How to Crochet [Beginner’s Guide]
Have you been interested in learning to crochet, but don’t know where to start? Or feel intimidated by all of the numbered or letter hooks and different sizes of yarn? Or have you stared at a pattern till you went cross-eyed at all of the abbreviations? Well, don’t fret because I know exactly how you feel and am hoping to save you from some of the headaches I experienced. Learning to crochet can be tricky, but remember that it TAKES PATIENCE. You’re NOT going to do everything perfectly on your first try.
Materials You Need to Start Crocheting
Yarn
Hook
Stitch Markers
Scissors
Darning Needle/ Tapestry Needle
More Information about the Materials
In order to begin practicing crocheting, there are a couple of things you will need:
Yarn- I would suggest acrylic or cotton yarn (it will say on the packaging). Also, look on the back and you will see a little crochet hook with a number on it. I would suggest using yarn somewhere between 4mm and 6mm; if you get too much smaller or bigger it can be hard to not only see your stitches let alone hold them. I would suggest something like Hobby Lobby’s Yarn Bee Soft Secret Yarn
From www.treasurie.com
Hook- You will want to have several sizes of hooks eventually, but while you are learning one or two hooks are fine. Just make sure your hook size matches the size of your yarn. For example, the number I mentioned on the yarn should be the same number as on your hook. The hooks I first received and still used can be found at Walmart. Although they are going to be a little more, I would highly suggest buying hooks with comfortable, squishy handles. Trust me after crocheting for a couple of hours straight the little metal handles can get quite uncomfortable.
Stitch Markers- These might seem irrelevant at first; however, you will soon realize you lost your place and have no idea what stitch or what row you are on. These little guys offer an easy solution to counting your stitches by showing you where you started. These often come with hooks, but if not can be found where ever you bought your yarn and hooks.
Scissors- You most likely have a pair lying around that will suffice. However, if you wish there are a lot of beautiful (and very sharp) scissors that might work a little better than the ones from your junk drawer. (Such scissors also make a great gift for an avid crocheter).
These beautiful scissors were a birthday gift from my mom.
How to start crocheting
I would highly suggest watching YouTube videos from a lot of different people to get a broad perspective. Some people describe it in a way you understand while others don’t so don’t give up after getting confused. Also, most people crochet differently and have little technics that they have picked up along the way. So don’t get discouraged if someone is holding their hook or yarn differently than you. Most importantly it is probably going to feel unnatural when you are learning and that is totally okay! Soon it will become muscle memory and you won’t even have to think about what you are doing. If you get frustrated just set it down for a bit and then return to it when you feel ready. It isn’t instantaneous.
*One more important tip: US crocheting and British crocheting are DIFFERENT. They use the same names but they are different stitches so pay close attention. A double crochet in British crocheting is only a single crochet in American crocheting.
Here are some YouTube channels I found helpful when learning:
Bella Coco - her titles mention the difference in UK versus US crocheting
I hope these videos help! I will post more tips and tricks soon!
Blessings,
Lexi
