Amy O'Neill Houck

My First Crochet Shawl

Amy O'Neill Houck
Sign in or Become A Member to view full class!
  • In-depth Instruction; over 99 mins
  • On-demand video access anytime
  • Bonus downloadable PDF resources
  • Access to class Q&A
Meet designer Amy O'Neill Houck and start learning about the history of shawls and how versatile they can be. Amy introduces the lacy Asteroflora Shawl, which you can also crochet as a shawlette in a finer yarn. Review the materials you'll need and get a refresher on some basic stitches.
Gain an understanding of the pattern's components before diving into the two ways you'll be shaping your shawl. Amy walks you through the edge and center increase techniques and shows you how those increases look on a chart so you can follow along.
Practice the special stitches you'll encounter on rows 1 and 2 of your shawl pattern, then create a gauge swatch. Amy shows you how to check your gauge so your project will have the same drape, size and look as her design, both before and after blocking.
As you work the body of your shawl, you'll learn to "read" your stitches and identify landmarks that will help you find and keep your place. Amy shares tips for following the regular increases in the pattern, adding new yarn and weaving in ends invisibly.
Once the body of the shawl is complete, gussy up the edge with a pretty picot border. Amy reviews the two border rows, then walks you through the stitching itself. Want to make the shawl truly your own? Try customizing the border by changing the stitch pattern, or even the yarn!
Your shawl is almost finished! Learn how to fasten off your yarn and block the shawl, relaxing the stitches and opening up the lace with blocking wires and T-pins. Finally, weave in your ends with Amy's guidance, then explore other yarns you can try with this pattern for a completely different look.
 
 
6 Lessons
1  hrs 39  mins

Description

Get expert help crocheting a beautiful shawl! Join designer Amy O’Neill Houck and learn how to crochet a shawl step by step as you create the included pattern — it’s perfect for practicing! During class, you’ll get in-depth guidance for reading patterns and charts, checking gauge and working the special stitches that create your shawl’s lacy edging. Then, you’ll learn best practices for keeping track of your stitches and rows, working the increases that shape your shawl and creating a pretty picot border. To finish your shawl, you’ll discover must-have techniques for washing, blocking and weaving in ends. Plus, you’ll explore modifications in stitch patterns, yarns and size that will yield fun new looks from your pattern!

Amy O'Neill Houck

Amy O'Neill Houck learned crochet from her grandmother as an 8-year-old, and since that day, her love for crochet has only grown. Today, she spends her days writing, designing, teaching and running the blog The Hook and I. In her pattern line, AOH designs, Amy balances fit, style and creative construction for pieces that flatter in every way. You can find some of these patterns and other designs from Amy in her book, The Color Book of Felted Crochet.

Amy O'Neill Houck

Bonus materials available after purchase

Get exclusive premium content! Sign up for a membership now!