Improve Your Crochet: Essential Techniques (DVD + Streaming)

Begin by learning how to create and maintain control over your fabric and prevent a too-tight foundation chain. Then, get comfortable reading and following patterns and find out how to decipher pattern speak! Confidently measure gauge in stitches, rows, stitch patterns and in the round, and learn how it helps you achieve stunning results. Then, find out how to pick up stitches evenly and work with decorative borders while keeping edges flat – even around corners and curves! Finally, refine your work and explore finishing techniques for professional-looking crochet. Plus, get tips on joining new yarns, changing colors, weaving in ends, and more. No matter how long you’ve been crocheting, you’re sure to pick up new tricks!

NOTE: If you’d like to purchase only the DVD for this class, you may do so through this link. (Please note, any class PDF materials are not on the DVD itself. You must have streaming access to download those materials associated with the class.)

Creating a Fabric (18:34)
Learn how hook and yarn choice determine the look and drape of crocheted fabric. Then, discover how to rid yourself of too-tight foundation chains forever as Edie demonstrates how to create a foundation single crochet row. Say goodbye to accidentally skipped or added stitches as Edie shows you two ways to work the turning chain in double crochet.

Reading a Pattern (20:25)
Gain confidence in pattern-reading as Edie explains the common punctuation found in written crochet patterns. Understand how fabric comes together, then take a dip into reading diagrams as Edie walks you through several examples. Crochet along with Edie as you make a lovely fantail swatch using just a crochet diagram.

Pattern Problem Solving (17:51)
Delve deeper into pattern-reading as you examine the subtle changes that can make a pattern more or less clear. Skip frustrating patterns and learn to identify clear ones as Edie shares her checklist for what makes a good pattern and the red flags that warn of a bad one. Then, gather Edie’s tips for keeping track of your place in a pattern — written or diagram –and learn her foolproof trick for keeping track of rounds while working in a spiral.

Gauge (22:32)
Explore the importance of gauge as you discover all of the factors that can affect your stitch size. Learn to crochet a helpful swatch so you can measure your gauge. Become confident in your ability to measure stitch gauge and row gauge whether you’re working flat, in the round or with lacy and textured patterns!

Edgings (17:34)
Add professional-quality edgings to give your pieces polish. Discover Edie’s easy methods for picking up stitches evenly — even when working with stitch multiples. Never deal with curled-up corners again as you learn how to follow a curve and turn corners without creating puckers. Finally, master the crab stitch, a great corded edge, as you crochet in reverse!

Refinements (11:38)
Tackle more advanced techniques as you learn a way to create fabric that is uniform on both the beginning and final edge. Stitch colorful granny squares with seamless color joins and add the standing double crochet stitch to your repertoire. Plus, control where your hook ends up when you are working motifs in the round, so you’ll always be in the perfect place to begin the next stitch.

Finishing (12:52)
Create well-defined colorwork motifs as you learn the secret to crisp mid-row color changes. Discover the proper techniques for blocking both natural and acrylic fibers. And finally, learn Edie’s trick for weaving in ends so they never unravel!

Edie Eckman is a designer, author and teacher who loves both knitting and crochet. She is on a mission to ensure that patterns are as clear as possible to the greatest number of knitters and crocheters as possible and to empower students to gain the skills they need to confidently and enthusiastically take on any crochet or knitting challenge. She is the author of a number of best-selling books, including “The Crochet Answer Book,” “Around the Corner Crochet Borders” and “Every Which Way Crochet Borders.”

How do I access the companion materials for my DVD class?
Come to Craftsy.com and log into your account using the username and password you set up when establishing your Craftsy account or purchasing your DVD. In your “My Account” area, select the “Classes” content. On this page, you’ll see all classes you’ve purchased from Craftsy. Simply select the desired class from your content list, and you’ll be presented with your selected class page. From the class page you can easily view, download or print the companion class materials, which are in the “Bonus Materials” tab on the class page. You can log in any time, and download or print the companion materials as many times as you like. Companion class materials are not shipped in the mail with your DVD, and must be accessed on Craftsy.com.

How do I stream my class on Craftsy.com?
Come to Craftsy.com and log into your account using the username and password you set up when establishing your Craftsy account or purchasing your DVD. In your “My Account” content, select the desired class. Stream the video on-demand from the class page any time you like; your viewing access is unlimited. You can stream your class from any computer, tablet or mobile device with Internet access.

Do I have to purchase a Craftsy Membership to get my class?
No, you do not. Every DVD purchased on Craftsy.com includes both the physical DVD in the mail and unlimited on-demand streaming access at Craftsy.com. These benefits are yours with or without a Craftsy membership.

Are DVDs included in a Craftsy Membership?
No, they are not. DVDs can only be purchased on an individual basis and are not included in Craftsy memberships. For non-members, DVDs are a flexible way to purchase only the classes you love best. For members, DVDs are a great choice to build an at-home library you can keep forever and enjoy any time, with or without Internet access.

Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we do ship most physical products, including DVDs, to several International destinations. In addition to the USA and Canada, we ship to Australia, Brazil, India, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, and most Western European countries. If you live outside these countries, you can still purchase digital items including memberships, individual streaming classes, and pattern downloads.

Do your DVDs work on international players?
Yes, our DVDs should be compatible with any DVD player in use today. All our videos have been created with all current Region Codes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8). If you have trouble viewing a DVD purchased from Craftsy.com, please contact Customer Service.

What is your return policy?
We want to be sure you’re satisfied. If you have trouble playing your DVD, if the content is not correctly presented on the DVD, or you are dissatisfied with the content of your class, we will work with you. Contact Craftsy customer service via email or phone. Upon your request, and upon your return of the DVD to us, we will refund your purchase price or send you another DVD to replace a damaged or incorrect DVD, whichever is your preference. If you do receive a full refund, your streaming video class will also be removed from your Craftsy account, so on-demand video access will no longer be available to you.