Learn to Crochet 

By: Janna Halioris

Tips and techniques to learn to crochet like a pro! 

Crocheting is not an activity made only for our grannies and for bitter spinsters. It can be done by everyone. Especially, now that clothing trends are now more inclined into the use of crocheted items, popular 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 be able to do anything crocheted. So how does one actually learn to crochet? 

Crocheting is reasonably simple to learn. In order 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. 

Typically, the first five rows of crochet are always the most difficult, even for experienced crocheters, and projects are usually abandoned at this early stage due to frustration. Make sure you work at least ten rows so that your fingers become accustomed to the work. 

You will need crochet hook; yarn; measuring tape or ruler; straight pins; needle. 

To help you get started below are some tips on how to easily learn crocheting: 

Holding your Yarn Like a Pro 

If you are new to crocheting, holding the yarn can be a little tricky. Even if it  takes some time to get used to, holding it properly and skilfully is extremely important. 

Here is how: 

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.

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

The way to hold the hook is to imagine how you would hold a pencil or a spoon. In this position, it will be easy for you to move the yarn from your fingers down to the loop in the hook.  

As you learn these processes you will find the most comfortable way of working with the yarn. Experiment with different ways of holding the crochet yarn. By doing this you will find what is most comfortable for you. 

Hook and Yarn Size  

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

Hooks are identified by letters and numbers that correspond to certain sizes. The higher the number or letter of the hook, the thicker the hook is. Yarn varieties are identified by their names. 

Reading your Pattern 

It is important to understand the abbreviations used in the pattern. Memorizing the abbreviations helps you to become a faster and more efficient crocheter.  

Some things to note: 

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

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

Count the crochet 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.  

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 you actually start a crochet project, make sure that you follow the instructions as they are printed. Prepare your devices beforehand to ensure the smooth flow of your crocheting. 

Resizing your Crochet Project  

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, simply insert 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. 

For more information on crocheting visit Crochet Patterns