tightly.

Using your yarn needle, weave  approximately 3 to 4 inches of your loose yarns into the block and cut off neatly.

HOW DID YOU DO?  READY FOR A NEW STITCH?

BLOCK 2 – The Moss stitch (also called Linen stitch, granite stitch, seed stitch and woven stitch)

This stitch uses both the chain stitch (CH) and the single crochet (SC). 

NOTE:   I assumed that my gauge would be the same for this stitch as it was for Block 1.  WRONG!!  I crocheted about 2 inches, then checked to be sure I was 10 inches across.  I was only 8-1/2.  After checking my gauge, I found that 8 combinations equaled 4 inches, therefore, I would need 8 x 2.5 or 20 combinations to make 10 inches.  There are 2 stitches in each combination, which means I would chain 20 x 2 or 40 Chains plus One chain for a turning chain. 41 chain stitches.  MATH!!

To create the block

Attach yarn to hook with a slip knot. Crochet a foundation chain with an odd number of chains (41).   Do not count the slip knot as a stitch

Row 1:  If desired, place a marker in the first chain (CH) from your hook (see tip below) . Single crochet (SC) into the third chain from hook.  *Chain 1 (CH1), skip next chain(CH), single crochet(SC) in next chain (CH)*  Repeat from *to * (REP**) across entire row. You should end with a single crochet.  Turn.

Row 2:  Chain 1 (turning chain)  *Single crochet (SC) in the next chain 1 space (CH1-SP), chain 1(CH1)* Repeat the sequence between the stars (REP**) across the rest of the row. At the end of the row, work a single crochet (SC) into the chain stitch where you placed the marker; you can remove the marker before working the stitch. Turn.

NOTE:  The Single Crochet stitch looks like a “V”.  The Chain 1 Space (CH1-SP)would be the space that does NOT look like a “V”.  Single crochet into the Chain space and skip the “V”.

Rows 3 and beyond: Work all remaining rows the same as row 2, except at the end of the row work your last single crochet (SC) into the turning chain of the previous row.  If you have the same gauge as me, you will single crochet in first Chain 1 space,then Chain 1, single crochet 19 times.   Repeat (REP) this row until your piece measures 10 inches.  Finish off

To Finish:  Add edging:  Single crochet all around your block as you did in Block 1.  Weave in loose yarns.

BLOCK THREE – MESH STITCH

Similar to the moss stitch, single crochet mesh stitch uses the same two basic stitches, but has a very different look!

Because this stitch was very similar to the moss stitch, my gauge stayed the same!

To create the block

Attach yarn to hook with a slip knot.  Crochet a foundation chain with an odd number of chains(41) . Do not count the slip knot as a stitch

Row 1: :  If desired, use your marker in the first chain (CH) from your hook (see tip above) . Single crochet (SC) into the third chain from hook.  *Chain 1 (CH1), skip next chain(CH), single crochet (SC) in next chain (CH)*  Repeat from * to * (REP**) across entire row. Turn.

Row 2: Chain 1 (turning stitch). Single crochet (SC) into the first single crochet.  Skip the first chain(CH) *Single crochet (SC) into next single crochet (SC), Chain 1 (CH1), skip next chain(CH)*   Repeat from * to *(REP**) across entire row. End the row with a single crochet in the last stitch.Turn.

NOTE:  This time you will single crochet into the “V” and skip the chain space.

Rows 3 and beyond:  Repeat row 2 until the block measures 10 inches.

The mesh stitch can also be made using double crochet and half double crochet which we will learn in future lessons.

You’ve mastered the Single Crochet – Now What?

As promised, below you will find a few projects that I pinned for you that you can work on using the single crochet (SC) and chain (CH)stitches until our next tutorial;

1.Simple baby beanie using only single crochet.  Remember your abbreviations.  When the pattern says 2SC in next SC….it means two single crochets are made in one single crochet stitch of the previous row.  Because you are working in a continuous spiral, stitch markers  will come in handy to mark the beginning of each row in the spiral.   https://www.pinterest.com/pin/629870697862764746/

2. Loved the colors in this triangle scarf that is made using the moss stitch.  https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/629870697862764158/

         

3. A scrap rug that also uses the moss (linen) stitch.  The challenging part is you will be working with 5 strands of yarn at once.  https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/629870697862304657/

4. I also found this lovely table runner also in the moss stitch.  You will need to change colors at the end of each row but don’t be discouraged.  It is easy. Simply finish off the row.  In the next row, attach the new color like you earned in Part 2A, then a chain one.  The tutorial also shows how in the instructions.   https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/629870697862840046/

5. Remember you can always make dishcloths!  https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/16466354865719993/

        

HAPPY HOOKING!  And remember to share your blocks with us on Facebook !  And if you have any questions, please comment below or send me an email.   See you March 4 with three more blocks.

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