Salena Baca - Build Your Skills Crochet Tops: 26 Simple Patterns for First-Time Sweaters, Shrugs, Ponchos & More

Megan Cloutier
Vanessa Guida
Sheryl Hock
Courtney KnorrWarriner
Jackie Ramsdell
Lindsey Strippelhoff
Hillary Thompson
Shawna Underwood
Amanda Woodbury
Linda Woodthorpe
Michelle Wulf

Cascade Yarns
Knit Picks
Lion Brand
Yarns
Red Heart Yarns
Sprightly Yarn by Bluprint

Halle Baca
Salena Baca
Kristy Kwan

Published by Stackpole Books
An imprint of The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc.
4501 Forbes Blvd., Ste. 200
Lanham, MD 20706
www.stackpolebooks.com

Distributed by NATIONAL BOOK NETWORK
800-462-6420

Copyright 2021 by Salena Baca

Photography by Salena & Halle Baca

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or
by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote passages in a review.

The contents of this book are for personal use only. Patterns herein may be reproduced in limited quantities for such use. Any large-scale commercial reproduction is prohibited without the written consent of the publisher.

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of these instructions. We cannot, however, be responsible for human error, typographical mistakes, or variations in individual work.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Information available

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data available

Names: Baca, Salena, author.

Title: Build your skills: crochet tops / Salena Baca.

Description: Guilford, Connecticut : Stackpole Books, 2020. | Summary: Divided into sections based on ease of construction, this book allows you to start where you are comfortable in crocheting tops and sweaters. Each progressive section of the book teaches more complex stitches and motifs, and any necessary joining techniques, so that you learn everything you need to complete each piece confidently Provided by publisher.

Identifiers: LCCN 2019059406 (print) | LCCN 2019059407 (ebook) | ISBN 9780811738705 (paperback) | ISBN 9780811768689 (epub)

Subjects: LCSH: CrochetingPatterns. | Sweaters. | Blouses.

Classification: LCC TT825 .B29345 2020 (print) | LCC TT825 (ebook) | DDC 746.43/4041dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019059406

LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019059407

The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of American National Standard for Information SciencesPermanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992.

First Edition

M y design approach is to create projects that look complicated but are actually simple to follow and work up! I think this is especially important when we make things to wear, because most crocheters are intimidated by concepts like yarn selection, gauge, size, complex stitch and row repeats, seams and joins, and fit. But learning just a few simple techniques and following progressively built designs will really advance your confidence and abilities!

In this book, Ill break down these concepts to help develop your crochet knowledge and skills, so that you can build gorgeous crochet tops, sweaters, vests, ponchos, and so much more!

Whether youre brand new to crochet or finally ready to make your first top, there are a few things to note when using this book so that you can feel confident and be successful.

First, start with the Simple Shapes. I suggest starting in the beginning section of this book and working your way through, because each section builds on the last. If youve never crocheted a top before, starting here will help you to learn about yarn choices, gauge, size, fit, and more!

Next, read the design descriptions. Every design is listed in order of difficulty, each with more skills, parts, or instructions than the last. The most important spec-ifications for each design have been outlined so that you can feel confident about what you need to know to be successful or what you may learn as you work.

After that, be sure to use the right yarns. The materials you use are crucial to getting the best style, look, and feel for your crochet top. All yarns in this book are sourced from major commercial companies and should be easily accessible in your local shops or online. However, you can also use the yarn alternatives suggested for each design.

Finally, read and practice before you start. While there is nothing more satisfying than starting a new crochet project, there is nothing more frustrating than feeling stuck and confused. Thats why I suggest reading the entire pattern (from Sizes/Finished Measurements down through the instructions) to make sure youve got what you need to get started. If a special stitch or technique is required, make time to practice it first! Finally, be sure to check out the Resources section at the back of this book for more help, and have fun building your crochet skills and wardrobe!

Peace + Love + Crochet Salena Baca

Use Stitch Markers!

Bobbie pins are my favorite stitch markers, but you can use any device that will help you mark your stitches. Marking stitches while you crochet in rows or rounds helps you determine the top of every stitch that youll count so that youre not increasing or decreasing unintentionally. Try this method when a pattern tells you to chain in the beginning of a row or round:

1. If your chain counts as a stitch , place 1 stitch marker into the last chain formed. This will mark the top of your first stitch, and this is where you will join at the end of your round or work to in rows.
2. If your chain does not count as a stitch , place 1 stitch marker into the loop on your hook (just after your chain[s]). This will mark the top of your first stitch, and this is where you will join at the end of your round or work to in rows.

You may not always be able, or want, to use the suggested yarn a pattern calls for. But yarn is so very dynamic, with lots of characteristics to consider, and it cant always be substituted based on a single factor alone. For example, when youre feeling yarn, it can be soft, squishy, stretchy, sturdy, stiff, or scratchy. You wouldnt want stiff, scratchy yarn for a shirt, right?

When substituting yarn, start with the same yarn weight and subclass. For example, medium worsted is not the same as medium aran. Check the wraps per inch (WPI) of a yarn to be sure your substitute is a good fit. To measure the WPI, wrap yarn around a ruler, gently and without too much tugging. Count the number of wraps in an inch. If one yarn can be wrapped ten times per inch, then a good yarn weight substitute would have the same WPI. You can try yarn sub.com for suggestions!