If you want to learn to crochet, here are 3 important tips for you:
1) What yarn and size hook should I use?
If you are just beginning I would recommend a medium weight yarn, a basic four-ply yarn of good quality. I must stress the “good quality” because I have used inferior yarn. Fortunately I was experienced enough to make it work. If I were just beginning, the trouble I had with that yarn would have caused me to give up before I got very far. Please use good yarn.
Good quality yarn makes crocheting a joy. The stitches form easily without the yarn stretching or splitting. A 4-ply yarn will accommodate a size G (4.00mm) or H (5.00 mm) crochet hook very easily. That is a great size for a beginner to start with. Not too small, not too large.
2) What should I make first?
Well, if you’ve been following along, you will know that I never recommend starting a project that is too advanced when you are a beginner. I love starting my new students with a dishcloth. It is small enough not to be intimidating, but contains enough stitches that you usually get the hang of each stitch and are ready for the next one.
If you are really and truly not interested in a dishcloth, then try making small bookmarks. And if you are really ambitious, make a scarf! It can be any width, and any length. It is big enough that you will get PLENTY of practice as you work the stitches.
3) Find a crocheting friend.
I know that there many of you out there who don’t think that they know anyone who crochets. I guarantee that if you start carrying around a little bag of crocheting materials and practice on the bus, waiting at the doctor’s office, etc. you will elicit some interest, and probably find someone who knows how to crochet.
Then, when you are REALLY stuck and just do not understand the directions of the pattern, or how to do a stitch, then have them show you. It is so helpful to just “see” how something is done.
There you are. Have fun and don’t give up to soon when you learn to crochet.
Reference:
- Kelly Parkson is the author of “Crochet Mastery: The Real Simple Way To Turn Yourself From A Clueless Beginner to A Crochet Champion.” This program offers information on yarn and hooks, basic and advanced crochet stitches, tips for beginners, how to read a pattern (including left-handed tricks and hints), and more. You can get more information at (www.CrochetMastery.com).
