METHOD OF FABRICATING ONE OR MORE CROCHETED CHARACTERS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Crochet is a needlework technique performed using a crochet hook plus fiber or other similar material. Typically, this material is yarn or crochet thread, but it might also be fabric, wire, twine, or other innovative material. Crochet techniques may be used to create afghans, blankets, scarves, hats, bags, curtains, and many other useful objects. Crochet fabrics may also be used to create three dimensional shapes and motifs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention, and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method of crocheting individual characters in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 2A and 2B together illustrate a table of the quantity of primary, background, and duo colored granny squares types used for each of the capital letters, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 3A and 3B together illustrate a table of the quantity of primary, background, and duo colored granny squares types used for each of the lowercase letters, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a table of the quantity of primary, background, and duo colored granny squares types used for each of single digit numbers, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates the components of an exemplary character, a capital letter A, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates the components of an exemplary character, a letter Z, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates the components of an exemplary character, a letter S, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates the components of an exemplary character, a capital letter H, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates the components of an exemplary character, a question mark, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates the twenty six capital letters of the English alphabet in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates completed versions of the twenty six letters of the English alphabet in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates the twenty six lower case letters of the English alphabet in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates ten single digit numerals in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a method of crocheting a group of characters in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate completed versions of groups of characters in accordance with some embodiments.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A method of fabricating a crocheted character includes crocheting a plurality of crochet squares, creating each individual vertical line for the character; and assembling the vertical lines into the character. The plurality of crochet squares comprises one or more of: a quantity of single primary colored crochet squares, a quantity of single background colored crochet squares, and a quantity of duo colored crochet squares. Each of the duo colored crochet squares comprises the single primary color and the single background color.

A method of fabricating a multi-character crocheted design includes identification of the multi-character crocheted design comprising a plurality of individual characters; creating each of the plurality of individual characters for the multi-character crocheted design; and assembling the plurality of characters into the multi-character crocheted design.

The method described herein creates characters by crocheting single-colored granny squares along with duo-colored granny squares to make each individual character. FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method of crocheting individual characters in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 1, in summary, the method comprises the five major functions of identification of the crochet squares for the character, crocheting the squares, creating each individual vertical line for the character, and assembling the vertical lines into the character, and finishing the character. Each major function includes one or more operations, which will be described hereinbelow.

The method begins with the identification of the crochet squares needed to create a particular character. Specifically, the method begins with Operation 102 in which a character is identified for creation. In accordance with some embodiments, the character may be, for example, a capital letter, a lowercase letter, a number, a symbol, or any other character herein known or later developed. To identify the quantity of each type of granny square is needed for the selected character, in Operation 104, the quantity of single primary colored granny squares (“SPC”) is determined. In Operation 106, the quantity of single background colored granny squares (SBC) is determined. In Operation 108, the quantity of Duo Colored granny squares (DC) is determined. The Duo Colored granny square includes both SPC and SBC colors. In other words, the duo colored granny square comprises two colors: the primary and background colors. Although the Operations 104, 106, and 108 are illustrated in FIG. 1 in sequential order, it will be appreciated that these operations, in accordance with some embodiments, may be carried out in parallel or in a different order than illustrated.

FIGS. 2A and 2B together illustrate a table of a quantity of primary colored granny squares (SPC) 202, a quantity of background colored granny squares (SBC) 204, and a quantity of duo colored granny squares (DC) 206 types used for each of the capital letters, in accordance with some embodiments. When the character identified in Operation 102 is a capital letter, FIGS. 2A and 2B provide the associated quantities for Operations 104, 106, and 108.

FIGS. 3A and 3B together illustrate a table of the quantity of primary colored granny squares (SPC) 202, the quantity of background colored granny squares (SBC) 204, and the quantity of duo colored granny squares (DC) 206 types used for each of the capital letters, in accordance with some embodiments. When the character identified in Operation 102 is a lower case letter, FIGS. 3A and 3B provide the associated quantities for Operations 104, 106, and 108.

