Start Crocheting: A Beginner’s Guide

So, you’ve been eyeing those cozy blankets, cute hats, and quirky amigurumi toys and thought, “Hey, I want to make that!” Well, guess what? You absolutely can. Crocheting is one of those magical crafts that looks intimidating but is actually super fun and totally doable. Whether you’re a total newbie or someone who’s dabbled and wants to get serious, this guide is your new best friend. Ready to dive in? Let’s unravel the yarn and get started!

What Is Crochet? A Quick Intro to Start Crocheting for Beginners

Before you grab your hooks and yarn, let’s chat about what crochet actually is. At its core, crochet is a craft where you use a hooked needle to pull loops of yarn through other loops, creating fabric. Sounds simple, right? That’s because it is! Unlike knitting, which uses two needles, crochet uses just one hook. This makes managing it a bit easier, especially when you’re just starting out.

You can make all sorts of things with crochet - from scarves and blankets to toys and clothing. The best part? You don’t need a ton of fancy equipment. Just a hook, some yarn, and a bit of patience. Oh, and maybe a cup of tea or coffee keeps you company.

If you’re wondering where to start, I highly recommend checking out resources where you can learn to crochet. Trust me, having a good guide makes all the difference.

Colourful yarn skeins ready for crocheting

Getting Started: Essential Tools and First Stitches

Now, let’s talk gear. What do you actually need to start crocheting? Here’s the bare minimum:

Crochet hooks: These come in different sizes, usually measured in millimetres but in the United States are represented by letters. A medium size, like 5mm / H/8 or 5.5mm / I/9, is perfect for beginners.

• Yarn: Start with a smooth, medium-weight yarn (often labelled worsted weight). Avoid super fuzzy or thin yarns at first—they can be tricky. I recommend Red Heart Super Saver, Bernat Super Value or Caron One Pound as starting yarns to consider. Get a solid colour to make it easier to identify the stitches.

• Scissors: For cutting your yarn.

• Tapestry needle: This is a big needle with a blunt end used for weaving in ends.

  
  

Once you have your tools, it’s time to learn the basic stitches. The foundation stitch is the chain stitch. It’s like the building block of crochet. From there, you’ll move on to the single crochet, double crochet, and maybe even the slip stitch. These stitches combine to create all sorts of patterns.

Here’s a quick tip: practice your tension. That’s how tight or loose your stitches are. Too tight, and your work will be stiff; too loose, and it’ll be floppy. Find a comfy middle ground.

Starting a crochet project with basic stitches

Is Crochet Dying Out?

You might be wondering, “Is crochet dying out? Is it still a thing?” Absolutely not! In fact, crochet is having a bit of a renaissance. Thanks to social media, DIY culture, and a growing interest in handmade goods, crochet is more popular than ever.

People are rediscovering the joy of making something with their own hands. Plus, crochet is incredibly versatile. You can create heirloom-quality pieces or quick, fun projects. It’s also a fantastic way to relax and unwind—like meditation with yarn.

And let’s not forget the community. Online groups, local clubs, and workshops are popping up everywhere. Whether you want to share your latest creation or get help with a tricky stitch, there’s a whole world of fellow crocheters ready to cheer you on.

Online Communities

Mikey and his team control The Crochet Crowd, which has a presence in five major online spaces and multimillion followers on all platforms.

• The Crochet Crowd YouTube (Tutorials and community.)

• Passport & Journey Level Memberships (Journey Level has advanced access to Mikey's patterns, videos and behind-the-scenes information.)

• Personal Mikey's Facebook (Light-hearted with a glimpse behind the scenes.)

• The Crochet Crowd Facebook Page

• The Crochet Crowd Makers Hang Out (Facebook Group)

• Pinterest

• Instagram (Mix of personal and professional.)

• Ravelry (Mikey and Crochet Crowd owned patterns.)

Tips and Tricks to Keep You Hooked

Starting something new can be overwhelming, but don’t worry—I’ve got your back. Here are some handy tips to keep your crochet journey smooth and enjoyable:

1. Start small: Don’t jump into a giant blanket right away. To get the hang of it, try a simple scarf or a dishcloth.

2. Watch videos: Sometimes seeing the stitch in action is way easier than reading about it. Check out our YouTube Channel.

3. Use stitch markers. These little guys help you keep track of your place, especially in bigger projects. You can buy them, but you can also make your own. Let me show you how to create stitch markers.

4. Don’t stress about mistakes: Everyone messes up. The good news? You can always unravel your work and try again.

5. Experiment with yarn: Different textures and colours can make your projects pop.

6. Join a community: Whether online or in person, sharing your progress and asking questions makes a huge difference.

   
   

Remember, crochet is supposed to be fun. If you’re not enjoying it, take a break or try a different project.

Where to Go From Here? Keep the Yarn Spinning!

So, you’ve got your hook, yarn, and a few stitches under your belt. What’s next? The world of crochet is vast and full of possibilities. You can explore patterns for hats, blankets, toys, or even home decor. The key is to challenge yourself just enough to stay interested but not so much that you get frustrated.

If you want to dive deeper, consider signing up for online classes or workshops. There are tons of fantastic tutorials out there, and some even offer personalized feedback. And hey, if you want a solid place to start, I can’t recommend it enough to learn to crochet with Mikey Stitch Studio. They’ve got patterns, lessons, and a welcoming community that makes learning a breeze.

Crochet is more than just a hobby—it’s a way to express creativity, relax your mind, and maybe even make gifts that will wow your friends and family. So, grab that hook, pick your favourite yarn, and let’s get stitching!

Happy Hook'n Friends, and remember to join one or more of our communities to keep the fun going.