How to crochet
Written by HB Published on September 28, 2022
AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES
How To Crochet: For Absolute Beginners
Crocheting is not only a great way to keep your hands busy and use up some yarn, it's also a great way to make something that you can be proud of. You can crochet a scarf or afghan, even if you don't have any experience with it! But how exactly do you go about crocheting? There are multiple types of stitches that can be used when creating your crochet project, so before we get into the nitty gritty details, let's take a look at some of the basics first.
What Materials you will need
When you first start learning how to crochet, one of the best things is that you don't need a lot of equipment. You need only these three items:
Yarn of your choice (I use a cotton/acrylic blend)
Hook, size appropriate for the yarn you are using. I use a US size G (4mm) hook, which is what most crocheters would recommend for beginners. If you have a smaller or larger hook, adjust accordingly!
Having the proper resources at your disposal can facilitate learning. Start off on the right foot by picking manageable hooks and yarns. I've compiled a list of the tools and materials I think every starting crocheter should have.
Yarn
You may get yarn in a wide range of thicknesses, from the finest baby yarn to the thickest wool. The type of yarn used depends on the pattern being used. To start, I suggest a medium-weight (four) acrylic, wool, or cotton yarn. You can find this yarn in any arts and crafts store or on the internet.
Crochet Hook
Crochet hooks come in various sizes, shapes, and materials. The hook size must be appropriate for the weight of the yarn used. Crochet hook sizes should be adjusted when dealing with thicker or thinner yarns.
I would suggest a G6 (4.25 mm) or H8 (8 mm), ergonomic hook for beginners as G6 (4.25 mm) or H8 (5.00 mm).
Learn How To Crochet With These Easy To Follow Steps!
STEP 1: Make A Slip Knot
A slip knot is made by looping the yarn and laying it flat. Make sure the shorter tail is on top of the longer yarn. Now, flip the whole thing over, so the longer yarn is facing out. Carefully separate the central yarn with your thumb and index finger. Keep your grip on the tail and snug the loop up.
STEP 2: Tie a Slip Knot & Tighten the Loop
The next step is to wrap the loop around the hook securely. You don't want it to be too restrictive, but you do want there to be some give. Get the hook through the loop by picking it up with your left hand. I was born with a dominant left hand but have since developed a preference for my right. I find it rewarding to impart knowledge like my grandmother did because that is how the books were written.
STEP 3: How to Prop the Yarn Up When Practicing Crochet
To grip the yarn, loop it between the fingers of your non-dominant hand. Pass the yarn over your pinkie, beneath your third and middle fingers, and over your index finger. To increase the tension on the yarn, loop it around the pinkie before sliding it under the third and middle fingers and over the index finger.
STEP 4: Begin Creating the First Chain
So that we may get started, Get the yarn ready in your left hand and the hook in your right. If the hook isn't already in the slip knot, insert it now. Pull the working yarn through the loop created by the slip knot, holding the end between your thumb and middle finger on your left hand. It will help if you spin the hook to get the yarn to fall into the bowl. Scoop the hookup and through the loop. You have completed one chain stitch.
Step 5: Completion of the Chain
It is important not to pull the yarn too tightly, and you should continue to the next loop by sliding it through the previous one. Continue moving on if you want to create a chain.
Step 6: Begin to make the first row
Starting with a chain of 11 stitches. You can make use of the foundational connection set up in the previous paragraph. Position the hook such that it hangs from the second chain down from the hook. Do back and forth wraps of yarn around the hook. If you thread the yarn through the links in the chain, you may pull up the yarn to form a loop. To use a crochet hook, thread the yarn through the hoop. Your hook will be twice as big. That last step (yarning) must be repeated at this time. Once you have one loop on your hook for your first single crochet, you have finished the stitch.
Step 7: Chain Row Crochet Technique
Keep the yarn steady in your left hand, and insert the hook into the first loop. You will have a hook with two loops once more. Bring the yarn back around the hook and through the two loops. Do this until you reach the end of the chained row.
Work a chain stitch at the end of each row before beginning the next row. This will allow you to produce longer items. Continue to work with single crochet stitches until you have achieved the length that you desire, then turn your piece over to begin the next row.
Step 8: Finish
To complete, cut the side of the yarn that is longer than the loop, and then pull the cut end through the loop.
Conclusion
Once you’ve mastered the basic crochet stitch, there are many other patterns to try. You could make a simple scarf or sweater for yourself!
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