Dear ELK Studio – A Crochet Column #2

It’s time for another great week of Dear ELK Studio – A Crochet Column!  It’s filled with lots of yummy details you (the crocheter) can tuck away for future reference!   There are a few links from other great designers who have already been where you are and want to keep you crocheting great projects!

Dear ELK Studio,
Can you give me some tips on selling my crochet?

Dear Tipster,
Whether you are planning on selling consignment, online, or  craft fairs, it’s important to know your target market. A professional appearance on your website or in your booth will help get you noticed. Good branding helps people remember you and being active in social media can get your products to a large audience . Here is the first of a series of blog posts by KT and the Squid, and a Pinterest board by Stew-Art Creations that you may find helpful.

 

Dear ELK Studio,
I get confused when I read crochet in the front loop, back loop, or around the post. What does all that really mean anyway?

Dear Confused,
I think this is a question we all have when we are learning to crochet – I know I did! Here is a handy visual by Oombawaka Design for you that I think will really help!

 

Dear ELK Studio,
I’m working on a pattern that tells me to crochet button holes. I’ve never done this before and would love some instructions.

Dear Buttonless,
Crocheting buttonholes can seem daunting but it’s really very easy! Don’t over think it! You can create either vertical or horizontal button holes by using simple chains and the single crochet stitch! Be sure you measure the spacing and your button size. You can use stitch markers or yarn to help mark your placement so you know where your starting. I have a You-Tube video by New Stitch a Day and a blog post by Petals to Picots that can really help you.

 

Dear ELK Studio,
I need some help. Are there any standard measurements out there for a crochet hat?

DEAR Seeking Standards,
Yes, while nothing can take the place of a custom hat measurement, there are several excellent resources for standard hat sizes. The first that comes to mind is a tutorial on how to design or modify a hat pattern by Cre8tion Crochet. This is an excellent resource and guides you through the entire process.  Another great option is the tutorial from My Merry Messy Life.

 

Dear ELK Studio,
In some patterns the instructions say chain 1 while others say chain 2 or 3. How do I know which one is really right?

Dear Bound by Chains,
Time to use the chains, they are your friend. When beginning a row, or round,you will chain as the first step. The purpose is to elevate your yarn and hook a prescribed distance from the previous stitches. The number of chains will vary dependent on the height of stitch used in this next grouping. A fall back on guide is: ch 1 for single crochet (sc), ch 2 for half double crochet (hdc). ch 3 for double crochet (dc), ch 4  for the treble crochet (tc).

The chains used inside a piece of crochet fabric is entirely different. Each chain normally is the width of a stitch. For example, by chaining 3, you have allowed a space of 3 stitches that are vacant (except for the chain).

Do you have a question for Dear ELK Studio?  If so, ask in the contact form provided below.

[contact-form][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’/][contact-field label=’Comment’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]