Beginner's Luck

Oombawka has this nice article on crochet stitch anatomy. Even though some of it is basic I thought it might be a useful bit of information for those new to crochet and those who might like a reminder.

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Here is the latest thing off my hook. 

Hook: H hook by Laurie Whitaker

Yarn:  The pink yarn is Lion Brand Basic Stitch anti-pilling in Baby Pink. Skeins are 3.5oz and 185 yds. I used the entire skein. The white is Paintbox Simply Aran. It was a leftover skein and I just used a bit of it.

Pattern: Beginner's Luck which is a very old pattern from way back. You may be able to find it at Etsy or Ebay. It's in the leaflet Knit and Crochet Afghans vol 768 Brunswick 1990.  For the border on this one I used a round of dc in pink and then a round of sc in white.

I've also seen the pattern under different names. Basically it's a row of dc, a row of V stitch, a row of inverted V stitch (decrease), and another row of dc. The multiple is 3 + 2 if you start in the 4th chain from hook. I used a foundation chain of 53 for this wee blankie which is 15" square.

I've used this pattern so many times, making different size projects. It's one of my favorites as once you've completed the first pattern you need not refer to the pattern again. It's mindless - to me anyway. The thing to remember is that the first V stitch goes into the first stitch after the turning chain. Otherwise your count will be off. Rows start and end with a dc or turning chain.

I've worked it different ways depending on how many colors I am using. Sometimes I use two rows of dc between patterns and sometimes one. 

Here is one from 2024 using Lion Brand Mandala Sparkle in color Draco. The chain was 98 and it is about 26".

The blue and white one below is from 2020. The size is 48″ x 64″ with a foundation chain of 160. I used Premier Everyday Snow White and Azure. I used 7 skeins of each color (about 1400 yards, 28 ozs.)

I've even used this pattern for scarves. Here's a red one from 2023. The size is 6″ x 61″ with a foundation chain of 212 with an H hook. The yarn is Paintbox Simply Aran in color Rose Red. I used two skeins.

I remember working on afghans using this pattern when I was pregnant with my son (1990). I was bedridden and a friend would pick up my daughter for preschool. I made her three children afghans with this pattern as a thank you. 

Happy crocheting!

Sandie