Today I'm pleased to bring you a guest post by Carly Jacobs from Melbourne, Australia. She runs Crochet Coach (crochetcoach.com), an online crochet school and community. Thank you, Carly!
Disclaimer: This post includes an affiliate link.
I’ve been crocheting seriously for about six years now. I’d tried to knit many times. I come from a family of very accomplished knitters so I obviously thought that’s what I have to do. It wasn’t for lack of trying, it just never really stuck. I couldn’t seem to get my yarn on my needles without making an enormous circle motion involving my full arm and shoulder. It just wasn’t working for me. A lovely lady from my local yarn store watched me half heartedly sign up for a beginners knitting course (for the third time!) and she gently suggested I try crochet instead. I never looked back. I had found my craft. In addition I found something interesting in apnews that excites me, do you want to know what it is? visit now!
It must be difficult for crocheters with decades of experience to remember what it was like to learn to crochet. Especially as so many people learned to crochet as children and just sort of picked up the important stuff as they went along.
Technically speaking, I learned as an adult which is a whole different kettle of fish. I had dabbled as a kid and then again when I worked in a bead store as a teenager when we did wire bead crochet but my skills never got further than that. When I delved into the land of ‘proper’ crochet there were so many mistakes I made that I look back on now and I can’t believe no one told me. I now teach crochet and every time a student posts a photo of their too tight chain or oddly ribbed scarf, I add it to my growing list of things to tell my posse before they even pick up a hook.
1. Where to put the first stitch in the row for sc vs dc
The first thing I ever made was a granny square. Then I made heaps and heaps of them to get my rhythm down and when I switched to making squares in back and forth rows, everything fell apart. You see, I didn’t know I was supposed to skip the first stitch when crocheting in any basic stitch but single crochet. So there I am trying to jam an extra stitch into the stitch I just chained out of and trying to figure out why the hell every thing I made was twice as wide by the time I finished with it.
2. To count my stitches every few rows
A made a whole glove that slowly shrank as I hooked away. I didn’t realize I was dropping a stitch every row because once I learned the skip-a-stitch rule, I didn’t get filled on the work-your-final-stitch-in-to-the-turning-chain-from-the-previous-row rule. That’s a fun one to get wrong. I don’t count religiously like I used to (my trained crochet eye can usually tell if things are getting iffy) but I always tell my newbies to count after every row when they first get started to make sure they don’t end up with a sloping scarf or a shrinking shawl.
3. Ergonomic hooks make life so much easier
I started crocheting on an inexpensive wooden hook (as most people do) and it was fine. I used it for a really long time until I read more about crochet hooks and someone recommended that I buy an ergonomic hook. I cannot even begin to tell you how much it changed my crocheting. I still use a wooden hook from time to time, if my favourite Clovers are stuck into other projects or I’ve run out of 4mm hooks AGAIN (I have a pretty big collection of 4mms and they're almost always all occupied at any given time). I also use wooden crochet hooks as hair chopsticks so I’ll often just grab the one sticking out of my hair and use that quickly if I need it, but I really notice when I use a cheap bamboo wooden hook. It doesn’t flow like it does with an ergo
hook. If you’re feeling like crochet is about to become your thing, invest in ergo hooks.
4. Work through both bars of the stitch, not just the front one
When I first started crocheting, I tried to learn from a vintage book. This was a very quaint, cute thing for me to try to do but I should have sought out a video for it. I worked into the front loop of the stitch for AGES before I realized I was getting a ridge on my work. This is one thing I always drum into my newbies - work your stitch under BOTH bars of the previous stitch, not the front or back one unless the pattern tells you to do it!
5. That there's such a thing as a tight and loose crocheter
I just assumed everyone crocheted the same way until I made a scarf that ended up half the size of the one the designer made. I got very grumpy about and thought ‘Why don’t they have a system where you can check if you’re making it right?’ There is a system. It’s called a gauge swatch. I was one of those very naughty crocheters who ignored gauge. You only need to make one teeny tiny scarf before you start caring a lot about gauge swatches.
What things do you wish you were told when you first started crocheting?
Carly Jacobs is crochet fiend from Melbourne, Australia. She runs Crochet Coach, an online crochet school and community - click the image above for more info! Aside from crochet, Carly loves sneezing, Benedict Cumberbatch, and goats.
Jean Jones
I so enjoyed this article. She's made every one of the mistakes I've made when learning to crochet. ha ha You'd think if I can knit I can surly crochet, NOT. With no one to sit with me I find the blogs and YouTube videos have been a real life saver. I've been off and running for about a year and loving every minute. THANK YOU
Tamara Kelly
😀 So glad you enjoyed it Jean!
Gloria P Clayton
I watch as teachers have their pupils make a dish pad, a hat, a anything before they know HOW to crochet. 60 years ago I made miles of chains until each chain was identical, then I made single crochet swatches in the same manner. Then on to swatches of half double crochets, and double crochets. Few people can just pick up a hook and begin to make things. Oh and I was working with a small steel hook and #10 or #20 thread.
