Creating Memories: How to crochet... part 2 of 2

Today's tutorial is broken in to 3 different sections. I used different yarn in the pictures to show you the difference. :) If you have any questions or need clarification, e-mail me or post a comment and I'll do my best to answer it for you. :)

Single Crochet
Step 1: Finish your chain stitch row to desired stitch length. Add 2 more chain stitches to this number. (Similar to the 3 chain stitches at the end of a row for double crochet.)

Step 2: Insert your hook in to the chain stitch 3rd from the end.

Step 3: Wrap your hook with the yarn, and pull through the chain. It should look like the photo below.

Step 4: Wrap your hook with the yarn. It should look like the photo below.

Step 5: Pull through both of the loops. It should look like the photo below.

Now you have completed a single crochet stitch! :)

Repeat Steps 2-5 for each single crochet stitch row. When you reach the end of your row, make 2 chain stitches and start your next row.

That's it! :)

Now for changing your yarn color...

Changing Colors
This can be done 2 different ways. I am showing you the more challenging version; the other is simple and I will explain it before I proceed with the photos. :)

The simple way is to tie a double knot with your 2 yarn color ends. That way it becomes 1 strand and you proceed as such. This is very easy, the only issue becomes if the ends fray and mix into your stitches with a lump, but you should be able to mesh the two colors together fairly simply with this method.

Now the more difficult way...

You have just finished your double crocheted row of color A (I am doing a peppermint stripe scarf, so color A is red and color B is white) and want to add color B...

Step 1: Make your loop before you begin your 3 chain stitches a little bit larger than normal.

Step 2: Get color B, and wrap your hook with color B and pull through your loop of color A. (You will not have color A on your hook at this point.) It will look like the photos below.

Step 3: Pull color A's yarn tightly, it will close the loop and you will have only color B looped, as if that is the color you just finished your row with. Make your 3 chain stitches and double crochet your row.

Note: If you are going to make the peppermint scarf, you will make 2 rows of each color; if you are going to do another striped version, make sure to have your pattern rows an even number e.g. 4, 6, 8, etc. for this color change method to work.)

Step 4: You just finished 2 rows of color B. Pull color A's yarn back up and through the loop of color B. Refer to pictures below for clarification.

Step 5: Make 3 chain stitches in color A and begin your 5th row of double crochet.

Maintain this pattern (2 rows double crochet of color A; 2 rows of double crochet color B, etc) until you reach the desired length of your project.

The side of your project will look like this:

See the red yarn runs along the white row, and the white yarn runs along the red row, it will continue this pattern for the entire project.

Alright, enough of double crochet and single crochet... time to wrap up that project and finish it off! :)

Finishing

Step 1: Cut your yarn about 6 inches from your finished end. Leave your final loop from your stitch open. See photo below.

Step 2: Pull the end of your yarn though the loop until your loop closes completely.

Step 3: Weave your end of yarn through your other stitches to keep end from fraying and coming loose which can unravel your project. See photos below.