From the article: Crochet Tips for Beginners
If you've been crocheting for awhile, you've probably picked up some valuable crochet tips along the way. Why not share them with other crocheters? If you have helpful hints or time-saving tips, please post them here. Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge! Share Crochet Tips
tension
- Learning to control tension is very important. It is what makes your stitches even. Learn how to wrap your yarn or thread around your fingers and using it to control the tension is awkward at first, but is a very valuable thing to making it look good. Although I couldn't find anything on this site to show you how to do it, I'm sending this link to a friend because she wants to learn to crochet. Great site!
- —Guest robin
Learning Stitches, etc
- Sometimes it helps to watch a tutorial online if you're having trouble learning from looking at pictures or illustrations. There are tons of online resources for crochet. Also, don't be afraid to create your own patterns...just start small, build your confidence and then try bigger projects. Really pay attention to not only the look of each stitch but how it feels and how it looks when you set it down between stitches or if you pull out each part of the stitch. Basically, know each step of the stitch: not just the finished stitch. Hard to explain why but it helps. And don't be afraid to try new things!!! I've had a tremendous amount of fun with Tunisian crochet and I loved it from the first stitch!!
- —Guest Tonya
Sewing in ends
- I wish someone had shared this with me years ago....use a dental floss threader to thread yarn needles. Thay are cheap, come in multi-packs in case you lose one, and are very durable. Makes threading needles a breeze, especially if ends are frayed.
- —Guest DneeceE
Tool Storage
- I was running out of room in the pencil case for the many tools I have accumulated. Especially hooks because I think I lost one and buy another. So I put everything in an empty tennis ball container and it is clear too.
- —twinksgma
yarn holder
- I use a plastic beverage pitcher with a lid to hold the yarn I'm using. Skeins stay upright and balls don't roll all over (also prevents the cat from "helping")
- —Guest MindyeM
Jules
- I always cut a length from the yarn I'm using & tie it around a label from the batch in use. I keep photos of each project with the appropriate yarn labels & references for the patterns in separate plastic slip covers in an A4 folder. Fold the top of each cover over and secure with a paperclip to keep everything inside.
- —Guest Tryff
Make note of colors
- When I start a new project, I make sure to write down the yarn I am using. I put the manufacturer, color (with lot number), and weight. Also, when changing the colors in a pattern to suit my tastes I note what I substituted (i.e.- Color A green, Color B purple). That way I know what colors I substituted when I come back to the project later!
- —Guest Beckie
Make note of colors
- When I start a new project, I make sure to write down the yarn I am using. I put the manufacturer, color (with lot number), and weight. Also, when changing the colors in a pattern to suit my tastes I note what I substituted (i.e.- Color A green, Color B purple). That way I know what colors I substituted when I come back to the project later!
- —Guest Beckie
Little things add up
- I've been crocheting for 40years and anything that makes your life easier or more enjoyable is fair game! Until you are used to the abbreviations and terms, write yourself out a "cheat sheet" on an index card.For keeping count of rows or rounds a pedometer will do just fine as a stitch counter.A handy and free yarn holder can be made by cutting the bottom off a 2litre bottle,putting the yarn in and threading the end thru the pour spout. Duct tape the cut edges to keep from snagging the yarn.When using a ball of thread or yarn a metal bowl will keep it from getting away from you. The plastic or metal tubes some cigars come in are perfect for holding steel {size 0 thru 15}hooks. For sore or tired hands a padded grip can be made by cutting a piece of foam rubber or foam spongeinto a 3 or 4 inch long that is of a depth that feels good to you. Put a hole thru the center lenghtwise with a knitting needle or a piece of wire then insert the crochet hook. adjust the size to suit you.
- —Pat.P
crochet hook holder
- I used to be in the medical field. We used 60-cc syringes, and the case they come in has a nice cap that can hold a hook, small pair of scissors, pencil/pen/highlighter and folded up directions pretty well. I keep it in the bag with the project I am doing. This way if I have to leave it for a week or so, I don't have to remember which hook I was using, or what pattern I was using.
- —lifeguard_911
Pencil boxes
- A school pencil box ($1 when school sales oare on) works great for putting hooks, scissors, counter, etc. in. There is plenty of room for most items you need when doing a project and they are all handy. I buy the small plastic carrying cases with lids (different sizes for different projects) and put all items needed in it and I am ready to grab it and go anytime. I usually have more than one project in waiting. If you are new to this hobby please ask any crocheter for help and hints. They love to talk about their craft.
- —Guest Sharon
Post-it Notes
- I keep a tablet of tiny post-it notes in my crochet bag. Placed upside down, you can stick it above the row you are working on so your eyes go right to that row. It can be moved over and over as you go thru your pattern. And when i put my work away, I jot down "finished row XX" on that post-it note so I know exactly where I left off. The post-it notes are inexpensive and very useful.
- —tugboatgrandma
Top Tips for Helping Beginners Learn How
- I think its very important learn to read graphics and patterns symbols
- —ccremo
Storing Hooks
- I have a little case that my hubby received a fancy ink pen in that made a great hook & supply holder. I have several hooks, a pair of cuticle scissors, yarn needles & a nail file in it. Great protection & small enough to keep with me all of the time. I like it because opens in half & allows me to see just what I need.
- —Guest Kathy
teach someone to crochet left handed
- To teach someone how to crochet left handed, have them watch you crochet in a mirror. It reverses the crochet to left handed. Find a mirror that you can set on a table and start crocheting!
- —Guest Linda B
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