Know Your Crochet...In the beginning...

Rebekah Bowen
Jan 17, 2023
3 min read

In need of a good DYI project or want to brush up on you crochet knowledge, well my dears, you have come to the right place.

Interested in crocheting? Want to know where to start?

Last year, I wrote blogs covering the three basic crochet stitches (single, half, double), selecting the right yarn, the best types of hooks to use, and beginning circular projects. I decided to organize these topics, along with a few additional ones, in a chronological order for those interested in starting to crochet.

Crochet boasts a rich history that began in Ireland and various European nations before reaching the United States. It serves both beautiful and practical purposes and is an excellent hobby for keeping your hands busy or crafting wonderful gifts or for your own enjoyment. Let's get started!

No. 1, pick your project

You might have expected me to mention materials. However, I believe the most important step is choosing your project. Once you select a pattern, it will outline the materials required (which we will discuss in a future post). Understanding where to find patterns and identifying their skill level is an excellent starting point.

Where to look

With today's technology, the possibilities for finding patterns are endless! However, if you're someone who prefers the traditional book format, you can visit any craft store like Michaels or Hobby Lobby, which are popular options near me, or head to a superstore like Walmart or Target that has a craft section. You can find an array of different craft books including crochet like the one featured in the pic on the right----->

If you are not able to get to a physical store, or just don't want to, you can shop online.

<----------Take a look at this pic and you'll see in the search bar you can type "where to buy crochet books online" (or something along those lines) and you'll get a list of places that offer books online. I would stick to sites you are familiar with or a recommended site from someone you trust. The 3 big sites listed in this picture are Amazon, Barnes N Noble, and Ebay. You can also find good books from sellers on Etsy.

If you're ok not having a book, because, well, it's faster and easier to download a pattern, I love searching on Pinterest or Etsy. You can lose a whole day looking on Pinterest though, so beware!

ONE MORE THING... when purchasing a book, ensure you thoroughly examine it to determine if the projects align with your style and match your current skill level. Sometimes, the cover may appear appealing and exciting, but upon closer inspection, I often find that only 1 or 2 patterns out of the 125 pages interest me, which unfortunately wouldn't justify the purchase.

I LIED, ONE MORE THING...

A hidden gem you might not be aware of is the back of your

yarn labels. When you purchase a skein, it includes an information label wrapped around it, and occasionally, the back offers a free pattern or a web address where you can find free patterns. It's like getting two for the price of one!

What is my skill level?

Examine the skill level chart below to determine where your abilities might align. Most projects will indicate the level or include a visual representation of the difficulty or ease involved.