CrochetWithDee.com
Cheering for the Art of Crochet
Types & Techniques of Crochet
I've been crocheting since I was a child and, a million stitches later, I find I am still amazed at the different types and techniques of crochet from around world. I created this webpage to offer basic definitions of what the various types and techniques are, including some links for further information. If the technique header is a different color, clicking onto it will lead you to books on Amazon. I have also "peppered" this page with various projects I have completed.
Currently there are 124 types & techniques of crochet listed, with more to come each time I learn of a new one! This way, we'll learn about them together. If you enjoyed this page, or have a technique for me to add, I'd love to hear from you.
Compiled by Dee Stanziano Copyright 2004 - 2008
Afghan Stitch or Afghan Crochet:
See Tunisian.
Amazing Needle:
The Amazing Needle is a hybrid technique of using a crochet hook to create a wide range of crochet techniques, that can also create actual knitted stitches. The hook, as featured on the www.amazingyarn.com website, works as a traditional crochet hook, but then when utilized with the use of a cable -- it's ready for Tunisian -- or, better yet, to create a variety of real knitted stitches! Once you know the technique, Locker Crochet Hooks work equally well.
Amigurumi:
Amigurumi is a style of Japanese crocheting of small figures -- dolls and animals, all started by working in the round with single crochet stitches. What sets these figures aside from other dolls & animals in the crochet world is the wide-set round eyes commonly used in Japanese cartooning (both drawn & animated). Add to this the thoughts from Vashti: "besides the wide-set eyes, some other things which seem to define amigurumi are that the eyes are placed roughly parallel with the nose and sometimes even slightly *below* the nose for a bizarrely innocent look." She recommends checking out this blog for more information. Thanks Vashti!
Antimacassars:
Antimascassars crochet is a style (usually) of filet crochet to create a cover to protect the back or arms of furniture. These items were once considered more important than popular as they played a vital roll in protecting the furniture from the grease men once slicked their hair back with.
Aran Crochet:
Aran Crochet is a series of stitches known as "cables" that create a variety of textured designs on the fabric. By using stitches that are built around the post of the stitch rather than a fron/back/or both loops, the stitch is rased. More stitches are then created around the post until the familiar "S" design (or similar) is created. To learn more, Click here. Ready to give cables a try? Click here.
Braided Crochet:
Dating back to the mid-Victorian times, braided crochet was the technique of working crochet into braids folded into leaf formations, later evolving into Macrame crochet.
Bead Crochet: Bead Crochet is the technique of pre-stringing beads onto the thread/yarn prior to starting a project. A bead is added prior to the last yarn over for the single crochet stitch. To see one variation on how to crochet with beads, Click Here. Also see Rope Crochet. Have more questions about crocheting with beads? Then Visit Here.
Bead-ler Crochet :
The Bead-ler is a method of using a tool to add beads on after crocheting has already started. This allows the bead to show on both sides of the work rather than on just one side. CLICK HERE to visit the Bead-ler website
Bosnian Crochet:
Bosnian crochet may be the oldest type of crochet known, made of slip stitches worked in the back loop creating a ridge in the fabric created. To learn more and see samples, CLICK HERE. If you'd like to try your hand at making an item entirely with slip stitches, try the potholder featured in Donna Kooler's encyclopedia of crochet -- which if I understand this correctly, is a combination of the Bosnian technique (working in the back loop) and of Shepherd's Knitting (working in the front loop).
Broomstick:
Although it's known as other names depending upon where you are in the U.S. and various parts of the world, Broomstick (lace) is a series of crochet stitches created with a regular crochet hook over the stick of a broom (thus the name), or over the end of a knitting needle or other tubular device. Interested in learning more?
Bruges Crochet:
Brunges (also spelled Brug, Bruggs) is a lace technique that at times incorporates tatting. The crocheted bruges lace mostly utilizes the single and double crochet stitches, and at times the half-double crochet stitch. When combined with chains, it creates a type of ribbon that can be stratight, or can curve, joining onto other parts of the ribbon. To learn more, CLICK HERE. Also check out the July 2008 issue of Crochet! magazine.