FIG. 4 illustrates a table of the quantity of quantity of primary colored granny squares (SPC) 202, the quantity of background colored granny squares (SBC) 204, and the quantity of duo colored granny squares (DC) 206 types used for each of single digit numbers, in accordance with some embodiments. When the character identified in Operation 102 is a single digit number, FIG. 4 provides the associated quantities for Operations 104, 106, and 108.

It will be appreciated that FIGS. 2 through 4 are simply exemplary of the quantity and mix of primary, background, and duo-colored squares used for each of the included characters. Any symbol, image, or other graphic, whether included or not herein, may be created in a similar manner and in accordance with some embodiments.

Returning to FIG. 1, Operations 102, 104, 106, and 108 taken together form the functionality of identifying the required crochet squares for the selected character.

The next major functionality is the actual crocheting of the squares identified previously. First, after identifying the quantity of single primary colored granny squares in Operation 104, in Operation 110, that quantity of granny squares of that primary color are crocheted. The crocheting of granny squares in general is well known by those of ordinary skill in the art; and therefor is not included in detail herein for simplicity.

Next, after identifying the quantity of single background colored granny squares in Operation 106, in Operation 112, that quantity of granny squares of that background color are crocheted. The crocheting of granny squares in general is well known by those of ordinary skill in the art; and therefor is not included in detail herein for simplicity.

Next, after identifying the quantity of duo colored granny squares in Operation 108, in Operation 114, that quantity of granny squares of both colors are crocheted. The crocheting of granny squares in general is well known by those of ordinary skill in the art; and therefore is not included in detail herein for simplicity. To create each duo colored granny square design, a typical granny square crochet method is used except when creating each different colored part of the square, a color is dropped and then a new color is picked up in each corner. In an alternative embodiment, to create a duo colored granny square design, a typical granny square crochet method is used except when creating each different colored part of the square, a color is dropped and then a new color is picked up at the midpoint of the granny square.

Although the Operations 110, 112, and 114 are illustrated in FIG. 1 and described herein in sequential order, it will be appreciated that these operations, in accordance with some embodiments, may be carried out in parallel or in a different order than illustrated. Operations 110, 112, and 114 taken together form the functionality of crocheting the granny squares for the selected character.

Once Operations 110, 112 and 114 are completed, the next major functionality is the creation of individual vertical lines for the character. Beginning with Operation 116, the identifier for the vertical line number VL is set equal to one (1). (VL=1) Next, in Operation 118, the first vertical line is assembled. Next in Operation 120, it is determined whether or not there are more vertical lines for the character. When there is another vertical line, the method proceeds to Operation 122 where VL is incremented. (VL=VL+1). The method then cycles back to Operation 118 for assembly of that next vertical line. This cycling continues until there are no more vertical lines in Operation 120. When there are no more vertical lines, the major function of creating the individual vertical lines is complete.

Thereafter, the next major functionality is assembling the character itself. Starting with Operation 124, the identifier vertical line is re-set to one. (VL=1) Next, in Operation 126, vertical line VL is assembled to VL+1. Next, in Operation 128, it is determined whether there are more vertical lines to assemble or not. When there are more vertical lines, the method proceeds to Operation 130, where VL is incremented (VL=VL+1) and the method cycles back to Operation 126. This cycling continues until there are no more vertical lines in Operation 128. When there are no more vertical lines to assemble, the character assembly is complete.

Optionally, one further functionality is the finishing of the character in Operation 132. For example, in one embodiment, the finishing can include starting at any edge stitch, and single crocheting around the edges for a finished look. Additionally, or alternatively, the finishing may include the crocheting of a border of background color granny squares or a set of another color granny squares.

FIG. 5 illustrates the components of an exemplary character, a capital letter A, in accordance with some embodiments. Specifically, in Operation 102 of FIG. 1, the character to be created is the capital A. As illustrated, the capital letter A comprises eighteen (18) granny squares arranged in three (3) vertical lines of six (6) squares. There are sixteen (16) single-colored squares of which there are twelve (12) primary colored squares 202 (Operation 104) and four (4) background colored squares 204 (Operation 106); along with two (2) duo-colored squares 206 (Operation 108). The granny squares used are either solid granny squares or standard/traditional granny squares.

