Learn How To Crochet - For Absolute Beginners
Crochet is a great skill to learn. Not only is it a fun, relaxing hobby, but you can create some amazing items from blankets and bags to clothes and toys.
I have designed hundreds of free crochet projects for you to try, but before you rush in - how easy is it to learn to crochet?
Don't worry, crochet is an easy skill to learn, and to help you on your way I have created 10 simple lessons via YouTube. I then give you an easy project to
test out your skills - a simple flower. Finally, I show how to read written crochet patterns, which is the most common way you'll be provided with crochet projects
for more advanced items such as clothes. I provide written crochet patterns for all manner of crocheted items, which you can view for free on this website.
Terminology - UK or US?
There are two main terminologies used in crochet - UK and US. I teach in US terminology because I find it simpler for beginners to understand but in the lessons I will also tell you what the stitches and techniques
are called in UK terminology so that you will be able to understand crochet patterns provided in either terminology.
What Will I Need To Start?
All you will need is a crochet hook and some yarn. You may be lucky enough to have a friend to lend you a hook and some yarn but if not you can buy them from all good craft and yarn shops
either on the high street or online. You can use any sized hook you want, but I recommend starting with a 3.5mm or 4mm. These are easy to handle and most crochet projects use one of these sizes.
For yarn, you can use any type of fibre such as wool, acrylic or cotton. I recommend learning with a medium weight yarn such as DK or Light Worsted.
Any yarn you can get your hands on will do, but you might find it more difficult with a very thin or very chunky yarn.
Once you have your crochet hook and some yarn, you're ready to begin. Each lesson is taught in a separate YouTube video. Click on the green buttons below to view:
Lesson 1 - How to Slip Knot and Chain
In lesson 1, I show you how to work a slip knot to get you started in crochet, and how to chain. Try to work neatly, creating small V shapes and practice this before moving on, as it will save you so much time later on.
Lesson 1 Video Tutorial
Lesson 2 - How to Single Crochet (Double Crochet in UK)
In lesson 2, I show you how to work the single crochet as it is known in US terminology. In UK terminology this is known as the double crochet, so check the terminology of any pattern you use before starting. Try to work under one bit of yarn, under the left side of your V as this will become useful later on when working more complicated patterns.
Lesson 2 Video Tutorial
Lesson 3 - How to Slip Stitch
In lesson 3, I show you how to work a slip stitch, which is smaller than a single crochet but is useful to know for joining rounds, or working side stitches as trims around shoes or booties, especially when worked in a different colour.
Lesson 3 Video Tutorial
Lesson 4 - How to Half Double Crochet (Half Treble in UK)
In lesson 4, I show you how to work the half double crochet stitch, which in UK terminology would be known as the half treble crochet stitch. This is a medium sized stitch which works well for quick projects but still keeps a tight knit. Just pull through all 3!
Lesson 4 Video Tutorial
Lesson 5 - How to Double Crochet (Treble Crochet in UK)
In lesson 5, I show you how to work the double crochet as it is known in US terminology. In UK terminology this is known as the treble crochet, so check your pattern before starting otherwise you can end up with a different sized project.
Lesson 5 Video Tutorial
Lesson 6 - How to Treble Crochet (Double Treble Crochet in UK)
In lesson 6, I show you how to work the treble crochet stitch as it is known in US terminology. In UK terminology this is known as the double treble crochet, so check your pattern before starting. This is quite a big stitch, but gives you an idea of how even bigger stitches work, just keep pulling through 2! It's as simple as that.
Lesson 6 Video Tutorial
Lesson 7 - How to Single Crochet Together (Decrease)
In lesson 7, I show you how to single crochet two stitches together (or double crochet two stitches together if using UK terminology). This is the basic way to decrease in a project. You can also skip stitches to decrease as well. The same technique shown here can also apply to crocheting 3, 4 or any number of stitches together.
Lesson 7 Video Tutorial
Lesson 8 - How to Half Double Crochet Together (Decrease)
In lesson 8, I show you how to half double crochet two stitches together (or half treble crochet two stitches together if using UK terminology). This is another basic way to decrease in a project. You can also skip stitches to decrease as well. The same technique shown here can also apply to crocheting 3, 4 or any number of stitches together.
Lesson 8 Video Tutorial
Lesson 9 - How to Double Crochet Together (Decrease)
In lesson 9, I show you how to double crochet two stitches together (or treble crochet two stitches together if using UK terminology). This is another basic way to decrease in a project. You can also skip stitches to decrease as well. The same technique shown here can also apply to crocheting 3, 4 or any number of stitches together.
Lesson 9 Video Tutorial
Lesson 10 - How to Treble Crochet Together (Decrease)
In lesson 10, I show you how to treble crochet two stitches together (or double treble crochet two stitches together if using UK terminology). This is another basic way to decrease in a project. You can also skip stitches to decrease as well. The same technique shown here can also apply to crocheting 3, 4 or any number of stitches together.
Lesson 10 Video Tutorial
Your First Crochet Project
Are you ready to test out your new crochet skills? The perfect crochet project for absolute beginners is my simple flower as it is not only achievable but you'll
have a pretty little flower to show for it.
How To Crochet a Simple Flower - Absolute Beginners
In this lesson, I show you how to crochet this simple flower. You can use any yarn and crochet hook you have to hand. I take things very slowly, so it is perfect for absolute beginners.
Simple Flower Video Tutorial
Next Steps...
Congratulations! Welcome to the wonderful world of crochet. Now you can advance your skills by trying out more projects, stitches and techniques. I have created hundreds of
YouTube tutorials for you to try,
but a great skill to have is reading written crochet patterns. This opens up even more projects for you to crochet.
How To Read Written Crochet Patterns
In this lesson, I teach you how to read my written crochet patterns. Hopefully it will help more visual learners to make the exciting transition to being able to understand written crochet patterns. I talk about the basic stitches and how they appear in US, UK and chart terminology as well as look at how sizing appears in patterns.
Understand Crochet Patterns
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