crocheting is a versatile craft that is used to make all kinds of things from just a hook and yarn. yarn doesnt have to mean wool or fabric at all, people are constantly experimenting with materials and creating truly remarkable things!
crocheting is a great craft for beginners: low barrier to entry, huge community and resource library, and you can pick a project that takes as little or as much time as you wish.
history
As is common with ancient crafts, the origin of crochet is uncertain and linked to multiple cultures and ultimately spread through the world by trade and migration. There are a few commonly referenced origin theories: China, where early dolls were found made entirely of crochet, or Arabia, where it then spread to Tibet and then Spain via trade, originating in Persia, where it is speculated that the art form evolved from tambour embroidery which is believed to be an evolution of Chinese needlework. Chinese needlework employs a hook-like tool, and Persian tambour utilizes a single hook to create a chain stitch, the basic stitch in crochet.
While likely not the origin of crochet as we know it, I would be remiss to talk the history of crochet without delving into the impact of the craft on South America. As Christian missionaries infiltrated the Americas, they brought the technique of crochet with them. In the land of the Wayúu people, the Guajira Peninsula, a region straddling modern day Colombia and Venezuela, the art form has grown into a integral and important part of the tribe’s culture. According to legend, the spider, Wale' Kerü, taught Wayúu women to weave, a tradition passed down generation to generation during girls’ puberty as an integral piece of their education. One of the most recognizable crochet styles in the world comes from this tribe, the bright, block coloring that is now their signature look. This was not always the case, but designs have become brighter as materials move from the traditional cotton to Miratex, favored for its bright and long-lasting hues. The crocheted handiwork of the Wayuu tribe serves as the main source of income for this community and is one of the largest handicraft exports of present-day Colombia. For more details on the Wayuu people and their deep connection to the crochet arts, please visit this page.
here are some cool things people have crocheted:
let's get started
supplies
crochet, thankfully, has a short list of necessary supplies: hook, yarn, scissors. there are some additional materials for special projects and some that make life easier. but hook yarn and scissors will get you 98% of the way there.
patterns will tell you what size hook to use and specify yard type but the basic supplies needed to practice are:
hook: getting an assorted set will set you up for success. hooks have a few different size scales, the most common sizze being: 6-8 mm size (US J-L) (UK 4-0). the material of the hook is not important, but if you experience discomfort when crocheting, please review the accessibility section of this page for some recommendations.
yarn: starting with a light color yarn will make it easier to count stitches and see what the yarn is doing while you learn. fluffy yarns also obscure visibility so keep it simple! yarn size 4-5 is great for practice! www.yarnstandards.com
scissors: pretty much any pair will do. fabric scissors or snips are the "best" but any that cut through yarn will do everything you need them to.
extras!
stuffing: if you are working on an amiguri project, you will need stuffing to fill the creation. some sustainable options include, yarn scraps, pillows you dont need anymore, or fabric pieces.
pin board: this will help you get your project (especially granny squares) to maintain their shape, making connecting pieces easier and neater.
stitch markers: think of these as the post it note of crochet. you can use these to remind yourself the color pattern of the rows or to count or to show how two pieces connect.
yarn needle: you can always use your fingers if needed, buy a yarn needle will make joining pieces easier and faster. these needles are not as sharp as a sewing needle, the rounded end will let you stitch loops together without going through the yarn.
sustainable and cost effective options!
ask a crocheting friend, check out the thrift store, browse Facebook Marketplace, see if you have a local craft resale store. Consider using unconventional materials for your yarn: cut an old t-shirt into yarn, deconstruct an old sweater to use the yarn, use a plastic to make a strand. crocheting can be low cost and using uncommon 'yarn' can help you get even more creative.
if you learn to love crochet, or already do, but aren't sure what to do with the finished projects and are worried about overrunning your home , fear not! many NICUs, nursing homes, or shelters for those experiencing homelessness willa accept blanket donations. make sure to confirm with those in your area. if you find one that accepts creations and you would like to share, please submit here.
fear not,
crafting is supposed to be fun,
not perfect
here was my first attempt at learning to crochet... i ended up dropping stitches over and over so i resigned myself to a garland of triangles
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accessibility
How you craft matters. If you want to put some serious time into a project or just want to be more comfortable in the process, the environment, tools and modifications you make can make all the difference.
- well lit crafting space will reduce eye fatigue
- elevating your workspace, keeping your elbows up, and avoiding working in your lap for long stretches will reduce back pain and help with crafting endurance
- when wrist pain inevitably happens, take a break, enjoy your progress, daydream about your next row, or pretend crocheting doesn't exist... whatever helps you take a break
- you can adjust the way you hold the hook, either like a pen or a knife (or a secret third way that only makes sense to you). be mindful of your grip strength, and aim for stable but not tense.
- customize your experience!
- the shape, length, and handle of the hook are all factors that can be customized to your liking or comfort.
- if grip strength or stability is a concern, adding a grip you your hook can be make a big difference. Think: pencil grips, tattoo gun grip wrap, play-doh, air dry clay, or if you are feeling particularly meta, you can crochet a wrap for your hook.
- consider using a tool for holding the yarn. the same tool has a few names: yarn ring, crochet ring, tension ring. these can help reduce fatigue and frustration.
Above all else, crocheting is meant to be enjoyed. Mild to moderate crafting rage is expected but overall, try and enjoy the process and you'll be hooked (sorry, I fought the pun urge but lost)
common mistakes
making mistakes is an unavoidable part of crafting, even artist who have crocheted for decades will drop stitches, need to take out a few (or a alot) of rows, run out of yarn, etc. here are some common pitfalls to watch out for!
- read your pattern all the way through to make sure you have all the right materials, the correct hook sizes, or just to get your bearings.
- keep track of your yarn tail. early on in a project, or when you add a new yarn strand into the mix, its easy to confuse the two and crochet with the piece you meant to leave out and trim later or hide by weaving into the project.
- not buying enough yarn.. this one is two fold. first, its annoying to have to stop mid project, go to the craft store, and interrupt your moment and send your project into crafting limbo where its up to the crafting gods if the urge to finish still exists by the time the yarn arrives. second, even the same color by the same brand in the same size can have slight color variations. packaging will include something called the dye lot number. those with the same dye lot were dyed at the same time in the same dye, making their color a match. yarn dyed later in a different dye will be pretty close but can fluctuate slightly. the importance of this difference is up to you to decide but this slip up has ruined its fair amount
of projects.
- the biggest factor in most crochet mistakes is tension. the most important factor is trying to maintain consistent tension, while too much or too little can cause issues, as long as tension is relatively consistent, the final product shouldnt look toooo crazy.when deciphering the right level of tension, use the following signs:
- too much tension: if you can't fit your hook where it needs to go to add the next stitch or need to force the hook through for the next loop.
- not enough tension: gaping holes, missing stitches
you're ready to try a project!
Here are some great channels for beginners to follow along!
lilthings - super cute and simple projects to get you to a finished project quickly to keep your craft momentum! check out her flower headphone accessory to get some crafty whimsy in your life.
DivineCrochets - they put out new tutorials every week and help you master your craft! projects include suuuuper cute amiguri characters and animals
Bella Coco - provides written instructions in the descriptions. projects include baby blankets, beanies, tote bags