Found Collection

by **Anamaria Anderso** » Tue, 23 Jan 2001 23:01:59

Hello all! I am just returning to crochet after learning the basics at my
grandmother's knee. Here's my problem: After I make my foundation chain, I
am confused about and have trouble inserting the hook under the appropriate
threads to build on it. The National Needlework Association booklet, How to
Crcohet, says to insert the hook under the top loop of the chain and the
back loop, while the Leisure Arts books say to insert the hook under the two
loops of the chain (i.e., NOT the back loop). In any case, I find it
inordinately difficult to do this in the foundation chain -- I have to pick
at the yarn with my fingers and know THAT"s not right. I don't have this
problem after the first row, when it becomes very easy to slip the hook
under the two starnds that form the chain at the top of the stitch.

SO the question is which two loops of the foundation chain does the hook
need to go under (related questions: can't I just use the top loop of the
chain? it's so much easier AND if not, how can I make it less of a struggle?
I already work fairly loosely).

THANK YOU all in advance for getting though my quesiton and offering
much-apreciated advice! Any book recommendations would be most helpful as
well!

All the best,
Anamaria.

by **Jacquilynne Schlesie** » Wed, 24 Jan 2001 04:34:57

On Jan 22, Anamaria Anderson did speak about Newbie having trouble with...:

Quote:

> need to go under (related questions: can't I just use the top loop of the
> chain? it's so much easier AND if not, how can I make it less of a struggle?
> I already work fairly loosely).

Eh, it's not 'correct' to use only the top loop but it's what I've always
done. Do a small swatch of top loop only and a small swatch of both loops
and you'll see what a minor difference it makes along the bottom edge an
how much easier it can be to go top loop only. If what you're looking for
is permission to crochet top loop only on the first row, you've got mine.

--

by **MissAngel** » Wed, 24 Jan 2001 03:11:39

You can use whatever loop or loops you wish, whichever is most comfortable
for you. For a long time I used just the top loop also, and never had any
complaints, although my mother the crochet cop would always tell me I did it
"funny", hahaha. As of late, I have been using the little loop to the back
of the chain (the little bump behind the "v") and the finished row looks
more like the other rows without the foundation chain. I have gotten used to
doing this now, and it is just as easy for me to do. Also, it may be easier
for you to make the original chain with a hook one size larger than the hook
you plan to use in the piece. It makes it a little easier to get your hook
in the loops of the chain when you work your way back.
I saw a link while surfing a while back about how to start a piece without
even using a starting chain. I have never tried it, but it looked fairly
easy enough to do. I will try to dig up the link and send it to you.
I hope this helps. Just remember, there really is no wrong way to do it-
whatever feels comfortable and looks good to you is just fine.
Angela

Quote:

> Hello all! I am just returning to crochet after learning the basics at my
> grandmother's knee. Here's my problem: After I make my foundation chain,
I
> am confused about and have trouble inserting the hook under the
appropriate
> threads to build on it. The National Needlework Association booklet, How
to
> Crcohet, says to insert the hook under the top loop of the chain and the
> back loop, while the Leisure Arts books say to insert the hook under the
two
> loops of the chain (i.e., NOT the back loop). In any case, I find it
> inordinately difficult to do this in the foundation chain -- I have to
pick
> at the yarn with my fingers and know THAT"s not right. I don't have this
> problem after the first row, when it becomes very easy to slip the hook
> under the two starnds that form the chain at the top of the stitch.

> SO the question is which two loops of the foundation chain does the hook
> need to go under (related questions: can't I just use the top loop of the
> chain? it's so much easier AND if not, how can I make it less of a
struggle?
> I already work fairly loosely).

> THANK YOU all in advance for getting though my quesiton and offering
> much-apreciated advice! Any book recommendations would be most helpful as
> well!

