Crochet is a wonderful hobby enjoyed by millions of crafting enthusiasts from a wide range of demographics. If you’re just starting out on your journey with crocheting, though, it’s understandable that you’ll want to do it in the best possible way.
Everyone has their unique relationship with crochet and creative tasks. Nevertheless, several common steps can be taken to help you get started in style. Here are 10 of the best that will live you the foundation for many years of happy crocheting activities.
#1. Create A Suitable Space For Crochet
One of the many great things about crochet is that you can technically complete tasks from any setting at any time. So, you could continue your assignment from the sofa, the bed, or even when commuting to work. Ultimately, though, it pays to have a dedicated space for the majority of your crochet and cross-stitching activities.
It could mean creating a dedicated crochet room. Alternatively, you may wish to focus on turning a part of the home office or conservatory into your crochet space. Either way, it will provide;
- An opportunity for you to keep unfinished projects out overnight.
- Ensure that the area is aesthetically pleasing and functional, perhaps with the addition of music.
- Create a physical barrier that helps you get into the right headspace for crochet.
#2. Invest In The Right Equipment
Crochet is a hobby that only requires a small amount of equipment, and the majority of the items are very affordable. Nevertheless, it’s vital that you buy the right products as this will provide a stronger foundation for all future projects. Check out Crochet Hook Sizes: A Helpful Guide And Chart For Beginners to make smart choices. Otherwise, each yarn over and pull through suffers.
Hooks and needles are the key items as they are needed for every chain and single, double, or triple crochet. Scissors and other accessories matter too, though, because they;
- Enable you to achieve better results.
- Allow you to work at faster speeds.
- Help you act with confidence, even as a beginner.
#3. Find Quality Materials
While hooks, needles, and accessories are vital, you must not overlook the yarns. Read this guide on 7 Types Of Yarn For Crochet You Should Know to learn more. Once you have familiarized yourself with the varieties, it should be far easier to make the right choice for your upcoming project. In turn, this gives you the best shot at achieving the desired outcomes.
When buying yarns, choosing a reputable retailer or manufacturer is crucial, not least if you want organic materials. Consider the following factors too, and you will make winning choices;
- The weight of the yarn, which determines its thickness.
- Colors and how they will fit into the overall design of your project.
- What animals were used to ‘grow’ the yarn or plants used to ‘harvest’ yarn.
#4. Keep Crochet Items Nicely Stored
Even as a newbie, you will quickly discover that your crochet supplies kit includes a large volume of items. Moreover, many of the products are small, which means they can be easily lost if you don’t take care. A cupboard or storage container for crochet items is an essential investment. Not least because your kit will grow in size as you fall deeper into the hobby.
Crochet storage bags and containers don’t only keep things organized and prevent potential losses. Other benefits that will vindicate the purchase include but are not limited to;
- Save time by not having to look for items.
- Prevent needles from breaking.
- Stop yarn from accumulating dirt or debris.
#5. Develop Winning Habits
As your journey with crochet develops, some aspects will inevitably evolve. Nonetheless, embracing good habits from day one is essential. For starters, you should turn skeins into balls before you start crocheting. See How To Hand Wind Yarn: Winding A Skein Into A Ball for more info. It is a simple step that can make a huge difference to your overall outcomes.
A host of additional winning habits will set you up for more enjoyable crochet activities. As a beginner, the ideas that you should focus on are as follows;
- Remove obstacles like long hair or jewelry.
- Be comfortable with switching hooks, using larger hooks if the yarn is too tight.
- Unravel when you notice a mistake as leaving it will create worse issues later on.
#6. Select Suitable First-Time Crochet Projects
When starting out with crochet, it’s vital that you avoid the threat of overwhelming yourself. With this in mind, finding suitable projects for beginners is vital. This Fox Head Design is a great option as it delivers an impressive result without overly complicated tasks. Moreover, achieving symmetry between the two sides of the face is relatively simple.
Likewise, it is a project that only requires a small selection of yarns and a little time. Whether you choose this project or another, be sure to ask the following questions;
- Is it something I actually want to make?
- Does my current crochet kit include the necessary materials and equipment?
- Is the guide easy to follow?
#7. Learn Key Crochet Stitches
New crochet enthusiasts should want to learn the skills needed for ongoing development. However, stitch types are the heartbeat of all activities. Therefore, reading this guide to 50+ Types of Crochet Stitches is essential. Right now, single, double, triple, and slip stitch are the main ones. Still, you will begin to use some of the others before long.
When learning key crochet stitches, it’s not just about the theory. Practice is essential if you want to become a better crocheter. Here’s why;
- You will get better at finding the right level of tightness.
- It is a chance to work out how different stitches work together in an overall pattern.
- You’ll grow in confidence, which leads you to further growth.
#8. Set Your Sights On A Long-Term Goal
For novices, beginner-friendly projects are essential. Still, you have clearly decided to start your crochet journey because you want to make certain products. While you might not have your sights on the biggest crochet blanket ever, you may be wanting to make things for the home, workplace, or loved ones. Thinking about these right away is highly advised.
Aside from providing motivation, it may help guide you when selecting other projects. The right choices will help you progress toward your end goal. This may open the door to;
- Crocheting gifts for loved ones.
- Selling crochet designs online.
- Transforming your home’s interior design.
#9. Join The Crochet Community
Crochet is a brilliant hobby as it is the perfect way to kill boredom when you are alone. However, that doesn’t mean you have to feel lonely. There are plenty of online communities and forums to help you connect with other enthusiasts. Likewise, you may be able to find local events that attract crochet fans and other crafters. Use them to enhance your activities.
Whether it’s an online or offline community, you will notice a wide range of rewards. The most noteworthy that will actively enhance your experiences of crochet are;
- You’ll pick up tips on where to buy items and improve your craft.
- There are social elements that will boost your happiness.
- You’ll gain the opportunity to gain feedback and advice on your projects.
#10. Enjoy It
Finally, crochet is a hobby. So, stop placing pressure on yourself. Mistakes are a part of the learning curve while the finished products are simply a bonus if you’ve enjoyed the activity. Focus on the journey as well as the destination and you won’t go far wrong.
