Monday, September 13, 2010

How to crochet ric-rac.

Hey there!

What are you up to this fine Monday morning?

Since my post last week, I've had so many emails and comments asking about the recipe for homemade, hooked ric-rac, that I thought I'd do a little how to.

Before we start there are a few things to keep in mind.
  • I am using US crochet terminology.
  • I usually use a size 2 hook but its fun to experiment. The smaller the hook-the smaller the ric-rac, the bigger the hook, the bigger the ric-rac.
  • I use 4ply mercerised cotton but its fun to experiment with different plies and yarns.
  • My words describe the picture above them.
  • The stitches I am using are chain (ch) and double crochet (dc). If you are not familiar with these stitches just ask Mr Google, there are hundreds of great tutorials and videos out there to show you how.
Ok, let's get into it.

STEP ONE - Chain four.

STEP TWO - dc into the fourth chain from the hook, ie. the first chain you made.

STEP THREE - Do another dc into the same chain as in step two, chain, then do a final dc into the same chain.

STEP FOUR - Chain three.

STEP FIVE - Turn your work so that the crochet you just did is up the top as per the photo.
Then do two dc's, chain and another dc into the chain space from the previous round.
Then chain three. and turn.


STEP SIX - Repeat step five until you reach your desired length.
Always ch3 after each cluster and then turn.
Fasten off.
Stitch onto skirts, socks, quilts, cushions, frames, cards, dresses, tops, pants... anything really.

Here's the whole thing again in crochet language;
Chain 4 (only this once)
(2dc, ch1, dc) in fourth chain from hook, ch3, turn
(2dc,ch1,dc) in ch1 space from previous row, ch3 turn. Repeat this line until you reach the length you want.

I hope this all makes sense.

Please let me know if you have any problems with it.

Why don't you add your ric-rac projects to the Ravelry project page, I'd love to see some pics of what you make.

See ya!

91 comments:

  1. Nice tute! Hey, I'm going to miss you tonight. Hope your days are sweet & sunny, see you soon honey xo

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  2. Thank you for the great tut Kate and for sharing your lovely crochet pattern. I've been eyeing off that crochet ric rac for a while so now I can give it a go. My Monday has been spent getting my washer swap package all ready to get in the mail and a bit of yoghurt making. Enjoy the rest of your Monday. xo

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  3. hmmm, looks good but absolutely clueless here!
    hope you are having fun, enjoy it ♥

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  4. Crochet language .... looks tricky!!

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  5. Thanks Kate, they look fantastic, I'll give it a go...

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  6. Hey Kate, always liked your ricrac but never got around to asking how to do it, so I am glad someone else did!
    Looks pretty straight forward, shall give it a go. Hope this may encourage some non crocheters to get a little hooky happiness going in their day.
    Sun is shining (in amongst the clouds) dams are full,chooks are laying, all is well here in this little corner of the globe.
    Hope you are having a great week.

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  7. Ooh thanks for the tuturial Kate! I think the pics with the description always helps a lot. I think I may try and let you know how I go and may even use it to wrap up some presents!

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  8. It's testiment to how interesting I find you that I read every single word of this post despite the fact that:

    (a) I can't crochet

    and

    (b) I have no pressing need for rik rak.

    You rock!

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  9. Love the rik rak. I have lots of odd balls of cotton to use up. Will be great to see how others put the rik rak to use!

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  10. HIYA MISS KATE- ive been 'gunna' have a go at ric rac for ages- thanks for making it quicker and easier!!!!!

    ta
    Jane

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  11. Don't the pictures always make a difference for us Monkey see/Monkey do people!

    I always thought it was a bit tricky but you have shown us that it is easy...thankyou :-)

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  12. I am still trying to learn to crochet. It does *not* come naturally.
    This is good added incentive though. You know I love rickrack!

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  13. I had a play with your crocheted trims book last night. I CAN SEE HOW THAT COULD GET ADDICTIVE. But I'm absolutely tackling ric-rac (as from the 4pm swimming lesson). Thank you!

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  14. Thank you Kate. I'm absolutly giving it a try.

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  15. thank you Kate!!!
    Ric Rac to most, but snazzy bear scarves to me.
    Great tute. xo

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  16. PS I really do have a one tracked mind....

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  17. You make it look so easy, I will definetly be giving this a go,thanks x

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  18. I've always loved your ric racs and am so happy to see the tut. thanks so much for sharing.will definitely try it.

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  19. There must be something in the air - I've been crocheting ric-rac all weekend, then today I saw your tutorial! Nicely done.