> All the best,
> Anamaria.

by **Donna B. McBryd** » Wed, 24 Jan 2001 05:45:53

I always use the top loop, too. I think that unless there's a specific
pattern you're following with many different stitches and a particular
"look" you're supposed to end up with, use whatever you're comfortable with.
Just don't change which loops you use in the middle of a project (unless ,of
course, a pattern calls for it).
As has been said before, there are no Craft Police!! Do your own thing!
--

Donna B. McBryde =^..^=
99.9% of the world's problems would cease to exist if the entire human race
lived by the Golden Rule.
www.mcbryde.com

by **mommadon** » Wed, 24 Jan 2001 05:03:06

There is a great help I learned last year called the foundation stitch. It
basically produces the long chain thread, but adds a sturdy single stitich body
to it - making for easier handling and much less frustration.

I'll try to explain it, and if that doesn't work, I'll dig out the website you
can go to for expert advice.....

chain 2 (you'll have 3 chains), turn

in first chain, insert the hook thru the top two stitches (they sit on top in a
V shape, with another smaller section*** below - *pull thread thru as tho
to start a single crochet - you now have two loops on the hook - pull thread
thru the first loop on the hook, then finish by pulling the thread thru both
loops left on the hook - ONE FOUNDATION STITCH

In the stitch you just completed, insert the hook thru the top two stiches (as
above), and follow the above directions from *. You will find yourself making a
kind of thick, but very manageble chain to do the rest of your item on. Just
make as many foundation stitches as the pattern calls for chain stitches, then
go from there.

Hope this made sense - it chainged my life ( : -> because I do very fine work,
and that first chain is a doozy......

PS - There is no "right" way to do it....what ever gets the darn project going
works just fine! Most stitches were mistakes someone remembered to write down
and name later ))

Quote:

> Hello all! I am just returning to crochet after learning the basics at my
> grandmother's knee. Here's my problem: After I make my foundation chain, I
> am confused about and have trouble inserting the hook under the appropriate
> threads to build on it. The National Needlework Association booklet, How to
> Crcohet, says to insert the hook under the top loop of the chain and the
> back loop, while the Leisure Arts books say to insert the hook under the two
> loops of the chain (i.e., NOT the back loop). In any case, I find it
> inordinately difficult to do this in the foundation chain -- I have to pick
> at the yarn with my fingers and know THAT"s not right. I don't have this
> problem after the first row, when it becomes very easy to slip the hook
> under the two starnds that form the chain at the top of the stitch.

> SO the question is which two loops of the foundation chain does the hook
> need to go under (related questions: can't I just use the top loop of the
> chain? it's so much easier AND if not, how can I make it less of a struggle?
> I already work fairly loosely).

> THANK YOU all in advance for getting though my quesiton and offering
> much-apreciated advice! Any book recommendations would be most helpful as
> well!

> All the best,
> Anamaria.

by **Anamaria Anderso** » Wed, 24 Jan 2001 06:06:06

Thanks to everyone for the great advice (and permission)! I'll try the
special foundation chain stitch as soon as I can print it out, otherwise
stick to top loop only on the foundation chain, at least for now.

What a great group! I have some more questions, about working with Lion
Brand Homespun yarn (is it hard for everyone else to tell where the stitches
are or do i need to use a larger hook), about gauge (how come I always have
to use a hook several sizes larger than rec? at least in the few Vanna
patterns I've tried), and about recommended crocheting books. Is it polite
to ask so many at once? I'm all e***d about starting out; I have a new
baby and crochet seems the perfect craft to do in the evenings when he's
finally asleep -- something I can curl up on the couch with.

Thanks again to everyone!
Anamaria.

Quote:

>Hello all! I am just returning to crochet after learning the basics at my
>grandmother's knee. Here's my problem: After I make my foundation chain,
I
>am confused about and have trouble inserting the hook under the appropriate
>threads to build on it. The National Needlework Association booklet, How
to
>Crcohet, says to insert the hook under the top loop of the chain and the
>back loop, while the Leisure Arts books say to insert the hook under the
two
>loops of the chain (i.e., NOT the back loop). In any case, I find it
>inordinately difficult to do this in the foundation chain -- I have to pick
>at the yarn with my fingers and know THAT"s not right. I don't have this
>problem after the first row, when it becomes very easy to slip the hook
>under the two starnds that form the chain at the top of the stitch.

>SO the question is which two loops of the foundation chain does the hook
>need to go under (related questions: can't I just use the top loop of the
>chain? it's so much easier AND if not, how can I make it less of a
struggle?
>I already work fairly loosely).

