How to Start Crocheting: Where to Begin When Your an Absolute Beginner
Have you always wanted to learn to crochet? Are you looking for a new hobby for the new year? This post is the ultimate beginner's guide to get you started as quickly as possible. Crocheting is an easy and cost-effective hobby. It's relaxing, and in the end, you end up with some pretty fantastic items to wear, use in your home or give as gifts to others. You'll be amazed at what you can make by simply learning the basics and trying new things.
What do I need?
We should begin by getting the right tools. To start, you'll at least need yarn and hooks. So let's dive in a little bit and explore your options.
Crochet Hooks:
Crochet hooks come in a range of sizes, materials, and shapes. Let's explore some options below:
Bamboo Hooks: Wooden crochet hooks can be more expensive than metal or plastic hooks. Alternatively, bamboo crochet hooks are less costly than conventional wooden crochet hooks. These crochet hooks are both smooth and lightweight yet have enough texture to prevent the yarn from slipping off your hook too easily, which is ideal for those just starting to crochet. Get yours here.
Metal Hooks: Metal crochet hooks are the smoothest crochet hooks you can buy. The yarn easily glides on and off the hook making for quick crocheting. Snag a metal crochet hook set here.
Plastic Hooks: The most inexpensive crochet hooks, plastic crochet hooks are great for those just starting to crochet. These lightweight crochet hooks are excellent for working on large projects in bulky yarns. They are the most lightweight crochet hook and have a slight texture, so they are not as smooth as metal crochet hooks. You can find a great set of plastic hooks here.
Ergonomic: While crocheting can be a therapeutic hobby, there is no denying that the same repetitive movements can also introduce hand fatigue. If you experience hand fatigue or have chronic pain and are prone to repetitive strain injuries, an ergonomic crochet hook might help alleviate any discomfort or pain you are experiencing. Grab my favorite set here.
Yarn
Yarn comes in many different weights: ranging from super-fine baby weight to bulky weight. Crochet patterns will recommend specific yarn weights.
You will want to start with yarns that are easy to work with, like acrylic, wool, or cotton yarn that is a worsted weight. Leave the fancy and fuzzy yarns for later. Also, leave the dark yarns for later as well, as it can be challenging to see the stitches you are working in with dark-colored yarn.
What would I recommend for absolute beginners?
I recommend using an ergonomic hook in a medium size like G (4.25 mm) or H (5.00 mm) for beginners. Check the back of the yarn label if you aren't sure what the right size crochet hook is for your yarn. Most yarn labels will suggest an appropriate hook size for your specific yarn. I recommend beginning with a medium weight (number four) acrylic, wool, or cotton yarn for beginners.
If you want to grab a few more items, you could also pick up:
· yarn needle, or a pack of blunt-tipped tapestry needles.
While you could certainly buy each of these items separately, there are also many excellent crochet starter kits out there to choose from. Check out some of my favorite ones below.
Starter kits:
Now that you have gathered all of your gear, you need to find inspiring crochet patterns. Below are some of the best places to search for crochet patterns.
In our next post, you will learn beginning techniques like how to hold your hook and how to do a chain stitch.
Happy Hooking!
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