With the year almost coming to an end the holidays are just around the corner. I love seeing all the festive lights hung on trees and people’s homes; it really is a cheery time of year. What would make this time even more special is if the holidays came a bit early for you! We’re giving away five copies, that’s right, FIVE copies of Crochet Unravelled.
Not only does this book have instructions, it has images for left handed crocheters for each stitch. Bojczuk has thought of everything – no crocheter is left “out of the loop.” This book is great for beginners who are just learning and experienced crocheters who want to practice or learn how to teach left-handed crochet.
In order to be entered to win a copy of Crochet Unravelled all you need to do is leave a comment below. All we’re asking is that you answer a crochet-related question and help others out. Here it is:
Give us your best crochet tip or technique. What’s the most valuable piece of information you can share with your fellow crocheters?
This can be anything from organization to crochet positions or favorite yarn and why? Are there certain yarns that are easier or harder to work with? Give us as much information as you can on your tip or technique. In fact, we might even use your answer in a technique eBook in the future!
Official Contest Rules:
- There is a maximum of one entry per person. The entry will be based upon a comment left on this blog post. Duplicate comments will be deleted and are not tallied.
- Winner will be selected at random from the comments on this blog post.
- Winner will be announced here on the blog as well as contacted by the email address provided.
- You have until tonight Tuesday December, 4 at 11:59p EST to leave your comment. Comments posted after that will not be counted.
- Contest open to anyone 18+ in US and/or Canada.
Good luck!
- Free Pattern: Crochet Wrap Pattern from Red Heart! - January 17, 2021
- Free Pattern Friday: Crochet Baby Booties & Hat from Red Heart - January 6, 2021
- Rest and Relaxation After Holiday Madness: Calming Crochet Patterns - January 5, 2021
I guess the best comment would be to count stitches at the end of each row.
ALWAYS make a test swatch; that way you know that whatever you make will be the correct size.
My best tip for all crocheters is that no matter what you make the little flaws in the item is what makes it special.So always have fun and never be too critical about your projects all that matters is they are handmade and filled with love
I love this web site. Crocheting is my addiction, I always have at least one projecting. I am currently working on a 12 point throw and see at least one 12 point baby blanket coming up soon.
I would suggest working in your ends as you go. Much easier than doing it at the end.
Keep practicing! The more you crochet the better you’ll be at keeping the tension consistent, reading patterns and finding joy in creating.
When i start a row i will count my stitches and at the end of each row i mark the row off so i do not end up doing it twice.
Dont be afraid to try new patterns or projects, yarn is very forgiving if you need to try again!
The best tip I have is to take the time to look at Pinterest. I have found more patterns, tips and ideas from there! And don’t give up. You can always rip it out and start over and believe me, I have!
I think the best advice I can give is this: Once you learn the basics, your learning crochet doesn’t end there. There’s more to crochet than the basic stitches. SOOO much more! Keep an open mind and be willing to learn new things and you’ll soon realize that there’s nothing you can’t do with crochet.
(I had a non-crocheting friend who thought that crochet was only hats, scarves, and blankets. I had to change her mind by showing her some of the things I could make with crochet. Since then, she’s asked me to teach her and has been learning new things with me ever since.)
This would be a great help as I am teaching my daughter and some of her friends to crochet.
I am a novice crochet addict. I found that using solid, medium colored yarn is easiest to work with, while you’re learning new patterns. It is easier to check your work and for stitch counting. With varigated, very dark or very light yarn, its harder to see the stitches.
to love what you do- mix up stitches and colors and you can totally change the crochet piece…
This would be awesome for my church crochet group. We are trying to get more people to come to the group, but they are always saying that they don’t know how or they forgot. Even for us old timers. One of us was working on a pattern a few weeks ago, and we forgot how to do a triple crochet. Plus I am left handed. Thanks for the offer
The holidays always seem to sneak up on me. With having 8 grandchildren and 6 kids it seems as though I can’t start my Christmas crocheting soon enough! I just love the holidays!
Start easy and work up. To practice chain stitches, make shoelaces or Hairbands. There are very easy patterns out there. Then look over patterns and find ones that do what you know, plus ONE new thing. Then when you’ve mastered that, find another with ONE new thing. Don’t try to do too many new things at once, or you’ll get frustrated and confused.
When teaching your teenage daugther to crochet, drink a bottle of wine before, during and after. When teaching her friend, you will not need this 😉
The best tip I can offer is relax and don’t forget to count your stitches! I found out after many mistakes and mishaped items that I needed to count.
Theres a few things I do, while I crochet I work in the ends so I don’t have to find them all after the project is finished. I always have a piece of paper next to my work so I can remember what line I am on
MY TIP: When crocheting granny squares, join and slip stitch to the next corner to begin your next row; then your beginning chain 3 stitches aren’t so obvious running up the middle of one of your four sides.
Don’t every stop learning and be willing to learn new things. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment! Something great may come of your experiment or even of some sort of mistake.
