Start the new year with the basics

Happy New Year!

To start out the new year, I thought I would go back to the basics for anyone who wants to learn how to crochet.

So I am going to show you how to do a zig zag pattern that you can use for afghans or scarves. This is the pattern that I first learned on.

I usually use worsted weight yarn and like a size G (4.00 MM) hook. There are some pretty soft acrylic yarns out there nowadays. I like Caron Simply Soft.

Caron Simply Soft

Abbreviations:

Ch - chain

Sc - single crochet

St - stitch

Sk - skip

To begin most crochet projects, you need what’s called a foundation chain. To start, you have to make a slipknot.

Make a loop with your yarn

and pull the working yarn (the yarn attached to the skein) through the loop.

Then pull tight. If you need more explanation, this video gives more detail - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8GnAnrHXSs

Once you have your slipknot, you are going to have to make your foundation chain. The foundation chain is the starter row that you work off of.

To make a chain, you need to do what’s called a yarn over. Yarn over is basically wrapping your working yarn around your needle.

 So wrap the working yarn around your hook and pull it through the slipknot.

Here’s another helpful video on making a chain if you need further explanation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjoVWbYhWuc

For this example, I am going to do a pattern of two "mountains," with 10 stitches on each side. Then you need one stitch for the top of each point and two stitches for each dip.
So we will need to make 50 chains, plus one for the turning chain for a total of 51 chains.
This is just an example; you can make as many points (or mountains) as you want using as many stitches per point as you want.

So you are going to turn your work after you get the 51 chains made. Working in the back loops only from here on out,

Back Loops Only

make a single crochet in the second chain from the hook (skipping the turning chain), then another sc for a total of 2 sc. Working in the back loops only makes a nice ridge that goes well with this pattern.

To make a single crochet you put your hook through the back loop,

yarn over and pull the yarn through the loop.

You should now have two loops on your hook. Then yarn over again and pull through both loops on your hook.

 Here is a helpful video if you still need more instruction - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCDA44Sijx4

Next, you are going to skip the next ch and sc 10. Then you want to do 3 sc in the next st. This is going to make the point of your “mountain.”

Then you want to crochet 10 more times (one crochet in each stitch). You should now have your first “mountain.

Next, you want to skip the next 2 stitches. This is going to be the dip in your pattern.

Crochet 10, crochet 3 in the next stitch, then crochet 10 again. Sk the next ch and 2 sc.

You have crocheted your first row.

It is very important to keep track of the number of stitches you make so that you keep your “mountains” nice and even. I learned how to crochet when I was eight years old and wasn’t very good about counting my stitches and it turned out very uneven.

To make the next row, you need to make your turning chain, so chain 1 and turn your work. Skipping the turning chain, 2 sc and sk the next ch. 10 sc, then do 3 sc in the next st. 10 sc, sk next 2 sts, 10 sc. 3 sc in the next st, 10 sc, sk the next st, 2 sc.

Repeat this row until you get the desired length.

If you want to have different colored rows, it is best to have an even number of rows per color.

To change color, you want to start at the beginning of a row. When you are making your turning chain, yarn over with the new color and pull it through to make the turning chain.

Then you are free to work the row in the new color.

When you are finished, weave in all the ends. 
There! You have learned how to do the zigzag pattern.

You can do this pattern and make a scarf with two points or you can add many points and crochet yourself an afghan. You can do as many or as little color as you want.
I hope you enjoy this free pattern. I have a new pattern that I am working on and hope to have it in my shop soon. So check back often!
-Cori