How to Crochet a Tablet Cover

Many beginners find it frustrating that their crochet does not end up with straight edges – they seem to magically add stitches without understanding why or how. To avoid this happening you need to make the right number of turning chains at the beginning of each row. This forms the edge for you to make your new row next to.

For double crochet you need to make just one turning chain (see below) but for taller stitches you will need more. To get straight edges you also need to place your first proper stitch into the correct stitch of the previous row. For double crochet, the first stitch of a row is always worked into the stitch at the base of the turning chain.

1. Make a chain to the length required in the pattern you are following. With the right side of the chain facing you locate the second chain from the hook.

2. Insert the hook through the centre of this chain stitch. Push the hook underneath and then around the yarn. This is called yarn over hook.

3. Catch the yarn with your hook and pull it through the chain stitch only. This means that you will now have two loops on your hook.

4. Yarn over hook (push the hook underneath and then around the yarn).

5. Pull yarn through both the loops on the hook, leaving one loop on the hook. This is the first double-crochet stitch.

6. Continue to work one double-crochet stitch into each chain stitch (steps two to five) until your first row of double-crochet stitches is complete. Note that the total number of stitches will be one fewer than the chain-stitch count.

7. Turn the work so that the crochet you have just made is in your free hand and the reverse side is facing you. Then chain one stitch. This is the turning chain.

8. Work a second row of double crochet by inserting the hook under the top two threads of the first row of double-crochet stitches (these strands will look like a V-shape). Turn your work and repeat until your piece is the size required.

1. Insert the hook into a stitch. Wrap the yarn over the hook.

2. Draw the loop through the stitch and the loop on the hook.

3. Continue in this way to make the required number of slip stitches.

Row 1: Using 4mm hook, ch 36 sts.

Row 2 (WS): 1 dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc into each ch to end, turn (35 sts).

Row 3: Ch 1, dc into each stitch to end.

Row 3 forms the pattern. Work a further 67 rows.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

With WS facing, join yarn to the 18th stitch, ch 40, sl st back into the same st to create the buttonhole loop. Fasten off and weave in ends.

With RS together, slip stitch or oversew both sides of the cover together. Fasten off and weave in the ends. Sew a button on the front of the cover to correspond to the end of the buttonhole loop. Put the button through the loop to keep the tablet safely in its cover.