My advice is to not give up. You might be struggling to learn the basics or trying to understand something more advanced, but you just have to keep trying & eventually you’ll get it.
I’ve only been crocheting for about 10 months. My advice would be that it’s ok to color outside of the lines sometimes. You don’t always have to follow a patter. Tweak it and make it your own. I’ve made some of my best pieces while just winging it.
my advice would be when in doubt watch a tutorial..they always help me out.
I would love this; I was taught by a left-handed person and am always told “you’re doing it wrong”! Having right-handed instructions might help that “problem”!
I am a self taught crocheter and I suggest being open to experimenting with new yarns, and different size hooks. I use all of my hooks and love to try new yarns! You just might surprise yourself!
Be patient, when you get frustrated, set your project aside for a little while then come back to it and try again, this has worked for me! I am a left handed crocheter and the patterns are sometimes hard to understand!
Always try new things. Patterns that I used to tell myself I couldn’t do because I didn’t have the experience, I jump in and try. If there is a stitch I haven’t done, I look it up, there are videos everywhere and I have been able to continue to grow with my knitting and crochet.
my advice is to take the time to make an extra scarf hat etc for charity. Make sure you buy enough yarn from the same dye lots,
practice practice practice and be patient with yourself! 🙂
Double count your stitches. I don’t know how many times after I have stitched several rows that something wasn’t right. I usually found my very first row wasn’t correct. Oh how I hate tearing things out and starting over. I always end up with knots
My best tip is always hide your ends when changing colors at that time so it will alway look nice and saves work at the end.
I always weave in all ends as I work on a project. I feel if I leave that till I’m done with a project, I feel overwhelmed. If u do that, when done, u can look at and admire your work!
My best tip is to just relax and dont worry about the little flaws, dont judge yourself too much. Its homemade and I have yet to meet anyone who doesnt love a homemade present! Happy Hooking!
If your yarn isnt sliding up on your hook smoothly. Rub your hook with baby power. It will work smoothly after that.
start with a pattern that is very basic. Don’t be afraid to ask someone if a pattern is to hard or just right for a beginner. Use a yarn that is solid in color so it can be seen for your first project and sit where you know you have plenty of light. If you have a dark room use a light colored yarn or light room you can use a darker colored yarn. Use the crochet hook that the pattern calls for and preferably a metal hook so it doesn’t snag your yarn. Plastic and wood sometimes will mess up your yarn. ASK Questions always ask questions. That is what we are here for. 🙂
I work with adolescent boys and girls teaching knitting and crocheting as a coping skill and this book would be a wonderful addition to our library.
When doing a new stitch or pattern of stitches do a sample square first to make sure you understand it before going big.
If you are left handed and want to learn how to crochet, or if you are right handed and want to teach a “leftie” to crochet, sit across from the other person, not side by side, so you are mirror images to each other. That way, the “rightee” appears like a “leftee” to the opposite person, and vice versa.
I like to print out a copy of my original pattern so that I can make notes on it of things I need to be aware of in the pattern, changes to make it easier the next time, different colors or embellishments I think would be good to try, or to count and mark off rows. Then I keep it with the original. Sometimes it becomes my original. I love to personalize the things I make. No two items are the same. They all have their own personality.
One of my best tips is to always keep an extra hook in the car and a ball of yarn. It helps make the time go faster if you are in a traffic jam or have to go sit somewhere waiting on someone. 🙂
The best advice I was given was to be willing to ask for help and learn new things. Being in a community of like-minded people not only helps you, but helps others as well! So, whether you have a few friends you get together with or you connect into an online community, there is a wealth of help and creativity out there! Also, online classes are incredible. I have learned more techniques in this past year than I even knew existed.
When I weave in loose ends I like to use a needle. Loose ends stay in and hidden.
The best tip, I can think of is past on your talent. My best memory of crocheting is when my grandmother taught me when I was 16. Not just how to crochet but how to read a pattern. Thanks Grandma.
My best hint is to make sure your hands are smooth so the yarn doesn’t catch as you crochet. To smooth them before you start, pour 1 teasp. of sugar into the palm of your hand then add 1 teasp. of any cooking oil. Rub all over your hands, especially between your fingers then rinse off with warm water. You are set to crochet!!
Keep trying. You’ll finally get it! Honest!
My best advice is to make sure your yarn is tangle free. I put my in a empty popcorn tin. The big one like you buy at Christmas. drills in hole on top for yarn to come out. That way you can only put in the yarn you are working with for that one project and it really looks great for the holidays.
Count, count and count again! And don’t be afraid to experiment and put your own ‘mark’ on a project! Just let go and have fun!!
Try something challenging once in awhile – it’s such a good feeling once it’s done!
Don’t be afraid to try new patterns and projects! People love hand made and it might in courage someone else to try!
My most important tip? Don’t split the yarn. <3
U are never to old to learn a new trick and mistakes are ok it is not hand made if there are not a few mistakes!! I love hand made gifts!!
