Blocks 7-9 of the Learn to Crochet Series

If you want to learn to crochet, join us in making this cozy Afghan.  Each month, beginning in February, you will learn how to crochet three different blocks.  After 10 months (in November, you will have 30 different blocks in total that we will learn to stitch together in December to make a wonderful lap-sized afghan perfect for Christmas gift giving, although, you may be tempted to keep this for yourself to use for snuggling on the couch.

Our crochet along is finished, but you can start anytime and work at your own pace.

This is the fourth part of the twelve-month series.  
It is highly recommended that you read the general instructions before beginning Part 3

You can view Part One here and Part Two which includes Blocks 1-3 here and Blocks 4-6 in Part Three.

LET’S START CROCHETING!!!

Did you find the half double crochet easy?  Did you love it as much as me?  Were you able to conquer the Puff Stitch? 

This month we will move on to the Double Crochet stitch.   Although we won’t be using the Triple Crochet, I have also included basic instructions and video should you need to make it in the future.

Double crochet is another of the basic crochet stitches.  The double crochet is used in many patterns, as well as to make granny squares and the v-stitch that we learned last month. 

To make a double crochet (DC)

You are going to start the stitch the same as a half-double crochet. Place yarn over (YO) the hook, insert hook front to back into the stitch of the previous row and pull the yarn through the stitch.  For your first row this will be the chain.  Remember to insert your hook into both loops of the stitch directly below it in the row.

 You will have three loops on your hook.  Here is where the double crochet differs.  Place yarn over(YO) the hook but instead of pulling the yarn through all three loops, you will only pull it through two of the loops. This leaves two loops left on the hook. Place yarn over (YO) once more and pull through those two loops. 

Learn to develop a rhythm:  Yarn over and insert, yarn over and draw through 2 stitches, yarn over and draw through 2 stitches.  YEAH – You got it!!

Triple crochet(TC)

We will not be making a block out of a triple crochet because it is very lacy and we don’t want our little toes getting stuck in the afghan!  I do want you to be aware of how to make a triple crochet, however,  in case you need it in the future.

Basically, a triple crochet is the same as a double crochet, except we are going to add another yarn over before inserting the hook into the loop. In a double crochet, we have the rhythm of yarn over – draw through 2 loops (2 times)  so a triple would be drawing through 3 times !!

So your basic rhythm will be yarn over twice, yarn over and draw through 2 loops, yarn over draw through 2 loops, and once more – yarn over and draw through 2 loops.  You can see why its called  triple crochet.

TURNING CHAIN

For the double crochet (DC),the turning chain with be Chain 3 (CH3). So every time you reach the end and turn around you will Chain 3(CH3).  For a triple crochet, the turning chain is chain 4.

BLOCK 7 – Double Crochet

Check your gauge. 

Make a foundation chain equal to the number of DC’s you need for 10 inches PLUS 3 (turning chain).  I needed 28 double crochets,therefore, my foundation chain was 28+3 = 31 chain stitches.

ROW 1 –Make a DC in the fourth chain from the hook. DC to end of row.

ROW 2 –Chain 3 (turning chain).  DC in each stitch of previous row.

Continue until work measures 10 inches.  Fasten off.  If you forgot how – you can go to the “Crochet Basics” page.  This page is a valuable resource for tips and techniques related to crocheting.

EDGING

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), two single crochets (SC2) 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, two single crochets (SC2) 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.  (To slip stitch -insert hook into the hole of the chain and pull yarn through the hole and through the remaining loop on the hook.)  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.

BLOCK 8 – Seed stitch  – also called the griddle stitch or lemon peel.

This stitch is a combination of the Double and single and has a gorgeous texture.  It is perfect for sweaters and stitched with a small stitch would be beautiful for babies.  It looks the same on either side and gives you a great bumpy look without being too chunky.

To make the seed stitch

Basically the stitch is simply SC and DC, making DC stitches in the SC stitches from previous row and SC in the DC from previous row. Each row should always start with a SC and end with a DC.  Because you start with a single crochet, your turning chain will be a chain 1

REMEMBER:  you will always begin your row with a single crochet and end it with a double crochet.  The dc goes above sc, sc above dc.

To make the square

Crochet a foundation chain equal to the number of sets in 10 inches plus 1 for the turning chain.  My gauge for this was 15 sets.  With 2 stitches per set (one SC and one DC), I needed 30 stitches, plus 1 for  a turning chain.

Row 1– Single crochet (SC) in second chain on the hook.  *Double crochet (DC) in the next chain. Single crochet(SC) in the following chain*. Repeat **to the end of the row, ending with a DC. Turn

Row2– Chain 1 (Turning chain).  *SC over the DC of the previous row, DC over SC of previous row* .  Repeat to end of row, ending with a DC. Turn

Repeat Row 2 until the square measures 10 inches.

ISN’T IT PRETTY?

EDGING

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), two single crochets (SC2) into each double crochet row down the side and one single crochet(SC) into each single crochet row.  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, two single crochets (SC2) into each double crochet row  and one single crochet(SC) into each single crochet 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.

BLOCK 9 – Cable stitch

You didn’t think I would let you get away easy this month –did you??  We need a challenge in our lives every now and then, so this is it for this month.

How to make a basic cable stitch. 

 Then complete your double crochet (YO through 2, YO through 2). 

Still confused?  This video should help!

When working in rows, you can either repeat the cable stitch in each row.  Your cables will slant right in one row and left in the next. Or you can cable stitch in one row (the right side)and single crochet in the next (the wrong side).  In this case all your cables will slant in the same direction.   You may wish to try both to see which you prefer.

Making the block

Foundation chain – In order to make a crocheted cable you will need 4 stitches. Therefore chain in multiples of 4, plus add 2. These 2 extra stitches allow for a dc on either end of the row, which is vital if you would like a straight edge.  NOTE: You will count the turning chain as a stitch

I needed, 8 cables x 4 is 32 stitches, plus 2, equals 34 chains. 

ROW 1 -Single crochet in the 2nd stitch from the hook, and in each stitch of the chain (33 SC’s).  Turn

ROW 2 – Chain 3 (turning chain) –this counts as the beginning DC.  Make a cable stitch over the next 4 st’s – (see above) Repeat to end of row.   Dc in the last st and TURN.

ROW 3 –Chain 1 (turning chain).  SC in each stitch across row (33 SC).

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until square measures 10 Inches ending with a single crochet row.

HINT:  When I got “lost”, I found that counting my SC rows really helped.

NOTE:  If you like the look of the cables slanting in the opposite directions, cable stitch in each row using the instructions in Row 2.

EDGING

Complete the edging the same as Block 8, single crocheting twice in the double crochet rows and once in the single crochet rows down the side. Finish off!

TIME TO MAKE YOUR CHOICES!!

As I mentioned in Part One, I need some participation from you.  It is time
you decide if I should keep going with this color or change.   How fun   – getting you to decide for me!  These are the combos I have been considering.  

To vote: Go to our Facebook Page and cast your ballot.  Voting ends April 10 because I need to make those squares for May!!

For all you speed crocheters – Here are the extra projects you can make from what you have learned so far.

I was asked to include pics of the additional projects, so here they are.  I have edited the previous two parts to add the photos too!

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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 May 6.   

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