That's my take on beginning to crochet!
cd thomas
No school
like the Old School
(it's how I learned, too... yards of chains, using twine, then pot holders)
Howell
My grandmother used to have me do chains and rows... then pull them out to have me fix a mistake. I gave up crocheting as a kid. 😂
Deb
Really enjoyed reading this article. I have made most of these mistakes or should I say learning experience!
Shalini Agarwal
I loved the 5 things that Carly Jacobs talks about
I still make the mistake when I make squares. She has some
good points.
I also enjoy your Tamara.
Shalini
Tamara Kelly
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂 Thank you!
Marie White
I wish I'd been told to put a stitch marker in the turning chain to make it much easier to identify the final stitch in each row.
And how to weave ends properly... that would have prevented my first blanket to unravel!
Tamara Kelly
Oh that's a good one!
FERN
I definitely second the idea of putting a stitch marker in the final stitch of a row. I do it every time crochet! I also recommend learning to make the 1st row into the back bump. It takes practice but the end result is so satisfying. Also, YouTube and Ravelry are great resources!
Kelsey
When beginning after your initial chain I was always confused as to working the next row properly. I had to watch a ton of videos to finally understand how to work the first row after the chain and even then I still have some trouble.
Tamara Kelly
That's a tricky one for sure - everyone has their favorite methods!
Jamie Pierot
I would also add "Blocking makes a difference, especially with pineapples!"
Loyal dinosaur
Thank you! As a newbie, this is helpful.. I've just avoided any pattern where gauge matters. 🙂
Bambie
I started when I was just 5. My grandfather's aunt taught me. She was a very patient elderly lady who doted on me. We would crochet for hours--- making DOILIES! How thrilled I was to find i could crochet with yarn as well as crochet cotton! I think my experience made it easier to crochet with yarn. However, I also learned to knit and cross stitch at a young age so I am blessed.
lianne
The main thing I wished someone has told me was about the difference between English and American terms!
I made all those same mistakes as you but my biggest disasters by far were when I had no idea the pattern I was following said doubles but meant what I knew as trebles.
I really enjoy teaching others to crochet too, my fave moments are when someone is about to give up but then it clicks!
SArah
I really wish that someone had told me the things you did today! 😊 Also, I wish someone had told me not to jump from one skill to another without really learning each stitch as well as I could. I rarely made more than one of anything. You've heard "jack of all trades, master of none"? Stick-to-it-Iveness is a great thing!
LynR
It is important to know there are two different takes on correct stitches. The UK and the American. A treble in a UK pattern is a double crochet in an American pattern. So know where your pattern was designed.
Glenys lam
Thanks so much. I, too, have made these same errors. And each time I start s new project I refresh myself re corrrect methods. It helps. This blog site will be amazingly helpful. Thanks so much!
Canary LeBlanc
I love to crochet It is so very relaxing and am so glad you learned how to crochet too. I am busy making 31 baby caccoons
Barbi easterling
The most important thing of ALL!
Once you get the hang of it, you NEVER, EVER, EVER want to stop!
An incredibly patient aunt taught me when I was 4. I've been addicted ever since - 52 years now.
Lori
I know what you mean, Barbi. I bring my projects to work so I can crochet during my lunch hour. I'm sometimes at my desk working on something yet thinking about how much I want to go out to my car and get going on my project!
Natalie Bosch
Are you able to share the source of the photo above point 1. I am hoping to find the pattern. Thank you.
Tamara Kelly
I'm hoping Carly comes back and tells us! 🙂
Carly Jacobs
It's available in my members hub! You can join here - http://www.crochetcoach.com/patterns/corner-2-corner-baby-blanket/ there's full video on c2c in rectangle and square anda video on how to do the mesh edging.
Tamara Kelly
Thank you Carly! 🙂
Jo
Crocheting is addictive and so is buying yarn 😄
Kaye
I taught myself to crochet using you tube videos about 8 months ago. The more I crochet the better my projects look. I do wish through all the gazillion videos I watched on how to make a magic ring/cinch circle and never getting the hang of it that someone would have said it's nothing but a loose slip stitch. My favorite you tube crochet teacher casually mentioned that and a light bulb clicked. I have mastered it and am excited to work on some beginner anigurumi. Also like some others mentioned, start on small things like dish cloths with repetitive stitches and patterns and work your way up from there. Don't try to jump in and do an afghan or poncho or something. like that. It will make you frustrated. It did me anyway..I am currently working on trying to read and follow written patterns. Any suggestions?
Sherry Park
I learned to read patterns before I could crochet. My husband's grandmother was unable to read the pattern, although she could crochet very well. I would sit beside her, read the instruction(s) one at a time "chain 24" she'd do that, then I'd read "chain 3 and turn", she'd do that, etc. until she could see the pattern in her work, then she could proceed to the next change (if any) to the pattern. I learned by watching her make the stitches, counting, etc.