Have fun and weave in your ends if doing granny squares….there are not mistakes, just new creations….enjoy the process!
When making afghans I use stitch markers every 50 stitches to make my counting my stitches in each row easier.
I found a very cool trick to making my own cusioned crochet hooks .. i use pen cusions and medical tape. Works great and very inexpensive .
When I started to crochet I had trouble keeping granny squares the same size. Practice, practice, practice. Eventually you’ll get the tension the same all the time.
Don’t be afraid to rip out and start over! It’s okay. Sometimes it just doesn’t work the way we want it to. Just don’t give up!!
Practice, practice, practice!! Also be creative with the colors you use. You don’t have to use the same colors on the pattern. Put your personality in your creations!!
My hint is you do not have to hold your hook or needle any particular way… Whatever is most comfortable for YOU. Same with the yarn.
Also, when I am teaching a left-handed person, I have them to sit across from me and do as I do.
Don’t be afraid to rip out your mistakes, if you leave them, you will always notice and it will drive you nuts!
Read the pattern and test the stitches before you start. Ripping out rows isn’t fun so think ahead and practice before jumping right in.
Bobby pins. I use them as stitch markers – when doing a starting chain for an afghan I place one every 25 chains and 2 on every 100 chains. So easy to keep track of the count! Also great for marking that first stitch when working in the round because it’s so easy to move. When laying my work aside, I put a bobby pin in my last loop and it never accidentally comes unraveled.
I would say never give up. Some patterns or yarns are more difficult to work with but when you finally finish, there is such a sense of accomplishment and you can learn new strategies and techniques. I started crocheting scarves but feel like I can do almost anything now. 🙂
Just do it. Bought a book and taught myself to crochet. Not the best on some things not the worst. Lots of trial and error. But having so much fun.
When just starting out crocheting if you can’t get face to face instruction check you tube for help! I am amazed how many people have videos on you tube to help learn this great craft!
This book would be so awesome to own! I have a leftie daughter this would be great for!
TIP: Keep your yarn tension even. Not too tight or it will be difficult to crochet and not too loose or it will be sloppy!
I love to Crochet and Knit.I do things for my Great Grandchildren.Mittens & Hats.
If you fly, be sure to have a set of plastic or wooden hooks so that you can take them on the plane with no danger of having them confiscated for being too sharp.
If you see a pattern for something you’d like to crochet and you think it is just too difficult for your skill level, throw that thought away. You CAN do it. When you begin, just concentrate on 1 row at a time. Nothing else, and you will have a beautiful crocheted piece before you know it!!!
My best tip is threading the darning needle used to hide the ends of yarn. I’ve seen people try to thread it like when sewing with thread (and having all kinds of problems) instead of the best way: double the yarn, mash the doubled end down, and push it thru the eye of the needle. Easy. We need a video of this.
Keep the cotton threads that you cut off, put them in a jar or box.
In the spring you can hang them in a rack outside, the birds will be very grateful. Such a beautiful colored birth’s nest they have never made.
If your fingers or wrist is getting sore or tired while crocheting change the way you hold your hook for a fre minutes, it will feel strange but it will give your hooking muscles a break.
Whatever you do, use your own creative skills to change the look of a simple pattern by adding a different stitch for one or more rows to add interest to your project. I do this with the simple beanie hat with very surprising results.
As I am very new to crocheting, I have found that the viedos on youtube and other sites help me understand how to complete some of the stitches and the instructions in the patterns.
I’m new at crocheting. My best friend for 43 years taught me. I just love it. It’s so much fun. The best tip is to practice.
My favorite tip is the invisible finish at the end of a crochet pattern, you work a regular slip stitch in top of the turning chain lengthen the loop remove the hook and insert it from the back to the front next to the slip stitch turn work and grab the yarn pull through cut and weave in ends.
My crochet tip is: Stay relaxed while crocheting. If you find your muscles are tensing, take a deep breath & let it out sloooowly. Keep some form of pillow under each arm to help keep you relaxed.
I have been crocheting on and off for 20yrs, but I still regard myself as a novice, as I only crochet in the winter months. I am left handed and would love to learn tips for left handed crocheting, I think the best advice would be to remember to count stitches at the end of each row, rather than having to rip out at the end of your project.
My tip is to double check the number of stitches on the first row. There’s nothing worse than having to undo your work because you had the wrong number of stitches to begin with. And, most of all, relax and enjoy what you are making!!
Relax and enjoy! Keep counting. Save your scraps to make other projects.
When teaching someone to crochet have them use a non-fuzzy, light colored yarn. It’s harder to see the stitches with a dark yarn.
If you are working with a pattern read it thoroughly BEFORE you begin crocheting. Make sure you understand ALL of the abbreviations and technical terms.
I always weave in the ends as I go.
