Crochet hacks with Lily Chin
DROPPING TO JOIN
I’m Lily, and I’ve been teaching yarncrafts internationally since 1989. I was named to the Crochet Hall of Fame in 2015 and have been involved in some aspect of the fashion industry since age 13, designing for magazines and yarn companies since 1982 and working for designers such as Ralph Lauren and Diane von Fürstenberg. I was officially named ‘fastest crocheter in the world’ in a 2002 international competition and have authored books on knitting and crochet since 1999. I’ve made hundreds of appearances on television and in print media, and am on the season 13 and 14 cast of PBS’ Knit and Crochet Now! But most of all, I’m proud of my teaching skills. Come and learn something new with me!
When we drop the hook from the loop, we usually have palpitations. Fear sets in as we have visions of everything unravelling. Yet this simple action can actually help us join pieces together! Take, for example, the ubiquitous Granny Square. Make one initial square first. On subsequent squares, work to the last round. On the last round, work to the edge to be joined.
Step 1 Work the next stitch and drop the live loop from hook.
Step 2 Insert hook into corresponding stitch on first Square from WS to RS (in this case, from back to front).
Step 3 Place the loop back onto hook and draw through the stitch.
Rep Steps 1-3 across the side being joined.
If the hook were inserted the other way (from RS to WS or Front to Back), there would be little choppy hatch marks (image 4). That can be a decorative design feature, if you want it to be.
The one disadvantage is that if there’s a mistake, like skipping a corresponding stitch on the old piece so that the pieces don’t line up, you will have to rip out to fix. However, the other advantage to working this join (other than not having to seam) is less bulk, and that is a bonus. Thus, rejoice – no need to seam! For more from Lily, follow her on Facebook at Lily M Chin, on Instagram at @lilymchin, and on Twitter at @LilyMChin1.
NEXT ISSUE Symmetrical stitches