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  20. excellent demo Kate - thanks for sharing your wonderful skills.
    We will all have to do a ric-rac sho and tell :)

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  21. Kate that's great.. Can't wait to get ric racking.. Nice of you to share. This morning I shovelled a lot of cowpoo & mushroom compost around my veg patch, then planted all my new spring seeds.. Lots of lettuce, celery, carrots, tomatoes, caps, cucumbers, eggplants, silverbeet.. The list goes on including sone heirloom toms & carrots.
    Hope the rats stay away this time:/

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  22. Love the images you have provided for this tutorial - the colour is stunning.

    I'm with Maxabella on this one - I can't crochet but I had to study every image!!

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  23. Aren't you clever ! Even I could understand your instructions , I can crochet but can't follow a pattern , thanks so much .

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  24. Just catching up, as been suffering with nointernetitus for a while. Thanks for sharing, will have to definitely give this a go. Loving the cardi.
    Jak x

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  25. Thanks for sharing. I have added 4ply cotton to my shopping list:)

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  26. what a wonderful tutorial! thanks so much. i can't wait to try this out. i had no idea you could crochet ric rac.

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  27. This is just fabulous Kate - thank you :)
    Monday has been slightly stressful-day, madly packing etc, but I'm going to bookmark this page and set to it when I come back. Thanks again :)
    Kx

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  28. I must come back and have a go at this. It looks like one of those things that is good to have in one's repertoire. Thanks for sharing. Cherrie

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  29. Thanks for the fantastic tutorial, I will need to try it! :) x

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  30. Ric Rac in Crochet, who knew! Thank you so much for the lesson. I will give it a go.

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  31. Loved this tutorial!

    Hi, I am a new follower on your blog. I would also like to introduce you to my blog: http://nolugarquechamocasa.blogspot.com

    Hope you'll follow back!! :-)

    Catarina

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  32. Gosh. I'm going to have to try this...Vogue Fabrics has just the thread in a sale bin. You could sew the crochet ric-rac onto a dress or top for true homesewn loveliness!

    I app-solutely ♥
    my ✄ Fabric U ✄
    iPhone app!
    http://tinyurl.com/242bua9

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  33. Thanks for the tute - so easy!! I made some for a swap - see Amy's pic here:
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/amygunson/4992032410/in/photostream/

    Now I'm searching my stash for a chunky yarn to make a ric rac scarf!

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  34. I know just where to add a length of this rick rack! Thanks so much for this tutorial. I found your blog via CRAFT...

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  35. I made some last night and I love it!! I have a question... Do you just make the length you need at the time? I was wanting to make a bunch up and use later but I don't know if you can cut it later on. Thanks so much!

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  36. Thanks for the tute. Just started ric-racking and it's fab! Oh, I can see evenings ahead of me now making lots of this divine stuff.

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  37. Ooh, thanks so much for this! I've just finished a granny square blanket and my hands were feeling very empty with nothing to crochet...now I am turning out some wonderful ric rac! I really appreciate your sharing!

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  38. Thank you so much for sharing. I can't wait to try this!

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  39. Thanks for this-being a left-handed (molly dukes!) self-taught crocheter who couldn't follow a pattern on a bet, I think even I can figure this one out...

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  40. wow so nice
    great tutorial, i will try it
    thank u ^_^

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  41. What an awesome idea. I would imagine you can sew right over it to attach it to fabric. I will definitely try this.

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  42. what a lovely lace! Thanks for the tutorial.

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  43. beutifulllllllllllllllll. saludos desde Puerto Rico

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  44. Thank you sooo much for this tutorial. I have just started some using red yarn which will adorn the xmas tree this year. I think I may be making many more lengths in different colours to pin onto the edges of shelving, trim lampshades and cushions... Thanks again.

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  45. Hola que tal mi nombre es maria jose y como tu soy crochetera, me encantaria que te unas a nosotras
    en Crochet Social y que compartamos ideas, saludos te esperamos!

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  46. This is so cute and clever! The really great thing about it is that you don't have to know how long you want it to be when you begin! Just keep crocheting the groups of dc until the piece is long enough! Nothing worse than having to work into a beginning chain of hundreds! This is great!

    MGM

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  47. super cute! thank you for sharing :)

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  48. super cute! thank you for sharing :)

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  49. Love it! Thank you for sharing!
    Julia

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  50. Thanks for sharing! and I hooked a looong strand already!

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  51. Thanks for taking the time to show and tell.

