How to Start Crocheting
So you have seen the crochet trend picking up again, well you are right not only is crochet back, it’s fashionable.
While for so long crochet was seen as something only grannies did crochet has evolved beyond the doily, the blanket and the sweater.
We have also seen on the runway over the years and celebrities such as Rihanna and Kylie Jenner have recently worn crochet items.
What is Crochet?
Crochet according to Merriam-Webster dictionary is the needlework consisting of the interlocking of looped stitches formed with a single thread and hooked needle.
In the past crochet, was usually passed down generations, but today with technology you can easily learn how to crochet online.
Before we get into the how to, let’s get into the benefits of crochet.
Firstly it has health benefits as the repetitive motion made while crocheting causes the release of serotonin and dopamine which help with your stress levels and helps calm anxiety and depression.
It has also been known to reduce the risk of Alzheimer.
Crochet also helps you socialize online and offline as there is a whole community that also crochets. Aside from that you can also be able to make unique handmade gifts for family and friends such as scarfs, toys, blankets and so much more.
One can also earn money through crochet by turning it into a side hustle or even a full time business.
So how do I start?
There is no school that will teach you; however, there are so many resources available online as well as yarn stores in your community where you can learn from.
Use search engines such as YouTube, Pinterest and Google, there are so many crochet instructors that teach how to crochet.
There is also an organization called Yarn Craft Council which has set up a series of guidelines and symbols to bring uniformity to yarn and so much more. They also provide the basics on how to start crocheting.
You should also be aware that there are two terminologies in crochet, the US and the UK.
This is usually noted when in pattern writing so always bear that in mind.
As a beginner it may seem overwhelming as there are so many types of stitches, colors, patterns and symbols; do not worry about that; as they say experience is a good teacher.
As a starting point look for a simple projects that are worked flat with one color such as a scarf, table mats, a rug etc.
The best way is to watch a tutorial online and if there is a written pattern, read it in conjunction with the video so you start getting familiar with the terminology.
Avoid starting with projects with multiple colors and complex construction as may get you frustrated and make you lose interest in the craft.
What supplies do I need?
Most patterns will give you the list of supplies you need and quantities, so you will know what to use for each project.
But there are essentials supplies which each crochetier must have.
✔ Crochet hooks – It’s always best to get a set so you can try various projects. As mentioned there is different terminologies for US and UK, here is a table indicating the conversion.
| Metric | US | UK |
| 1.0mm | 10 | 4 |
| 1.25mm | 8 | 3 |
| 1.5mm | 7 | 2.5 |
| 1.75mm | 4 | 2 |
| 2mm | 1 / B | 14 |
| 2.25mm | - | 13 |
| 2.5mm | 2 / C | 12 |
| 2.75 | C | - |
| 3mm | - | 11 |
| 3.25mm | 3 / D | 10 |
| 3.5mm | 4 / E | 9 |
| 3.75mm | 5 / F | - |
| 4mm | 6 / G | 8 |
| 4.25mm | - | - |
| 4.5mm | 7 | 7 |
| 5mm | 8 / H | 6 |
| 5.5mm | 9 / I | 5 |
| 6mm | 10 / J | 4 |
| 6.5mm | 10.5 / K | 3 |
| 7mm | - | 2 |
| 8mm | 11 / L | 0 |
| 9mm | 13 / M | 00 |
| 10mm | 13 / N | 000 |
| 12mm | 16 / O | - |
| 15mm | 19 / P | - |
| 16mm | Q | - |
| 17.5mm | R | - |
| 19mm | 35 / S | - |
| 20mm | S | - |
| 25mm | T / U / X | - |
✔ Darning needles – This is for weaving in (sewing in) those dangling yarn at the end of the project.
✔ Pair of scissors – Which is used to cut the yarn where necessary.
✔ Measuring tape – To take measurements of your work and make sure you have the correct sizing.
✔ Yarn – There are so many types of yarns which are classified based on weights and made of various products such as cotton, bamboo, hemp, wool, acrylic, polyamide and so much more.
As a beginner start with category 3 yarn, this is double knit or light worsted.
Yarn made with acrylic is usually the most economical and also easy to work with.
It usually uses a hook size between 4.5mm/7 and 5.5mm/I-9 which are easy to hold.
We have some hooks and yarn to get you started, visit our shop today for some great deals.
So go ahead pick up that hook and yarn and start that project!