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How to get Started with Crocheting as a Hobby


Crocheting can be a wonderful hobby to pick up. It is a creative outlet that allows you to make beautiful items with your own hands. However, getting started in crocheting can be overwhelming. With so many different types of yarn, hooks, and patterns, it can be difficult to know where to begin.


Learn the Basic Stitches

The first thing to do when starting out in crocheting is to familiarize yourself with the basic stitches. This includes the chain stitch, single crochet, double crochet, and half double crochet. There are many resources available online that can teach you these stitches through videos or step-by-step instructions. Once you have a good grasp on these basic stitches, you can start practicing by making small projects like dishcloths or scarves.  



Choosing Your Materials

When it comes to choosing your materials, it is important to start with something simple. Don't go for the most expensive or complicated yarn right away. Instead, start with a basic acrylic yarn in a light color. This will allow you to see your stitches easily and make corrections as needed. You can also start with a larger hook size, like a size H or I, which will make it easier to see and manipulate the yarn.


Start with Beginner Patterns... with Videos!

As someone who has been crocheting for years, I can confidently say that video tutorials are the way to go when it comes to learning this craft. While written patterns can be helpful, they often lack the clarity and detail that video tutorials provide.

With video tutorials, you can see exactly how each stitch is made, and you can watch the instructor's hands as they work. This can be incredibly helpful, especially if you're a visual learner. Additionally, video tutorials often include helpful tips and tricks that you might not find in a written pattern.

Recommended video tutorials for beginners:

The following tutorials consist of easy patterns that are smaller in scale, making them faster to work up. They have written instructions included in the caption of each step to help you will learning how to read written patterns with step-by-step video demonstration.

Another advantage of video tutorials is that they allow you to learn at your own pace. You can pause and rewind the video as many times as you need to, which is particularly useful if you're struggling with a certain stitch or technique.

Of course, not all video tutorials are created equal, so it's important to choose ones that are well-made and easy to follow. Look for tutorials that are clear, concise, and include close-up shots of the work.

So, while written patterns can be a helpful resource, video tutorials are the best way to learn how to crochet. They provide clear, detailed instruction, and allow you to learn at your own pace. So if you're looking to take up crochet, be sure to check out some video tutorials and see how they can help you master this beautiful craft.


Try Different Yarns & Simple Patterns

As you become more comfortable with crocheting, you can start to experiment with different types of yarn and patterns. There are countless patterns available online for free, as well as paid patterns from designers. It can be tempting to jump right into a complex pattern, but it's important to take your time and work your way up.  My advise is to start out with free patterns from reputable crochet designers.  If a pattern is popular, it has been tried out many times before, and good reviews following that is usually tied to the pattern's clarity and easy-to-follow instructions.  

Not to toot my own horn...but I often get a lot of praise from crocheters around the world who try my free patterns. They tag my Instagram account, telling me how easy and fun my patterns are.  If you'd like to browse my free pattern collection, I'm sure you'll find a project that catches your interest and inspires you to try it out!  


In Conclusion

Crocheting is a hobby that requires patience and practice. Don't get discouraged if your first few projects don't turn out perfectly. With time and practice, you will improve your skills and be able to create beautiful items that you can be proud of. Remember to enjoy the process and have fun!