Crochet is a process of creating fabric to make shapes or clothing from yarn or thread. Crocheting is similar to knitting as it consists of pulling loops of yarn through other loops. It differs from knitting in that only one loop is active at one time, and that a crochet hook is used instead of two needles. If you’ve just decided that you’d like to learn to crochet, you probably have a lot of questions. What kinds of materials do you need; how do you start to crochet; what kinds of things can you create, etc. Luckily, this article can answer all those questions and teach you the most basic way to crochet.
First, you need to gather up your materials. You will need: a crochet hook, some simple yarn and a good attitude (you’ll need a pattern later, but not until you’ve gotten the hang of it). Since you might not be sure what kind of hook or yarn to buy, here are some suggestions.
If you’ve been to the store yet, you’ll know that crochet hooks come in many types and sizes. Steel crochet hooks range from 3.5 to 0.75 millimeters in the size of the hook, or from 00 to 14 in American sizing. These hooks are used for fine crochet work. Aluminum or plastic crochet hooks are available from 2.5 to 19 millimeters in hook size, or from B to S in American sizing. Some of the more popular crochet hooks are made by Boye and Susan Bates. There are many artisan-made hooks, too, most hand-turned of wood, sometimes decorated with semi-precious stones or beads. These crochet hooks will all vary in prices, ranging from only a few dollars for aluminum or plastic hooks, to over twenty-five. Since you’re just starting out, it’s probably best to get a fairly cheap aluminum or plastic hook.
Next, you need to find some yarn. There are five classifications of crochet yarn. They are: super fine (sock, baby and fingering yarn); fine (baby and sport yarn); light (light worsted and DK yarn); medium (worsted, afghan and Aran yarn); bulky (chunky, craft and rug yarn); or super bulky (roving and bulky yarn). Each type has its own weight or thickness with roving and bulky yarn being the heaviest. These types of yarn will also vary in prices, from only a few dollars a skein, to well over fifteen and even more. Luckily, you can often find great sales on yarn that will bring the cost significantly lower. Since you’re just starting out, you will want to start with a simple yarn like light or medium that isn’t too fine and isn’t too heavy.
Now that you’ve got your basic supplies, here’s what you do next. Make a slip-knot loop and place it on the end of your hook. Pull another loop through the first loop. Repeat this process until you have created a chain of loops on your hook. When you’ve reached a length that you like, you can do one of following things: turn the chain the other way and attach more loops to the loops you already have on the hook; or join the row at the beginning with a slip stitch and create more stitches in a loop rather than a row. You should only ever have one loop left on the hook. Continue this process until you feel comfortable making rows.
Once you’ve figured out how to make rows, the rest is easy and comes with more practice. Now that you’re an old pro, you can find patterns to make hats, sweaters, socks, mittens, bags, doll clothes, etc. Patterns can be found online for free or for a price, or at your local handicraft store. Good luck and have fun!