If you are just starting out, learning to crochet can seem daunting. However, once you give it a try, with some determination (and the right tutorials!) it is actually very possible to teach yourself! I should know…I did it!
And there were a few things I learned along the way that I want to share with you – to make your crochet journey easier!
So, here are 5 helpful tips for learning to crochet, I hope they help!
#1 There is no right or wrong way to hold your crochet hook
Pencil grip or knife grip, it doesn’t matter. Heck if you want to hold it upside down or roundabout, go for it! Whatever suits you best is the ‘correct’ way!
I started out using the pencil grip and after a few months switched to knife grip. At times I will switch between the two. Anything goes.
#2 Don’t be afraid to rip it out and start again
Ripping it out, or ‘frogging it’ as the crochet community call it (because you ‘rip it, rip it out’ get it?!) is nothing to be ashamed of.
I used to get so frustrated when I had to ‘frog’ my work! But I soon realised that it’s better to complete an item properly and be pleased with it than finish it quickly and have a shabby piece of work.
Now when I have to ‘rip my WIP’ (WIP= work in progress) I just sigh and think, ‘At least I have learned something!’
And believe me, every time you ‘frog‘ it, there is a lesson learned!
#3 You are never ‘too much of a beginner’ to try new stitches
The only way you will move on from being a ‘beginner’ is to try new stitches and challenge yourself.
So don’t stick with the same only double crochet granny square, jump onto YouTube and search for different crochet stitch tutorials!
Now I don’t know about you but, when it comes to watching tutorial videos, I’m personally a ‘less frills, more fun‘ kind of gal…so you will find all sorts of short and to the point tutorials on the Sunshine Crochet YouTube channel (not that I don’t love a good chit chat, but sometimes we just have to get straight to the hooking point, right?!)
#4 You will not progress if you stay in your ‘safe zone’
Similar to the previous point, if you are always making the same hat over and over again then you will never progress…not to mention you will become bored!
Now don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with making the same thing over and over again (we’ve all done it!) but if you want to expand your skills past beginner level, or even just challenge yourself, then you need to force yourself to try new projects.
I promise, when you see that new and different item completed, you’ll be glad you gave it a go!
#5 Don’t overwhelm yourself with projects
Although it can be tempting, my advice, certainly for beginners, is not to have too many projects under construction at once.
Yes, it’s nice to have a couple on the go to keep some variety (especially if you are in the middle of a long creation such as a blanket or throw), but if you find yourself with more projects than you can keep track of, it’s time chill!
I recommend keeping a ‘To do‘ list of your projects so that you can keep track of what you are creating, and the progress you are making.
So there you have it, 5 tips to keep in mind when you are learning to crochet. I hope you’ve found them helpful!
One final (and probably most important!) tip I would give you is don’t give up!
As a beginner it can be easy to lose confidence (and patience!) at times, especially if you are taking on the brave task of teaching yourself. But with a deep breathe and a little determination, you will succeed!
You have chosen a wonderful hobby: the crochet community are simply lovely! So, if you’re stuck, reach out and ask for help! Don’t worry about the ‘crochet police’ telling you you’ve done something wrong…they don’t exist!!
Trust me when I tell you that your fellow crocheters are encouraging, enthusiastic and very kind people, and would be happy to help you with any bumps you encounter on this, your wonderful crochet journey.
Welcome to the crochet club!
Do you have any other useful tips for beginners?
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