Camel TM Crochet:
Camel TM Crochet is a term owned by Lone Star Yarns, now out of business. The technique focus is on utilizing the horizontal bar in the back of the stitch, ignoring the top two loops. When this happens, the top two loops are "bent" forward and give a slight resemblance to knit stitches. Also see "Short Double Crochet."
Carrickmacross Lace:
In the family of Irish lace, Carrickmacross lace is achieved when fabric is crocheted to a net background. Then part of the fabric is cut away and the net is then decorated with various needle stitches.
Celtic Crochet or Celtic Lace:
Celtic Crochet is a blend of the Crochet'n'Weave technique, and doilies where pieces are crocheted seperately and then woven and assembled together to create the final look.
Celtic Knotwork:
Celtic Knotwork is created by following a graph of the Celtic Knot, creating color changes as needed -- all with using the single crochet stitches. The end result shows the traditional looking Celtic knot. To try it, Click here. Also see Graph below.
Clothesline Crochet:
Similar in technique as that of Irish Lace, Clothesline crochet is a technique that has the crochet stitches worked over a cotton clothesline core to make very stiff items such as rugs. It may be worked in the round or in rows, utilizing mostly single crochet stitches.
Clones Lace:
See Irish lace; Clones Lace is named after one of the towns in Ireland known for it's crochet motifs. Check out the book Clones Lace: The Story and Clones Lace by Maire Treanor to learn about it's history, and try various patterns.
Crochet-by-NumbersTM:
Brought to light by Todd Paschall, who won the "People's Choice" award at the 2003 CGOA Chain Link Conference held in Chicago, crochet by numbers is the same technique as that of crocheting by graph or chart. The difference is that the crocheter does not need to follow a graph/chart to create the a picture in their work. Instead, the image is converted into easy to follow numbers that shows how many stitches to do until the next color change for a given row.
Crochet'n'WeaveTM:
Crochet'n'Weave is a two step method. First, an open mesh is created to the desired size using a series of (usually) double crochets and chains. Then a series of seperate chains are created and then threaded onto a needle and woven over and under the bars of the double crochet mesh according to the design.
Crochet Tunisien:
French version of Tunisian crochet.
Crochet Victoria:
French version of Tunisian crochet.
Cro-Hook:
See Crochet on the DoubleTM
Cro-Knit:
See Crochet on the DoubleTM
Cro-Tat:
Also known as Crochet-Tat, the look of tatting is mixed with simple crochet stitches.
Crochet on a RollTM:
This term came to popularity in 2003 when a series of books hit the market featuring the Roll stitch, which is also known as the Bullion stitch, and the Rice Stitch. There is much similiarity in creating the Roll stitch as that of an Irish Lace Knot, where a large series of yarn overs are pulled through one loop; the end result is a textured/raised look.
Crochet on the DoubleTM:
Unique stitches are created with a double-ended crochet hook which enables you to complete a row, turn your work then crochet back across, and because the crochet hook has two ends, two colors of fiber can be used at once to create a beautiful fabric.
Crochenit:
Using a double ended crochet hook, it is worked similarly to that of Tunisian (working through the bars of the stitches rather than the top loops), and worked similar that of Crochet on the Double. The work is never turned. Instead, the hook is used to go in one direction with one yarn, and then the opposite side of the hook is used to make the return row using another skein of yarn. This technique will get you close to the look and feel of knitting.
Darned Crochet:
Crochet net, a derivative of filet crochet, is used to add darning or embroidery to. When this happens the term Darned crochet is applied, and is sometimes refered to as mock tambouring.
Delta:
Delta crochet is similar to that of filet but is worked in triangles alternating the point of the triangle in an up or down position. To learn more about this technique, CLICK HERE.
Doily:
Doilies are known to be "table napkins," small ornamentation mats for tables. They are crocheted in a variety of shapes (round, oval, rectangle), and combined with a variety of techniques such as Irish. Doilies are created in a variety of sizes, including miniature.
Double Filet:
See Intermeshing.
Elf:
Also known as Miniature. Crochet work is done with ultra-fine thread to make pieces from 1-3 inches in diameter/size (on average) or smaller.
Entralac:
Entralac is a variation of the Tunisian Crochet method, using the long crochet hook and working a series of decreases and increases to create the fabric.
