Expert: Patricia - 1/31/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am 70, Kinda new at crocheting, handicapped, and need to know how to count so rows come out even. Also do you have any tips on making a sturdier beginning chain?

ANSWER: Hi!
I hope I can help you.  Let's say you're making rows of double crochets.  Each row has 20 doubles.  When you get to the end of the row, chain 3, turn your work clockwise so now you're going back down the row.  That chain 3 will count as your first double of this next row.  Make doubles all the way across until you have a total of 20 doubles including that first chain 3.  Make sure you count your stitches because if you have too many or not enough, it will make your rows uneven.

That beginning foundation chain is crocheted a little bit looser than normal so that you have room to crochet back into it.  Make sure that when you insert your hook into the chain, that there are two loops on top of the hook, one loop under it.  If you only pick up one loop, you will have a very weak chain.

I don't know what kind of handicap you have, but if your hands are affected, I'm sure you've already realized that you the larger hooks are more comfortable.  My dear aunt who taught me how to crochet when I was very little, had several strokes when she was almost 80.  She learned to crochet again using large hooks.  I was so glad to see her able to crochet again!  

Best of luck to you.  If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

-Patricia

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: can you show me diagrams? do you have different amout of stiches on every other row. On the scarf I am doing, it says do not count ch 2 as a stitch, at the end of each row you ch 2 and turn. My hands are shaky and I amm slow.

Answer
Hi Pati,

If you don't count the chain 2 at the end of the row as a stitch, then the next rows will continually get narrower.  I must be missing something here. A scarf a very good beginner project.  It's what I usually start my "students" with.

Would it be possible for you to type the instructions exactly as given to you?  Without it, it's difficult for me to see the whole picture of what they're trying to get you to do. Or, if you have a scanner, you can send it that way.

-Patricia