One of the best things about crochet is that you can begin to make amazing projects when you know just a few basic stitches, and yet there is always something new to learn in this craft. As you gain skills, you realize that there are some tips and tricks that make it a lot easier and more enjoyable.
These 10 crochet tips can improve your crafting experience.
1. Start round projects with a magic circle.
There are several different ways to begin a crochet project that is worked in the round. The magic circle eliminates a hole in the center of your work. Andrea Sanchez’s blog post on “Demystifying the Magic Ring in Crochet” can teach you this important technique.
2. Begin any project with a foundation crochet chain.
Photo via Bluprint blogger Kathryn Vercillo
Foundation crochet chains eliminate the step of creating a single chain before beginning a project. This saves you time and makes the tension of the work more consistent. You can learn all that there is to know about this method of beginning projects from Marty Miller’s Bluprint class Mastering Foundation Crochet Stitches.
3. Learn different ways to join yarn.
There are many different ways to join yarn when changing colors or adding a new skein to your work. Different methods are suitable to different types of projects so it’s best to learn multiple methods of joining yarn. One method is splicing, which you can learn from Bluprint knitting instructor Ragga Eiríksdóttir’s free video tutorial. Other options including joining with a slip stitch, joining with a knot, the Russian join, the felted join and the spit splice.
How to Finish Your Crochet With Confidence
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4. Start rounds or rows with standing stitches.
The standing stitch, the most common of which is the standing double crochet stitch, is an alternative to starting a row with a slip stitch and chain. It can give you a more streamlined, perfected finished project.
5. Add join-as-you-go to your set of motif skills.
Photo via Bluprint instructor Edie Eckman
Don’t leave the joining until the end when you make projects with granny squares, hexagons and other motifs. Learn to join-as-you-go instead! That way you won’t have a million ends to weave in all at once and you’ll really see the progress of the piece as you craft it. Edie Eckman’s Bluprint class Joining Crochet Motifs offers four different methods of join-as-you-go crochet.
6. Take the time to learn how to read all pattern types.
Diagram via Crochet Nirvana
There are many different types of crochet patterns. There are written patterns. There are diagrams and symbol charts. There are graphs for niches of crochet including filet crochet. It is worth it to take the time to learn each of these different techniques because then you will be able to work any pattern that you come across. The aforementioned class by Edie Eckman has a lesson on reading a written pattern as well as one on problem-solving in patterns that provides many tips for working with patterns of all skill levels. You can learn all that you need to know about reading crochet pattern diagrams from Charles Voth’s Bluprint class See It, Crochet It: Reading Diagrams. You can learn the basics of reading diagrams from Robin Brzozowski’s post “Understanding Crochet Diagrams: The Key to Breaking the Code“.
7. Get in the habit of troubleshooting your mistakes.
What do you do when you realize that you’ve made an error in a crochet project? A few people give up. Many more frog the piece and start over from the beginning. However, if you learn to troubleshoot to find your errors then you’ll be able to fix errors more quickly and reduce problems in the future.
8. Perfect the art of blocking.
Image via Bluprint blogger Ashley Little
Blocking your items can take them from mediocre to magical. Different types of yarn get blocked differently. You can learn specifically about wet blocking from Ashley Little’s blog post “Wet Blocking Crochet to Show Those Stitches Who’s Boss“.
9. Protect yourself from hand injuries.
There are many great exercises for crocheters that you can use to avoid hand pain and arm injuries. Doing these exercises regularly is an important habit to get into. Here are some exercises for your fingers, thumb and wrists.
10. Awaken to the therapeutic benefits of crochet.
Many people see crochet as “just a craft”, a hobby that they really enjoy but not a key part of their wellness plan. Those of us who crochet as therapy realize that daily or regular crafting sessions can be a strategic part of mental and physical health. Learn to crochet mindfully to reap the health benefits of crafting.
What is the most useful crochet hack that you use?
How to Finish Your Crochet With Confidence
Conquer essential skills for confident crochet finishing with this go-to guide from three trusted experts.
Thank you for any beginner help . also have a daughter that is left handed