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Pick a hook that you like
Go looking in your local supermarket or yarn shop and feel for a hook that is comfortable in your hand. You determine the size of the hook by looking for the “mm” – the heigher the number the bigger the hook. For starters choose a hook that is 3 mm or bigger.
You can find one with a simple handle (6 mm) or one with an even more advanced handle (4 mm) for ultimate comfort.
No matter which you choose it’s important you find it comfortable or like to hold it.
Pick the right kind of yarn
When it comes to yarn try to look for cotton and avoid wool as it will be more difficult to unravel or yarn with many threads as it can get stuck in the hook.
I recommend yarn that is woven like this or if you want some thinner yarn, this one is great for both garments and cloths.
On the yarn label it will show you what size hook is recommended – it will also say so on the website. Bare in mind you will almost always be able to use a smaller or bigger hook than recommened on the label. But this is just a good indicator to make sure the crocheting is as easy as possible.
Start practising
When you have your materials ready it’s time to get started with crocheting!
Start by practising the smallest stitches first: CHAINS
With chains you will have a foundation for whatever stitch you want to make.
Here are the stitches and their abbreviations in order of how big they are (= how they difficult they are).
These are US terms:
chain (ch)
slip stitch (ss)
single crochet (sc)
half double crochet (hdc)
double crochet (dc)
If you know these basic stitches you will be able to make many of my patterns.
Other crochet techniques
CHAINLESS FOUNDATION
If you want to make garments it’s good to know chainless foundation. Chainless foundation acts as the first row or round on your project. In this playlist I show you how to make chainless foundation with three different stitches.
Other good things to learn:
– crochet in a circle (for making circle shapes for either garments or animals)
– weave in the yarn ends (when you are finished or while crocheting)
– add new yarn to your project (either by tying yarn ends together or pulling the new yarn through the stitch)
– decrease and increase (meaning to either remove or add stitches to create a specific shape)
– crochet or sewing panels together
– crocheting out from your existing crochet (this is if you want to add something extra to your project)
Understanding construction
Depending on what kind of project you want to make there will be different kinds of constructions. This can be working in rows, rounds or in a circle. Backless tops will be in rows. Garments that go all around the body – like regular tops, sweaters or dresses can be made both in rounds or in rows (individual panels that are put together in the end).
Check out my beginner’s video course on construction here.
Taking measurements
Most of my recent patterns follows measurements. And even if they don’t it’s always good to have an idea of what your body measures so you are able to figure out what size you are closest to. This video will show you how and where to measure.
Choosing a project
I don’t think you need to start out with a basic square – but if you’re just interested in making household items this is a good start. You could also try out my free pattern for a crochet handbag – this is basically just a square but more fun than a kitchen cloth.
If you are more into making garments you need to pick a simple garment to start out with.
Preferably one with no increases or decreases or one that is either just 1 panel worked in rows (like a backless top) or one with a video or video tutorial that comes along.
Patterns for beginners
Here are some patterns I recommend for beginners (click the photo to get to the pattern).
Etna top: You need: chainless foundation, chains, slip stitch, half double crochet, back loop & decrease stitches
Stella top: You need: chainless foundations, chains, sip stitch, single, half double and double crochet & decrease stitches. Pattern comes with video tutorial.
Elsa top: You need: chains, double crochet, slip stitch, single crochet and here are no decreases/increases. Pattern comes with video tutorial.
Aurelia top: You need: chainless foundation, half double crochet, chains, slip stitch& here are no decreases/increases. Pattern comes with video tutorial.
Take your time
… and have patience.
Learning anything new takes time. But just spending 10 minutes everyday on doing some stitches or working on a project can really go a long way. It’s okay to make mistakes or to finish a project that didn’t turn out how you planned – that’s part of crocheting even when you’ve done it for years or are doing it professionally.
Be kind to yourself – it’s about the journey not the destination.
Remember that you are always welcome to contact me if you need any more help in your crochet journey.
Happy crocheting!