How to Make a Sample Square of a Single Crochet
Often overlooked, but extremely important to successfully completing a single crochet project, a gauge swatch is the first step crocheters should take when tackling a new pattern. Gauge refers to the number of stitches and rows in an inch of work when using a particular yarn and crochet hook. A gauge swatch is a sample square using your pattern materials to determine the gauge. Carefully crocheting and measuring your gauge swatch will ensure the project results in the proper dimensions. If your single crochet gauge is too tight or too loose, adjustments must be made to your hook size.
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Instructions
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Make a slip knot near one end of the yarn by wrapping the yarn into a loop shape. Leave the loose end of the yarn directly behind the loop, insert the hook through the loop and catch the loose end of the yarn with the hook's tip. Pull the hook through the loop, and pull both the loose end of the yarn and the yarn coming from the skein to tighten the slip knot.
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2
Create a foundation chain of 30 stitches, or the specified number of stitches indicated in the gauge swatch instructions of your pattern. Make chain stitches by wrapping the yarn around the hook's tip and drawing it though the slip knot (or current loop) on the hook. This makes one chain stitch. Repeat this process until you have the desired number of chain stitches.
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3
Insert the crochet hook into the second chain from the hook, sliding through the stitch from the front to the back of the stitch. Wrap the yarn around the hook's tip, pull the hook through the stitch, wrap the yarn around the hook's tip once more, and pull the hook through both stitches on the hook. This makes one single crochet stitch. Make one single crochet stitch in each of the remaining chain stitches in the foundation chain.
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4
Turn the work so that the last stitch made faces as the next stitch for working. Make one chain stitch. Make one single crochet stitch in each chain across the row.
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Repeat Step 4 to create the single crochet pattern. Make at least 15 rows of single crochet or as many rows as indicated in the gauge swatch instructions of your pattern.
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Cut the yarn coming from the skein, leaving a 5-inch tail. Wrap the tail around the hook's tip and pull it through the last remaining stitch on the hook.
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Place the complete gauge swatch on a flat surface, and measure out 4 inches across the bottom edge of the swatch. Count how many stitches make up 4 inches. Measure the side of the swatch, as well, counting how many rows are in 4 inches. Compare these measurements with the gauge information on your pattern. Choose a smaller crochet hook if your gauge is larger than indicated on the pattern. Choose a larger crochet hook if your gauge is smaller than indicated on the pattern.
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