I don’t know about you, but every autumn season I get the itch to start something new! I don’t know what it is, but every year I feel in the mood to get crafty or start some kind of project that I can do at home. In case any of you feel the same, we thought it would be fun to do something together. So, we’ve worked with Holly Neufeld to create a series of posts designed to teach you to crochet! I have been looking forward to this series for a few months now as I am in NEED of brushing up on some long-forgotten skills. So without further a do, take it away, Holly:
Crocheting is one of my most beloved hobbies. I think one of the biggest reasons I love it so much is the simplicity of it. You only need a hook and yarn to create something. And it’s so easy to bring your projects with you wherever you go.
I was very fortunate to have my husband’s mom teach me how to crochet. She took a bit of time one summer afternoon six years ago to show me the basics, and I’ve been “hooked” ever since. I started off making scarves and dish cloths, but it didn’t take very long before I was trying amigurumi animals and making hats and cowls. I enjoyed crocheting so much that I was looking for excuses to buy yarn and make things. I ended up opening an Etsy shop in 2007 to sell the things I created.
My wish for you, is that this series will be a simple way for you to grasp the hobby and be well on your way to creating crocheted gifts and lovely things for you, your friends, family, and your home. I hope it ignites a passion for yarn crafts like it has for me.
To begin, you will need yarn, a hook, and scissors. Other things that will come in handy are a measuring tape and a tapestry/darning needle.
If there is a specific project you have in mind, your pattern will suggest a yarn weight that is best suited. There are many different weights of yarn, such as:
0: Lace (or fingering)
1: Superfine (or sock)
2: Fine (or sport)
3: Light (or DK, light worsted)
4: Medium (or worsted, afghan, aran)
5: Bulky (or chunky)
6: Super Bulky
Your yarn label will have a little symbol with a number on it.
The size of hook that you need is determined by the yarn you are using. Your yarn label will also have the suggested hook size printed on it. Either in metric range or letter size.
0: Lace, 1.6 – 1.4mm (steel hook)
1: Superfine, 2.25 – 3.5mm
2: Fine, 3.5 – 4.5mm
3: Light, 4.5 – 5.5mm
4: Medium, 5.5 – 6.5mm
5: Bulky, 6.5 – 9mm
6: Super Bulky, 9mm +
Your pattern will have a gauge that explains how many stitches (st) should be in a certain length, for example, 4 inches. Use your measuring tape to crochet 4 inches of single crochet (sc) stitches to make sure the gauge is correct.
To start, choose a medium or bulky weight yarn and the appropriate hook. With the hook in your right hand, hold it with the hooked end pointing upwards between your thumb and middle finger. Your index finger will be a guide for the yarn, and the handle end of the hook will rest on the outer edge of your hand, with your ring and pinky fingers lightly keeping it in place.
Flip if you are left handed.
Now let’s talk about reading a pattern. Crochet patterns are written using abbreviations, which makes them easier to read. Yarn industry designers and publishers use the same abbreviations in most patterns. Sometimes a pattern will have a unique abbreviation and usually explains what it means at the beginning of the pattern. These are a few of the most commonly used abbreviations:
ch, chs – chain, chains
dc – double crochet
dc2tog – double crochet two stitches together
dec – decrease
hdc – half double crochet
inc – increase
rep – repeat
rnd, rnds – round, rounds
sc – single crochet
sc2tog – single crochet two stitches together
sl st – slip stitch
st, sts – stitch, stitches
tog – together
tr – treble crochet
yo – yarn over
beg – beginning
ch sp – chain space
A chain space is, for example, when you ch1 and then skip a stitch before making another ch1 in the next stitch. This creates a little opening which is called the “chain space”. So when the pattern reads: 4dc in ch sp, you’ll stitch those 4 double crochet stitches in the little opening that was created the previous row. A Granny Square pattern is a pattern that you will work in chain spaces.
