Crochet is my favorite way to spend an evening. The art of turning multiple loops into something beautiful is rewarding. Below, you’ll find my most recent crochet projects and more information on the art, including tools, storage, and tips.

What is Crochet?

Crochet is a form of needlework that uses interlocked loop stitches made from yarn using a crochet hook. If you look at crochet closely, it consists of several loops joined together. To make creating loops and pulling them through other loops easier, we use a hook type of tool.

Is Crochet Hard?

Anyone can learn to crochet. The process takes two hands and one hook. The hardest part about this art is keeping a steady tension, but over time as your hand muscles and muscle memory develops, it becomes easier and easier. I know many people who didn’t learn until later in their lives. You can pick it up at any time.

IS CROCHET EASIER THAN KNIT?

Both knit and crochet are ways to join loops together using a tool. However, most people find crochet to be easier than knitting because in knitting you move the loops and pieces back and forth from needle to needle, but in crochet, you work right on the piece. I learned to crochet before I learned to knit. I personally don’t enjoy knitting because, for me, it takes more brainpower, and most of the time I’m working with yarn, I’m sitting in front of the television or trying to zone out.

HOW MANY STITCHES ARE THERE?

There are over 150 crochet stitches but beginner patterns usually utilize a combination of the 5 basic crochet stitches: Chain, Single, Double, Half Double, and Slip Stitch.

How do I Get Started Crocheting?

To get started in crochet, find online crochet tutorials. When learning different stitches I found video to be the most helpful resource. You’ll only need yarn and a hook, as you build your love for the hobby, you may find you want to expand your crochet tools, but make sure it’s something you’ll stick with first.

What is the first thing a beginner should Make?

Beginner crochet projects such as dishcloths, scarfs, and coasters are a great place to start. They are easy to hold in your hands, many patterns can be found utilizing the simplest stitches, they’re useful, and they work up quickly, which will keep your interest as you learn.

Where can I find Crochet Patterns?

Patterns are widely available on the internet for free. We’re so lucky. When I first started this hobby, you could only get new patterns from your grandma, mom, or by purchasing them at craft stores. I have a great crochet Pinterest board filled with free patterns, you can find patterns here on this website, and when you’re ready to purchase more in-depth patterns, you can find them in stores and many creators sell their crochet patterns on Etsy.

What Tools Do I need?

You really only need yarn and a hook. For many patterns, you’ll want to mark your stitches, and while they make stitch markers, a safety pin works just fine. Over the years I’ve amassed many crochet tools, all that is handy to my craft, but none are necessary.

What is your best tip for beginners?

I have several crochet tips right here on this website, but the very best tip I can offer a beginner is to go slow. It’s easy to see gorgeous cardigans and elegant bedspreads and want to immediately jump in and make those, but this art requires muscle memory (and a lot of counting). Start small and build up. Join online forums for tips and tricks, and support when you have questions.

Crochet TIps

• Don’t cheap out on your hook. A nice, padded, ergonomic hook will keep your arms and hands from fatiguing, which will help you to go longer.
• Weave in the ends after every color change. It’s a mess to do it all at one time.
• Select the right yarn for your project. If the pattern doesn’t tell you, use this guide for how to select the right yarn for your crochet project.
• Buy yarn when it’s on sale. Yarn can get pricy and most projects take more than one skein. Many stores have 30% off or B1G1 half off sales. Know when those sales happen and capitalize on them.
• When possible, cake your yarn. If you don’t have a yarn winder, then ball your yarn. Trusting it to come out smooth from the center of a skein is risky.
• Save your skein wrapper when working on a large project. It will list the dye lot of your yarn. That will be helpful in perfectly matching your yarn if you have to make a second trip to buy more.
• It’s okay to have more than one project going at a time. Some people need variety or, like me, have a short attention span.
• Don’t let granny squares intimidate you.
• Use the proper hook for your yarn. The yarn wrapper displays the hook size that works best. While you can typically use a size up or down from this, venturing too far from it will cause your yarn to separate and be hard to work with all together.
• Join online groups to talk about the projects your working on, ask questions, and get inspiration.
• Always give credit for a pattern if you post it somewhere. Creating a pattern takes a lot of brainpower. It’s poor form to pretend it’s your own.

Skein is pronounced Skayn