August 03, 2020

8 Things Every Beginner Crocheter Must Know

As a beginner crocheter, you may feel you are part of only a very small community of people. That is expected, as crocheting may not be the first thing (not even the first ten things) that people think about when they are considering hobbies or even career goals. Thus, for most people seeking further information in this field, there are very few sources to turn to - unless you are lucky enough to be part of a crocheting class. But for those of you who have nowhere to turn to, hopefully, this article will help you, at least, know about the important things every beginner crocheter must know before starting their journey.

Included in this post are FREE beginner-friendly patterns that you can get started on! Scroll down to the very end of the page to pick your project!

8 Tips for Beginner Crocheters

1. Experiment

One of the best ways of learning anything in life is by experimenting with stuff. So many breakthroughs in fashion, design, etc. are a result of the testing and experimenting with new things. Even science allows for a lot of experimentation when creating something new or improving something already in existence. The same ‘rule’ applies to crochet. In effect, broadly speaking, there is no ‘wrong’ when it comes to crocheting. A lot of unique designs that most pros have (and even teach) are as a result of experiments and even’ mistakes.’ Thus, the best way to make discoveries is by applying the little we have learned with new experiments. They may not work in the first couple of attempts (or even in the first dozen attempts), but, at least, you will be able to discover why some things do not work.

2. Prepare for a little pain

Don’t you just love it when you see the experts at work? But like they say, “no pain, no gain.” So, expect your wrists and hands to begin to hurt when you start your crocheting journey for the first time. No need to worry, this is perfectly normal, as you’re going to use your muscles and joints a lot - especially if you are expecting to go on a crocheting binge of, at least, two to three hours (which pays a lot in the end). The pain is mostly caused by the repetitive motions of crochet, which will affect your muscles and joints. But the good news is that with time, your muscles will get used to the movement, and the pain will gradually subside until you are completely used to the process. So, keep on keeping on. However, you need to pay attention to your body — no need to push yourself beyond your limits. If your hands begin to hurt too much, then it is time to take a break.

3. Your hook matters

Your hook matters much more than you may think. This does not mean that you need to spend too much money on the best or latest hooks. It only means that you should find the hook that will feel very comfortable in your hand and make it less difficult to learn and practice for long periods. Most pros will tell you that you are as good as your hook allows you to be. The level of comfort that your hook gives you will determine how consistent your stitches will be, as well as the tension you will experience through your project. This will, in effect, affect the quality of your work and the rate at which you will be able to improve.

I personally find Clover Amour hooks to be the most comfortable for me! Their cushioned grips and well-designed hook shape make it easy to work with, even when using splitty yarns.

4. Learn about the four basics

There are basic crochet stitches, and almost all other crochet stitches are derived from these basic ones. These four basic crochet stitches are the slip stitch, the double crochet stitch, the half double crochet stitch, and the single crochet. Rushing through these stitches, or not taking time to learn them properly will make it extremely difficult to learn the other stitches. So, take as much time as you need to get these basics right before moving on. With time and practice, you should be able to master them.

5. YouTube can be your best friend

Not everyone may get the chance to sit in a crochet classroom or have a personal teacher visit their homes. However, the fact that you may not have access to a teacher does not mean you cannot learn on your own at home. And even if you have been taught the basics of crocheting in class, nothing stops you from learning more by yourself. And one of the best places to learn about full patterns, stitches, and new techniques is Youtube. There are countless videos available with a single search. Subscribe to the channel that offers a style of teaching similar to your learning style. You can also get a lot of inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, blogs, and other social media platforms.

If you'd like, you can check out the Sweet Softies Youtube Channel, which includes numerous crochet tutorials, ranging from stitches to complete, step-by-step "how to" videos for crocheting entire projects!

6. Disability is not inability

Believe it or not, it is possible to crochet even if you have poor eyesight. If you think that you are having difficulties with your sight, and your current prescription glasses are not helping much, you can always order replacement lenses online. You can visit this website to find out more on how to order replacement lenses.

7. Crochet terms vary from the UK to the US

While the internet will offer you so many different patterns to learn, be careful which website you visit, as you could easily get yourself into some difficulties. Crochet terms vary from the UK to the US. So, if you learned your basics in the US, then it is best to choose US websites for your studies - and vice versa. Although the names of the stitches may be the same, the actions used vary.

8. Get a few essentials

Crocheting is not an expensive hobby, which is one of the best things about it. And although you don’t necessarily have to go and buy everything at the get-go, there are some essential things you should have. Make sure that you have at least three hook sizes, craft scissors, and a darning needle. When it comes to the crocheting hook sizes, it can be helpful to start with 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm hooks if you're looking to make garments (clothing, cardigans, sweaters), accessories (hats, scarves), and larger projects. If you'd like to work on amigurumi, I recommend smaller hook sizes, such as 2.75mm hooks. Of course, it goes with your own comfort level -- some crocheters that have a tight tension may want to use 3.25mm to make amigurumi, while those who crochet more loosely may use 2.5mm. As a beginner, only purchase the needed material for a particular project. The other things will come along as you progress, and with time, you will have your own crocheting toolbox.

Free Beginner Crochet Patterns

Below are free patterns that are suitable for beginners to try out! Some patterns include video tutorials. You can also view all of my free patterns here. Happy crocheting!