maker faire 2012
TRANSCRIPT
Or, how to crochet anything in 7 easy steps
Jessica Polka
Crochet is a method of producing fabric from yarn using a hook. Why use it as a sculptural medium?
• Easy
• Cheap
• Soft
• Define a design with text
• One stitch at a time (vs knitting)
What can you make?
Shanell Papp
Dortha Gibbs
Inger Carina
Six fundamental stitches
• Chain
• Slip • Single
• Double
• Increase
foundation
height
Decrease
You can make pretty much make any object from a series of
TUBES
(rounds of crochet)
and
SHEETS
(rows of crochet)
Sketch the object and identify component tubes and sheets.
STEP 1
Figure out what the starting points needs to be
STEP 2
• Sheet
• Open tube
• Closed tube
Crochet in 1st chain stitch
“Ring start” aka magic or double ring
Chain
Expand with increases STEP 3
Contract with decreases …same principles as increases
STEP 4
• More decreases = more contraction
• Scale with rounds for cone-like shape
• Scale with set # of stitches for flared shape
• Change rate of decrease….
• Can involve
multiple stitches
Make branch points STEP 5
Chain 5, skip 5 stitches, and crochet in 6th stitch.
• Skip stitches,
chaining instead
• Keep crocheting,
working into chain
• Add branches by crocheting
into skipped stitches and
underside of chain.
Add curvature STEP 6
• Use short stitches of one side of a tube and tall ones on the other
Alternating rounds
Every round
Finishing touches STEP 7
• Frills, ridges,
wires
• Stuffing
• Felt/embroidery
• Sew together with yarn needle
Increase Single
Summary
1. Sketch and identify tubes and sheets
2. Find starting point and type
3. Expand with increases
4. Contract with decreases
5. Make branch points
6. Add curvature
7. Finishing touches
Sundry tips
• Tension – use a small hook and work tight
• Work in back loops only – makes attaching things easier
• Compare the work to your sketch often
• Don’t be afraid to frog – you only have one loop to pick up
Overview
