Lantern Moon

The double crochet stitch is one of the basic stitches of crochet. Abbreviated dc in US patterns and half treble crochet (htr), it is versatile. Used in many ways for many projects, dc creates a fabric that is a little more open than single crochet stitch. From granny squares to hats to many other projects, dc stitch helps you make creative patterns. In this blog, let’s take you through the double crochet stitches. Once you get the basics right, you can easily use them in different patterns and projects. Before you start, you need Crochet hook. You can either choose the single-ended crochet hooks or even the interchangeable Tunisian crochet hooks that come with the option of using a cord. Both of the work wonderfully for the crochet stitches. Understanding crochet hook sizes is important as the general rule is “bigger the hook size bigger the stitches” and “smaller the hook size, smaller will be the stitches”. You’ll be needing this information when you plan your own projects as most crochet patterns cover the information. Yarn: For beginners practicing, 4 ply medium-weight yarn is recommended as you can easily see the stitches. But, for a project you need to follow the pattern instructions. Also, it is best to have the crochet hooks indicated in the yarn label. Step 1 - Make a slip knot. Pull about 6 inches of yarn from the tail end, make a loop and slip the loop onto your hook. Step 2 - Make a Foundation Chain. Crochet a chain of stitches. The double crochet stitches need to be worked into a chain. If you are following a crochet pattern, then you will have instructions on the number of stitches. If you are just practicing start with 15 chain stitches. Every DC is formed with 3 chain stitches. Step 3 - Yarn over the hook and insert it into the chain. Insert the crochet hook into the fourth chain, as three chain stitches make one DC. Step 4 - Yarn Over and Pull Through. For this step, insert the crochet hook in the third chain. You will have three loops on your crochet hook. Step 5 - Yarn over again. Pull the yarn through first two of the three loops on your crochet hook. This will leave two loops on the hook. Step 6 - Yarn Over and Complete the Stitch. Pull through both of the loops that are still on the crochet hook. You have completed the double crochet stitch. Continue the steps 1-6 to make double crochet stitches in each remaining chain across. Now, for the second row,  chain three more stitches. This chain will be your turning stitch. You can continue making DC from the second loop and go on. The double crochet stitches make a solid fabric that is stable and flexible. It is open than single crochet stitches but not as open as treble. Once you learn DC, you can easily learn HDC (half double crochet stitch). Once you have had practice, go for beginner projects such as blankets, scarves, coasters, etc. You can also plan hats and other warm fabrics. There are many beginner patterns available online to make some wonderful creations from double crochet stitches. Happy crocheting! Source by- https://lanternmoonhandcra.wixsite.com/lanternmoonhandcraft/post/how-to-double-crochet

Knitting neat edges is a skill. It gives even the most basic patterns and projects a finished look. While working with any knitting needles there are many times you will be disappointed with your messy and crumpled edges. Luckily, it’s easy to knit neat edges while working on the project. It solves the need to pick up stitches and add borders later and go the extra effort with finishing needles. And, most importantly the results can be quite different depending on the kind of edge you go for! Blankets, scarves, and other projects with visible edges look so much more finished and detailed if you add neat edging to them. Tip 1: Tighten up your edge stitches Tug on the yarn tightly when you knit the edge stitches (selvedges). We recommend that you experiment with this tension until you learn how tight you should be pulling the yarn strand to get neat edges. When you have the last stitch of the row, especially on circular knitting needles make sure it’s nice and tight. Keep this tight tug also after that you have turned your work over. If not, pull it tight before knitting the first stitch. Tip 2: Slipped stitches add clean edges Add two additional stitches when casting on. They will form a neat chain along the side of your knitting WIP. As the stitch is slipped from the knitting needle it stretches out over two rows and this will get rid of any loose stitches. Slip the first stitch of every row purlwise with yarn in back and purl the last stitch. This works for every stitch pattern. It is easy to do and looks really neat. Tip 3: Add garter stitch edges Garter stitches (knit stitches every row) help prevent stockinette and other patterns from curling and add a nice finish to the project. Add selvage stitches, on each side, for example four stitches on the first and last stitches on every row. This will add neat edges of garter stitch to your knitting. The extra stitches create a narrow band along the side. You can also continue the methods 1 and 2 above with this technique. Tip 4: Faux hemline with double stockinette Add a faux hemline with double stockinette stitches. They are barely visible from the right side of the project and from the wrong side it looks like a hemline. Super easy to add in any project, this looks like a beautiful finish. Make sure there has to be an uneven number of edge stitches on each side. Tip 5: Add i-cords as you knit Adding an i-cord edging is also an easy step with guaranteed results to have a neat edge. I cords can be added with circulars as well as single pointed and double pointed needles, basically any needle you are working on the pattern. Knit it to the sides of your project directly instead of picking up stitches and doing it afterward. To add this edging you have to add six extra selvage stitches when you cast on your project, three for each side. You add this i-cord edging to both sides as you’re knitting your main pattern. To see how this is going to turn out, you need to knit a couple of rows. Hopefully, you try out these methods tested by knitting experts and bring that extra shine to your projects. Happy knitting! Source by- https://medium.com/@lanternmoonhandcrafted/how-to-knit-neat-edges-3ce89b12eb86