Learning the Craft of Crocheting

Learning the Craft of Crocheting


Crocheting is not an activity made only for our grannies and for bitter spinsters. Everyone can do it. Especially that clothing trends are now more inclined to crocheted items, and famous clothing designers are also smitten by crocheting.

However, crocheting is not only for the plain Jane. One has to have the patience and, of course, the time to do anything crocheted. So how does one get herself to learn to crochet?

It is not a complex skill to learn. But neither is an easy one. To get you going, all you need is a good crochet hook, yarns, measuring tape, yarn needle, some pins, and a lot of determination to finish a crocheting project.

Here is a rundown of tips on how to quickly learn crocheting:

Hold the Yarn Like a Pro

For newbies in crocheting, holding a yarn could be pretty tricky. Even if it only takes some time of getting used to, knowing how to control it properly and skilfully is not to be overlooked.

Here is how:

1. Let the yarn pass through your fingers upon 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 have a pencil or a spoon. That's how it should be maintained. In that position, it won't be hard for you to heave the yarn from your fingers down to the loop in the hook.

As you go along the process of crocheting and you start to get the hang of it, you will learn your unique and most comfortable way of working with the yarn. Don't be afraid to adopt a new method of holding it. It will 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 specific sizes. As for yarns, their varieties are identified through names. In crocheting, the higher the number or letter of the hook, the thicker the hook is.

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 quickly join two stitches of the same row together. This will make one produce a solo stitch on the next row prior to it.

Reading a Pattern Like a Book

What can complicate the activities of one that is engaged in crocheting are the abbreviations on a pattern. The use of memory and logic can help a lot in surmounting this minor crocheting obstacle. The outcome of memorising these crucial abbreviations is a much faster pace in crocheting and more efficient 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 a 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 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 in 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, and you make your patience a bit sturdier than before. Prepare your devices beforehand to ensure the smooth flow of your crocheting endeavour.