In preparation for Part 1 of the four part series on Wire Crochet (particularly the projects included) and in order that the Tutorial download won’t be too weighty, I’ve decided to place some of the more fundamental information such as Beginner Crochet stitch instructional videos on their own page. The materials mentioned that you will need to get started are below and needn’t be expensive – these are practice materials. Your crochet hooks however should be purchased with the intent of using them on actual projects. If using used crochet hooks ensure they don’t have any nicks, scrapes or gouges – the hook should be smooth to avoid snagging.
Below are several videos which are freely available for viewing on Youtube.com as well – and which, through the generosity of the video creators, will guide those who are new to crocheting and get you up to speed on the basic techniques that will be the foundation for the projects included in the tutorial.
I’ve endeavored to include both right and left hand instructional videos where possible.
What You’ll Need to follow the videos
- Patience
- One skien (or at least 1-1/2 feet) of a medium 4-ply worsted weight yarn such as Bernat Sugar & Cream, Super Value etc.
- One skien (or at least 1-1/2 feet) of a #10 cotton crochet thread
- One aluminum crochet hook size G or H
- One Stainless steel crochet hook size No. 7 (Canadian/UK), No. 4 (US) or 1.65mm (Metric)
- 1 spool or coil of an artistic wire gauge #30
- Scissors or wire cutters
Process for Beginner Crocheters or those who have never crocheted
Beginning with the G or H Crochet hook and 4-ply worsted yarn practice the slip stitch, the chain and the single crochet stitches using the following videos as guides until you are comfortable with the technique and are easily creating a uniform chain and then row of stitches.
Then change to the stainless steel hook and the crochet thread. This will familiarize you with working with thinner material in preparation to change to the #30 gauge wire. Once you are ready, feel free to change to the Stainless steel hook and #30 gauge wire (available at craft stores, department stores, on-line, etc.) and follow along with the wire crochet videos until you are comfortable.
**Note: As a new wire crocheter it is much easier to manipulate the thinner gauged wire initially as it is extremely pliable. If you choose to work with a thicker gauge such as #28 you will want to use a larger hook such as the G or H. Wire will break more readily if manipulated too much so don’t spend a great deal on the purchase of the wire you will be practicing with (no sterling silver etc.)
Remember!
Wire is not as forgiving as yarn – once a stitch is made with wire it can be difficult to correct it – practicing with the yarn first will allow you to make all the mistakes necessary to learn – and then moving to wire will be a little easier for you.
Techniques for creating the initial Slip Knot – Right and Left Hand
(Right Hand)
(Left Hand)
One Method to control tension
Practice the chain stitch (foundation stitch)
Moving on to Wire
After practicing first with the 4 ply yarn and larger hook, then with the cotton crochet thread and stainless steel hook – you’ll find yourself becoming more confident with your newly acquired skills. Now it’s time to take your skills up a notch and introduce them to crocheting with wire. The following videos although not sound equipped, will show you relatively clearly how to work with the thin #30 gauge wire. This wire is easier to work with and will give you a good basis for advancing your skills to begin to incorporate other wire thicknesses into your efforts.
Many wire crocheters find that working with a #28 gauge wire is their preference – I’m not one of these – but if you do happen to find that working with the #30 gauge wire is just too ‘fiddly’ feel free to move up to a #28 gauge soft wire and a G hook.
Working with Wire – (Right Hand)
Working with Wire – (Left-hand)
If you are feeling adventurous!
Once you’ve practiced with the wire, you might want to create something – I don’t blame you. Below is a very quick to make filigree ring tutorial, courtesy of Beads by Lili’s Youtube video – you can use the Stainless Steel Crochet hook (No. 7 or 1.65mm) and the #30 gauge wire for this with no problem.
Crochet a Wire Filigree Ring
I’ll announce as soon as the tutorial I’ve completed is available – til then the above should keep those of you new to crochet busy for a little bit. Enjoy!
Akaiya
