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!

My Creative Space & How To Crochet.

Yesterday my eight year old asked me to teach her how to crochet. Needless to say I was thrilled. But it got me thinking, crochet is something my hands do that my head can't really explain so well in words. I know that sounds weird but it's true. Sometimes if I think too hard about it I can't do it but if I let my hands go they remember the rhythm.

When I learnt to crochet back in May, I Googled each step, looked at the pictures of each step and practised putting my hands and fingers and yarn in the same positions.

When Indi asked me yesterday I sat with her for a while and showed her, but then I also had to take care of the demands of the other members of the family and leave her. Each time I returned she had reverted to finger knitting.

So I printed out these step by step pictures so she could watch my fingers even when I was making dinner or putting the washing away.

STEP ONE: (above)The basic way to hold the hook and yarn.

Step two: Yarn over hook.

STEP THREE: Using the hook pull the top loop through the bottom loop.

STEP FOUR: Pull the bottom loop off the hook.

STEP FIVE: Start again from step one.

She loves it. She says she's already addicted to it.

I'm so happy!

This afternoon I'll be crocheting this blue Bebop cardi and she might graduate to double crochet.

Yesterday her how to make a softie was featured on whipup as well as One Pretty Thing.

For more Creative Spaces head on over to Kootoyoo.

Have you entered my giveaway yet?