Felting is more
of a process than it is a type of crochet. Using wool, an item is crocheted, usually with single crochets, much larger than the intended size. It's then placed in a washing cycle of hot water, removed after a time, shaped, and then allowed to dry. Baskets, bags, and slippers are some of the more popular items created using this "shrinking" process. Felting is also known as Fulling.Filet:
Filet is usually a series of double crochets and chains to create solid and open mesh spaces. These open and closed meshes come together following a chart to create an image, or lettering. Usually filet is reserved for fine laces, wall hangings, and table cloths and dates back to about 1600.
Finger Crochet:
Finger Crochet is the same as what we consider "normal crochet" (meaning fiber created with a crochet hook) -- only finger crochet utilizes our fingers to make the stitches instead. CLICK HERE to learn about a book on finger crocheting & knitting.
Flat Bead:
A series of beads are prestrung in order based upon a chart. Each row is then created with single crochets, pushing a bead up against the work prior to doing the last yarn over. The trick is to ensure the 'back' row has the beads showing through on the front side of the work.
Floral:
Floral Crochet is the technique of crocheting flowers and then stitching them to regular garments as adornments. Many crochet books/websites offer patterns on how to create flowers. One great resource is Irish Crochet for examples of crochetedflowers.
Fool's Crochet:
See Tunisian.
Forche Work:
See Hairpin Lace.
Fork Work:
See Hairpin Lace.
FreeForm:
Freeform has been around since the Flower Power era and is enjoying a comeback. It's a mixture of stitches, colors, textures, shapes -- a medium with no rules. (The late) Sylvia Cosh, James Walters, Prudence Mapstone, Jenny Dowde, and Margaret Hubert are the most well known instructors/authors recognized today!
Freestyle:
See FreeForm.
Fulling:
See Felting
German Crochet:
A term used for Tunisian Crochet until World War I disgraced it's name. See Tunisian.
Granny Square:
A large number of garments and afghans were created as covered wagons crossed the American frontier. Yarn would be reused many times, and scraps often saved to be utilized to make the squares. Usually the method to create the square involves a chain turned into a circle with a even number of crocheted stitches going around. Rows are then created on top of one another ensuring that there are four corners evenly spaced apart. The squares would then be joined to make the intended item. To try your hand at making a "Patriotic Fallen Hero" granny square, CLICK HERE.
Graph:
Images are created within the fabric using a series of single crochets and color changes. Although similar to tapestry crochet, for a more pliable fabric, usually not more than two strands of yarn are used at a time. This means for more complex images there can be many strands of yarn hanging from the work until it's time to use them, or time to weave them in with a tapestry needle.
Gros:
Gros Crochet is when a an ornament resembling a sprig, stemmed flower, or leaf is sewn to the net (filet) afterwards.
Hairpin:
Hairpin crochet is a two-sided loop crochet stitch that is made on a two-pronged fork with a standard crochet hook and yarn. CLICK HERE to learn how to do this beautiful crochet technique. Also know as Portuguese Lace.
Hair Painting:
Hair Painting was popular during the Victorian era -- instead of having photo albums like we do today, a way to remember/celebrate family members was to collect family hair samples and twist it, crochet it, and knit it together to create a variety of jewelry pieces.
Hard Crochet:
Hard (aka sculptural) crochet is a method of which the stitches are created with a small hook and 3- or 4-ply carpet yarn to make the work/fabric tight, sometimes with what is known as a "carry strand" of yarn for extra strength. This makes the fabric stiff enough to create hats, baskets, even brief cases! Mark Dittrick came out with a book on this concept in 1978 called "Hard Crochet." Note that this method allows the crocheter to create a fabric into various sculptures that can usually stand on it's own; some stiffening methods may be used for larger works.
Hobnail Crochet:
Hobnail Crochet is named after the white "bumpy" glass commonly known as Milk Glass, Fenton Art Glass or Hobnail Glass. The crochet work is created with white thread or yarn utilizing the single crochet and treble/triple crochet stitches. When the single crochet stitch is made next to a singular treble/triple crochet stitch, the treble bends down, causing it to "pop" outwards. Many know this technique as the "aligned coble" stitch.
Hook Knitting:
See Tunisian.
Hyperbolic Crochet:
"mathematicians were compelled to acknowledge that there exists a space in which given a line and an external point P, there are many lines that go through P yet do not meet the original line" -- crochet, as it turns out, was the best medium to explore it. In nature, a marine flatwork has hyperbolic ruffles. For more in-depth information, click here.
