Crocheting is a fun and relaxing hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. If you’re an absolute beginner, don’t worry – with a little patience and practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful and unique pieces in no time!
As a self taught crocheter, i know a lot about the struggles that are associated with learning how to crochet. You see advanced projects an you wonder if you will ever be able to crochet that.
You will!
With patience and practive, you will be well on your way!
What you need to learn how to crochet
To get started with crochet, you will need a few basic supplies. Here is a list of the essential materials you will need to start crocheting:
1. Yarn
The most important material you will need is yarn.
Yarn comes in a wide range of colors, textures, and fibers, so you can choose the perfect yarn for your project.
Some popular fibers used in crochet are cotton, acrylic, wool, and alpaca. When you are a beginner, it’s a good idea to start with a medium-weight yarn in a light color so that you can easily see your stitches.
2. Crochet Hooks
Crochet hooks come in a variety of sizes, from very small to very large, and are usually made of metal, plastic, or wood.
As a beginner, you’ll want to start with a medium-sized hook, around an “H” or “I” size.
3. Scissors
You’ll need a pair of scissors to cut your yarn when you’re finished with a project or need to change colors.
4. Measuring Tape
A measuring tape is a handy tool for checking the gauge of your work and making sure your finished projects are the correct size.
5. Tapestry Needle
A tapestry needle is a large-eyed, blunt needle that is used to weave in the ends of your yarn when you’re finished with a project.
6. Stitch markers
Stitch markers are small rings or clips that you can use to mark specific stitches in your work. They are especially useful when working in rounds.
With these few crochet supplies, you should be well on your way to learning how to crochet and then reading crochet patterns!
Basic steps to learn How to crochet
Be sure to be positioned or sat whee you are comfortable. Do not bend your band or put your neck ina position that will hurt you.
Step 1: Gather crochet supplies
To start to crochet, you will need a crochet hook (sizes vary, but a size H or I hook is a good choice for beginners), yarn (choose a medium weight yarn in a color you like), and a pair of scissors.
Step 2: Hold your crochet hook
Hold the crochet hook in your right hand if you’re right-handed, or in your left hand if you’re left-handed. How you hold your crochet hook does not matter as long as you are absolutely comfortable.
Most people hold the crochet hook in one of two ways: the pencil method or the knife method.
- Pencil Grip: Hold the crochet hook like a pencil between your thumb and index finger. Use your third finger underneath for more balance and control.
- Knife Grip: Place your hand over the hook, palm facing down. Hold the hook between your thumb and index finger. Wrap your other three fingers around the shaft of the crochet hook for greater control.
Step 3: Make a slip knot
To make a slip knot, make a loop with your yarn and then make another loop through the first loop, pulling the end of the yarn to tighten the knot.
Step 4: Make a chain
To make a chain, hold the slip knot with your fingers and use the crochet hook to pull the yarn through the knot, creating a new loop. Continue to pull yarn through each loop to create a chain of stitches.
Step 5: How to make a single crochet
To make a single crochet, insert your hook into the second chain from the hook, yarn over (bring the yarn over the hook), and pull the yarn through the chain.
You should now have two loops on your hook. Yarn over again and pull the yarn through both loops on the hook. This completes one single crochet.
Step 6: Continue
To continue working in single crochet, insert the hook into the next chain and repeat the steps for a single crochet. When you reach the end of the row, chain 1 and turn your work and start a new row.
Step 7: Finish the work
To finish your work, you can simply cut the yarn leaving a tail of at least 6 inches and weave the yarn through the last few stitches, pulling tight and securing the yarn to the piece.
So now that you kow how to single crochet. Let us get into details about the other beginner frienly croche stitches.
Beginner crochet stitches
1. Double Crochet
The double crochet is a slightly taller stitch than the single crochet. It creates a more open and airy fabric that is great for projects like shawls and sweaters.
To work a double crochet, yarn over, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over again, and pull the yarn through the stitch.
You should now have three loops on your hook. Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the first two loops on the hook.
Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the last two loops on the hook. This completes one double crochet. Repeat for the whole row.
2. Half double crochet
The half double crochet is a medium-height stitch that falls in between the single and double crochet in terms of height.
It creates a slightly denser fabric than double crochet and is great for projects like blankets, scarfs, and bags.
To work a half double crochet, yarn over, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over again, and pull the yarn through the stitch. You should now have three loops on your hook.
Yarn over again and pull the yarn through all three loops on the hook. This completes one half double crochet.
3. Treble Crochet
The treble crochet is a taller stitch than the double crochet. It creates a very open and airy fabric that is great for projects like shawls and lacy scarfs.
To work a treble crochet, yarn over twice, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over again, and pull the yarn through the stitch.
You should now have four loops on your hook. Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the first two loops on the hook.
Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the next two loops on the hook. Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the last two loops on the hook.
This completes one treble crochet.
4. Slip Stitch
The slip stitch is a very short stitch that is used to join two pieces of crochet or to move the yarn along the surface of the crochet without creating a new loop.
To work a slip stitch, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull the yarn through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
With these crochetstitches, you should be ready to crochet your first project. I hope you were able to pick up a few things in the beginners guide to learn how to crochet.
If not, be sure to reach out in the comments to let e know where i can clarify and help you.