Continuing to refer to the method of FIG. 1, to make the capital A, the component granny squares are crocheted including twelve (12) primary colored squares 202 (Operation 110), four (4) background colored squares 204 (Operation 112); and two (2) duo-colored squares 206 (Operation 114).

Next each individual vertical line is created. Beginning in Operation 118, for Vertical Line 1, take one duo-colored square 206. Make sure the background color portion of the duo-colored square 206 is positioned in the upper left corner and the primary color on the bottom. Single crochet the bottom of the duo-colored square 206 (V1S1) to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V1S2). Single crochet the bottom of V1S2 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V1S3). Single crochet the bottom of V1S3 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V1S4). Single crochet the bottom of V1S4 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V1S5). Single crochet the bottom of V1S5 to the top of a primary colored square (V1S6). Vertical Line 1 (Operation 118) thus is completed.

Next, in Operation 120, it is determined that there is a second vertical line. The method moves to Operation 122 where VL is incremented to Vertical Line 2. The method then cycles back to Operation 118 and Vertical Line 2 is assembled. To assemble Vertical Line 2, start with one primary color 202 square. Single crochet the bottom of the primary color square 202 (V2S1) to the top of a background color square 204 (V2S2). Single crochet the bottom of V2S2 to the top of a background color square 204 (V2S3). Single crochet the bottom of V2S3 to the top of a primary color square 202 (V2S4). Single crochet the bottom of V2S4 to the top of a background color square 204 (V2S5). Single crochet the bottom of V2S5 to the top of a background square 204 (V1S6). Vertical Line 2 (Operation 118) thus is completed.

Next, in Operation 120, it is determined that there is a third vertical line. The method moves to Operation 122 where VL is incremented to Vertical Line 3. The method then cycles back to Operation 118 and Vertical Line 3 is assembled. To assemble Vertical Line 3, start with one duo-colored square 206. Make sure the background color portion of the duo-colored square 206 is positioned in the upper right corner and the primary color portion of the duo-colored square 206 is on the bottom. Single crochet the bottom of the duo-colored square 206 (V3S1) to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V3S2). Single crochet the bottom of V3S2 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V3S3). Single crochet the bottom of V3S3 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V3S4). Single crochet the bottom of V3S4 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V3S5). Single crochet the bottom of V3S5 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V3S6). Vertical Line 3 (Operation 118) is thus completed.

In Operation 120, it is determined that there are no more vertical lines for the Capital A, and the method moves to assembling the character starting at Operation 124. At Operation 126, position Vertical Line 1 in a horizontal position (right side facing) with V1S1 to the left and V1S6 to the right. Position Vertical Line 2 in a horizontal position (wrong side facing) with V2S1 to the left and V2S6 to the right. Place Vertical Line 2 on top of Vertical Line 1. From the starting point of the right corner of V2S6 single crochet the sides of the two vertical lines together. Once done, spread out. Next, in Operation 128, it is determined that there are more vertical lines to assemble; and in Operation 130, Vertical Line count is incremented. Cycling back to Operation 126, position Vertical Line 3 (wrong side facing) with V3S1 to the left and V3S6 to the right. Place Vertical Line 3 on top of Vertical Line 2. From the starting point of the right corner of V3S6 single crochet the sides of the two vertical lines together. Once done, spread out.

In Operation 128, it is determined that there are no more vertical lines for assembly; and the method moves to Operation 132 for finishing. Starting at any edge stitch, single crochet around the edges for a finished look. Letter A is now completed in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates the components of an exemplary character, a capital letter Z, in accordance with some embodiments. Specifically, in Operation 102 of FIG. 1, the character to be created is the capital Z. As illustrated, the capital letter Z comprises twenty two (22) single-colored granny squares including ten (10) primary colored squares 204 (Operation 104) and twelve (12) background colored squares 202 (Operation 106) along with eight (8) duo-colored squares 206 (Operation 108).

Continuing to refer to the method of FIG. 1, to make the capital Z, the component granny squares are crocheted including the twelve (12) primary colored squares 202 (Operation 110), ten (10) background colored squares 204 (Operation 112); and eight (8) duo-colored squares 206 (Operation 114).