Know your limitations! If you are a beginner or even if you have crocheted for a while, know how much time you will probably need to complete a project and plan accordingly. When I worked in a yarn shop, a woman came in to purchase all the materials she would need for a baby blanket she wanted to give as a gift. She had no idea how to crochet (wanted me to give her an on-the-spot lesson!) and the second problem was the pattern was far too intricate even for a master crafter to complete in the 48 hours she had until the baby shower. Underestimating the time factor only causes frustration and your piece will not come out as you expect because you will rush to get it done.
The best advice I can give is don’t insist that the person you are helping learn to crochet does it your way. The way you hold your yarn is not important, The joy of the art is!
If you are just learning to crochet, starting a new project is always the hardest. Just take your time and once you have a few rows the rest just flows.
I find that chunky yarn and a larger hook is a great way for beginners to learn. Easy to count your stitches, and see what you are doing.
I always use the gauge tool…I found even if I use the guidelines on a pattern, my actual size may not be the same!
I always used to lose my hooks, so I started using a check box to hold them, it rattled and din’t look very nice, so I crocheted a crochet hook case with little slots for each hook. Its cute, and it has drawn people to it asking if I could make one for them. So I guess just using what you make is my best comment 🙂
Don’t Rush your project and Have Fun!
My tip, Always LOVE what you make. Even if there are “flaws”. You are the only one who will know if there is a flaw or not. And Always Always have fun with it. No matter what you make. For yourself or as a gift for someone else. Just have fun.
Stay focused and count count count!
ALway, always, always do a count at the end of each row, I tend to crochet when I am watching TV and sometimes I get distracted and end up adding stitches!!!
The one tip that I can give to anyone learning or been crocheting for years is to take your time, and if you get frustrated just set it down and walk away for a moment…the more frustrated you get the harder it will be to complete your project. Hope this helps 🙂
I guess best thing I’ve learned is to tie the loose ends in a know together when changing treads. Othewise, the can become unraveled with wear and washing.
I know this may sound stupid to other people I am bipolar. Since I am that way there are times I just do not do anything because I feel so lifeless, the last time I did this I went along time without crochet. My advice to people with bipolar, keep pushing yourself to do it because the relaxation to come with it makes life more bearable and you will enjoy life more.
My best advise is to count your stitches frequently. I can’t tell you how many times I have had to rip a piece apart because I either dropped a stitch or added a stitch. If you want an even project, count your stitches. Good luck everyone!
My best bit of advice was and still is, you may not do it the same as every one else, but thats what makes it special. Just cause it doesn’t look exactly like some one elses, doesn’t mean its not right. No one does it the same, so keep at it, and just have fun! 🙂
Always make a test swatch.
I suggest crocheting blankets in the winter time. You can fold and lay them in your lap while you work and it helps keep you warm!
I’m new at teaching crochet, but, I love it. Tips-
1. count after every row,
2. wake up and don’t assume you know the pattern.
3. DON’T hide your tails yet, you never know, as a newbie to crochet, when you will discover that you didn’t follow rule 1 & 2.
4. Loosen up, don’t crochet so tightly, relax. 🙂
I am restarting crochet.. I forgot how soothing it is. I watch videos online and read every learning pattern I can. I have found that listening to an audio book or music helps me set the mode of my projects.
We all were beginners at one point so just don’t give up. It will come to you and you will find it the best relaxing hobby there is plus making nice gifts as a by-product.
Have fun and remember it doesn’t have to be perfect! 🙂
Being left handed an a stroke, I have found that you take deep breaths and RELAX! This has been a good therapy for me .I am still here to tell an show people how to make exciting crochet items!
Weave in the ends of your joined yarn as you go along. Really, who likes to weave them all in at the end anyways?
count your stitch, weave in your ends and make a test swatch to make sure you get gauge, take your time enjoy and have fun
Best tip – Don’t be afraid to try a new pattern or stitch. I’ve been crocheting for over 40 years and I am still learning new stitches and new ways to do old stitches.
Give us your best crochet tip or technique. What’s the most valuable piece of information you can share with your fellow crocheters?
Let see I have just learned myself and I believe the best tip I have is to not give up and keep trying it may take you a little bit but when you get it you will be so happy.
Also to start with use a mid colored yarn not too dark not to light something in the mid color range also don’t try to start with the fuzzy yarn. That is hard to work with when starting.
Read your pattern out loud and count your stitches often Good Luck all..
I love to crochet….My oldest is teaching herself…I would love to give these out as gifts to my two daughters and daughter in law…..
My advice would be to count every stitch in every row or round because in the end it will make a difference. As yarn crafters we don’t want our work to be uneven or lopsided. “Counting makes a difference.”
I love to make doilies, don’t like having to find my place in the pattern. I have found that a small sticky note works well for marking what row I am on. It moves down the pattern with me and doesn’t damage the pattern at all.
If I am working a very large project, I will photocopy the pattern and put in a sheet protector. That way, my pattern book or magazine isn’t getting beat up, especially if I take the project with me.