>THANK YOU all in advance for getting though my quesiton and offering
>much-apreciated advice! Any book recommendations would be most helpful as
>well!

>All the best,
>Anamaria.

by **Seanette Blayloc** » Wed, 24 Jan 2001 11:40:09

Anamaria Anderson had some very interesting things to say about "Re:
Newbie having trouble with crocheting in foundat'n chain":

Quote:

>are or do i need to use a larger hook), about gauge (how come I always have
>to use a hook several sizes larger than rec?

I do that too. :-)

--
Seanette Blaylock [make obvious address correction to e-mail]
"Either you're being sarcastic, or your post leaked over to me from a
parallel universe, or one or both of us is insane and/or stupid and/or
not paying attention and/or lying." Ben, ATSR

by **canuc** » Wed, 24 Jan 2001 13:09:38

I made 5 different hats with Lion Homespun and the finished product looks
terrific; however, it was so annoying that you can't distinguish the stitches.
I had to fake it and do it by "feel". Guess it worked okay because the hats
came out okay. It's just a real pain in the neck.

I also discovered Red Heart's Light & Lofty was very similar to Lion's Homespun
but cheaper. I was very thrilled with the outcome of that; however, you
couldn't distinguish the stitches there either.

Quote:

> Thanks to everyone for the great advice (and permission)! I'll try the
> special foundation chain stitch as soon as I can print it out, otherwise
> stick to top loop only on the foundation chain, at least for now.

> What a great group! I have some more questions, about working with Lion
> Brand Homespun yarn (is it hard for everyone else to tell where the stitches
> are or do i need to use a larger hook), about gauge (how come I always have
> to use a hook several sizes larger than rec? at least in the few Vanna
> patterns I've tried), and about recommended crocheting books. Is it polite
> to ask so many at once? I'm all e***d about starting out; I have a new
> baby and crochet seems the perfect craft to do in the evenings when he's
> finally asleep -- something I can curl up on the couch with.

> Thanks again to everyone!
> Anamaria.

> >Hello all! I am just returning to crochet after learning the basics at my
> >grandmother's knee. Here's my problem: After I make my foundation chain,
> I
> >am confused about and have trouble inserting the hook under the appropriate
> >threads to build on it. The National Needlework Association booklet, How
> to
> >Crcohet, says to insert the hook under the top loop of the chain and the
> >back loop, while the Leisure Arts books say to insert the hook under the
> two
> >loops of the chain (i.e., NOT the back loop). In any case, I find it
> >inordinately difficult to do this in the foundation chain -- I have to pick
> >at the yarn with my fingers and know THAT"s not right. I don't have this
> >problem after the first row, when it becomes very easy to slip the hook
> >under the two starnds that form the chain at the top of the stitch.

> >SO the question is which two loops of the foundation chain does the hook
> >need to go under (related questions: can't I just use the top loop of the
> >chain? it's so much easier AND if not, how can I make it less of a
> struggle?
> >I already work fairly loosely).

> >THANK YOU all in advance for getting though my quesiton and offering
> >much-apreciated advice! Any book recommendations would be most helpful as
> >well!

> >All the best,
> >Anamaria.

by **Lori Hanse** » Wed, 24 Jan 2001 13:16:08

I haven't worked with either type of yarn and was just wondering why it's
hard to distinguish the stitches...is it because it's bulky yarn or
something?

--
Lori
(remove NO_SPAM from email address for direct replies)

Quote:

> I made 5 different hats with Lion Homespun and the finished product looks
> terrific; however, it was so annoying that you can't distinguish the stitches.
> I had to fake it and do it by "feel". Guess it worked okay because the hats
> came out okay. It's just a real pain in the neck.

> I also discovered Red Heart's Light & Lofty was very similar to Lion's
> Homespun
> but cheaper. I was very thrilled with the outcome of that; however, you
> couldn't distinguish the stitches there either.

>> Thanks to everyone for the great advice (and permission)! I'll try the
>> special foundation chain stitch as soon as I can print it out, otherwise
>> stick to top loop only on the foundation chain, at least for now.