Next each individual vertical line is created. (Note the correct side of the squares should be front facing.) Beginning in Operation 118, for Vertical Line 1, take one primary colored square 202. Single crochet the bottom of the primary colored square 202 (V1S1) to the top of a background colored square 204 (V1S2). Single crochet the bottom of V1S2 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V1S3). Single crochet the bottom of V1S3 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V1S4). Single crochet the bottom of V1S4 to the top of a duo-colored square 206 (V1S5) making sure the background color of the duo-colored square 206 is positioned in the upper left corner and the primary color of the duo-colored square 206 on the bottom. Single crochet the bottom of V1S5 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V1S6). Vertical Line 1 (Operation 118) thus is completed.

Next, in Operation 120, it is determined that there is a second vertical line. The method moves to Operation 122 where VL is incremented to Vertical Line 2. The method then cycles back to Operation 118 and Vertical Line 2 is assembled. To assemble Vertical Line 2, take one primary colored square 202. Single crochet the bottom of the primary colored square 202 (V2S1) to the top of a background colored square 204 (V2S2). Single crochet the bottom of V2S2 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V2S3). Single crochet the bottom of V2S3 to the top of a duo-colored square 206 (V2S4) with the background color of the duo-colored square 206 positioned in the upper left corner. Single crochet the bottom of V2S4 to the top of a duo-colored square 206 (V2S5) with the primary color of the duo-colored square 206 positioned in the upper left corner. Single crochet the bottom of V2S5 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V1S6). Vertical Line 2 (Operation 118) thus is completed.

Next, in Operation 120, it is determined that there is a third vertical line. The method moves to Operation 122 where VL is incremented to Vertical Line 3. The method then cycles back to Operation 118 and Vertical Line 3 is assembled. To assemble Vertical Line 3, start with one primary colored square 202. Single crochet the bottom of the primary colored square 202 (V3S1) to the top of a background colored square 204 (V3S2). Single crochet the bottom of V3S2 to the top of a duo-colored square 206 (V3S3) with the background color of the duo-colored square 206 positioned in the upper left corner. Single crochet the bottom of V3S3 to the top of a duo-colored square 206 (V3S4) with the primary color of the duo-colored square 206 positioned in the upper left corner. Single crochet the bottom of V3S4 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V3S5). Single crochet the bottom of V3S5 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V3S6). Vertical Line 3 (Operation 118) thus is completed.

Next, in Operation 120, it is determined that there is a fourth vertical line. The method moves to Operation 122 where VL is incremented to Vertical Line 4. The method then cycles back to Operation 118 and Vertical Line 4 is assembled. To assemble Vertical Line 4, start with one primary colored square 202. Single crochet the bottom of the primary colored square 202 (V4S1) to the top of a duo-colored square 206 (V4S2) making sure the background color of the duo-colored square 206 is positioned in the upper left corner and the primary color of the duo-colored square 206 on the bottom. Single crochet the bottom of V4S2 to the top of a duo-colored square 206 (V4S3) with the primary color of the duo-colored square 206 positioned in the upper left corner. Single crochet the bottom of V4S3 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V4S4). Single crochet the bottom of V4S4 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V4S5). Single crochet the bottom of V4S5 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V4S6). Vertical Line 4 (Operation 118) thus is completed.

Next, in Operation 120, it is determined that there is a fifth vertical line. The method moves to Operation 122 where VL is incremented to Vertical Line 5. The method then cycles back to Operation 118 and Vertical Line 5 is assembled. To assemble Vertical Line 5, start with one primary colored square 202. Single crochet the bottom of the primary colored square 202 (V5S1) to the top of a duo-colored square 206 (V5S2) making sure the primary color of the duo-colored square 206 is positioned in the upper left corner and the background color of the duo-colored square is on the bottom. Single crochet the bottom of V5S2 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V5S3). Single crochet the bottom of V5S3 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V5S4). Single crochet the bottom of V5S4 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V5S5). Single crochet the bottom of V5S5 to the top of a primary colored square (V5S6). Vertical Line 5 (Operation 118) thus is completed.

