Interested in finding something to keep you warm and cozy as the weather turns? Look no further than crocheting! Crocheting is the younger sister of knitting, using one hook instead of two to create clothing, blankets, or other textiles.
Crochet is a cheap hobby to take up, with yarn and hooks often being available at the dollar store. You can also find a huge selection of tutorial videos for free online, so a book or membership subscription is not required.
Like any hobby, it will take time to perfect. That is why we’ve provided you with some basic tips to get you closer to that perfect crochet pattern. Read more below.
Keep Your Edges Straight
A common frustration among crochet newbies is that their finished design tends to curl or get a little wonky, making the piece look less polished. This problem often occurs when you crochet with inconsistent tension, mess up your stitch count or the turning chain, or use the wrong hook size for the yarn.
Understanding Turning Chains
Looping through one strand of yarn to a specific count is called a chain. A turning chain is when you create a series of stitches at the beginning of your next row to bring your yarn to the correct height. This keeps your fabric square, instead of turning inward or creating curls around the edges.
Control Your Tension
If you have too tight or too loose a grip on your yarn, you will notice issues with your final product. This is a bit of a learning process, understanding what the perfect tension is for the yarn you’re using and the product you are making. While it won’t affect things like blankets too much, crocheted outfits won’t fit properly if the tension is messed with.
Count Your Stitches
We promise you need to count stitches; this is the only way you’re going to get a polished, clean look. Until you start getting into the groove of crocheting, it’s probably best to start with minimal distractions. If you’re really worried about dropping or adding a stitch, there are a variety of products that can help keep count for you.
Start Simple
As we said before, it will take time to get good at any new hobby. It’s important not to get overwhelmed or frustrated with yourself. Take your time, go slow, and take each bump in the road as just a part of the process. Soon, you will find that you’re able to create some pretty beautiful things.
Other Tips
- Keep your starting patterns and chains simple to get the hang of the process.
- Use a larger hook to practice controlling your tension. One to two sizes bigger than what’s recommended for your yarn is often a good place to start.
- Use stitch markers to mark the beginnings and ends of your rows.
- Count your stitches more often than you think.
- Work on a foundation chain to get comfortable with the movements of crocheting before starting larger projects.
- Have fun!
