So, you've decided to start this addictive craft? Brill! the aim of my blog here is to put everything under one roof so to speak so anyone can learn the basics of this amazing craft, with links to helpful sites, patterns and other bloggers where applicable.
So, what do I need to do? Where do I start??
Well, it's pretty easy! Get yourself a crochet hook and some yarn, and start practicing! Some things to take note of though, There are 2 types of crochet terminology (that I am aware of) and that are the most common used ones:
American Crochet Terminology
English Crochet Terminology
It's not terribly important which terminology you follow, but it may confuse you later on if you are planning to use a pattern and are unsure of the the terminologies. I personally use the American terminology, as this what I learned with, despite being English. I find it slightly easier to read and find majority of the patterns which I like to do are in American terminology. Most patterns you'll come across usually tell you what terminology they use.
If you have purchased one of my Beginner kits, the terminology used is English. It's ok if you wish to use American terminology, as there's a conversion chart to help, this is also on another blog post. see this link:
http://www.yarnfwd.com/main/crochet.html
So, what do I need to do? Where do I start??
Well, it's pretty easy! Get yourself a crochet hook and some yarn, and start practicing! Some things to take note of though, There are 2 types of crochet terminology (that I am aware of) and that are the most common used ones:
American Crochet Terminology
English Crochet Terminology
It's not terribly important which terminology you follow, but it may confuse you later on if you are planning to use a pattern and are unsure of the the terminologies. I personally use the American terminology, as this what I learned with, despite being English. I find it slightly easier to read and find majority of the patterns which I like to do are in American terminology. Most patterns you'll come across usually tell you what terminology they use.
If you have purchased one of my Beginner kits, the terminology used is English. It's ok if you wish to use American terminology, as there's a conversion chart to help, this is also on another blog post. see this link:
http://www.yarnfwd.com/main/crochet.html
But what yarn should I choose? what hook should I pick?
Not to worry, when your starting out it's not terribly important. I personally learned with a DK wool (also known as double knit or ) and a 4mm hook, I asked on my local free cycle page if anyone had any spare wool and my aunt gave me a crochet hook and I just started with what I had. What I will suggest is it's slightly easier to use a mid range hook (4-5mm) as the smaller your hook the harder it is to follow and see your stitches, and harder to see any mistakes etc to learn from.
Keep an open mind, have patience!
One thing to remember, as with any craft, it takes time, but not as much as you might think!
Once you have the basic foundations of crochet everything else sort of just slots into place.
You may get a bit bored doing the same stitches over and over in rows to make squares and not much else whilst practicing. Don't ware yourself out! once your happy you have the basics, go explore the world of crochet! I put my hook down a few times before getting addicted as I never found what I was looking for, constantly starting basic baby blankets and giving up half way through. I eventually picked it up again and moved straight on to amigurumi and baby hats. Now I've found my niche and what I enjoy I crochet daily! And not just my favorites, it's fun to explore and learn new things, I'm still learning, the possibilities of crochet are endless, and I guarantee giving it a bit of time, you'll be hooked! excuse the pun!
Not to worry, when your starting out it's not terribly important. I personally learned with a DK wool (also known as double knit or ) and a 4mm hook, I asked on my local free cycle page if anyone had any spare wool and my aunt gave me a crochet hook and I just started with what I had. What I will suggest is it's slightly easier to use a mid range hook (4-5mm) as the smaller your hook the harder it is to follow and see your stitches, and harder to see any mistakes etc to learn from.
Keep an open mind, have patience!
One thing to remember, as with any craft, it takes time, but not as much as you might think!
Once you have the basic foundations of crochet everything else sort of just slots into place.
You may get a bit bored doing the same stitches over and over in rows to make squares and not much else whilst practicing. Don't ware yourself out! once your happy you have the basics, go explore the world of crochet! I put my hook down a few times before getting addicted as I never found what I was looking for, constantly starting basic baby blankets and giving up half way through. I eventually picked it up again and moved straight on to amigurumi and baby hats. Now I've found my niche and what I enjoy I crochet daily! And not just my favorites, it's fun to explore and learn new things, I'm still learning, the possibilities of crochet are endless, and I guarantee giving it a bit of time, you'll be hooked! excuse the pun!