_edited.jpg)
I have been crocheting for about 5 years now and in that time I have learned many lessons about the crafts. When I first started out there were numerous things I did not know that I learned through trial and error and I'm happy to share some of these tips with you.
1. Always have the right tools
One of the most important things when crocheting is to make sure you have the right tools. With the most important tool being the hook you are using. When I first began crocheting I started out with one hook, that i assumed I could use for all yarns and all projects....I soon found out I was wrong. Now, it is perfectly fine to start with one hook as a beginner as long as it is the correct hook for the type of yarn you are using... but if you plan to be a long term crocheter it would be best to invest in a "crochet kit" like this one. This crochet kit provides you with a great set of hooks to help any starter with a variety of projects, as well as many other essential tools like stitch markers and fabric needles. So if you plan on continuing past your first project, one of these kits would be a great investment.
2. Pay Attention to your yarn labels
Every skein (yes that's the technical term for the "balls" of yarn you buy at the stores ha ha) has a lot of important information hidden right there on the label. These are just a few examples of the symbols you will see on your yarn labels. The hook size, yarn weight, washing information, dye lot number and more can be found on the label . So take a little time out to get to know your tarn before you jump right in. It could save you a lot of time and stress later.
3. Start with a quick and easy pattern
I know it may be tempting to make the first large basket stitch blanket that you saw on pintrest but TRUST ME it is not a good idea. My best advice would be to start with hats, scarves or possibly a single or double crochet blanket. Something that doesn't take to long to complete and that isn't too complicated of a stitch. As a 5 year veteran I still haven't mastered a lot of the more complicated projects and stitches. It best to start simple while to get a hang of the craft, don't worry the "prettier" and more difficult stitches will always be there waiting for you.
4. Watch Plenty of videos
The best way to learn how to crochet (in my opinion, of course) is to watch tons and tons of videos. I was able to make my first 3 projects by simply watching and following youtube videos. My personal favorite you-tuber is Faud Azmat. She has this amazing page called YARNutopia and she has tons of videos that are great for any beginning crocheter.
There are so many other youtube pages and websites that have great videos to teach you how to crochet, don't just limit yourself to one. I typically watch 2 different videos before I decide which one to follow for my project because you never know, one person might have advice that could help you with the pattern you chose. So watch away!
5.Don't get discouraged
As you work through you first project, you may feel like you are constantly messing up or that you cannot get the hang of the stitch but that's not true. Crochet is a skill you have to learn and practice makes "perfect". Like i said before, the more you do it and the more videos you watch the better you will get. As long as you keep in mind that you are learning and that every project is not going to be the same, regardless of if you used the same pattern or not then you will be fine.
When you work on longer projects, like blankets for example, it can be easy to get discouraged because of the amount of time it take to see the end result. My advice to battle this would be to complete a couple of small things while working on your main project. When I made my first blanket, I took breaks from it and made a couple of hats and a scarf. It gave me the sense of completion while I worked on my larger blanket, because sometimes if a project takes to long you might feel like dropping it or that it will never be complete. Don't think that just because you started something means that you cant take a break from it to do something smaller, the yarn will always be there for you to pick up later.
6. Keep the end result in mind
I mentioned this in #5, please please please always keep the end result in mind. When you first start out that c2c blanket you are going to see the pattern and you may even feel like you are messing it up but trust me it will work out. You wouldn't want to rip out the whole thing and start over just to find out you were doing it right in the first place, now would you? Just keep working at it and watch your stitches and the project will come out exactly as you want it.
7. Remember to take a minute to admire you progress
As with any craft, its important to take a second and look at where you are now and how far you have come. Whether its in the difficulty of the stitched you are now able to do or how far you have gotten on a project, ALWAYS admire your progress and be proud of how far you have come.
8. Relax and have fun
Crocheting is one of the most relaxing things I have ever done and learned. Its a great way to destress and express your creativity. Its also a great way to save money on gifts (it might cost you a little more in time tho lol) Just have fun and relax while crocheting, don't take it too serious.