Crocheting, particularly crocheting for the home, was enormously popular in the middle years of this century. Thread manufacturers responded to this popularity by producing a flood of leaflets showcasing their products, offering instructions for everything from simple edgings to elaborate bedspreads and tablecloths. Today, there is renewed interest in hand-crocheted lace and these leaflets have become collector’s items. In this volume, we feature a selection of some of the finest patterns offered in the instruction leaflets of the 1930s, 40s and 50s.
Although the exact threads called for may no longer be available, all of the items can be made with cotton crochet thread, readily available in a variety of sizes.
Before beginning a project, work a sample using the desired thread and hook size. Check the appearance of the work—the stitches should be neat and firm, but not crowded. If a gauge is given, check the size of your sample. If it is too small, use a larger hook; if it is too large, use a smaller one.
Once you have finished crocheting your project, you should wash and block it. If you are making a tablecloth or bedspread made up of individual motifs, you may find it easier to block the motifs separately, before sewing them together. Using a mild soap and cool water, squeeze the suds gently through the crochet; do not rub. Rinse the piece thoroughly. Small pieces such as doilies and placemats can be lightly starched if desired. Using rustproof pins, pin the piece right side down on a well-padded surface. When the crochet is almost dry, press it through a damp cloth with a moderately hot iron. Do not allow the iron to rest on the stitches.
The terminology and hooks listed in this book are those used in the United States. The charts on the next page give the U. S. names of crochet stitches and their equivalents in other countries and the approximate equivalents to U. S. crochet hook sizes. Crocheters should become thoroughly familiar with the differences in both crochet terms and hook sizes before starting any projects. The stitches used in the projects in this book are explained on page 128.