So you’re new to crochet? That’s fantastic!
If you find yourself reading this post, you have most likely discovered that crochet is an incredibly relaxing and rewarding hobby. For some it’s the comfort in the repetitive motions while for others, the extreme sense of self accomplishment when they grasp the hat they made with their bare hands (and hooks too!)
Yes, crochet is perfect. It is perfect for me and it is perfect for so many of you.
As with anything else, there is a learning curve involved when we are just starting out. I personally found this part the most exciting…figuring out “the hard way” why it’s necessary to count my stitches and chain at the end of a row. I realize that for many of you, this may be the furthest thing from exciting.
There is an overflow of information available on the web. This is both good and bad. So to make your lives a little easier (and in true B.hooked Crochet fashion), I have put together the ultimate list…the best crochet tips for beginners.
Why is this list the best crochet tips for beginners? It’s simple, because it was written by the crochet industry’s top designers.
I have joined forces with some of the greatest crochet designers around the world to bring you 10 of the finest crochet tips for beginners.
Enjoy!
Tip #1 Cre8tion Crochet
Crochet Designer, Lorene Eppolite, from Cre8tion Crochet.
Never give up. No one figured out crochet after one, two or even three times. I couldn’t begin to tell you how many times I frog a new project before I get the desired look I am going for. Success is not getting it right all of the time, just be sure to learn from your mistakes. Some of my biggest “failures” have turned out to be my most popular designs. Just keep practicing and don’t forget you can reuse yarn over and over again, so nothing is wasted!
– Lorene Eppolite
Tip #2 Moogly Blog
Crochet Designer, Tamara Kelly, from Moogly Blog.
When you are learning to crochet, pick a smooth, light colored yarn, and a simple hook. Then just jump in and start playing around with the stitches – find out what happens when you insert your hook there, or there – and don’t be afraid to pull it all out when you’re done! Relax and enjoy the process, and the discovery!
-Tamara Kelly
Tip #3 Crochet Kim
Crochet Designer, Kim Guzman, from Crochet Kim.
Remember that crocheting is not something that is going to be perfect right away. It will take practice to get the stitches made correctly and at the same tension. Practice, practice and don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t get it immediately. And, count! Counting stitches is really important, especially when learning.
-Kim Guzman
Tip #4 The Crochet Crowd
Crochet Designer, Michael Sellick, from The Crochet Crowd.
It’s not a race to become the ultimate supreme crocheter. It’s about expressing your creativity through yarn. When you sit back, relax and learn to crochet, the speed of learning will come naturally to you. Embrace the journey.
-Michael Sellick
Tip #5 Just Be Happy Crochet
Crochet Designer, Alessandra, from Just Be Happy Crochet.
When weaving in the ends of a hat or garment that stretches horizontally, weave your ends vertically to prevent the tails from unraveling when the fiber stretches with the wear!
-Alessandra
Tip #6 Fresh Stitches
Crochet Designer, Stacey Trock, from Fresh Stitches.
Look for the ‘teardrop’ when crocheting… it’s how you know you’re giving yourself a nice, even gauge as well as enough room to get your hook through.
-Stacey Trock
Tip #7 Salena Baca Crochet
Crochet Designer, Salena Baca, from Salena Baca Crochet.
Learn the invisible join technique! I’ve crocheted my entire life, and finishing projects with a standard knot always bothered me. Especially with smaller projects, this technique has helped to make my projects appear more finished, polished and professional looking. I wish I had learned this years (decades…) ago, and it’s definitely one simple thing I incorporate into a majority of my projects that I’m always thankful for. Learn it; you won’t be sorry!
-Salena Baca
Tip #8 Little Monkeys Crochet
Crochet Designer, Rebecca, from Little Monkeys Crochet.
You aren’t defined by the size of your yarn stash! If you join any Facebook crochet groups, you’ll begin to see people post photos of their ridiculously huge stashes of yarn. If you have the disposable income to buy a dozen skeins of yarn every time it goes on sale, go for it! But if you can’t, don’t feel inadequate. Many crocheters (including myself!) only buy yarn when we need it for a project. Crochet does not have to be an expensive hobby!
-Rebecca
Tip #9 Danyel Pink Designs
Crochet Designer, Danyel Pink, from Danyel Pink Designs.
When working a single crochet ribbing for a garment, such as the edge of a hat or pair of mittens, try working the first and last stitch of each row through both loops. You will still get the ribbed texture, but the edge of the piece will look cleaner, and it will maintain its shape better.
-Danyel Pink
Tip #10 B.hooked Crochet
Crochet Designer, Brittany, from B.hooked Crochet.
Be passionately curious. Pay close attention to photos of crochet and see if you can identify the stitches and techniques used. Be patient, this will take a little time. Once you are able to identify them, give it a try. The ability to recognize stitches and patterns is a sign that you have a very clear understanding of crochet and that you can make anything you set your mind to.
