How to start crochet projects

To begin, create a swatch to make sure your gauge is correct.

Chain your foundation row a little looser than the gauge so the bottom of your project will not pucker or pull inward.Carefully follow the written instructions or chart for creating the design.Sooner or later you are going to run out of yarn or thread. It's best to join the new thread at the end of a row for a neater appearance. When you're about to run out of thread, work your last stitch until there are 2 loops left on your hook. Leaving a tail, draw the end of the new yarn through the 2 loops on your hook. Then continue working with the new ball of yarn. With a large-eyed needle, weave in the tails of both balls of yarn to secure. This method is also used when joining a new color of yarn.

CROCHET BASIC TERMS AND ABBERVATIONS 

       Ch       Chain 

       Sc        Single crochet
       Dc        Double crochet
       Hdc      Half double crochet
       Tr         Tripple crochet
       Sk         Skip..mean to skip the chain which creates a space in the patterns
       St          Stitch
       Yo         Yarn over
       Sl          Slip knot

A pattern may be worked in rows i.e.back and forth to form a flat piece or in rounds. Whatever way the pattern is to be worked, the very first thing you must do is make a slip knot on your hook.Every project is started with a slip knot.