Idiot's Crochet:
See Tunisian.
Illusion Crochet:
Illusion Crochet came about when shadow knitting was all the rave in 2005. The editor of the (now defunct) Crochet Fantasy magazine and Darla Fanton took on this challenge, each using different approaches. The concept is based upon seeing a hidden image or message within the stitches when the fabric is looked upon from different angles. Currently the only places to learn these techniques is by locating a copy of the Winter 2005 issue, or by taking a class with Darla Fanton.
Intarsia:
See Tunisian Intarsia
Interlocking Filet:
See Intermeshing below for description or CLICK HERE to see how it's made.
Intermeshing:
Intermeshing is a technique described on Silva Cosh's and James Walter's website as a fabric that is created by crocheting two filet pieces together, at the same time, yet seperate. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
Irish Lace:
If you were a noble in the 1700's, you wore lace as a way to show off your wealth. Crocheting motifs that mimicked nature -- flowers & leaves -- blossomed in Ireland during the potato famine becoming the salvation for many a families. Using ultra fine hooks made of bone, wood or cork, young girls would create the most detailed motifs. Many types of Irish lace were named from the location of which it was created, as patterns were closely guarded and rarely shared! Because many of the prized patterns were never shared or written down, many were lost when the family member passed away. Maire Treanor came out with a book in 2002 on Clones Lace which goes into this in further detail. Pretty much, Irish lace is created with thread. Stitches are created over a cord giving the stitches a thicker appearance. One of the greatest fans if Irish Lace helping bring it into popularity was Queen Victoria. To learn more about different types of lace, CLICK HERE.
Jacquard:
The technique, named after Joseph Jacquard, the inventor of a loom that produced fabric of intricate variegated weave or patterns, quickly translated over to crochet when admirers opted to create something similar with their projects. Patterns such as checkerboards, plaids, diamonds and such are examples of what is called "jacquard." Maggie Righetti has a great book out called, Crocheting in Plain English with a chapter devoted to this technique. This technique is also known as Mosaic Crochet, and as Tapestry Crochet.
Japanese Flat Crochet:
More information on this technique (of using 2 crochet hooks) is wanted.
Japanese Super Miracle Needle:
A "fusion of crochet hook and knitting needle", claimed to have been invented in Japan. (http://knitstrik.exblog.jp) See Tunisian. ((Thank you, Jane, for this addition!)
Jewelry Crochet:
A bead crochet technique that is know in Japan, Germany and Austria, focusing on two or more beaded loops created with beaded crocheted chains. After the initial 2 or 3 loops are created, the crocheter connects the loops with a slip stitch. Additional loops are crocheted/connected to make a tubular form. See December 2009 Issue #94 of Bead & Button magazine for how to instructions. See ShiRRéT Crochet or check out the Nov/Dec 2008 issue of PieceWork magazine.
Jiffy Lace:
See Broomstick.
Korsnas Motifs :
Similar to that of the Tapestry technique, this style of crochet is named after a small village on the coast of Finland, where two or more colors are used per row to create complex motifs. The crochet work is then combined with knitting to make highly prized garments to give as gifts (of the highest esteem). To learn more about this type of crochet, read the January/February 2004 issue of PIECEWORK magazine.
Kenmare Lace:
See Irish lace.
Krotchee:
See Hairpin Lace.
Lattice Loop:
See Broomstick.
Limerick Lace:
See Irish lace.
Linked Crochet:
Linked crochet is a method of connecting the taller type of crochet stitches such as the double crochet and the triple/treble crochet to eliminate the "holes" that naturally form between the stitches. By linking the stitches together as they are created, the fabric becomes very dense. The method is to eliminate the first yarn over for the double crochet stitch and rather insert it into the middle loop of the previously made stitch and "borrow" the loop, the hook is then inserted into the work and the double crochet is worked as normal. Experienced crocheters have long used this method to eliminate the slightly exergerated "hole" turning chains create when used for the taller stitches. To try/see this method, Click here.