>> What a great group! I have some more questions, about working with Lion
>> Brand Homespun yarn (is it hard for everyone else to tell where the stitches
>> are or do i need to use a larger hook), about gauge (how come I always have
>> to use a hook several sizes larger than rec? at least in the few Vanna
>> patterns I've tried), and about recommended crocheting books. Is it polite
>> to ask so many at once? I'm all e***d about starting out; I have a new
>> baby and crochet seems the perfect craft to do in the evenings when he's
>> finally asleep -- something I can curl up on the couch with.

>> Thanks again to everyone!
>> Anamaria.

>>> Hello all! I am just returning to crochet after learning the basics at my
>>> grandmother's knee. Here's my problem: After I make my foundation chain,
>> I
>>> am confused about and have trouble inserting the hook under the appropriate
>>> threads to build on it. The National Needlework Association booklet, How
>> to
>>> Crcohet, says to insert the hook under the top loop of the chain and the
>>> back loop, while the Leisure Arts books say to insert the hook under the
>> two
>>> loops of the chain (i.e., NOT the back loop). In any case, I find it
>>> inordinately difficult to do this in the foundation chain -- I have to pick
>>> at the yarn with my fingers and know THAT"s not right. I don't have this
>>> problem after the first row, when it becomes very easy to slip the hook
>>> under the two starnds that form the chain at the top of the stitch.

>>> SO the question is which two loops of the foundation chain does the hook
>>> need to go under (related questions: can't I just use the top loop of the
>>> chain? it's so much easier AND if not, how can I make it less of a
>> struggle?
>>> I already work fairly loosely).

>>> THANK YOU all in advance for getting though my quesiton and offering
>>> much-apreciated advice! Any book recommendations would be most helpful as
>>> well!

>>> All the best,
>>> Anamaria.

by **canuc** » Wed, 24 Jan 2001 16:19:39

Yes...sorry. Bulky, "***", textured.

Quote:

> I haven't worked with either type of yarn and was just wondering why it's
> hard to distinguish the stitches...is it because it's bulky yarn or
> something?

> --
> Lori
> (remove NO_SPAM from email address for direct replies)

> > I made 5 different hats with Lion Homespun and the finished product looks
> > terrific; however, it was so annoying that you can't distinguish the stitches.
> > I had to fake it and do it by "feel". Guess it worked okay because the hats
> > came out okay. It's just a real pain in the neck.

> > I also discovered Red Heart's Light & Lofty was very similar to Lion's
> > Homespun
> > but cheaper. I was very thrilled with the outcome of that; however, you
> > couldn't distinguish the stitches there either.

> >> Thanks to everyone for the great advice (and permission)! I'll try the
> >> special foundation chain stitch as soon as I can print it out, otherwise
> >> stick to top loop only on the foundation chain, at least for now.

> >> What a great group! I have some more questions, about working with Lion
> >> Brand Homespun yarn (is it hard for everyone else to tell where the stitches
> >> are or do i need to use a larger hook), about gauge (how come I always have
> >> to use a hook several sizes larger than rec? at least in the few Vanna
> >> patterns I've tried), and about recommended crocheting books. Is it polite
> >> to ask so many at once? I'm all e***d about starting out; I have a new
> >> baby and crochet seems the perfect craft to do in the evenings when he's
> >> finally asleep -- something I can curl up on the couch with.

> >> Thanks again to everyone!
> >> Anamaria.

> >>> Hello all! I am just returning to crochet after learning the basics at my
> >>> grandmother's knee. Here's my problem: After I make my foundation chain,
> >> I
> >>> am confused about and have trouble inserting the hook under the appropriate
> >>> threads to build on it. The National Needlework Association booklet, How
> >> to
> >>> Crcohet, says to insert the hook under the top loop of the chain and the
> >>> back loop, while the Leisure Arts books say to insert the hook under the
> >> two
> >>> loops of the chain (i.e., NOT the back loop). In any case, I find it
> >>> inordinately difficult to do this in the foundation chain -- I have to pick
> >>> at the yarn with my fingers and know THAT"s not right. I don't have this
> >>> problem after the first row, when it becomes very easy to slip the hook
> >>> under the two starnds that form the chain at the top of the stitch.