I keep all my hooks, scissors, & tape measure in a small zippered makeup bag. I also made a small plastic canvas “book” with felt inside for all my needles. This also goes in the zippered bag. When packing a project to take somewhere, I just grab the pattern, yarn and the makeup bag and toss them into a larger canvas bag and I am ready to go.
I always have a small project in a bag in the car…never know when you might get stuck somewhere (example, was behind an accident on the PA Turnpike, traffic was stopped for hour and half to clean up the mess…had a doily project in the car that I could work on)
I am a leftie and I found that I was able to crochet right handed. I taught myself when I was about 14 .Give it a try if you are having trouble figuring how to do it left handed.
My own trick for holding yarn upright while crocheting is to get a piece of PVC pipe (I use the 4″ size) and cut it about 8 1/2″ in length. Purchase a rubber cap from the plumbing department and place on it to make a solid bottom. Yarn will stay upright almost to the very end. If you work with the larger skeins, the 4″ size will be too small but PVC comes in a variety of sizes as do the rubber caps. When starting a skein (from the middle), the yarn is still very tightly packed and the PVC will tend to tilt. But, if you carefully pull out a fair amount, the PVC will stand strong and the yarn will flow out without any problems. I have 5 made up to use when I’m switching from one pattern to another.
Never give up 🙂
My best hint is find a good set of hooks that fit your hands, I like ones with larger handles because it helps with my arthritis
I would like to learn to crochet but, I do knit. my best advise I learned from knitting is Never be afraid to try something new practice makes perfect. 🙂
Just take your time and don’t rush because that is when you make your mistakes
My tip is to keep a light but consistent tension throughout your work. Practice by making a simple square until you get the hang of each stitch. Start with single crochet, when you find that consistency, move to a half double crochet, then double, etc. Don’t rip everything out, just keep working until you get the rhythm.
count your stitches and make a mock swatch
my best advice is to keep your yarn somewhere safe. between toddlers and cats the yarn will end up everywhere! i keep mine in a bag or a cut up 2 liter bottle(cleaned out of course)
Sometimes patterns are overwhelming if you try to just read them. I find that once I just pick up my hook and start following directions, that the directions make more sense. Also, since I am a visual person, I have discovered diagrams of stitches – they are wonderful, and are international – just purely visual!
If you’re a beginner, try making the same small project, like pot holders, over and over. Doing this trains your hand-eye coordination. Your stitches and the slack will become more and more consistent.
Patience with your self as a first time crocheter or knitter. That would be the most valuable advice
A counter to put on the end of your hook makes it so easy to keep track of how many lines you have finished. I love mine. Also, if you are like me, print a couple of copies of patterns (I have a way of misplacing mine all the time)
Never be afraid to try a new project or stitch. You can always take it out and try again until you’ve got it right.
YouTube is a great place to learn new techniques.
I’m a beginner, really. I’ve made the same blanket 5 times, but I’d like to branch out. My tip would be: ask for help and try those tutorials that people have filmed. They are helpful!
As soon as you get home with your new yarn- ROLL IT into a ball. That way as soon as the inspiration to crochet strikes you then you will be ready!
I haven’t learned to crochet yet, so I reeeeally need this book. 🙂 As a knitter, my advice to newbies would be practice, practice, practice. The more simple scarves you make, the easier it will be to learn the more complicated stitches.
My tip, is to always read the pattern from beginning to end. This prevents, any surprises from coming up as you work the pattern. You get a clearer idea of how the pattern will come together if you do this first. I also get all of the supplies & materials I will need together before I begin & put it in a tote or project bag so that everything is always together & portable.
if you don’t have stitch markers you can use small safety pins as markers they work great and always count every row so you don’t lose stitches and Have fun thats the best tip
I think one thing to remember is to be patient. Things get easier the more you work at it.
My best advice is to use stitch markers when crocheting in the round. It helps you keep track of the rounds. Oh and don’t watch a movie while trying to count stitches!
Don’t own a cat. Don’t get me wrong I love my car but she is so in live with the balls of yarn its crazy.
Always do the yest guage to make sure your pattern will be the proper size. Saves a lot of headaches and unravelling.
Start off by making your skeins into balls. Makes for a lot less knots and secondly, count those stitches.
My suggestion is to be patient and don’t give up. Sometimes not getting a new stitch can be frustrating but just take a deep breath and keep trying. Also, find yourself a mentor or check out YouTube. Both have been huge helps for me, especially since I am left handed.
Start with something easy and something small. Build up to bigger and better! Pick projects you really like!
Count, count, count…especially at the beginning of a project. It is too easy to increase or decrease (or even get the foundation row too long or short). For really long rows, marking every 25 or 50 stitches makes counting easier.
The most important thing to remember is to count your stitches.
keep trying and don’t give up. Sometimes even without a pattern it is still fun. : )
When crocheting remember it will not look exactly like the picture, cause everybody crochets . Make sure to have fun crocheting 🙂
I want to read all the comments and learn from them, since I don’t know how to crochet, yet.