In Operation 120, it is determined that there are no more vertical lines for the Capital Z, and the method moves to assembling the character starting at Operation 124 through finishing the character at Operation 132, similarly to that described hereinabove for the capital A of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates the components of an exemplary character, a Capital letter S, in accordance with some embodiments. Specifically, in Operation 102 of FIG. 1, the character to be created is the capital Z. As illustrated, the capital letter Z comprises ten (10) single-colored granny squares including six (6) primary colored squares 202 and four (4) background colored squares 204, along with eight (8) duo-colored squares 206.

Continuing to refer to the method of FIG. 1, to make the capital S, the component granny squares are crocheted including the six (6) primary colored squares 202 (Operation 110), four (4) background colored squares 204 (Operation 112); and eight (8) duo-colored squares 206 (Operation 114).

Next each individual vertical line is created. (Note the correct side of the squares should be front facing.) Beginning in Operation 118, for Vertical Line 1, take one duo-colored square 206. Make sure the background color of the duo-colored square 206 is positioned in the upper left corner and the primary color of the duo-colored square 206 on the bottom. Single crochet the bottom of the duo-colored square 206 (V1S1) to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V1S2). Single crochet the bottom of V1S2 to the top of a duo-colored square 206 (V1S3) with the primary color of the duo-colored square 206 positioned in the upper right corner. Single crochet the bottom of V1S3 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V1S4). Single crochet the bottom of V1S4 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V1S5). Single crochet the bottom of V1S5 to the top of a duo-colored square 206 (V1S6) with the primary color of the duo-colored square 206 positioned in the upper right corner. Vertical Line 1 (Operation 118) thus is completed.

Next, in Operation 120, it is determined that there is a second vertical line. The method moves to Operation 122 where VL is incremented to Vertical Line 2. The method then cycles back to Operation 118 and Vertical Line 2 is assembled. To assemble Vertical Line 2, take one primary colored square 202. Single crochet the bottom of the primary colored square 202 (V2S1) to the top of a background colored square 204 (V2S2). Single crochet the bottom of V2S2 to the top of a duo-colored square 206 (V2S3) with the background color of the duo-colored square 206 positioned in the upper right corner. Single crochet the bottom of V2S3 to the top of a duo-colored square 206 (V2S4) with the primary color of the duo-colored square 206 positioned in the upper right corner. Single crochet the bottom of V2S4 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V2S5). Single crochet the bottom of V2S5 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V1S6). Vertical Line 2 (Operation 118) thus is completed.

Next, in Operation 120, it is determined that there is a third vertical line. The method moves to Operation 122 where VL is incremented to Vertical Line 3. The method then cycles back to Operation 118 and Vertical Line 3 is assembled. To assemble Vertical Line 3, start with one duo-colored square 206. Make sure the background color of the duo-colored square 206 is positioned in the upper right corner and the primary color of the duo-colored square 206 is on the bottom. Single crochet the bottom of the duo-colored square 206 (V3S1) to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V3S2). Single crochet the bottom of V3S2 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V3S3). Single crochet the bottom of V3S3 to the top of a duo-colored square 206 (V3S4) with the background color of the duo-colored square 206 positioned in the upper right corner. Single crochet the bottom of V3S4 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V3S5). Single crochet the bottom of V3S5 to the top of a duo-colored square 206 (V3S6) with the primary color of the duo-colored square positioned in the upper left corner. Vertical Line 3 (Operation 118) thus is completed.

In Operation 120, it is determined that there are no more vertical lines for the Capital S, and the method moves to assembling the character starting at Operation 124 through finishing the character at Operation 132, similarly to that described hereinabove for the capital A of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 illustrates the components of an exemplary character, a capital letter H, in accordance with some embodiments. Specifically, in Operation 102 of FIG. 1, the character to be created is the capital H. As illustrated, the capital letter H comprises 18 single-colored granny squares including thirteen (13) primary colored squares 202 (Operation 104) and five (5) background colored squares 204. (Operation 106)

Continuing to refer to the method of FIG. 1, to make the capital H, the component granny squares are crocheted including thirteen (13) primary colored squares 202 (Operation 110), and five (5) background colored squares 204 (Operation 112).