Locker Crochet:
Locker Crochet is a hybrid technique that borrows techniques from crochet, latch hooking, needlepoint and rug punch to create durable items like rugs, hotpads and purses. In America, the technique is best known as "anchored loop" whereas in Australia it's known as "Locker Hooking." The technique involves interlocking loops with the speciality crochet hook; it's a crochet hook with a large needle eye on the other end. The hook grabs the material through a canvas and is then slid off the back end onto yarn or thread that is used to lock the stitches in place. Click Here to watch a YouTube video that explains the process.
Macrame crochet:
Macrame Crochet received it's name due to the material used to crochet with, usually because it required the use of sturdy macrame thread.
Magic Ball Crochet:
Take a variety of yarns ... colors, textures ... cut them in various lengths and tie the ends together. Wind the concoction up into a ball and then crochet (or knit) up your pattern. All the tails from the ties are kept exposed on one side, keeping the other side flat. This creates a reversible fabric. See a sample of it by clicking here.
Maltese Lace/ Work:
See Hairpin Lace. Could also reference Bobbin Lace (not a crochet technique); check pattern for clarification.
Miniature Crochet:
Miniature crochet is achieved through the use of size 20 thread (or thinner) making items 1/12 of their original size, or smaller. Since the work is so small, the crocheter usually compares their fingers as "large sausages" as they tend to get in the way of seeing the work. A good magnifier and light (such as an Ott-Light) are strongly recommended.
Mink:
(not for the squeamish) Mink Crochet is a technique of preparing animal fur for crochet, such as Mink. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Modular Crochet:
The Modular Crochet technique is often referred to as the same technique used to construct a modular home. Each piece of the garment is made in sections and then assembled together for the final product. A great resource for this technique is the out-of-print book, "Modular Crochet" by Judith Copeland. Those looking to try the technique in constructing a beautiful poncho should see my pattern in the book, "Fabulous Crocheted Ponchos: New Styles, New Looks, New Yarns."
MoEZ:
Using an extra long and fat wooden crochet hook, MoEZ is essentially Tunisian/afghan stitch. The larger hook makes for a softer fabric.
Molded Crochet:
See Ring Crochet.
Mosaic:
See Tapestry; See Jacquard.
Old World Crochet:
Also known as Shepherd's Knitting; See Tunisian.
Omega Crochet:
The technique can be considered a hybrid of several crochet techniques: the loop stitch, the broomstick technique, a touch of Tunisian and perhaps just a smidge of knitting too. It's a technique she developed to help showcase those textured designer fibers many love but have a tough time crocheting. Want to give it a try? Then, if you can't attend one of her classes, you'll want to purchase the book, "Fabulous Crocheted Ponchos." It's the only place, at the moment, you'll see the technique published. You can find Joan's poncho, "Chantel," featured in the Challenging & Sophisticated section of the book.
Overlay Crochet:
Overlay crochet is a technique of utilizing crochet cables stitches and single crochet stitches with lots of color changing. The technique takes the viewers' eyes off of the stitch design of itself and onto the way the colors play in the work. If you'd like to try this technique, the Crochet Guild of America is offering a Correspondence Course, or you can try getting a back issue of Bead & Button magazine (2002) ... look for designs by Melody MacDuffee. You can see images from a workshop I took here, or visit Melody's website here.
Patchwork Crochet:
As it's given name, patches of fabric are edged and pieced together with crochet. (The fabric can also be crocheted, such as the well known Granny Square.)
Patchwork Quilting:
Similar to that of quilting, this technique is a series of triangles -- one worked in one color, with the second color (& triangle) attached to the beginning chain of the first triangle. This creates a square which is then later joined to other squares done the same way. For basic instructions, CLICK HERE.
Peacock (eye):
See Broomstick.
Perlen Crochet:
See Jewelry Crochet.
Pineapple Crochet:
More of a style of crochet rather than a technique, pineapple crochet is one of the more popular types of crochet usually reserved for trims and doilies. CLICK HERE to try this free pattern.
Portuguese Lace:
See Hairpin Lace. Could also reference Bobbin Lace (not a crochet technique); check pattern for clarification.
Pushmi Pullyu:
Coined by me (Dee Stanziano) in 2008, Pushmi Pullyu is the crochet technique of making crochet stitches forwards (Pushmi) and backwards (Pullyu) within the same row, or by alternating hands for each row without the need to turn work. This creates a unique look in the fabric, almost like Illusion Crochet.