Find a mentor. I had my Grammie
I suggest that you read the crochet pattern in its entirety before starting the project. You will know what stitches you will be using, the gauge, size of hook, also please circle the corresponding number of stitches for the size you are planning on making the project. Best of all, have fun!
Place a stitch marker in the first and last stitch of your row. One of the biggest mistakes made in crocheting a flat piece is missing or double stitching in the first or last stitch. By marking these stitches you will become more aware of the stitch placement and your project will have straight edges.
Keep practicing, I haven’t and I have forgotten everything! 🙁
my tip would be to take a break! don’t sit for hours on end hurting your eyes! take a break every 15 mins and walk around!
My hint is to use alphabet beads as a stitch marker telling you what hook you are/were using on that project. Also having restickable post-it notes to mark your place on the pattern page you are working on makes coming back when you take a break easier.
Don’t get into a rut! Try new yarns, new patterns, new stitches. Your work is an expression of who you are. Dare to be different and try new things…its the best way to learn!
I love working with Caron’s Simply Soft yarn!!! It isn’t stiff like some other yarns. Also, I hold my crochet hook like how my great-great grandmother taught my mother. Hold it like a pencil, but have your middle finger closer to the hook rather than your index finger. It’s easier to control your hook, your stitches come out more uniform and your wrist won’t get so tired.
My best advice would be to keep it up. To not give up on doing any kind of crochet.
My Mother taught me to crochet with a granny square…..she threw every stitch at me in this granny square….one of the biggest projects I have ever done! It was as big as her bed. She still has it to this day. So that would be my suggestion…cause that is how I learned!
Keep your yarn organized. if you don’t, you always seem to be buying yarn because you are not sure what you have in your stash. I store my yarn in 14″ x 14″ metal crates that are stackable, then I can see exactly what I have.
You don’t know what you can do until you try. Crochet is wonderful for the artistic type AND for the Math Nerd! (Yes, I’m BOTH!) What’s best, is that if you don’t like a particular pattern, once you know the basic stitches, you can make your own. Happy Hooking!
practice keeping your tension consistent. that helps your work look neat and tidy 🙂
Always use the magic circle when making hats its so much neater and doesnt leave a hole.
Always check your guage. Never give up!
Count your stitches frequently,check to make sure your rows are straight and if using a new pattern, read instructions carefully. I wish this book was around when I was learning because I am left-handed.
I always count my stitches very carefully the first few rows until I see that my rows are all even. I can see how each row ends (which should all be the same) and then I can crochet to the ending spot without counting once I’m sure I’m not increasing or decreasing my rows.
What really helped me was to realize that I didn’t have to use only the colours that are shown on the pattern.
It made me branch out and try different colour combinations.
It’s fun!
The best advice I can give for a beginner would be this: Start with a small project ie a coffee cup cozy, a washcloth, pot holder, dish rag, or even a granny square.
Count your stitches often, but don’t be obsessive about it; each piece you make will be a one of a kind & a few “boo boos” here and there are perfectly natural and add to the uniqueness of it
My best tip would be: When learning to crochet, watch videos. All and any crocheting videos you can find. I taught myself to crochet before videos and it was harder for me because I am left handed. I would take a picture of the stitch I wanted to learn and put it up to a mirror to see it backwards. Today you can get videos for both left and right handed crochet. Much easier to learn. And don’t give up. Keep doing the stitch over and over again until you get it right. It will be worth all the effort in the final product.
My mother-in-law taught me to crochet when I was a young bride. Have crocheted for 40 years and still love it.
With crochet, nothing is written in stone. Be flexible, if your stitch gauge isn’t right, try a larger or smaller hook.
the best tip I can give is to always count your stitches. In the end it saves time.
relax—I am always reminding myself to relax while I crochet or my stitches come out too tight—so always relax and enjoy
My tip: Always read the instructions through before starting. Count your stitches and last but not least relax and enjoy.
If you make a mistake when crocheting go back and fix it properly.. if you continue with the project it comes out “zig-zaggy” on the edges when you try to fix by adding or subtracting stitches in the following rows… I have made many baby blankets and afghans and have torn some out 3 or 4 times until I get the right counts … Makes a better looking afghan also when you use the correct stitches. 🙂
I love to crochet, just wish I had more time. I try to work in the ends as I go and always count stitches.
My best tip is to use a bigger hook than necessary when making the starting chain. This avoids the stitches being too tight.
Take the time to count your stitches at the end of each row. That way you won’t get halfway done and realize that your project is getting wider or narrower at the sides. If you make a little mistake and it doesn’t affect the finished project, don’t worry about it because it makes it all the more dearer to the one you are giving it to. There will not be any others like it. Over all just enjoy yourself while you are creating a special gift for someone with love.
1) Count your stitches – bears repeating
2) Relax and enjoy
3) Don’t be afraid to try new techniques
4) Noone too young or too old to learn
I am a left handed person in a right handed world! I had to teach myself to crochet right handed b/c I had no left handed instructions. So my advice would be – If you are left handed look for left handed directions. And if you can’t find any, then practice, practice, practice until you can do it right handed.
