Stitch row
How do I work stitches into the loops?
Step 1 Now you can begin your first ‘stitch row’, which involves working stitches into the broomstick loops to secure them. At the start of a stitch row, don’t turn your work. Instead, insert the hook into the first two loops, as shown. Be careful not to pull on the working yarn, which will shorten the final loop – instead, try to keep the two loops at the same height.
Step 2 Work yrh and pull up a loop. This process brings the yarn up to the height of the loops, a bit like a turning chain.
Step 3 Now you need to work an actual turning chain for the stitches you want to work on this row. We’re going to work a row of dc stitches, which is standard for most broomstick fabrics, but you could use any crochet stitch you like. So for dc, ch1. If you plan to work taller stitches, work more chains at this stage.
Step 4 The first two broomstick loops will now be secure, so you can either take them off the broomstick or just slide them a little further down it. Use your fingers to angle the loops so they form an ‘O’ shape, to make the next stages easier. Next we’re going to work 2dc into the first two broomstick loops. To do this, insert your hook into the first two loops as before.
Step 5 Work a dc as usual – yrh, pull up a loop, yrh and pull through two loops.
Step 6 Work a second dc in the same place, as shown here. You should now have 2dc worked into the first two broomstick loops.
Step 7 To continue, you need to work 2dc into the next two broomstick loops. To do this, insert the hook into the next two broomstick loops as before.
Step 8 Now make a dc as usual – yrh, pull up a loop, yrh and pull through two loops on hook. Work a second dc in the same place. You should now have 2dc in the next two broomstick loops.
Step 9 Repeat Steps 7- 8 to work 2dc into each pair of broomstick loops across the row. You should have created five broomstick ‘O’ shapes, with 10 dc at the end of the stitch row.