So I was very happy to come across Glor's blog, Crochet Galore. She has some beautiful, delicate, elegant, and fancy doily patterns available on her blog.
On Saturday, I decided to make one as a gift. Since it would be my first one, I figured I should make a trial one first. I'm so glad I did!
I used Glor's November Doily pattern for a simple start, though I didn't have the size of hook that she recommended. I thought it would be OK as my first trial, and I would simply get the right hook with my thread for the gift. Everything began just fine, but toward the last rounds, everything was obviously warping and ruffling.
What have I done wrong? Will this be fixed with the right hook? (ooh, sounds like I'm about to punch someone...oh the things we crafters say and accept as normal!) I haven't attempted to starch it yet, although I don't think that will help, either. Did my stitches get too tight? Too loose?
Thanks for any help or advice! I always know I can count on you.
I'm afraid you'll get no help from me as I'm a new crocheter too... I'd be inclined to blame the hook size but I could be completely wrong! I wanted to ask what crochet thread is. I've heard about it, but don't really get it. I always crochet with the stuff you can knit with...
ReplyDeleteCrochet thread is thinner than yarn but thicker (usually) than sewing thread.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Wendy!
I can't help you, either, but my doilies do the same thing. Do you think blocking will help? I didn't try that. I will be checking back regularly to see if any of your other readers have any suggestions.
ReplyDeleteI've never done any blocking but that would be my first guess for trying to solve the problem.
ReplyDeleteHmm, I wonder if you might have lost count in a previous now. Make sure that when you crocheted into spaces (in the previous row) you've always did the right number of stitches. If you accidentally reduced the number of stitches needed in a round, and do later rounds the right way, those later rounds will be too big.
ReplyDeleteCrocheting in the round generally follows the same pattern, increasing by 6 stitches in each row.
If you start with a circle and crochet 6 stitches into it, your pattern will increase like this:
Round 1: 6 stitches
Round 2: 12 (2 in every previous stitch)
3: 18 (2 in the first stitch, 1 in the second)
4: 24 (2 in the first stitch, 1 in the second, 1 in the 3rd.)
Can you see how it's increasing by 6 stitches in each round, and you always start your count with 2 stitches in one stitch? In other words, round 5 will have 30 stitches (2, 1, 1, 1--5 stitches x 6 repeats=30).
If you find your previous rows are correct (Try counting the second to last row (not including the edging).
Add 6 more stitches for the next round. In other words, if the last (perfectly flat) row adds up to 72, then your next row should have 78 stitches.
Divide 78 by 6 and you get...wait a minute, gotta think about this...okay, you get 13. That means you'll stitch 2 stitches in the first stitch (in the previous round), then one stitch in each of the next 11. Keep repeating this until you get to the end.
Oh! Don't forget two things: every chain you make counts as a stitch. Also, you never count the chain that's on the hook.
Hope this isn't too long or too confusing and that it helps you!
I think I messed up my editing. That second to last paragraph should read something like this:
ReplyDeleteIf you find your previous rows are correct, count the stitches in the last row that lays correctly.
Add 6 more stitches for the next round...
(and on as above)
Thanks for the great advice..I never knew that..I will watch out for those 6 stitches from now on!
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ReplyDeleteSorry you are having trouble with the pattern. Blocking will give the doily a more finished look. I block by either pressing with a cloth or starching, gently ring out and pin the doily to a drying board (I use a ceiling tile) and let dry. Hope this helps and please let me know how it came out. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteHello Mindy,
ReplyDeleteI think your doily is pretty...I will take all rejects..lol...seriously
I use to try and crochet and the more I crocheted, the tighter and smaller it became...if I was to attempt a doily of that size it would be 5 times smaller and you could throw it as a flying saucer around the moon and back...lol
I LOVE YOUR BLOG and I signed up as your 177th follower.
I would love for you to stop by and see me. There are a couple of neat give aways from other bloggers going on...and I will be doing my one year anniversary in blogging for my followers in a week or so.
It was very nice to meet you. I found you through Doris Strom's blog.
Have A Sugar Sweet Day
Simply Debbie
Hi Mindy! I like it! I mess up too....don't stress too much. It may just need blocking. Unless the receiver is an experienced crocheter they will never know the difference!! :o)
ReplyDeleteCome see what I made my sister from your pattern...your little green man up on your header, only without arms and legs. :o) I need to go back through your posts to link to it. xoxox
Thanks so much for all the advice and help!
ReplyDeleteYou are all phenomenal to help me. =)
You'll be the first to know when I give it another go!
I have no idea about how to fix the slight bit of ruffling around the edges but it still looks great to me- I love doilies! Thanks for linking up!
ReplyDeleteMine look somewhat warped until I block them. I just use pins on my ironing board and stretch it. Then I starch it. However, the first one was a pineapple stitch and that approach worked. The current one is more like yours, and I'm not sure if the same approach will work. I will let you know! Looks good though!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful! I wish I knew how to crochet.
ReplyDeletexo,
Sena
My mom made hundreds of doilies when I grew up and I have made a few too. It is so much fun. Blocking usually helps a lot when you make a little mistake. I hope it turned out alright.
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