Don’t be afraid to try new stitches or patterns! There are so many videos, online, now, showing different techniques, that you owe it to yourself to see what possibilities are available!! 🙂
Don’t be afraid to try new stitches or patterns! There are so many videos, online, now, showing different techniques, that you owe it to yourself to see what possibilities are available!! Let your creativity flow!!! 🙂
My best tip is when you have to leave your work, take your loop and extend it big enough to make a slip knot out of it. You will never drop another stitch again when leaving and coming back to your work.
Take extra care in the knots, it is VERY upsetting to work hard on a project just to have it ravel out when it goes thru the wash a couple times. The modern yarns are wonderful in that they are machine washable and dryable, but even the gentle cycle can loosen knots. And do not use a liquid fabric softener in the rinse cycle, it will cause the item (especially afgans) to become
mishapen. Use of a dryer sheet seems to have no major affect. Been there, done that, have learned valuable lessons.
My advice is for knitters to NOT be afraid to try crochet!
Keep trying a new stitch it will get easier as time goes by.
My tips: Just have fun. Count your stitches and don’t be afraid to be adventurous. Trying new things can be challenging but practice makes perfect.
Pratice makes perfect!
I always use a sticky note to keep track of what row I’m working on. When you finish that row move your “note” down on the paper to the next row. This is esp good for charts- filet crochet
If you run out of yarn and need to buy a skein in a different dye lot, crochet a couple of rows with the new skein and then a couple of rows with the old. Do this a few times before you switch completely to the new dye lot. I would love a chance to get this book to give to my greatniece to pass down the art of crocheting.
Lots of great tips here, especially about counting but something I always try to remember is not to crochet when I’m tired. I will feel like getting a project done but I always end up having to pull it out.
I would definitely agree with working in your ends as you go along. 🙂
Do not underestimate single crochet. It is a very versatile stitch. I have uses back loop single crochet to make fingerless gloves and cup cozies. They look great and have a lot of give. I have also made scarves using single crochet, chain one, single crochet It forms a very flat but interesting looking scarf that is not bulky.
Enjoy what you do. I’ve crocheted for over 30 years. I crochet left handed. Use the correct yarn for tbe pattern you are using.
Use cotton yarn for pony tail holders. Most of all–have fun.
Count, count count! I cannot tell you haw many times I have had to ‘frog” something because I was too lazy to count my stitches!
I have recently taught myself to crochet and would love to win this book for those questions still unanswered.
Thank you
Amy
My advise as a fairly new crocheter, is to never ever give up, and invest in stitch markers. I think they totally saved me from giving up. They come in handy in so many ways, like marking the end of rows to help keep count. You will be glad you did.
Practice makes perfect, don’t be afraid to try new and different stitches.
When I switch projects I try to leave the hook I use with my project, so I don’t pick up and start crocheting with a wrong hook when I come back to that project.
Don’t be afraid to FROG… You know ripit,ripit,ripit! It’s better to tear it out and start over than to overlook a mistake that will be the first thing YOU see in the finished piece.
My tip is to enjoy what you are crochet. I always invision the person that is going to receive my project. Nothing is perfect and the joy in someones eyes is priceless.
My tip: ALWAYS read the pattern first, especially the special stitches section. Nothing worse then stitching and having to go back to find out how to do a certain stitch. Also REREAD (more than once)each step as you go so you fully understand what it calls for.
Counting and having a wonderful friend that I can go to when I have questions – so I guess my best information is never be afraid to try anything, and keep that great crochet friend that will talk you through the rough spots on any project!
Don’t give up on a new stitch, once you get it you’ve got it.
My advice would be to always count your stitches and begin with a 4 ply yarn. So much easier to work with when you have to “undo”. Also NEVER GIVE UP on yourself. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes very relaxing and you find you CANNOT STOP!
As you grow older and arthritis sets in, it will keep your fingers nimble!
When changing colors or adding yarn, leave at least a 4 inch tail. If you cut your yarn to short, you cannot weave it in very easily, if at all.
Sometimes if your pattern in online, you can enlarge it to see what you’re not reading correctly. Then if you still can’t figre it out, make it up.
My best advice would be to not leave half done projects where a kitten can find it. Overnight they can completely unravel an amazing amount as the run through the house with yarn in their mouth.
Get a good instruction book that you can refer to time and time again!
This book would be so helpful. I don’t have alot of confidence in myself when it comes to crocheting. I can use all the help I can get.
I love to hand make crochet items as gifts.
They are always ooh’d and aah’d over.
Especially the baby layettes I make.
My tip is that whenever I give a crocheted item
as a gift I like to give a card with the yarn wrapper
showing wash n care instructions as well as
a bit of yarn they can use if repairs are
someday needed. And I make them promise
that the blankie will be used, loved, carried,
dragged and die in tatters having been
‘loved to death’ by the child … if I had wanted it
to be a display or heirloom piece I would
have entered it in a competition … NOT given
it as this gift of love!
