How To

How to Learn Crochet Stitches

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)

A picture of grandma crocheting another afghan may lead you to believe crocheting is an old-fashioned art. But there is much more to crochet than afghans. Just stop by your local craft store or search the Internet and you will find patterns for a variety of clothing and decorative items. Learning to crochet is easy. Master the basic chain and you are on your way!

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Crochet needle
  • Crochet yarn
  • Scissors
  • Learn-to-crochet book or magazine
  1. Step 1

    Purchase a simple, easy to understand beginners' crochet book at your local craft or book store . Make sure there are detailed, step-by-step instructions with pictures. A good book for beginners is "Crochet Your Way" by Gloria Tracy.

  2. Step 2

    Select a simple project and purchase a pattern. Granny squares are easiest to learn, so save the complicated crochet endeavors, like a bedspread, tablecloth or sweater for later.

  3. Step 3

    Purchase yarn or a medium-weight crochet thread in the craft section.

  4. Step 4

    Choose a crochet needle that feels comfortable in your hand and is the correct size for your pattern.

  5. Step 5

    Assemble your yarn, needle, pattern and reference book; find a comfortable chair with very good lighting and start your new hobby.

  6. Step 6

    Begin with a simple chain stitch and practice until you have a real "feel" for the thread and can tell how tight or loose to make your stitches. One of the keys to beautiful crochet are even stitches.

  7. Step 7

    Try your hand at a few basic stitches once you are comfortable with the chain stitch. Move on to a single crochet and then a double crochet.

Tips & Warnings
  • Be prepared to take out stitches and rework. Even people with years of crochet experience drop a stitch once in a while.
  • Very lightweight thread is used for delicate crochet pieces and is more complicated than a beginner can master. If you chose a pattern that requires crochet thread instead of yarn, the needle will be much smaller and more difficult to use.
  • Don't hold your thread too tight or it will be difficult to get your needle into the loop to pick up your next stitch.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Have you done this? Click here to let us know.

I Did This

Related Ads

Hobbies, Games & Toys
Nate Chang, eHow Expert,

Meet Nate Chang, eHow Expert eHow’s Hobbies, Games & Toys Expert.

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US

eHow Hobbies, Games and Toys
eHow_eHow Hobbies, Games and Toys