How to Crochet Sports Letters

Simple block letters work well for crocheting.

Sports letters have traditionally adorned sweaters, jackets and uniforms. Many of these are embroidered right on the garment or added as an applique. Sports letters are used on pillows and home accessories for the sports-minded. Crochet lends itself particularly well to making block-style sports letters. A tight stitch is required for solid looking letters. Tunisian crochet, also called afghan stitch, is good for this application. With a little practice you can be creating block sports letters in Tunisian crochet. A traditional single crochet stitch is also suitable for crocheting sports letters.

Things You'll Need

• Sample letters
• Graph paper
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Yarn
• Crochet hook
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Use sample letters printed from a computer or make your own. Use graph paper and a pencil to draw block letters of the necessary size. Make all lines of the letters of uniform width.

2. Make all the letters you plan to use, and fit them against the item to which they will be applied. Adjust size if necessary. Divide the block letters into pieces. Mark each section of the letter where it joins another section. For example, divide an "H" into three pieces. Divide an "O" into two L-shaped pieces or four straight pieces. Mark angled lines that will require decreasing or increasing stitches.

3. Crochet a sample swatch at least 3 inches wide by 4 inches long, and count the number of rows and stitches to the inch. This is called gauge. You can change your gauge by increasing or decreasing hook size and yarn tension. Once you have determined the gauge, make note of the hook and yarn size you used.

4. Measure each pattern piece. Use the gauge to calculate how many rows will be required to reach its length. Calculate how many stitches to reach the correct width. For example, a 2-inch-wide by 5-inch-long pattern piece might require 12 stitches by 62 rows in your gauge. Write the count of rows and stitches on each pattern piece.

5. Use the pattern to crochet the pieces for a letter. Leave yarn several inches long when fastening off each piece. Lay the pieces against the pattern. Use a tapestry needle and the yarn tails to sew the pieces together and assemble the letter. Hide the ends of yarn by weaving them into the stitches on the wrong side of the letter. Trim off the excess yarn.

Tips & Warnings

• Tips: Patterns for a variety of letters and numbers are available from books, crafters, websites and shops.

References

• "Say It With Crochet"; Dee Whildin; 1992