Brackets [ ] and parentheses ( ), indicate that you work the instructions within them as many times as directed, often in the same stitch. For example, when the pattern reads (sc, 2dc), it means to do those stitches in the same stitch.
* or * * indicates to repeat the instructions after or between asterisks as many times as directed. For example, the pattern might read: “Row 2: Dc in next 5 sts; *ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st; rep from * to end of row.”
Understanding abbreviations, how to read patterns, needle sizes, and different yarn weights will be less overwhelming. This series will teach you basic stitches, and equip you with everything you need to know to start crocheting. So look forward to some fun patterns and how-to videos! -Holly
Credits // Author: Holly Neufeld, Photography: Sarah Rhodes. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.
When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
Hi Clive! Could you email us at support AT abeautifulmess DOT com with some more info? It looks like the last comment on this post was submitted in 2014.
I just started a new crochet pattern-Red Heart #LW2397″Baby Cocoon & Hat”.
I don’t understand the follow instructions: Place marker in center sc of the last 3 sc,” working on opposite side of ch,” sc in next 6 ch, 2 ac in last ch.
The :Working on opposite side of ch, is what has me confussed?
Please help me
Leslie
what’s your etsy store name? i’d love to check out your creations!!…..
That pattern for the floor pouf is coming up in this series! Stay tuned! -Holly
Thank you! My natural hair colour is a level 5, and yes I did pre-lighten it before colouring it with Joico KPAK Color Intesity – Violet. I prelightened with bleach to a level 8/9. -Holly
Super excited about this. I’ve been knitting for about 3 years now and I’ve always wanted to learn to crochet, hopefully I’ll be able to pick it up!
Omg how cool. I am on holidays and took some hooks and yarn to do while the kids were in bed. Istill class my self as a learner and everything I know is from you tube and I recently used a pattern to make a minion. I am annoying all my friends with my crotchet frenzy but I can’t help it. Am following this series closely. Thank you
I have always wanted to to start crocheting but never knew where to start! I am so excited for this series!
Kiah
Im new to crocheting and love making my own little photography props 🙂
Nilla Forever
As a devoted knitter, I love any yarn-related things, and crochet is my latest interest – it works up so fast and looks great in bright colours!
I’m looking forward to what you share about it 🙂
Yes! Yes! Yes! I’m so happy you are doing this series. I’ve been wanting to re-learn what I’ve forgotten and I already have a pattern I’ve been eyeing but too rusty to even attempt 🙂 !
Wow. Rae took the words out of my mouth. I’m so happy to learn the basics from scratch because there are giant gaping spaces in my knowledge about crochet. Thank you!
Just today, I was thinking I wanted to learn to read a crochet pattern and refresh my crocheting skills! (It’s been about ten years since I last crocheted!) PERFECT timing on this post, for me. Thank you!
I love that you are starting with the basics! I need a refresher as it has been years. I am wondering if you could include into this series a tutorial on making those awesome round crocheted cushions that are in the photos with you?
Thank you! The yarn shops sound amazing! I love to look at fabric. I am just learning to sew but always loved to look at the different patterns and colors. I will have to check out Elann.com. Thank you again! Have a lovely day!
Anna Neumann from The Whistling Willow
I crochet all the freaking time!!! Love, love, love it! Even though I’ve been crocheting for years (my story is pretty much just like Holly’s, but I taught myself through a book and youtube lol) I still say I’m a beginner and I’m excited to see what you guys can teach me!
Oh seriously, your team has to be the most talented I’ve ever seen. Gutted I haven’t discovered this blog earlier.
Crochet , grandma, you were right!
holly, what is your etsy shop? i’d love to see things you’ve learned to create in the past 6 years. it might give me some inspiration!
I love Elsie’s hair! This is what mine looks like now: https://www.flickr.com/photos/manusarubbi/14106242927/
I went for purple tips, you were a bit braver! Haha love it!
(Also, hi from Brazil!)
Thanks so much for doing this series!! I’ve been wanting to learn crochet for so long! You guys are the best!