Crocheting is done in various ways including filet crochet, Tunisian crochet, cro-hooking, broomstick lace, hairpin lace, and Irish crochet. Variants of basic crocheting, they all use a hook and yarn or thread to produce fabric. Filet crochet makes a grid, using only two stitches, the chain stitch and the double crochet, creating a mesh with a pattern in it. Lovely decorative items such as place mats, coasters, and table cloths are made using this form of crochet.

Tunisian crochet uses a long hook that has a stopper on the end. This form of crocheting mixes knitting with crocheting. After a chain is made, one begins crocheting on the chain, leaving the loops on the long hook. It creates a dense fabric with each side being different from the other. Cro-hook uses a crochet hook with a hook on each end. Since you have two hooks, you can use two different colors of yarn. The fabric resembles Tunisian crochet.

Broomstick lace is an old technique that uses a knitting needle with a crochet hook. Formerly a broomstick was used instead of a knitting needle. If you use a large knitting needle, you get a lacier design. If you use a smaller needle, you will a fabric that is closely woven. You need to decide the size of the needle to make fabric that is suitable for baby blankets, clothing, and scarves. Hairpin lace uses a crochet hook and a hairpin loom. Originally a hairpin was used. The lace is made by wrapping thread or yarn around the loom, forming loops, held together by crocheting in the center. You can make hats, afghans, clothing, among other things with hairpin lace. Irish crochet produces beautiful lace by crafting the motifs separately and assembling them into a mesh.

They’re in the museum display case. It’s on top of the old chest that traveled across the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a runner on the dining room table during special diners and occasions. It is very pretty. You want to call it lacy, but in actuality its not. Ornate; that’s what it is, it’s ornate. The art work is beautiful, but what is it called? It is Hardanger embroidery, and yes, it is very beautiful and elegant.

Its exact origin is debated. Some argue its beginning come from ancient Persia and Asia. It is possible that during the time of the Renaissance it made its way to Italy where evolved into Italian reticella or Venetian lacework. Between the years of 1650 through 1850, the craft worked its way into Norway, in particular the Hardangersom (which means “work from Hardanger“) area. Traditionally, Hardanger embroidery is created or worked with thread that’s the same color as the fabric it’s sewn on. The weave of the cotton material is generally a 22-count thread.

Creating a square, geometrical appearance with distinct holes makes it easy to count and work on. Additionally, Hardanger embroidery is based on basic shapes like squares, rectangles, triangles, diamonds, hearts, the zig-zag and crosses. The patterns create favorite decorated embroidery for tablecloths, napkins, towels, bedspreads, pillows and curtains and clothing items such as aprons, shirts and Norwegian folk costumes. Especially elegant with Hardanger embroidery is a bunad, which actually means clothes. However, through the passing of time, these so called clothes with the hardanger embroidery have transformed common articles of clothing into attire for wedding celebrations, confirmations, christenings, national holidays and public ceremonies and folk dancing.

"CRAFTING WITH CHILDREN" reminds us that many crafts today have been around for a very long time.  The methods we use today is what makes these crafts modern.

Papyrus was used write on in ancient times and today is made from wood pulp by modern methods and is used for a great many crafts.  Stamping is a modern craft that in days gone by was called block printing.  Making lace was made by tying string together many years ago but today is made by using hooks, needles or shuttles.  Many crafts have been modernized by using modern methods.  Researching a old craft can sometimes breathe new life into it.
 

Crocheting is the process of making fabric from yarn or thread. It is made by a series of chain stitches through loops with a crochet hook. Designs are created by crocheting various lengths of chain and by using different size yarn and/or hooks. Patterns are available in every needlework department of department stores and beginning instructions are readily available. Stores that specialize in yarn and needlework usually provide lessons in crochet, suggestions for the novice or help out of a tangled situation.

The advantage of crochet is that it is a lap craft. It can be done easily in a sitting position, is light weight, requires minimal movement and can be done in small pieces, avoiding heavy bulky pieces in the lap. Many people with arthritis say it is easier to crochet than to knit, because they don't have as much movement of arthritic joints.

For the more advanced crocheter, clothes can be made, beautiful baby blankets and even tablecloths or bedspreads. That requires time and devotion which may be why those things become family treasures and will be used and cared for generations.

The type of yarn dictates what can be made. Acrylic and wool make good sweaters or shawls. They need to have a little "give" to the fabric and should be washable. Cotton make good dishcloths or face cloths and have no give to the yarn itself, but wash and dry completely and rapidly to be able to maintain cleanliness. The same yarn, made with a smaller hook, makes a more dense fabric and is good for bedspreads or a larger hook makes a lacy tablecloth. It is truly a versatile craft.

The most important tip of all is to buy the best cotton fabric that you can find for your quilt. It must be one hundred percent cotton, not too flimsy, and strong enough to hold the shape of the pieces. Color is also important, and you should include only two or three colors. It is best to buy your fabric from a quilting store that can advise you. If there is not one in your town, visit one on the internet.

You must be certain that your fabric is colorfast. If you are using red, you must check it out to make certain that the red won't stain the other fabric of your quilt. You can do this by washing a small piece of it in hot water together with a piece of the other fabric you are using in your quilt. As you prepare to cut your fabric on your self healing mat, be sure to remove raw frayed edges and lay the fabric out straight and flat. This is necessary to be sure your quilt will not pucker. Be careful with the rotary blade you use for cutting, as it is very sharp. As you stitch your pieces together, use a quarter inch seam. Do not back stitch to secure your seams, as this might cause the fabric to pucker. Keep your stitches small for the most attractive quilt.

To make good quilts, you need the proper tools. A rotary cutter is very important. You will need a rotary cutter to protect your table when you cut your pieces. Also, a transparent rule is a must.