This is my first post on Crochet. I am so excited as it is my favorite hobby. It is my stress buster and my happy place! I cannot wait to share all the fun, simple and useful projects you can make. Even if you do not know crochet, you can learn, it is very easy and I guarantee that you will love it. There is nothing more satisfying than creating things with your hands.
Introduction to Crochet
Crochet is a real art that anyone can learn. It has been around for centuries passed down from one generation to the next! That’s exactly how I first learned from my great-grandmother who was just amazing at the art of crochet.
I would just be in awe of her work, she made beautiful curtains and bedspreads, and everything she made was amazing. She made these beautiful handkerchiefs with crochet edging for me, I will cherish them always. I just keep them and admire her work, I think I will frame them! I couldn’t resist sharing a picture of her exquisite work!
All the women in my family are fond of crochet, my grandmother, mother, and sisters. My sister-in-law also recently learned and I hear she is pretty good already!
Anyone can learn no matter their age, a child as young as 6 or 7 can at least learn to make a basic chain. And it is not just limited to girls, boys can learn too! Some of the best crocheters are boys/men! If you have not heard of Jonah from Jonah’s Hands you should check him out, he is an inspiration! Also, the website The Crochet Crowd is by two men Michael Sellick and Daniel Zondervan, they have a fantastic website and beautiful patterns.
What should you learn/what can you make?
With just a few basic stitches and a little practice, you can make a lot of different crochet projects that you can be proud of! In fact, you will not be able to stop! It is addictive and you will want to learn more and more!
Once you keep practicing you can start making blankets, hats, shawls, scarves, earrings, bracelets, headbands, bags, trivets, towels, baby clothes, baskets, flowers, clothes, etc. Oh my goodness the possibilities are endless!
I like making small projects as it takes less time, but you can still create beautiful and useful things. Doilies, coasters, earrings, bracelets, hairbands, etc. are just some of my favorites
I will be sharing all the projects I have tried in future posts, so do check back!
There are millions of free patterns and YouTube videos that make it so easy to learn and grow your craft. It is amazing what anyone can learn these days!
Here are a few of my favorite crochet/Yarn websites:
This website has great patterns and tutorials for crochet, knitting, and everything yarn! She has a youtube channel with over a million subscribers!
This is another great website where you can get easy patterns, tutorials on crochet, knitting, embroidery, etc. Also, there are youtube videos from fiber flux which are extremely helpful.
Yarnspirations has thousands of free patterns for crochet, knitting, any yarn projects. You can also buy yarn on this website.
Easy crochet has lots of free patterns and is a very nice website to learn crochet with beginner tutorials.
Lion brand yarn has lots of great free patterns for crochet, knitting, and anything to do with yarn.
What do you need to learn to make a basic chain?
A 5mm crochet hook
For beginners, it is recommended to start with a yarn that is on the thicker side. A lighter color is preferred as the stitches are easier to see and count.
What should you learn first?
You should learn how to hold the hook and thread and make a basic chain.
1. Hold the hook in your right hand just like you hold a pencil.
2. The yarn is held in your left hand in between your fingers. You must hold the yarn correctly, which determines your stitches’ tension.
3. Make a slip knot to start. ( Please watch the video mentioned below )
4. Starting your chain. Put the hook inside the loop made by the slipknot, thread over the hook, and pull through the loop. Keep repeating until you get a long chain. Your chains should be the same size and tension so it looks even. It is ok if you are a beginner for the chains to look uneven but with practice, you will definitely get better. To finish off a long chain pull the yarn through the last chain. Snip off with scissors. Pull the yarn to tighten it and your long chain should not come undone.
Practice by making long chains with different kinds/colors of yarn.
Here is a video from youtube that is helpful if you are a visual learner: Bella Coco How to crochet video
Also, I would like to mention that Bella Coco is an awesome resource to learn crochet, her youtube channel is almost up to a million subscribers!
Different sizes of Hooks and Yarns
There are different sizes of hooks for different yarns and threads. Hooks even come in different materials like aluminum, steel, wood, bamboo, etc. Just use whatever you are comfortable with. I use aluminum and steel hooks.
The thinner hooks are for fine threads, the thicker hooks are for thicker yarns.
Every yarn or thread that you buy has a recommendation for the size of the hook to use, so that is helpful. Every pattern gives you recommendations for sizes of hooks and types of yarns/thread to use.
Ideas of things you can make with just chains!!
Here are some ideas of things you can make with all those chains that have practiced making.
- Necklaces – Find easy chain and bead necklaces here
- Coasters – Check out these cute chain coasters
- Headbands – Look at this adorable 3 strand headband!
- Buntings – Just crochet long chains in the colors you want and hang them up!
- Scarf – Look at this super cute Crochet chain stitch scarf here
- Use the chains like ribbon to wrap your presents!
- Earrings – I will be posting these super simple earrings that I tried with just chains!
- Wall hangings – You can make chains and use them to create a wall hanging to be used as room decor.
Well, what are you waiting for?! Start practicing your chains and try some of these ideas. My next post will be about the most common stitches in crochet., so once you are confident about your chains, head on over and learn the basic stitches!
Hope this was helpful and let me know if you have any questions. You can leave a comment down below and I will definitely reply. Thanks for visiting and I am so grateful that you are here!
Have a wonderful day!!