> >>> SO the question is which two loops of the foundation chain does the hook
> >>> need to go under (related questions: can't I just use the top loop of the
> >>> chain? it's so much easier AND if not, how can I make it less of a
> >> struggle?
> >>> I already work fairly loosely).

> >>> THANK YOU all in advance for getting though my quesiton and offering
> >>> much-apreciated advice! Any book recommendations would be most helpful as
> >>> well!

> >>> All the best,
> >>> Anamaria.

by **Jazmi** » Thu, 25 Jan 2001 00:14:18

Quote:

> Anamaria Anderson had some very interesting things to say about "Re:
> Newbie having trouble with crocheting in foundat'n chain":

> >are or do i need to use a larger hook), about gauge (how come I always
have
> >to use a hook several sizes larger than rec?

> I do that too. :-)

I also found that after some time and more experience (for the newbie at
least), that my tension changed, sometimes closer to recommended, sometimes
not. <grin> Heck, what sort of day I've had at work has been known to do
some pretty funky things to my tension. The test piece for the pattern was
done by a human, they might be the odd ball out in tension. :)

Heather -- who tries not to let bad days at work make her lace go all wonky.

by **Lori Hanse** » Thu, 25 Jan 2001 01:11:05

Ahhhh....okay. I get it now. :) No need to apologize...I just thought I'd
ask so I could decide whether I wanted to try to avoid it or not if it's
tough to work with. :)

--
Lori
(remove NO_SPAM from email address for direct replies)

Quote:

> Yes...sorry. Bulky, "***", textured.

>> I haven't worked with either type of yarn and was just wondering why it's
>> hard to distinguish the stitches...is it because it's bulky yarn or
>> something?

>> --
>> Lori
>> (remove NO_SPAM from email address for direct replies)

>>> I made 5 different hats with Lion Homespun and the finished product looks
>>> terrific; however, it was so annoying that you can't distinguish the
>>> stitches.
>>> I had to fake it and do it by "feel". Guess it worked okay because the hats
>>> came out okay. It's just a real pain in the neck.

>>> I also discovered Red Heart's Light & Lofty was very similar to Lion's
>>> Homespun
>>> but cheaper. I was very thrilled with the outcome of that; however, you
>>> couldn't distinguish the stitches there either.

>>>> Thanks to everyone for the great advice (and permission)! I'll try the
>>>> special foundation chain stitch as soon as I can print it out, otherwise
>>>> stick to top loop only on the foundation chain, at least for now.

>>>> What a great group! I have some more questions, about working with Lion
>>>> Brand Homespun yarn (is it hard for everyone else to tell where the
>>>> stitches
>>>> are or do i need to use a larger hook), about gauge (how come I always have
>>>> to use a hook several sizes larger than rec? at least in the few Vanna
>>>> patterns I've tried), and about recommended crocheting books. Is it polite
>>>> to ask so many at once? I'm all e***d about starting out; I have a new
>>>> baby and crochet seems the perfect craft to do in the evenings when he's
>>>> finally asleep -- something I can curl up on the couch with.

>>>> Thanks again to everyone!
>>>> Anamaria.

>>>>> Hello all! I am just returning to crochet after learning the basics at my
>>>>> grandmother's knee. Here's my problem: After I make my foundation chain,
>>>> I
>>>>> am confused about and have trouble inserting the hook under the
>>>>> appropriate
>>>>> threads to build on it. The National Needlework Association booklet, How
>>>> to
>>>>> Crcohet, says to insert the hook under the top loop of the chain and the
>>>>> back loop, while the Leisure Arts books say to insert the hook under the
>>>> two
>>>>> loops of the chain (i.e., NOT the back loop). In any case, I find it
>>>>> inordinately difficult to do this in the foundation chain -- I have to
>>>>> pick
>>>>> at the yarn with my fingers and know THAT"s not right. I don't have this
>>>>> problem after the first row, when it becomes very easy to slip the hook
>>>>> under the two starnds that form the chain at the top of the stitch.

>>>>> SO the question is which two loops of the foundation chain does the hook
>>>>> need to go under (related questions: can't I just use the top loop of the
>>>>> chain? it's so much easier AND if not, how can I make it less of a
>>>> struggle?
>>>>> I already work fairly loosely).

