New Language....

[CadenJames062503]

I feel like I'm learning a new foreign language! lol Just like I did with knitting! So can ya'll explain the basics? lol

[earthwhisper]

Is there something in particular you need help with? Are you looking for what the abbreviations mean? Or are you trying to understand crochet patterns and how they are written? Or are you trying to learn to crochet in general and need to know what a particular stitch is, like single crochet?

[CadenJames062503]

I'm just learning to crochet. I see the pattern abbrevations and it is already over my head! LOL I'm working ont hte Dreamy Days Tea Set.

[CadenJames062503]

Oh and how do you do gauge? :hmm

[dandelions2]

Do you want to start with gauge first? :)

Actually, don't tell anyone, but gauge isn't really important for the tea set pattern. If your gauge is looser or tighter than mine your tea set will either be bigger or smaller than mine by a bit - not really a big deal. The most important thing with the tea set is to crochet tightly so that the fabric will be stiff. So if you feel that your stitches are loose, then go down a hook size or two or use some thicker yarn. If your stitches are too tight - well, that would be great for the tea set! lol Might hurt your hands though. ;)

You can look here for videos and explanations of the stitches: http://www.stitchguide.com/stitches/crochet/index.html

Please email me with any questions you have. I'm usually pretty good about getting back to you within a couple hours. If you don't hear from me, then I'm having a baby. ;)

[CadenJames062503]

Good link! Sending you labor vibes!! :)

[Jessica36]

I can help to

sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
ss = slip stitch
ch = chain

Anything else?

[cozystitches]

slst = Slip Stitch (this is the standard American abreviation, ss I think is used other places)
trc = treble crochet
hdc = half double crochet
sp = space
sts = stitches
yo = yarn over
BLO = Back Loop Only (where you crochet into the back loop rather than in both loops)
FLO = Front Loop Only ((where you crochet into the front loop rather than in both loops)
lp = loop

There's more, but many of those use real words, like Popcorn, Picot (many versions of this), Bullion, Cluster, etc.

Also, some patterns (Austrailian I think) us different abreviations. For those patterns dc = our single crochet, etc.

Just to add more confusion to the mix. ;)

Hugs,
tammy
aka hooker extraordinare :P