Introduction
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Introduction PAGE 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE SNOW-DROP THROW© Contents Materials ................................................................................................................................................. 3 Nurturing Fibres Eco-Fusion DK .......................................................................................................... 3 Gauge .................................................................................................................................................. 3 Yarn ..................................................................................................................................................... 3 Hook Size ............................................................................................................................................ 4 Difficulty .................................................................................................................................................. 4 Finished Size ............................................................................................................................................ 4 Abbreviations .......................................................................................................................................... 5 UK to USA Conversions ........................................................................................................................... 6 Blocking ................................................................................................................................................... 6 Why Block? ......................................................................................................................................... 6 Materials for Blocking ......................................................................................................................... 7 Wet Blocking ....................................................................................................................................... 7 Steam Blocking ................................................................................................................................... 7 Terms of Use ........................................................................................................................................... 8 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................. 8 Testers ................................................................................................................................................ 8 Resources ............................................................................................................................................ 8 Inspiration ........................................................................................................................................... 8 PAGE 2 INTRODUCTION TO THE SNOW-DROP THROW© Materials Nurturing Fibres Eco-Fusion DK 3.5mm crochet hook [4 / E US size] Tapestry needle for sewing away the yarn tail ends Scissors Stitch markers Eco-Fusion DK Quantity* (125 m / 137 yards per 50g) Vanilla 30 x 50g (1500g) *Yarn quantities are provided as a guideline only. Bear in mind that gauge differences and yarn differences may affect the outcome of the throw. Gauge Whilst gauge is less important when making an item such as a throw, it will affect the quantities of yarn required. However, it is very important to work with a consistent gauge (tension). This is especially true when working with complicated mixtures of stitches and techniques. The best advice I can give is that you lay your work down after each round to ensure that it is lying flat. This is a good indicator that your gauge is correct. There will be times when I will indicate that the work may be a bit wavy while working a particular section. When I specifically make mention of this, then there is no need to worry – subsequent rounds will correct the wave. My gauge – worked in sc and measured over 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4 in: Using 3.5mm hook: 20 sts x 25 rows Yarn The yarn used in this pattern sample is a double knit / light worsted (No. 3 USA). PAGE 3 INTRODUCTION TO THE SNOW-DROP THROW© If you decide to use a heavier weight yarn, your throw will be substantially bigger than the sample made in this pattern. Refer to chart on next page for more information on yarn types. Symbol Description Fingering 10-count crochet thread Sock, Fingering, Baby Sport, Baby Double Knit (DK), Light Worsted Worsted, Afghan, Aran Chunky, Craft, Rug Super Bulky, Roving Jumbo, Roving Standard symbols and information sourced from www.craftyarncouncil.com . Hook Size If you have a loose tension, it is recommended that you adjust your hook sizes down from the recommended sizes in this pattern. If you have a particularly tight tension, you may wish to adjust your hook sizes up. Difficulty I have given this pattern an experienced rating. With the assistance of the video tutorials, I believe that even beginners would be able to easily complete the project, however, you would need to have basic crochet skills, as this is not a “how to crochet” project. Finished Size Approximately 125 cm x 125 cm (49 x 49 in). PAGE 4 INTRODUCTION TO THE SNOW-DROP THROW© Abbreviations Please note that my patterns always use US terminology. Listed below you will find the abbreviations used in my patterns as well as the long name. Where applicable, the abbreviation is linked to a video tutorial. Terms are listed alphabetically by the abbreviation. Abbreviation Long Name blo back loop only bpdc back post double crochet bphdc back post half double crochet bpsc back post single crochet bptc back post treble crochet ch/chs chain/chains cr dc cross double crochet dc double crochet dc2tog double crochet two together dc3tog double crochet three together – refer to * below dec decrease fpdc front post double crochet fphdc front post half double crochet fpsc front post single crochet fptc front post treble crochet hdc half double crochet hdc2tog half double crochet two together hs hidden stitch p2dc-cl perpendicular two double crochet cluster – refer to * below p picot pc popcorn stitch rpt repeat rs right side sc single crochet sk st skip a stitch sc2tog single crochet two together sl st slip stitch sp/sps sp/spaces st-dc standing double crochet st-dc3tog standing double crochet three together st-hdc standing half double crochet st-sc standing single crochet st-tc standing treble crochet st/sts stitch/stitches tc treble crochet tc2tog treble crochet two together v-st v stitch ws wrong side PAGE 5 INTRODUCTION TO THE SNOW-DROP THROW© Other Techniques and Special Stitches * dc3tog + p2dc-cl Fasten off and secure ends Half Double Crochet Join Invisible Join Magic Circle Reverse Single Crochet (Crab Stitch) Single Crochet Join UK to USA Conversions UK USA chain ch chain ch slip stitch sl st slip stitch sl st double crochet dc single crochet sc half treble htr half double crochet hdc treble tr double crochet dc double treble dtr treble tc triple treble ttr double treble dtc Blocking Why Block? It is my considered opinion that blocking of the project is very important. This is for the following reasons: 1. Contemporary crochet patterns tend to use complex combinations of stitches. When used together, these stitch combinations sometimes need some encouragement to settle together. For example: a. Front and back post stitches – depending on your tension (gauge) these very often need to be gently coaxed to lay in the correct position. This is particularly true if you tend to work quite tightly. b. When crocheting particularly dense stitches, e.g. tapestry crochet (back loop only single crochet – blo sc), the work will tend to pull to one side. This is easily remedied with a gentle blocking. The fact that we work in the blo allows flexibility in realigning the stitches. 2. There is an argument that says that all the benefits of blocking will be lost the next time you wash the item. I disagree, however, I must add here that I believe that all treasured handmade items should be treated with love and respect every time they are washed. I block my treasures after every wash. It only takes about 10 minutes of my time and is well worth the effort. I don’t always use pins at this stage, but I do lay the work flat to dry and gently coax it into the correct shape. 3. Whilst working on a project, I tend to block frequently. I do what I call a “quick block”. I simply pin it into shape while it is dry and then give it a light spray with water. It dries quickly, because it is not saturated. This is beneficial for the following reasons: a. You will very quickly pick up tension (gauge) problems that may arise. We all work at different tensions. Your tension may be very different to mine especially when working with textured and single crochet stitches. It is far better to realise that there is a problem PAGE 6 INTRODUCTION TO THE SNOW-DROP THROW© earlier in the process. It is easy to adjust hook sizes to counteract any tension problems that may arise. b. Your work will look its very best. This is very motivational. Far too many projects land up in the naughty corner, because they don’t come up to expectation and never get completed. All too often a gentle blocking would make all the difference. Materials for Blocking It is not necessary to buy expensive blocking materials. A bed or a clean carpet will suffice. If you can afford the specialist materials and have the necessary