Rag Rug:
Rag Rug is a method of crocheting rugs with strips of fabric, a way to use up scraps or old clothing that has outworn it's usefulness. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
Railway Crochet:
See Tunisian.
Railroad Knitting:
See Tunisian.
Relief Crochet:
Relief Crochet is a way to describe textured stitches such as the Cluster, the Puff, Popcorns, Bobbles, Roll/Bullion/Rice, and other stitches giving the crochet work dimension and rich texture.
Rickrack Crochet:
Also known as ric rac, rick rack, or rickrack -- it was a favorite trim of late-19th and early-20th-century. It is a flat-woven zigzagged trim, and was used to embellish garments and linens, as the flat bias weave allowed it to turn in any direction. Normally made of cotton, and on occasion, wool, it was favored as a type of garnishment as it could hold up better than lace in rough washing conditions.
Ring Crochet:
Also known as Molded Crochet, this technique is the method of crocheting double crochet stitches over brass curtain rings, usually with metallic threads or pearl cottons of variegated colors.
Romanian:
Romanian is a "crochet-braid" that gets pinned in place to have the inner spaces filled in with weaving done with needles. The ladies in Romania work the crocheted braids in great lengths, often worked continuously so not to break the rythym and tension of the braid. To see a sample, CLICK HERE. To learn more about this type of crochet, read the January/February 2001 issue of PIECEWORK magazine.
Rope:
Rope Crochet is a method of crocheting beads in the round to create pretty bracelets, necklaces and such. CLICK HERE to try it.
Russian Crochet:
A name given to any closely worked double crochet showing the ridge (only working into the back loop of each stitch thus leaving the front loop "exposed.")
Sculptural Crochet:
See Hard Crochet.
Shadow Crochet:
Also known as Triolet Crochet, is related to torchon and filet crochet. The end results are a netting that has a three-sided mesh and solid areas are of treble shells.
Shepherd's Knitting:
Also known as Old World Crochet; see Tunisian.
Shirred Crochet:
ShiRRéT Crochet:
The technique was perfected and named by Louise McCrady and her mother Katherine, and has been advanced by her daughter, the NY artist Lady McCrady. There is no sewing and the carpets are reversible. The secret is that there are crochét stitches hidden inside the folds of fabric. CLICK HERE to visit the ShiRRéT website.
Short Double Crochet:
The term comes from Europe, and involves "bending" a previous rows' stitches so that the top two loops normally crocheted into are exposed. This is done by crocheting into the middle bar on the backside of the stitch rather than around its post, or either top loops. To try this technique, CLICK HERE. Also see Camel TM Crochet. 
Spiral Crochet:
Spiral Crochet is a technique of working two or more colored yarns seperately, yet together, to make a spiral effect (like that of a sea shell), which is great for wanting to get creative with circles. To learn how to do this, CLICK HERE. (please note link goes to former medidit site and is provided through use of the "wayback machine.")
Sobritto Crochet:
Enjoying it's popularity in the 1930s and 1940s, this style of crochet is not necessarily a technique, but one named after a popular rayon thread of the times.
Steeks:
Steeks is a technique of surface crocheting with slip stitches on top of a knitted garment, usually, to create an area that the designer wishes to cut for an opening. The crochet stitches act as a barrier to keep the knitted fabric from unraveling. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
Stained Glass Crochet:
In the March 2005 issue of Crochet! magazine, an article by Georga Wild explains that Stained Glass Crochet is a technique of soldering metal rings onto glass so that crochet may be added. Holes may be drilled into the glass, but it is not recommended due to it possibly shattering.
Surface Crochet:
This technique requires two steps. First, crocheting the fabric, known as the ground piece; filet works well for this. Then, crochet is worked on the front/right side of the fabric so that it has dimension. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
Symbol Crochet:
Symbol crochet is not really a technique or type of crochet, so it's not counted on this page as one. But since many are curious about it, it's been added here for reference. Symbol crochet is much like the other types of crochet, be it crocheting from looking at a piece already crocheted, or by crochet by written out instructions, except Symbol Crochet is done by looking at symbols. They're tiny little pictures that tell the crocheter, no matter what language they read, speak or write, what stitches to create and where to place them. To try crocheting by Symbols, Click here.
