Learn to Crochet!

As you may know, I love to crochet.  I've been crocheting for about 12 years.  I've known all the stitches, but just over the last couple of years, I learned to truly read a pattern.  Wow, my world has been opened up since then.  There are so many cute things you can make by learning to read a pattern.  There is so much more to crocheting than the old Granny Square (which is even coming back in popularity)!

I want to help all of you who might have an interest in learning to crochet.  Crocheting is different from knitting.  Unfortunately, some knitters bad mouth crocheting and vice versa.  I don't know why.  I prefer to crochet as you get a product much faster and the supplies are less expensive.  I know how to knit and I like the look of knitting, but I don't have the patience to spend the extra hours it takes.  Knitting uses two long needles, whereas crocheting uses one crochet hook.

Before, you get started, you 'll need supplies (not many though).

Supplies needed:

• Crochet Hooks:  You can get a set of hooks size D through K for about $13 (or less).  See here.  These are the most popular hooks that you will need.  I typically use the H hook and I hook the most so I have multiple of those as I always keep one with the project I am working on, but you don't need multiples.

• Yarn Needle (for weaving in ends of yarn)
• Scissors

• Yarn of choice (see label on yarn for appropriate hook size).  My favorite is "I love this yarn" from Hobby Lobby.  It is super soft and easy to work with.  Caron Simply Soft is another great choice.

• Stitch marker (either a piece of yarn, paper clip or actual stitch marker)  You need this if you are working in the round (like making a hat) to know where a new round starts.

There are many resources to learn to crochet.  You can borrow books from the library, view videos online and see pictorial step-by-steps on many website. I don't suggest buying books online until you've had a chance to really look over it in person.  You can crochet right or left-handed so make sure to find the tutorials that best suit you needs.

Here is a list of helpful how to sites:
Lionbrand yarn: video tutorials and illustrated steps
Bernat Yarn:  pdf illustrated steps to print
You tube:  tons of videos!
Find more by just searching "how to crochet"

Pattern resources:
See the ones I have on the blog here
Lionbrand yarn:  tons of free patterns
Crochet Pattern Central
Coats and Clark
Bernat Yarn
Etsy:  Crochet Patterns for purchase
Find more by searching, "Crochet patterns"

If you begin to crochet, I highly suggest you start by making some swatches or even a washcloth in a particular stitch.  This will help you master the stitch before you combine it with other stitches.  There are 5 basic stitches:  slip stitch (sl st), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc) and triple crochet (tc).  These are very simple stitches.  Once you have the stitches down you can conquer just about any pattern!

I hope you find this brief overview and resource list helpful!  Are there specific items you would like me to give you more information on?  Just leave me a comment and I will write up future posts on the topic!

Oh, and check out the next post, it is a giveaway for 5 free patterns!  What a wonderful way to start crocheting!

Happy Crocheting!