Hints and tips for Using Vintage Crochet Patterns

When looking for a crochet pattern for that special item for a gift or special occasion. It is well worth looking at vintage crochet patterns. However, they can be a little confusing for modern crocheters at first. However, some handy hints and tips will help you to make beautiful items using vintage patterns.

Vintage crochet patterns always look a little frightening to modern crocheters. They do not explain things as clearly as modern American and British crochet patterns do. Vintage patterns are more like French crochet patterns in that they do not have the comprehensive instructions that modern crocheters are used to seeing. Do not panic. As with any pattern, read through the pattern twice before you begin and ensure that you understand it properly. This will help you understand what it requires you to do and indicate any problems you may encounter.

You may want to write the pattern out afresh in the modern style that you will understand more easily and quickly when you are actually crocheting. Old patterns may not separate new instructions onto separate lines, like a modern pattern does, and may confuse you when you are crocheting. Vintage patterns often do not list out rows, or tell you how many rows you must work, or where to increase. It is much easier to rewrite the pattern clearly so that you know exactly what to do and when you should do it.

Do be aware that there may be mistakes in any crochet pattern, and this is even truer of vintage patterns. Most often it is merely a matter of adding or subtracting a few rows or stitches. However, rewriting your pattern and calculating stitches and rows before you begin crocheting may help you to spot errors immediately and save you work.

Vintage patterns may require hooks and materials that are no longer available. You can get over this by finding a hook conversion chart on line or going to the Knitting and Crochet Guild web pages {British crocheters} or The Crochet Guild of America {US crocheters} web pages, where they have hook conversion charts and you can work out from the size of hook used which modern yarn or thread is appropriate.

Crochet Patterns, like recipes, are only a guide; do not be afraid to depart from the original pattern if you prefer a different stitch, pocket, neckline, or edging.

Vintage crochet patterns give crochet effects to the finished work that modern patterns do not. Traditional items such as wedding dresses and christening gowns look stunningly different, when crocheted using vintage crochet patterns. Many traditional doily patterns are very beautiful. You will find vintage patterns for clothing toys accessories and household items, which will add a new dimension to these items. Think creatively when browsing patterns just because the pattern says it makes a bed jacket it does not mean that it has to be a bedjacket, when you make it. Many Bed jacket patterns make very acceptable shrugs with little or no alteration to the pattern itself. Vintage crochet patterns will add a certain style to your crochet giving them that unique something that lifts it to the extraordinary.