Next each individual vertical line is created. (Note the correct side of the squares should be front facing.) Beginning in Operation 118, for Vertical Line 1, take one primary colored square 202. Single crochet the bottom of the primary colored square 202 (V1S1) to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V1S2). Single crochet the bottom of V1S2 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V1S3). Single crochet the bottom of V1S3 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V1S4). Single crochet the bottom of V1S4 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V1S5). Single crochet the bottom of V1S5 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V1S6). Vertical Line 1 (Operation 118) thus is completed.

Next, in Operation 120, it is determined that there is a second vertical line. The method moves to Operation 122 where VL is incremented to Vertical Line 2. The method then cycles back to Operation 118 and Vertical Line 2 is assembled. To assemble Vertical Line 2, take one background colored square 204. Single crochet the bottom of the background colored square 204 (V2S1) to the top of a background colored square 204 (V2S2). Single crochet the bottom of V2S2 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V2S3). Single crochet the bottom of V2S3 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V2S4). Single crochet the bottom of V2S4 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V2S5). Single crochet the bottom of V2S5 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V1S6). Vertical Line 2 (Operation 118) thus is completed.

Next, in Operation 120, it is determined that there is a third vertical line. The method moves to Operation 122 where VL is incremented to Vertical Line 3. The method then cycles back to Operation 118 and Vertical Line 3 is assembled. To assemble Vertical Line 3, start with primary colored square 202. Single crochet the bottom of the primary colored square 202 (V3S1) to the top of primary colored square 202 (V3S2). Single crochet the bottom of V3S2 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V3S3). Single crochet the bottom of V3S3 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V3S4). Single crochet the bottom of V3S4 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V3S5). Single crochet the bottom of V3S5 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V3S6). Vertical Line 3 (Operation 118) thus is completed.

In Operation 120, it is determined that there are no more vertical lines for the Capital H, and the method moves to assembling the character starting at Operation 124 through finishing the character at Operation 132, similarly to that described hereinabove for the capital A of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 illustrates the components of an exemplary character, a question mark, in accordance with some embodiments. Specifically, in Operation 102 of FIG. 1, the character to be created is the question mark. As illustrated, the question mark comprises fourteen (14) single-colored granny squares including five (5) primary colored squares 202 and nine (9) background colored squares 204; along with four (4) duo-colored squares 206.

Continuing to refer to the method of FIG. 1, to make the question mark, the component granny squares are crocheted including the five (5) primary colored squares 202 (Operation 110), nine (9) background colored squares 204 (Operation 112); and four (4) duo-colored squares 206 (Operation 114).

Next each individual vertical line is created. (Note the correct side of the squares should be front facing.) Beginning in Operation 118, for Vertical Line 1, take one duo-colored square 206. Make sure the background colored portion of the duo-colored square 206 is positioned in the upper left corner and the primary colored portion of the duo-colored square 206 is on the bottom. Single crochet the bottom of the duo-colored square 206 (V1S1) to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V1S2). Single crochet the bottom of V1S2 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V1S3). Single crochet the bottom of V1S3 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V1S4). Single crochet the bottom of V1S4 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V1S5). Single crochet the bottom of V1S5 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V1S6). Vertical Line 1 (Operation 118) thus is completed.

Next, in Operation 120, it is determined that there is a second vertical line. The method moves to Operation 122 where VL is incremented to Vertical Line 2. The method then cycles back to Operation 118 and Vertical Line 2 is assembled. To assemble Vertical Line 2, take one primary colored square 202. Single crochet the bottom of the primary colored square 202 (V2S1) to the top of a background colored square 204 (V2S2). Single crochet the bottom of V2S2 to the top of duo-colored square 206 (V2S3) with the background colored portion of the duo-colored square 206 positioned in the upper left corner and the primary colored portion of the duo-colored square 206 on the bottom. Single crochet the bottom of V2S3 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V2S4). Single crochet the bottom of V2S4 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V2S5). Single crochet the bottom of V2S5 to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V1S6). Vertical Line 2 (Operation 118) thus is completed.