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  52. Super duper!! I love it totally!
    Look at what I have done here: http://aartianddesign.blogspot.com/2010/11/lace-love.html

    :)

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  53. Hello! Thank you so much for this tutorial! It's super fantastic and I shall use this every where!!!
    Sunny wishes from Crete! Teje

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  54. Thanks fabulous Tutorial and the colors you used are so inspiring!
    Hope you are enjoying your balmy weather!! Your blog rocks!! Happy Weekend from cold blustery Canada xOxO

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  55. Hi Kate!!!! Thanks four your visit,I was sure I made a comment, it's good that in my post I put a link to your blog, thank you very much for sharing this tutorial ric rac, you have a beautiful family and a beautiful life in the countryside, take care kisses for you, from Argentina
    until soon

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  56. Oh how fantastic crochet ric rac, my daughter loves to crochet looks like she may have something to make for me! thanks for sharing :)

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  57. hi! thank you so much, it´s so nice.....i love the rick-rack.........by, nico

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  58. Goodmorning...I started this ric rac pattern a few months back...and really love it. So fun to do and so cute and pretty. One thing I would love to do is make it into an afghan...I don't know IF you can just turn it and go back and forth until you get an afghan the size you want it? Or, do you do it in strips and then crochet or sew the strips together. I have seen one afghan done this way (by an elderly lady) and she could not remember HOW she put it together. Help!!! lorettamo_1999@yahoo.com or loretta.wedepohl@gmail.com Thanks so much if someone can help me.
    I also sell on ebay too (lorettamo) Am I allowed to say this? I hope so. Thanks
    Loretta

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  59. What a cool idea! linking up at www.tangledhappy.blogspot.com next month. Thank you for sharing this! :)

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  60. Fabulous pattern! Thank you for sharing.

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  61. Thanks for the tutorial! Way cute! I'd love to see your favorite uses for the rik rak.

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  62. Love that you provided the pattern for this lovely Ric-Rac. I just can't stop making them up.
    Will post pics on Ravelry soon.
    Thank you....

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  63. I just tried it for the first time!! I can do it! Thank you Kate. xx

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  64. This is awesome I LOVE it! I have already finished my first ric rac project and I'll see if I can get it up on the Ravelry page. Thanks so much for sharing this with us!

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  65. This is absolutely the best! It will work on pillowcases, sheets, clothes, you name it. Talk about owning your craft. Great.

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  66. This is a great tutorial. Been doing this since the 80's. A Gooseberry Patch book had the pattern and a wonderful example of the rik-rak as a garland on a xmas tree. So I crocheted my heart out to get enough to go on my tree. Started doing this again two years ago after finding the book on ebay (couldn't find a tut on the net.) I am making enough rik-rak to go on my boys' trees. I am book-marking your tut, just in case I lose the pattern again. Your instruction and pics are great. tfs!

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  67. What a great idea! Thanks soooo much for sharing <3

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  68. I just found your instructions on Pinterest. I am so excited to find this. My grandmother used to make this rickrack. She made light weight flannel baby blankets for my kids when they were born. They were all edged with crochet rickrack. I am dying to try it!
    Thanks so much!!

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  69. My grandmother taught me how to do this one summer afternoon when I was about six. (About fourty-four yrs ago!) Occasionally I think back on that day and wish I could remember how to make that pretty red rick-rack. Now, thanks to you, I can!

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  70. beautiful Thanks so much!

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  71. I'm new at crochet so forgive me if this is a stupid question, but when we begin step 5 on the 2 dc's, which chain do we go into?

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  72. i know how to crochet but that one is tricky!!!!!!!

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  73. This is my Ric Rac
    http://lauranajma.blogspot.com/2012/08/crocheting.html

    Thank you for your tutorial!

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  74. Gracias por tu tutorial...es mi primer ric rac!!!! trataré de subir fotos si entiendo cómo hacerlo...jajaaaa! y subir algún trabajo, pero tú eres una gran maestra!!!!! XOXO

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  75. Thanks for sharing this with us Kate. I've always struggled with crocheting.

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  76. Hello...I am wondering how you can start another row of rick rack and put them together (row after row) to make an afghan, or pillow top...something? I have tried it, but haven't figured it out just yet...Thanks lorettamo...I sell on ebay as "lorettamo"...please look me up...thanks and have a great day...Loretta

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  77. I made this rick rack in off white cotton and it made a lovely garland on our Christmas Tree

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  78. Thank you for the easy pattern. I will leave this page open today and if I have time I will use your pattern to make a bookmark. I may link it to my Blog, if I get there soon enough to remember to link anything.

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  81. I LOVE this!!! I will definitely use it for something!

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  83. Hi Kate,
    Thank you for a great tutorial. It was just what I was looking for and it worked out for me the first time, eventhough I just took up crochet.
    Thanks from Karen, Aarhus, Denmark.

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  84. Hi Kate, thanks for sharin it with us.

    I think i will crochet one soon.:)

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  85. Muchas gracias por compartir este estupendo tutorial. Felididades

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Thanks so much for stopping by...

I do read every single comment you leave and appreciate it very much, but I should let you know that I can be a wee bit on the useless side when replying to comments, that's just me, everyday life sometimes gets in the way....so I'll apologise now, just in case.

Kate XX

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