Crochet - How to get Started
If you have not guessed already - Crochet is a craft I am passionate about.
Once you have the basics down the only limitations is your own creativity!
There is a lot of opportunity to contribute to causes close to your heart with Crochet and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it
What is Crochet?
Crochet is a type of needlecraft in which you use a hook to create fabric from loops of yarn. There seems to be no credible documented evidence about how, where and when it started. I have seen people mention it may have come from Arabia and the first crochet pattern was written by Mademoiselle Riego de la Branchardiere in 1829.
What can I create with Crochet?
​Crochet is a versatile craft, and you can make practically anything with it from hats, scarves, blankets and toys. Crochet is so complex and varied given the number of different stitches that currently there is no way for a machine to crochet, so any items that are seen, sold or gifted have been created by a person.
How do I get started?
There are two things you need to start;
Crochet Hook – Crochet hooks come in a variety of sizes and materials such as Aluminium, Resin and combinations of metal/rubber. I would recommend a size 4mm – 5mm. Like any tool the key thing is to make sure you choose something that is comfortable for you to use.
​Yarn – Yarn like hooks come in many different weights and textures. I would recommend a relatively cheap type of yarn like acrylic, light in colour, thicker than you may want to use. All of these factors will make it easier to see your work.
Other Optional Items
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A stitch marker – to hold your work in place when you put it down.
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A needled – to weave in ends.
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A pair of scissors – to cut the yarn when done.
Where can I learn how to Crochet?
Depending on how best you learn w,ill depend on which is the best medium.
​Visual / Video – There are a lot of You Tube videos and I would start with a video covering the basics that have right and left-hand versions of videos that you can watch.
Written Instructions – Equally there are a lot of blogs with instructions and pictures that go alongside it again these can be found online or in books and magazines.
Hands-on learners – If your struggling with both of the above methods then you may need to sit down with someone face to face in order to watch them. If this is the route you want to go down then you may need to look at a local craft shop and enquire as to if they do lessons or even somewhere like a library.
Top Tips
Here are some useful tips for you to remember.
Start slowly, practice makes progress – you may want to practice the chain first before moving onto more complex stitches.
Take your time – unless you have done this type of craft before you may need to practice and then rest a few times. You may be using your hands differently to how you currently use them, like when playing an instrument.
There is no right or wrong – in terms of how you hold the yarn and hook, all crocheters have their own ways of holding the yarn and hook, its important to find a way that is right for you. If it feels uncomfortable at any point, I’d recommend trying another hook or different position to hold it.
Patience – it may take longer than you want to make progress, so it is important to be patient with yourself. I felt like I needed three or four hands to hold the hook, yarn and do something with them and this is completely normal.
“Kindness is the ability and desire to have a positive impact on others.”
- RAKTIVIST