-Brittany
Wow, this is such an incredible, at-a-glace crochet resource for beginners. Each tip is unique and so very useful to beginner crocheters.
Which tip is your favorite? Leave your answer in the comments below!
Happy Hooking Friends!
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Teresa
I have been crocheting for a number of years both yarn and thread. The “teardrop” I have used but didn’t know the name. I have 2 granddaughters who have asked me to help them learn how to crochet. Thinking of using a “project” to help them learn stitches and “frogging” (love it). That way it’s not just one stitch and nothing to show for the work. Thinking dishcloths or lap afgan. Any other suggestions? They are willing so that usually helps!
Tracy
Thanks for this Brittany! Please do a brief tutorial on the invisible join (tip #7). Keep up the amazing work you do!!
Brittany
It’s been filmed and is now ready for editing. Look for it in a week or so!
Asia
Thank you for this article, i now understand its not important to buy yarn just to buy it because of a sale. Now the things i want to make i do not have the right yarn to make it SO i have to buy more. BTW, i love all of 10 ten designers!!!!
Brittany
I’m so glad you found this article helpful!
Denise Sullivan
I am not new to crochet I’ve been doing it many many years. I think all of the advice given is excellent. Some advice I knew a few I didn’t. I am just happy that this art form is so popular and gets more so with time. Things have come a long way since I first started some 35ish years ago. Thank you to each of you for your great understanding of what is helpful when you learn to crochet.
Brittany
I’m glad you enjoyed this article. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Kathy
great tips…I might have added the fact that there is no right or wrong way to crochet or hold yarn/hook…it is how ever it is comfortable for you…”just because I crochet and hold the hook/yarn this was, doesn’t mean I expect you too…”
Brittany
Great point!
Teresa Lynn
Thanks. I learned something new today in crochet. # 5 & # 6. Sewing the ends in has always frustrated me especially when I see them in my finished project.
Mary Jane
After 50 years of crocheting, and buying a couple of extra skeins with each project “just in case” I have a HUGE stash but never have the right colors for the next project. Plan stash busters to use up what you have frequently. Wish I had followed my own advice years ago.
Brittany
That is great advice. Stash busting afghans have been my personal favorites of all the afghans I’ve crocheted.
Kelly
Love all the great advice. Two things: what does “frog” mean and what is the invisible finish stitch?
Brittany
Frogging is a silly term which means to rip out your stitches that has evolved from the saying “rip it, rip it” 🙂
The invisible join is a method of binding off when working in the round that creates an even and professional looking seem. Typically when you join a round, you’re left with a visible bump at the join. This technique eliminates that! I’ll be posting a tutorial on this technique in the very near future.
Marie
When teaching newbies , I remind them that they didn’t learn to write their name the first day of school. I also teach them to rip it out and start over and that ripping can be fun ❤️M
Brittany
Great advice, Marie!
Brittany
Hi Lisa! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed this post. The invisible join is a great way to do away to eliminate the extra little knot from the traditional bind off. As Salena mentioned, it really gives a cleaner and professional look. I will definitely be posting a tutorial on this in the very near future!
Joetta
The invisible join? Wht is this?
Carole
Re Tip #6 – what is the “teardrop” we’re supposed to be looking for?
Brittany
Hi Carole! Here is the full article from Stacey:
http://www.freshstitches.com/crochet-gauge-even-stitches/
Joan
The invisible finish stitch has been one of my greatest discoveries. I too, did not like the looks of how I was finishing and tying off my projects. List is great.
Brittany
Thank you, Joan!
Carla
I agree especially with the ones who said/inferred that we can’t be afraid to start over… and over… and over. It both gives you more practice and gives you an end result that will make you happier.
I also agree whole-heartedly with Rebecca – you don’t have to STASH yarn – in fact that’s kind of a waste. I buy only what I can imagine projects for (so I still have several working at a time) but not just because it’s on sale. There will be more sales, but burying yourself in yarn is likely to make your housemates more hostile to your hobby. That said, I’ve acquired quite a bit of yarn from people who decided to get rid of their stashes. 🙂
Brittany
That’s a very good point, Carla!
TerriH
My tips when I teach newcomers how to crochet – don’t be afraid to ask for help. We all started not knowing how to crochet (which end of the hook do you hold?) and learned over time. Know how you learn – Do you learn better with diagrams and written instructions or by someone showing you how to do it? Or both. Be creative and try new stitches or ways of holding your hook and yarn. Find what works for you. And above all, practice, practice, practice.
Brittany
Great tips, I couldn’t agree more. Thank you Terri!
Brittany
Great advice, Terri!
Jim Daley
When I started to crochet it was frustrating because what I was producing wasn’t perfect like the picture. Then someone pulled me aside and said that any mistake I make makes my work more original. Please remember that you will not have the technique or experience of the person that made that sample for a little while and , yes, practice does make perfect.
Brittany
Very good advice!
Brittany
Yes, very important!