Next, in Operation 120, it is determined that there is a third vertical line. The method moves to Operation 122 where VL is incremented to Vertical Line 3. The method then cycles back to Operation 118 and Vertical Line 3 is assembled. To assemble Vertical Line 3, start with one duo-colored square 206. Single crochet the bottom of the duo-colored square 206 (V3S1) with the primary colored portion of the duo-colored square 206 positioned in the lower left corner to the top of a primary colored square 202 (V3S2). Single crochet the bottom of V3S2 to the top of a duo-colored square 206 (V3S3) with the primary colored portion of the duo-colored square 206 positioned in the upper left corner. Single crochet the bottom of V3S3 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V3S4). Single crochet the bottom of V3S4 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V3S5). Single crochet the bottom of V3S5 to the top of a background colored square 204 (V3S6). Vertical Line 3 (Operation 118) thus is completed.

In Operation 120, it is determined that there are no more vertical lines for the question mark, and the method moves to assembling the character starting at Operation 124 through finishing the character at Operation 132, similarly to that described hereinabove for the capital A of FIG. 5.

It will be appreciated that although the method is described in detailed herein only for the letters Capital A, Capital Z, Capital S, Capital H, and the symbol Question Mark, the same methodology and techniques are applicable in accordance with some embodiments to all Capital Letters, Lower Case Letters, Numbers, and Symbols whether herein illustrated or alternatively not shown. It will further be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments of the characters illustrated and described herein are exemplary; and that other variations of the visual look and composition of each character may be alternatively created. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates the twenty six capital letters of the English alphabet in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 11 illustrates completed versions of the twenty six letters of the English alphabet in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 12 illustrates the twenty six lower case letters of the English alphabet in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 13 illustrates ten single digit numerals in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a method of crocheting a group of characters in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 14, in summary, the method comprises the four major functions of identification of the design, creating the individual characters, assembling the characters into the item, and finishing the item. Each major function includes one or more operations, which will be described hereinbelow.

The method begins with the identification of the design to be created. Specifically, the method begins with Operation 1402 in which the character grouping is determined. In accordance with some embodiments, the character grouping may be, for example, a phrase, a sentence, a name, a group of symbols, numbers and/or letters, or any other similar grouping of characters now known or later developed. Next, in Operation 1404, the characters to be used to make the identified grouping of characters are identified.

Once Operations 1402 and 1404 are completed, the next major functionality is the creation of the individual characters. Beginning with Operation 1402, the identifier for the character CH is set equal to one (1). (CH=1) Next, in Operation 1408, the first character is created using the method of FIG. 1 as described previously herein. Next in Operation 1410, it is determined whether or not there are more characters for the design. When there is another character, the method proceeds to Operation 1412 where CH is incremented. (CH=CH+1). The method then cycles back to Operation 1408 for assembly of that next character. This cycling continues until there are no more characters in Operation 1410. When there are no more characters, the major function of creating the individual characters is complete.

Thereafter, the next major functionality is assembling the design itself. Starting with Operation 1414, the identifier character is reset to one. (CH=1) Next, in Operation 1416, character CH is assembled to CH+1. Assembling characters is accomplished using crochet techniques that are well known in the art as well as described previously herein for the assembly of the various vertical lines in the individual characters. Next, in Operation 1418, it is determined whether there are more characters to assemble or not. When there are more characters, the method proceeds to Operation 1420, where CH is incremented (CH=CH+1) and the method cycles back to Operation 1416. This cycling continues until there are no more characters in Operation 1418. When there are no more characters to assemble, the design assembly is complete.

Optionally, one further functionality is the finishing of the item in Operation 1422. For example, in one embodiment, the finishing can include starting at any edge stitch, and single crocheting around the edges for a finished look. Additionally, or alternatively, the finishing may include the crocheting of a border of background color granny squares or a set of another color granny squares. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the finished design may be, for example, a blanket, a scarf, an ornamental hanging, or any other item created from the crochet techniques described herein and in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate completed versions of groups of characters assembled in accordance with the methods of FIG. 1 and FIG. 14 in accordance with some embodiments.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings.

The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

Moreover, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . . aa” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

It will be appreciated that some embodiments may be comprised of one or more generic or specialized processors (or “processing devices”) such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the method and/or apparatus described herein. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could be used.

Moreover, an embodiment can be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium having computer readable code stored thereon for programming a computer (e.g., comprising a processor) to perform a method as described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and a Flash memory. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

METHOD OF FABRICATING ONE OR MORE CROCHETED CHARACTERS

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