Getting started Crocheting

Learning to crochet was one of those crafting skills on my bucket list. 

So, recently, I took a class at my local JoAnn Fabrics on the basics of Crocheting.  The class was definitely worth the money!  I was the only student with an older lady that had been crocheting for more than 20 years.  I knew how to knit going into it which helped skip most of the beginner steps such as how to make a slip knot and how to hold the yarn.  I was able to learn how to chain, single crochet, double crochet, slip stitch, and read patterns in under 2 hours.  This was well beyond the course agenda!

After leaving the class I was ready to start my first pattern.

First attempt at a pattern

Here are somethings that I learned:

Just like with knitting you start out very tight.  As you work and become comfortable, you will loosen up but try to keep constant throughout your project.  Also the bigger your hook the larger your looks are going to be.  

One of the hardest parts starting out is finding the right stitch to loop into.  To tell you the truth I just winged it and eventually you will be able to see it.  Just remember you are looking for a front stitch and back stitch.  Some patterns will specify the stitch but if it does not include both in your crochet. 

Crochet.About.com is great reference for starting out.  This helps explain some of the different pattern abbreviations.

The best lesson I learned from the teacher was that at the beginning of each round you have to build a ladder for your next stitch.  For example many times the pattern will have you chain 3 prior to working double crochet stitches.  For single crochet, only need one chain to build up your ladder.

 I hope this post inspires you to take a chance at crocheting!  It is lots of fun but beware, time flies when crocheting!  If you have any questions feel free to ask below. 

"Crocheting is just loops built upon loops"-JoAnn's Crochet Teacher

Thank you for reading!

Listening to Iconic Pop-I love it!