Sherry
Tracy hobden
I'd say just how addictive it is and that I'd want to do all the patterns at once, collect every single type and colour of yarn available, always looking for yarn in every shop I go in and read Ravelry before bed for the new listings for the day!!! Sad, but true 🙂
sharon
As a long time crocheter, I can relate to all of these. It took 3 teachers to show me before I finally grasped how to crochet and read a pattern. My Mom taught me how to knit when I was a little girl, but she knits English style, so I know what you mean about making that enormous circle motion. I finally gave it up because it always felt so awkward. Crochet is my first love, but I have recently been re-learning how to knit...Continental Style (using YouTube videos). Continental Style knitting is a great way for crocheters to learn how to knit because you hold and tension your yarn in the same hand that you use when you crochet.
Crochet coach
Yes! Continental knitting is on my list of things to learn!
Linda
I really enjoyed this article and got a good laugh. A friend taught me to crochet a toilet paper cover, sc got it ! I moved to another state, I was on my own. I was then teaching myself more from old crochet books..not beginner's but experienced. Years later I figured this out, I had terrible time crocheting a beginner's pattern. I've enjoyed teaching myself along with YouTube.
Rita
The first advice I wish someone had told me... stick to knitting! (haha) Well that someone was my mother who was a beautiful crocheter. and knitter. I decided a few years ago to give crochet another try. I've made lovely blankets and throws. Have trouble understanding patterns. Keep trying and trying, undoing, trying again. There has to be an easier way.
Tamara Kelly
Hi Rita! Have you tried charts? They are much easier than written directions for some!
Tamara Kelly
Hi Rita! Have you tried charts? They are a lot easier for some than written directions!
Charlene
Love the article. I teach crochet at my Library and I keep telling newbies to count their stitches after each row so you have the same number. And yes in that pesky turning chain. It is amazing the new designs they come up with, but I keep them at it until they have it right. Some have given up and don't come anymore and I wonder if I was just a bit naggy at them. Oh well maybe they will do better at knitting. I too am a terrible knitter. Since in the beginning I don't teach them about gauge, they are making a scarf and at this point they don't need to worry. Of course they also want to do the most complicated patterns and I try and show them an easier way to start. Must say it is a lot of fun, one way or another.
Tamara Kelly
Thank you for teaching and keeping crochet going!
Phyllis Anderson
how about the hidden stitch
Mark Daniels
All these things are what I wish too. Had to learn the hard way.
rita arrington
when msking a long chain put a marker every 10 or so vhains... really helps to count avcurately
rita arrington
sorry for misspells
Yvonne Hurlbert
Great article! I, too, learned to crochet as an adult (almost 1 year ago now), and I have done all of those things -- except that I didn't even mess with books, I jut went straight to YouTube.
Dorothy Benoit
My husband's grandmother taught me to crochet when we got married. I was so excited. I bought 2 or 3 skeins of black yarn. Well, that was not enough. So, I bought 2 more. Nope, still not enough for a blanket for a king size bed. That happened 2 or 3 more times. Finally I finished. I worked on it every night a little bit after work. So, when I put it out on the bed, I discovered something very important. Lot numbers. I had 5 shades of black. A mistake I have never forgotten in 44 years.
Tamara Kelly
Ah, I've been there - though I never did finish the blanket! Good for you for sticking with it - in black no less! 😀
dron
When I learned to crochet there was no internet. Only a paperback book I bought in a yarn store. And it was only instruction pictures for right handed people. Being a lefty, I had to reverse everything in my head and plod away at it. I made all of the mistakes mentioned above because the book didn't really go beyond telling how to do the various stitches. But I made several scarves, blankets and throws that looked good to me. Although, in retrospect....they had no borders. Ack!
Then I had a child and was too busy for about the next 12 years. Picked it up after that and YAY for crochet bloggers and youtube.
I wish someone had taught me an ergonomically correct way from the beginning to have good, consistent tension without having extreme muscle tension in my fingers and forearm. I am just recently trying to reprogram my non-hook hand and it's not easy to change, but it's certainly needed. My hook hand has never bothered me.....knock on wood. But charts.......for a lefty......it's not good. So frustrating.
Tamara Kelly
Hi Dron! Thank you for sharing your story! ♥ Charts for lefties can be difficult - have you tried flipping them in image software before working?
dron
I did actually try that recently. Still felt uneasy for some reason. Avoided them for so long maybe?
Laurie
I have been crocheting off and on for a few decades. The biggest thing that would have helped me (which I should have been smart enough to figure out after the first blanket but it just never occurred to me) is to start your beginning chain with a larger hook than the one you're going to make the whole project with. Sometimes I go up one size, but often I go up 2 sizes. Everything lays out so nicely that way, no tight pinchy looking beginning chain.
Tamara Kelly
Great tip! 😀
Lori
I love this idea! I used to try and just chain extra loosely, but then the chains weren't consistent. This is a great tip. Thanks!
Marie Morra
the things I tell all my beginners is that the first and last stitch is always the hardest...and the first row is the hardest....
Tamara Kelly
Too true!