Learn to crochet!

Learn to crochet – it’s not as hard as you may think!

One positive thing from the global pandemic is the rise in interest in crafting. It turns out that lots of people have used the extra time spent at home to get creative!  It may seem intimidating at first, but the beautiful art of crochet is easy to learn! No matter how intricate a pattern is, you only need basic supplies and a few basic crochet stitches to get started.  There are lots of videos and guides online to help you learn to crochet but here are my top tips.

If you do end up creating something, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Facebook, I love to see other people’s creations!

#1 – Crochet hooks

The best thing about crochet is that you don’t need many supplies or to spend a load of cash to get started. The essential item to learn to crochet is a crochet hook. Hooks are available in a variety of sizes and types but if you are just starting out, I would recommend a 4mm aluminum or bamboo hook and you don’t need an expensive or ‘fancy one’. If you want to treat yourself as you learn to crochet you can get a kit like mine on Amazon which contains all the bits you will need!

#2 – Yarn

If you are going to learn to crochet you are going to need yarn. Ok so this is nerdy but wool is made of wool and yarn can be made of anything (acrylic, silk etc.) and if you are just starting out I would recommend a ball of acrylic yarn in double knit (DK) weight. This is a really common weight of yarn, cheap and easily accessible.  

The most important thing when purchasing yarn for crochet is to look at the ball band (the wrap of paper around the ball). Printed on the ball band will be all sorts of useful information including the suggested size of crochet hook or knitting needle and washing instructions.

Any yarn will do but I strongly advise against picking any specialty yarns (fluffy/mohair/eyelash types) and black or a very dark colour will be hard on your eyes when you are starting out.

You will also need some sharp scissors for cutting yarn and a large eyed needle for weaving in ends.

#3 – US or UK?

There are thousands of free crochet patterns, but you need to know if they are written in UK or US crochet terminology before you start. Confusingly US and UK terminology is different which is important particularly if you are using vintage patterns. Fortunately, the conversion from UK to US and vice versa isn’t difficult and some of the terms are exactly the same. Chain and slip stitch are the same and an easy way to remember the difference is that in Britain we call a single crochet, double crochet. In essence British stitches are one step up from American terms so a double crochet in Britain is a single crochet in the US, a treble crochet in Britain is a double crochet in the US and so on. Here is a handy guide to the conversion provided by the lovely people at Craftsy.

#4 – Pick your pattern

The next step to learn to crochet is to pick a pattern. If you are a complete beginner pick a simple pattern – crochet takes practice so don’t start with something technically difficult involving complex shaping or colour work, you’ll get the hang of it quickly I promise, but start simple! A good pattern to practice with is a ‘granny square’, it is utterly addictive and a great way to learn the basics. Another great source of simple patterns is the Ruby & Custard free stuff library!

#5 – Get some inspiration

The internet is awash with crochet patterns but my favourite sites are Pinterest (I have been obsessed with this for a long time now) and Ravelry which is an amazing resource for crochet and knitting including an amazing pattern database!  

So what is stopping you? Learn to crochet – you’ll love it!

Enjoy x