This is the 2nd post in my series of ‘Top Ten’ blog posts for yarn crafters at all stages. Throughout this series, I’ll be sharing tips to help you to get started with, or to improve, your yarn craft skills.
I love crochet, for its versatility and portability. A hook and yarn don’t take up as much space as knitting needles, meaning that I can crack on with my projects wherever I am. As with any new skill, some people can find crocheting a bit tricky at first, but once mastered, it can lead to a hobby that’s relaxing and great for creating unique garments, accessories and gifts.
So, here are my Top Ten Tips – in no particular order
- Having lots of equipment is not necessary when you are new to crocheting. The number of tools you’ll need will grow as your competence and experience grows, but to start with, keep it simple – yarn, a hook and somewhere to record your stitches.
- Choose a chunky yarn (eg 12 ply) and a large hook, eg. 6.5mm.
- You can learn to crochet from videos, tutorials, photos with instructions, online classes, or in-person classes. For complete beginners, I would recommend in-person classes, if you are able to attend one locally. This is because the teacher can help with posture and technique, advise you on yarn and hook size, check and advise on tension, identify any errors and set you back on the right path if you make a mistake. In-person classes are also great for socialising with like-minded people and for support and encouragement along the way.
- Start with a chain stitch, then progress to something that’s simple, repetitive and small. A granny square is a popular choice for beginners. These can be used individually for decoration, or if you go on to create more, they can be stitched together to make a bag, a decorative cushion cover, a quilt cover, or a blanket.
- Keep count of your stitches and projects in a designated notebook or ring binder. This can be an ordinary notebook, or a craft journal, for more prolific crafters. I’ve created my own Yarny Bees Craft Journal, which is available from my in-person shop in Lichfield and from my online store. (link to the journal online)
- Keep the tension of the stitches loose, but even throughout.
- Regular practise is important, to embed the new skill and to make it easier to return to each time. It’s also good for confidence building.
- Keep going and seek advice from a crocheting friend or instructor if you come unstuck – we were all beginners too at one point!
- Ensure that as you move to different projects and you choose new yarn, that you use a suitable hook for the gauge and create a swatch (a small square of crochet with the pattern and tension you want to work with).
- Enjoy the process as well as the end product that you create.
For me, crocheting has been great for reducing anxiety and stress. When I was teaching in a high school for pupils with SEND, it gave me an outlet to help me to switch off and unwind after a busy day. Now, I love combining my hobby with my teaching experience, helping people to learn and develop their yarn craft skills in a fun and relaxed environment, at my many in-person workshops in Lichfield.
You can find out more about my workshops and Craft Hive sessions here.