Just keep trying! Eventually, the movements will all become natural.
Most of the little mistakes only you will see.
Always sew in your ends. Sew back and fourth through several stitches three or 4 times to secure your yarn. Never tie knots or just crochet over loose ends. I have had to save many crochet treasures made by others once the owner washes the item and it starts to fall apart due to just crocheting over the yarn.
I am 1. keeping track of all the types and brands of yarn I buy and/or try that I am not happy with or most happy with. So much as fallen apart on me, making me so mad I just want to throw the article. The kinds that make me the happiest is the kind I will use again and again. 2. I print out the pattern. If it is easy and fast, I put it in one folder, complicated in another and in between, in another. Then I go thru the patterns according to the time I have available.
When making the initial chain, I always add a few just in case I get to the end of the first row and find myself missing one or two chains.I can always untie any extras. If it’s a new stitch, I make a swatch to see if I like it enough to use it.
If your a beginner, have patience. And time.
My advise to beginners is to get everything you need handy, get comfortable, and especiallydon’t let someone tell you how to hold the hook and thread, you will find your own way to do this. My grandmother taught me when I was young and she would laugh at me saying I looked like I was digging for potatoes. That never stopped me and I have made some beautiful crocheted items.
Teach the young ones to crochet so they can enjoy it as they grow up. Crochet with your friends it is so much fun.
Keep your latest project together in a bag when you aren’t working on it …that way it is ready to grab and go with you when you leave the house.
The best thing I ever bought was a counter to help me keep track of what row number I am on while making an afghan I am currently working on. It has made it a whole lot easier. I don’t have to remember what row I am on.
For us lefties, when following a video or learning from a rightie, use a mirror on the video or sit directly across from the person and mirror their movements.
Work ends of yarn in as you go along thus hiding all ends
make gauge when asked to do so
Life’s too short to use scratchy, squeaky yarn. Use good yarn that feels nice. It results in a lovely crocheted item.
Don’t worry about mistakes…a friend once told me “If we were prefect, we would be God, and it’s those little inperfection that give it personality. And don’t be afraid to try something new.
Being a left-handed crocheter makes following the average crochet pattern a bit challenging as every direction and stitch has to be reversed. Probably my best tip is to not be afraid to rework a section over and over until you are content with your work. If you aren’t happy with your work, continuing on is just a waste of time as you will only end up with an item that you won’t use.
I love to download ideas from computer! But I’ve learned to be careful read all the way through. Make sure you have the yarn like they suggest! Some patterns are harder to read than others! I take all my old envelopes and use them as a guide to follow patterns! I write the name of the project and what hook I’m using! When you repeat 4-7 I write 4567 and them cross them out! I’d love to win this! I want to teach my lefty granddaughter
DON’T BE AFRAID TO TRY SOMETHNG NEW!
Crochet is so forgiving, in most cases it does not have to be perfect. Sometime mistakes or misinterpretation of a pattern can turn out amazing, so don’t be so hard on yourself if you mess up a bit.
If you try using different weights of yarn or threads you need to allow for more yarn if it’s heavier than the pattern calls for (so buy plenty)
Have good lighting, keep practicing and work in your ends as you go along.
Count, count, count!
PATIENCE! i dont think i couldve learned with out it. go easy on yourself and dont expect to learn it all in one day.
When I start an afghan, I use a larger hook for the starting chain, then switch to a smaller hook for the main body of the afghan; this helps keep both the starting and ending edges more even & starting chain loose & not so tight.
Always aread the directions carefully and keep them in front of you to review as you work. Never rush.
If all else fails rip it out and start over. Practice makes perfect.
I love crocheting and making hats, blankets for others…i don’t know how to do alot of stitches…and that’s why i would love to get this book…
I guess I have two tips… learn how to read and understand the pattern instructions (I have a friend who crochets but can’t read the patterns – she needs someone to show her how the pattern goes), and use a crochet hook of a different color than your yarn… it’s easier to see where your hook should go, and if your yarn has split.
count your stitches and check your work frequently
Use all your scraps to create cool and unique hats!…
Use red, green and cream yarn to make an oversized baby shower afghan that can be used for the first and all following Christmases of the child. If it is used just during the holidays, it will last for the whole childhood. Use leftover yarn to tie Christmas packages (one strand or all 3 colors). Those bows don’t crush under the tree and lend an old-fashioned look. Merry Christmas!
I have found that some cross stitch patterns can be worked into or X-stitched on single crochet garments or afghans. Turns out a very pretty, unique, one-of-a-kind finished product.
My tip is to RELAX! Crocheting is much easier and it’s much easier to maintain the proper gauge if you relax. When I first started crocheting I could never keep the proper gauge or keep more than one square the same size. I found once I just relaxed, everything seemed to come out perfectly! 🙂