Learning the Craft of Crocheting

Crocheting is not just for our grannies or spinsters. It can be done by everyone. Especially, now that clothing trends are more inclined toward the use of crocheted items. Some very popular clothing designers have also been smitten by crochet.

However, crochet is not for the faint of heart. One has to have the patience and, of course, the time to be able to crochet. So how does one actually learn to crochet?

It is really not a hard skill to learn. But neither is it an easy one. In order to get you going, you need a good crochet hook, some yarns, measuring tape, yarn needle, some pins, and a lot of determination to finish that first crocheting project.

Here is a rundown of tips on learnig to crochet:

Hold the Yarn Like a Pro

For newbies in crocheting, holding a yarn can be quite a tricky job. Even if it only takes some time of getting used to, knowing how to hold it properly and skillfully should not be overlooked.

Here is how:

1. Let the yarn pass through your fingers as you are holding it. This is how it is done: the little finger, then, beneath the ring finger, then, above the forefinger and the middle finger.

2. Another way to hold the yarn is to loop in the region of the little finger, and then, make it cross the forefinger.

3. Upon holding the hook, imagine how you would hold a pencil or a spoon. That is how it should be held. In that position, it not be hard to heave the yarn from your fingers down to the loop in the hook.

As you progress and start to get the hang of it, you will learn your unique and most comfortable way of working with the yarn. Do not be afraid to adopt a new method of holding the yarn. It can help you become more of an efficient crochet craftsperson in the long run.

Size Matters When it Comes to the Hook and Yarn

One should not take for granted the skill of identifying the right hook and yarn to use in any crochet project.

Hooks are identified through different letters and numbers that correspond to certain sizes. In crocheting, the higher the number or letter of the hook, the thicker the hook is. As for yarns, their varieties are identified through names.

Resizing the Crochet Project Through the Pattern

To reduce the size of a project, it is as simple as deducting some stitches. One can skip a stitch in a row and continue with the next to reduce the size of the project. To enlarge a project, it is as easy as inserting more stitches in a row. One can easily join two stitches of the same row together. This will produce a solo stitch on the next row prior to it.

Reading a Pattern Like a Book

What can complicate crocheting are the abbreviations on a pattern. The use of memory and logic can help a lot in surmounting this little crocheting obstacle. By memorizing these important abbreviations you can set a much faster pace in crocheting and become more efficient with your hands.

1. Crochet patterns and instructions are worked usually in rounds or rows. It will be indicated on the pattern if you are doing or working in rounds, rows or mixture of both.

2. Crochet patterns and instructions are generally ranked according to difficulty level such as advanced, intermediate, easy or beginner. Choose a pattern with a difficulty level that suits your abilities. Then, increase the level of difficulty as your skill advances.

3. Count the stitches that you have made as you go on with your work to monitor the stitches needed on each round or row as required by the pattern.

4. Verify your gauge by crocheting a sample of about 4 X 4 inches in the pattern. When your gauge results into a larger size than what is on the pattern, then use a smaller hook; when your gauge is smaller, then use a larger hook.

When it’s time for you to actually accomplish a crochet project, make sure that you follow the instructions well. each project you complete will make your skill and patience better than before. Prepare your materials and area beforehand to ensure a smooth flow to your crocheting endeavor.

Read more about Crochet as a hobby at HobbyNook.com!

John