Hi Moms -
My nesting instinct is hitting me hard - I have a desire to learn to crochet and make a simple baby blanket before the baby is born. She is due in seven weeks. For those of you who know how to crochet, do you think this is doable? I already found a very basic pattern online - it just uses a chain stitch and a single crochet stitch. Any knowledgable advice would be appreciated! Thanks!
Thanks, everyone! I'll look into double stitch patterns ... and see what I get done in seven week's time!
Seven weeks is doable if you don't have a lot else going on. But doing it all in single crochet is going to take longer because it's a smaller stitch than half-double (not the same as single), double or treble crochet.
It is absolutely doable. I sit in the evening while watching TV and have been known to make several stuffed animals, a baby sweater, or half a blanket in one sitting. Now, I've been crocheting for over 20 years, but if you dedicate your time you can absolutely do this. If you really devote the practice, your speed will improve...a hacky-sack takes me about five minutes, a pot holder about the same.
Begin by working several swatches...sample squares. Instead of doing the 200 stitches across for a blanket, and then starting back...do 20, then start back. Do several rows until you have a nice square...using the pattern you are going to use...to iron out any problems before you begin your blanket.
Several important things to master while doing these sample squares are the tension with which you let the yarn flow through your non-dominant hand, the distance you let your yarn slide (or NOT slide, to be more exact) up your hook...it should go to the fattest part, and then back down, and that's what gives you your sizing...and what part of the stitch to enter into once you've done your chain and foundation row and will be starting your pattern rows.
I'm sorry if I'm overwhelming you, but once you get going my advice will make sense. ;)
As you are doing your pattern rows (all the rows after the chain and foundation row), ensure you are putting your hook under both loops, unless otherwise directed...and if it's a simple pattern, you won't be. Also, when turning from row to row, and it states "sc in 2nd chain from hook" do not count the stitch on the hook...count 1, and in the 2nd free stitch, put your stitch.
If you'd like any more advice as you progress, please feel free to pm me!! I absolutely love to crochet, and while my whole life I've been an artist, the only "craft" I have ever mastered is to crochet. Anything from clothing to a stuffed pig wearing a sweater. ;) It's so relaxing, I hope you love it like I do!
(Oh, I just read your SWH...yes, a double crochet pattern will get your blanket done in half the time, but will be more airy. If you want a closer stitch, it's okay to use a sc. Alternately, you can look for patterns that use a larger hook and have a larger gauge...they'll go quicker. But if you dedicate an hour or two a night, you can EASILY do a blanket for a baby...probably in less time than that!)
Choose a thick yarn and large crochet hook. It goes SOOO much faster!
Single crochet and chain is going to take a while, but if you have the time to devote to it, I say go for it. Even if it's not completely done by the time the baby arrives, you can still work on it while the child sleeps. Good luck! Crocheting is lots of fun!
Crocheting is fun! That being said, it does take a while to do single crochet. I can make a hat using single crochet in 2 nights (so maybe 4 hours?) Hats are small, blankets can be big. If you work on it a little bit every night, I'm sure you can get it done! However, I also agree that double crochet takes less time and it might be easier for your first project.
Or, why not crochet your baby a new hat to start off with? Or a stuffed animal? A burp cloth? Those won't take as long to do, you can find great patterns online for free. You might feel more of a sense of accomplishment starting with something small for your first project!
Have fun!
I agree with a previous poster, chain stich and single crochet will take a while. But if you work on it everyday it sounds do able. Good luck!
Baby blankets are small.
Not adult size.
But 7 weeks is not much time. Unless you have lots of time to devote to it.
Chain stitch/single crochet stitch is easy.
Use a bigger sized hook, it is easier.
Bear in mind, that if the blanket has holes in it, the stitching, a baby can get itself or his/her fingers/toes stuck in it.
An infant or baby does not really need a "blanket" to sleep with.
Because it is a choking/suffocation hazard.
When I was pregnant with my first child, I got into crocheting and was in nesting mode. But I made scarves. And used chain stitching/single crochet stitching, etc. Because It is fast and easy. But a baby doesn't need a scarf. I was just wanting, to make something... for my baby. LOL!
But once she was a Toddler and older, she used it. And loves it. Because I made it for her. And she keeps it in a special place. She is 10 now... and can still use it. Even if we are in Hawaii and don't really use, scarves. LOL!
HappyMama, Congrats on your upcoming baby.
Learning to crochet is doable but a blanket is going to take a while. I know that for those who are very proficient with crochet it can take a week or more to complete a baby blanket.
Seven weeks....well, it is possible. Especially if you are not working right now. Single crochet takes a while though. It is easy, but since the stitches are small, it really takes a long time to build. For example, I have been working on a single crochet Kindle case (so a small project) and have put about 10 hours into it and it is still not done.
I would suggest looking at a simple double crochet blanket. Double crochet is EASY and the stitches are twice as tall so it builds faster. My 8 year old can even do it. Might I also suggest Youtube as a good source for learning the stitches. I like Ravelry.com for patterns.
In any case, crocheting would be a great activity to take to the for passing the time before and after delivery. Good luck!
http://crochet.about.com/od/learntocrochet/ss/Crochet_Gra...
This is what I did when I was a teen (except I made mine up - no internet!). I made a baby shawl with the multi-colored skeins - yellow, white, blue and pink. I just kept crocheting until it got big enough to be a shawl (square-shaped) and then put fringe on the perimeter. My mom just loved it, and handed it down to me for my babies. I'm keeping it for my grandkids and hope it will stay in the family.
This is perfect for a pretty quick and easy piece, mom. It's one of those that won't be SO complicated or long to make that you put it down and don't pick it back up again.
Dawn
I had a hard time concentrating on anything the last few months of being pregnant.
Baby booties and baby hats might be good projects.
I think a blanket, even a small one, might be a bit much to complete before your due date.
i don't t do alot of it but i think it's doable. good luck and congrats
You could do it but you would have to devote a lot of time. I am not a great crocheter but my mom is and it takes time to do a blanket--though she usually scallops the edges for a baby blanket. I would also suggest a double crochet. It really is easy to do, just a matter of making an extra loop really. Since you would be new to it, maybe practice on a really small project so you know how to pull the stitches. I tend to pull mine too tight and get a crooked project. My first project was a doll blanket.
Youtube has tons of tutorials on every kind of stitch and pattern for crochet and knitting.
With crochet, just remember, the tighter you make the stitch, the "harder" the feel of the blanket will be. I try to do my chain stitches loose so if I have to use any stitch multiple times, it won't be too difficult to get the rod/yarn through.
