Unleash Your Creativity with Subversive Stitch - Crochet

Unleash Your Creativity with Subversive Stitch - Crochet

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. About the Workshop
3. The Theme of Subversive Crafts
4. Crochet Stitches for Beginners
   • Chain Stitch
   • Magic Ring
   • Single Crochet
   • Double Crochet
5. Making a Crochet Circle
   • Single Crochet Increase
   • Double Crochet Increase
   • Double Crochet Shell
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to our tutorial video for the upcoming Subversive Stitch Crochet Workshop with the Wardrobe Museum at the University of Saint Andrews. In this workshop, we will be exploring the art of crochet and its subversive potential. By reclaiming and empowering traditional feminine crafts, we can spread powerful activist messages. In this article, we will guide you through different crochet stitches, from beginner level to more advanced techniques.

About the Workshop

The Subversive Stitch Crochet Workshop is a continuation of our successful Subversive Stitch Embroidery event held on International Women's Day. This workshop focuses on making a crochet applique of our exhibition logo, which highlights our upcoming exhibition at the Wardrobe Museum titled "Sex as Subversion: Fantasy and Power - The Beggars Venison Club." This exhibition delves into the sexual attitudes and activities of an all-male social club in the 18th and 19th centuries. As curators, we aim to spread a message of reclaiming and empowering sexuality in the modern day, protesting injustice, and fighting for equality.

The Theme of Subversive Crafts

Subversive crafts offer a unique way of challenging societal norms and crafting a platform for marginalized voices. By taking up needle and thread or a crochet hook, we can reclaim traditional feminine pastimes and use them to spread powerful messages. Subversive crafts allow us to express ourselves creatively while standing up against injustices. Through our crochet work, we can challenge stereotypes, question power structures, and advocate for social change.

Crochet Stitches for Beginners

Before diving into the more intricate designs, let's start with some beginner-friendly crochet stitches. These foundational stitches will serve as building blocks for your future projects. Don't worry if you're new to crochet; we'll guide you through each step.

Chain Stitch

The chain stitch is the starting point for most crochet projects. It forms a series of linked loops that create a foundation for your work. To make a chain stitch:

1. Create a slipknot by holding the yarn like a loop and inserting your hook into it.
2. Pull the working yarn through the loop to create a secure knot.
3. Hold the long piece of yarn with your forefinger and yarn over the hook.
4. Pull the yarn through the loop on your hook to complete a chain stitch.

Repeat this process to create a chain of stitches needed for your project.

Magic Ring

The magic ring technique is used when you want to create a circle instead of working in rows. It provides a neat and adjustable starting point for projects such as crochet circles or granny squares. Follow these steps to make a magic ring:

1. Hold the yarn over your four fingers and wrap it around to make a loop.
2. Pull the yarn through the loop to create a loop without completing a chain stitch.
3. Insert your hook through the loop and pull it tight.
4. Yarn over the hook and pull through the loop, securing the magic ring.
5. Work the desired number of stitches, such as single crochets or double crochets, into the ring.

This technique allows you to close the circle, keeping your stitches tight and preventing any gaps.

Single Crochet

The single crochet stitch is one of the most basic and commonly used stitches in crochet. It creates a dense and sturdy fabric. To make a single crochet:

1. Insert your hook into the stitch you want to work in.
2. Yarn over the hook and pull through the stitch, so you have two loops on your hook.
3. Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook, completing a single crochet.

Repeat this process to work single crochets across the row. Single crochets can be used for various crochet projects, from scarves to amigurumi.

Double Crochet

The double crochet stitch is slightly taller than the single crochet and creates a looser fabric. It is often used for blankets, shawls, and textured patterns. To make a double crochet:

1. Yarn over the hook before inserting it into the stitch.
2. Insert your hook into the stitch and yarn over again.
3. Pull through the stitch, so you have three loops on your hook.
4. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops.
5. Yarn over again and pull through the remaining two loops, completing a double crochet.

Continue working double crochets across the row, building height and creating an open fabric.

Making a Crochet Circle

Crochet circles are a versatile motif used in various projects, from coasters to doilies. Let's explore two techniques to increase the number of stitches in a single stitch, creating a circle shape.

Single Crochet Increase

To create a gradual increase in a single crochet circle, you can use the single crochet increase technique. This technique adds two single crochets in the same stitch. Here's how to do it:

1. Insert your hook into the stitch where you want to make the increase.
2. Yarn over the hook and pull through the stitch, as you would for a regular single crochet.
3. Insert your hook into the same stitch again and repeat the process to make another single crochet.

By adding two single crochets in the same stitch, you will gradually increase the circumference of your circle.

Double Crochet Increase

For a double crochet circle, the double crochet increase technique is employed. This technique adds two double crochets in the same stitch. Follow these steps to make a double crochet increase:

1. Yarn over the hook and insert it into the stitch where you want the increase.
2. Yarn over again and pull through the stitch, as you would for a regular double crochet.
3. Yarn over the hook and pull through the first two loops on the hook, creating the first double crochet.
4. Yarn over the hook and insert it into the same stitch again.
5. Yarn over and pull through the stitch, creating the second double crochet.

This increase technique allows you to shape your crochet circle with larger increments.

Double Crochet Shell

To create a decorative semi-circle shape, such as the one needed for our exhibition logo applique, we will use the double crochet shell technique. A double crochet shell consists of multiple double crochets made in the same stitch. Here's how to create a double crochet shell:

1. Choose the stitch where you want to form the shell. Usually, it is two stitches away from your hook.
2. Yarn over the hook and insert it into the chosen stitch.
3. Yarn over and pull through the stitch, creating the first double crochet.
4. Repeat the process of yarn over, insert the hook, and pull through to make seven double crochets in the same stitch.
5. Skip another two stitches and slip stitch into the next stitch to finish the shell.

A double crochet shell creates a beautiful semi-circle shape, adding texture and dimension to your crochet work.

Conclusion

Crochet is not just a hobby; it is a powerful tool for reclaiming and empowering traditional crafts. In this article, we explored different crochet stitches, from basic to advanced techniques. By mastering these stitches, you will have the foundation to create beautiful and meaningful crochet projects that spread powerful messages. Join us at the Subversive Stitch Crochet Workshop to further broaden your crochet skills and create something extraordinary.