5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Crocheting

A list of 5 things I wish I knew when I first started to crochet. Here’s a quick list on tips for crochet beginners.

5 tips on the things i wanted to know when first starting to crochet.

Here’s a quick list of 5 things I wish that I had known when I first started to learn how to crochet.

But first let me tell you a bit about my backstory.

STORYTIME

I learned how to crochet from my mom when I was 12 years old. My mom thought me the very basics of crochet. In fact, my first crochet project was a scarf that I never ended up finishing. Fast forward a couple of years and I didn’t pick my hook back up until I graduated college.

You can read all about my crochet journey HERE

When I decided to crochet again, I dove right in and tried to learn everything I could about this fiber art. That’s why I thought it would be perfect to create a list on things that I wish I knew when I first started crocheting.

5 CROCHET TIPS

1. All About That Gauge

When I first picked up my hook again and started crocheting. I had no idea about gauge. I feel kind of silly saying that, but its so true! I kind of overlooked gauge and just wanted to start my project immediately. Well, let me tell you “DON’T DO IT.”

Gauge is so important when it comes to crocheting because the gauge let’s you know whether you need to go up a hook size or go down a hook size. We all crochet differently and its very important that you check before starting.

For example, I crochet loosely and so I usually have to go down about 2 hook sizes. If not, my cardigan might turn out 2 sizes to big.

It also depends on the project your making, but most patterns will include gauge.

2. Yarn Labels

Have you ever picked up a ball of yarn and thought “Why is there so much information on this ball of yarn?” Yeah, me too! But that’s what we call a yarn label.

The yarn label will include things like the number (weight) of the yarn, how much the yarn weights, the length, fiber content, gauge, and how to care for your project after its done.

Sometimes they even include a free pattern on the backside of your label or a website to where you can find the pattern.

So all and all there is lots of good information on your yarn label.

3. Hooks

When I first started to crochet again, I used the simple metal hooks to crochet. Which I totally recommend these hooks if your first starting to crochet. There inexpensive and can be found in any craft store.

After a while though I really wanted to experiment with some different hooks. So I bought a ergonomic crochet hook set of Amazon. I absolutely love working with these hooks, I find that they take a lot of pressure of my risk.

This is definitely one of those things I wish I knew way beforehand because switching hooks really helped me out a lot.

4. Holding Your Crochet Hook

There are many different ways on how to hold your crochet hook. Two of the most common ways I’ve seen it being done is either the knife grip or the pencil grip.

I personally use the pencil grip. I find that it puts less pressure on my risk and its a better feeling overall. So you would just have to experiment to what feels better for you.

Check out this great article by Annies Catalog on how to hold your crochet hook. But remember your ultimately going to know the best way it feels to crochet.

5.Crochet Resources

My last thing I wish I knew when I learned how to crochet was all the amazing crochet resources out there when your just starting. There is lots of information out there on how to crochet.

All of the major yarn companies have a whole bunch of free resources on crochet. A lot of these companies even offer free crochet patterns and videos. This is really great because you don’t have to pay for anything.

Also, I really utilized Youtube! Youtube has some amazing crochet tutorials. This is where I learned how to crochet different stitches and make patterns. So if you are more of a visual video type person, I would definitely check it out!

I also offer tips and tricks on my website. Check out these articles down below.

CROCHET TIPS AND TRICKS

If you like this article, PIN IT to your PINTEREST BOARD to share and save for later!

Happy Crocheting!