Tambour:
Tambour is the technique of inserting a hook through cloth that is stretched out on a frame to create stitches on. It is believed that this was the first type of crochet before crochet became "airborne" ... to read more about this, CLICK HERE.
Tapestry:
The finished fabric looks woven instead of crocheted. It's created similar to regular crochet -- with two or three strands of yarn being worked at the same time. This means that first one color is used to create the stitch, while at the same time working over (instead of dropping or carrying the yarn over on the back side of the stitches) the secondary, and third colors. This makes the fabric stiff and great for making bags, bowls and such. For more information, you may want to check out Carol Ventura's website. Pictured here is a actual working clock I crocheted using this technique.
Thread Crochet Painting:
Thread Crochet Painting is more of a process than it is a type of crochet, which is usually reserved for thread/small projects due to cost. The process is to take a series of different colored threads and crochet several together at one time. As the crocheting proceeds, one of the threads is replaced with a different color, and after a time, another is replaced, and then another until there's been a complete color change. Many color changes can take place, adding more interest to the piece.
Tricot:
See Tunisian.
Tunisian:
(Also known as Afghan Stitch, Tricot Crochet, Shepherd's Knitting, Hook Knitting, Railroad Knitting) Each row is worked in two parts: the first part of the row is worked from right to left, and the second part of the row is worked from left to right; the work is never turned. The fabric is created by working into the bars of the stitch instead of the top loops with a long crochet hook with a stopper on the end; some of the longer afghan hooks have cables on the end to take the stress/weight off the hook keeping a more even tension. The hook is filled with numerous loops from the previous row and then removed 2 loops at a time. Many who enjoy Cross Stitching like the fabric that Tunisian creates as it has perfect "squares" to sew images and letters on.
Tunisian Intarsia Crochet : Intarsia means a colored design knitted on both sides of a fabric, and Tunisian as defined above takes on some of the characteristics of knitting. Therefore Tunisian Intarsia means to work the tunisian crochet method to create pictures from a graph. To try this technique, CLICK HERE.
Turkish Loops:
See Jewelry Crochet.
Waffle Weave:
The Waffle Weave technique, introduced by American School of Needlework, is a technique that sort of combines the padded stitch with the cable stitch methodologies. Together, it rolls a previously made row tightly into the next until a dimpled fabric is created. The method involves picking up a bottom loop in a previously made row while also picking up a loop in the top row at the same time with the simple single crochet stitch. This technique creates a very dense fabric. Some call this "thermal fabric." See image to the right. (click on it to enlarge).
Wiggly Crochet:
Using the Surface Crochet technique, Wiggly Crochet is achieved when 3-5 double crochet stitches are worked closely together. The abundance of stitches in a small area causes the stitches to bunch up and "wiggle." This technique was popular in the 1900s as trims on baby bonnets and clothing; it was also popular in the 1930s & 1950s on potholders. The technique is also known as "the Wave Stitch" and appeared in the July 2003 issue of Crochet! magazine; you can try the technique for free here.
Wire:
Wire crochet is done in primarly two methods. The first is through the use of a corker, or a dowel rod where the crochet hook will lift each loop up and over a new loop. This process looks just like knit, and in fact is most times considered knitting. (CLICK HERE to see a sample.) The other process of Wire crochet is to create regular crochet stitches using a steel crochet hook. The only problem is that if a mistake is made, it has to be cut out rather than ripped out as wire is not forgiving.
Witchcraft Lace:
See Broomstick.
Woven Crochet:
Using a tapestry needle, woven crochet is achieved when yarn is [sewn] over and under rows vertically, between stitches.
Adding weaving to crocheted fabric is a great way to add novelty yarns to projects, thus making the fabric firmer. For more information on this technique, check out the Fall 2006 issue of Interweave Crochet Magazine.
Unspun Roving/Silk:
Crochet has a natural twisting
ZigZag or Zigzagging Crochet:
See ShiRRéT Crochet or check out the Nov/Dec 2008 issue of PieceWork magazine.
| CrochetWithDee: 'One of the best, most inclusive sources of information on the many, many types of crochet techniques' ~Carol Alexander, Crochet! eNewsletter, 01/2006 |
