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Stitch Yariations

shown here a and b, are used for 'decreas-ing’ (making the fabric narrower by reduc-ing the number of stitches) as well as for pattern interest.

To work 2 single crochet stitches together (sc2tog)

a Insert the hook into the next stitch (or as required), wrap the yarn round the hook, draw a loop through; b repeat this step into the next stitch. (3 loops on the hook); c wrap the yarn and draw through all the loops on the hook to complete.

To work 3 single crochet stitches together (sc3tog)

Work as for sc2tog until there are 3 loops on the hook; a insert the hook into a third stitch, wrap the yarn and draw through a loop, (4 loops on the hook); b wrap the yarn and draw through all the loops on the hook to complete.

To work 2 or 3 double crochet stitches together (dc2tog, or dc3tog)

a Wrap the yarn round the hook, insert the hook into the next stitch (or as required), wrap the yarn, draw a loop through, wrap the yarn and draw through 2 of the loops on the hook (2 loops left on the hook); b repeat this step into the next stitch (3 loops on the hook); c for dc3tog repeat it once morę into the next stitch (4 loops on the hook); d wrap the yarn and draw through all the loops on the hook to complete.

Hint: It is important to be surę exactly how and where the hook is to be inserted for each leg' of a cluster. The 'legs' may be worked over adjacent stitches, or stitches may be skipped between ‘legs'. To make Bobbles or Puff Stitches (see below) all 'legs’ are worked into the same stitch. Clusters, like single stitches, are sometimes worked rounc the stems of previous stitches, for example dc/rf3tog. (see Raised Stitches below).

Summary of Basic Clusters

For decoration and decreasing

In each case repeat from * to * for each ‘leg’ of the cluster. ending yo, draw through all loops on hook.

sc2(3)tog

‘insert hook as indicated, yo, draw loop through* = 3(4) loops on hook.

hdc2(3/4)tog

’ yo, insert hook as indicated, yo, draw loop through * = 5(7/9) loops on hook.

dc2(3/4/5)tog

*yo, insert hook as indicated, yo, draw loo:| through, yo, draw through 2 loops* =1 3(4/5/6) loops on hook.

tr2(3/4/5)tog

*yo twice. insert hook as indicated, yo. dra I loop through, (yo, draw through 2 loops| twice* = 3(4/5/6) loops on hook.

dtr2(3/4/5/etc)tog

*yo 3 times, insert hook as indicated, ycl draw loop through, (yo, draw through A loops) 3 times* = 3(4/5/6/etc) loops hook.

Between Stitches

Inserting the hook between the stems stitches and beneath the bundle of threa( which joins them at the top opens up a soli; fabric (see 'Wide Double Crochets' stitch pć tern. page 22).

Under One Loop Only

Inserting the hook under one top loop onlyl (either the back loop, or the front loopjj leaves the other loop exposed as a horizor tal bar. Depending upon which stitches ar picked oufin this way, horizontal ridges c *woven' effects can be created. The fabric also tends to become morę elastic.

under back loop

under front loop

Spikes

'Spikes' are madę by inserting the hook fur-ther down into the fabric than usual. either below the next stitch. or to one side of it. a A loop is drawn through and up to the heigh: of the current row; b the stitch is then corn-pleted normally.

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