>>>>> THANK YOU all in advance for getting though my quesiton and offering
>>>>> much-apreciated advice! Any book recommendations would be most helpful as
>>>>> well!

>>>>> All the best,
>>>>> Anamaria.

by **Seanette Blayloc** » Thu, 25 Jan 2001 03:55:16

Lori Hansen had some very interesting things to say about "Re: Newbie
having trouble with crocheting in foundat'n chain":

Quote:

>I haven't worked with either type of yarn and was just wondering why it's
>hard to distinguish the stitches...is it because it's bulky yarn or
>something?

Bulky-weight and very textured. I'm knitting a scarf with it currently
[Colonial, if anyone cares what color ;-)]. I love the texture it's
coming up with, and it looks really cute, but I can't see the stitches
well at all.

--
Seanette Blaylock [make obvious address correction to e-mail]
"Either you're being sarcastic, or your post leaked over to me from a
parallel universe, or one or both of us is insane and/or stupid and/or
not paying attention and/or lying." Ben, ATSR

by **Anamaria Anderso** » Wed, 24 Jan 2001 22:59:43

Okay, so it's not just me having trouble with the Homespun. I think the
problem is the changing width of the yarn (for the, well, homespun effect).
But I was very discouraged and have decided to work with something else for
my project!
Thanks again! Anamaria.

Quote:

>I made 5 different hats with Lion Homespun and the finished product looks
>terrific; however, it was so annoying that you can't distinguish the
stitches.
>I had to fake it and do it by "feel". Guess it worked okay because the
hats
>came out okay. It's just a real pain in the neck.

>I also discovered Red Heart's Light & Lofty was very similar to Lion's
Homespun
>but cheaper. I was very thrilled with the outcome of that; however, you
>couldn't distinguish the stitches there either.

>> Thanks to everyone for the great advice (and permission)! I'll try the
>> special foundation chain stitch as soon as I can print it out, otherwise
>> stick to top loop only on the foundation chain, at least for now.

>> What a great group! I have some more questions, about working with Lion
>> Brand Homespun yarn (is it hard for everyone else to tell where the
stitches
>> are or do i need to use a larger hook), about gauge (how come I always
have
>> to use a hook several sizes larger than rec? at least in the few Vanna
>> patterns I've tried), and about recommended crocheting books. Is it
polite
>> to ask so many at once? I'm all e***d about starting out; I have a new
>> baby and crochet seems the perfect craft to do in the evenings when he's
>> finally asleep -- something I can curl up on the couch with.

>> Thanks again to everyone!
>> Anamaria.

>> >Hello all! I am just returning to crochet after learning the basics at
my
>> >grandmother's knee. Here's my problem: After I make my foundation
chain,
>> I
>> >am confused about and have trouble inserting the hook under the
appropriate
>> >threads to build on it. The National Needlework Association booklet,
How
>> to
>> >Crcohet, says to insert the hook under the top loop of the chain and the
>> >back loop, while the Leisure Arts books say to insert the hook under the
>> two
>> >loops of the chain (i.e., NOT the back loop). In any case, I find it
>> >inordinately difficult to do this in the foundation chain -- I have to
pick
>> >at the yarn with my fingers and know THAT"s not right. I don't have
this
>> >problem after the first row, when it becomes very easy to slip the hook
>> >under the two starnds that form the chain at the top of the stitch.

>> >SO the question is which two loops of the foundation chain does the hook
>> >need to go under (related questions: can't I just use the top loop of
the
>> >chain? it's so much easier AND if not, how can I make it less of a
>> struggle?
>> >I already work fairly loosely).

>> >THANK YOU all in advance for getting though my quesiton and offering
>> >much-apreciated advice! Any book recommendations would be most helpful
as
>> >well!

>> >All the best,
>> >Anamaria.

by **Bleedsbl** » Thu, 25 Jan 2001 06:41:36

I have trouble with the first row, too. But I just do what feels comfortable to
me.

I just realized after crocheting for 20+ years that I've been holding the hook
the
"wrong" way! Guess it's the right way for
me!

I just started a knitting class - finally learning to do something than make
mile-long scarves! We're knitting a teddy bear-sized cardigan!

Jacki