Using a bigger crochet hook usually uses less yarn. Since the size and density of stitches in crochet is partly determined by hook size, it stands to reason that this will work to save wool. But, it can also have unwanted and unpredictable effects on the gauge and final size of the project.

A bigger crochet hook uses less yarn by length than a smaller crochet hook, to cover the same surface area. But it uses about the same amount by weight. To use a larger hook than a pattern calls for, you will probably need to adjust how many stitches are called for. You might also experience problems with tension, happiness in the fabric, and seams not matching up as they should. Ultimately the material saving will be limited too, so it’s not much use as a money saving hack.

Contents

• Does using a bigger crochet hook use less yarn?
• Measuring yarn: length vs weight
• How much yarn can you save?
• Why I love supersize projects

I love finding thrifty hacks to save money or make materials go further when I’m working on creative projects. It doesn’t usually stop me spending as much at the craft store, but it does at least make my hard earned cash go further!

Does Using A Bigger Crochet Hook Use Less Yarn?

The shortest possible answer to this question is ‘yes, usually’. So you can probably already tell that the answer is not entirely straight forward! Bigger hooks make loser, more open stitches which cover more area, using less yarn in the process. But needle size is not the only thing that determines consumption. Other factors include:

• Tension/gauge
• The type of fiber you’re working with
• The type of stitch you’re using

Measuring Yarn: Length Vs Weight

When you buy a ball of wool, take a look at the wrapper and you’ll find that the quantity is described in two units: length and weight. For example, some fingering yarn for making socks might say 100g/400m/437yds on the wrapper. That’s how much the ball weighs, and the length of it in meters and yards. By contrast, a ball of chunky yarn in my collection says this: 100g 80m/87yds. In other words, it’s shorter, but it weighs the same because it is thicker. No surprises there. But let’s see what this has to do with hook size.

Big hooks are usually reserved for chunky yarns, whilst narrower ones are used for fine fibers. Choosing an appropriate hook size for the yarn you’re working with is important for achieving the correct tension and gauge (ie. number of stitches per square inch). If you use a large hook to work with 4 ply wool, you will use less yarn, but there will be big gaps in your stitches, and it will be harder to make them all appear uniform.

In other words, using a bigger hook only uses less yarn if you bend the rules of how crochet is normally done. They use relatively less yarn if you measure it by length, but when used with a suitable thickness of yarn, they use about the same amount by weight.

Tell Me More About Bending The Rules Anyway

Say you want to make a beanie hat with a 22” circumference (which would fit most adults). The pattern you’ve found calls for a G hook (4.25mm) and DK wool. If you use an H or I and follow the pattern accurately, you will still use about the same amount of yarn, but your hat will be bigger than 22”. It could even fall off when you look down!

To actually use less yarn, you also need to adjust the pattern. Some beanie patterns are given in multiple sizes anyway, so you could try using a larger hook and following the instructions for a smaller size, so the two balance each other out. This is the easiest approach if you’re fairly new to crochet, but the results are not guaranteed to be successful.

Alternatively, if you’re feeling confident, you could make a sample of the main stitch used in the pattern using your bigger hook, and use the dimensions of that swatch to adjust the number of stitches in the headband to secure a proper fit.

But how far can either of these techniques take you? Well, you’re going to have to make a decision:

• Choose a hook which is only slightly bigger than the pattern calls for. Adjusting the pattern so the hat still fits will be easier, but the amount of yarn saved will be negligible.
• Have a go with a much bigger hook. The amount of yarn saved will be greater, but the pattern will need more adjusting. More importantly, you will end up with bigger gaps between your stitches, so your hat will be less warm. It’s also likely that you’ll have difficulty maintaining an even tension.

Is It Worth It?

I think it’s usually not. Trying to save yarn by using a bigger hook involves a lot of mental gymnastics to adapt the pattern, in exchange for very little in actual savings. Crochet patterns which call for big tools and bulky chenilles use fewer yards of fiber, but a similar amount by weight. So choosing these projects won’t save you money overall either. But, don’t throw your big hook down in disgust just yet!

Benefits of Using a Bigger Hook to Crochet

There are lots of things I love about projects that demand big tools!

• They often drape beautifully
• They work up quickly
• A bigger hook can help you avoid working too tightly
• They’re more comfortable to hold
• You’ll be able to see your stitches better

Big hooks make fabrics that drape beautifully

Crochet has always had a reputation for being a bit more rigid and boxy than knitting. And I think one of the reasons it’s seen an increase in popularity recently is that designers are starting to release patterns that do use slightly larger hooks than the weight of yarn traditionally calls for. And the result is a more supple, stretchy, modern fabric. Of course, this goes against everything I said earlier, but when you’ve got years of experience under your belt, that’s when you’re allowed to start bending the rules! And the results have been stunning.

Big tools + big yarn = quick progress

Making stitches on a bigger scale means you’ll finish a granny square, hat, or scarf in fewer stitches. So it’s perfect when you want a quick crafting fix, without committing yourself to weeks of effort. My favorite time to work on jumbo projects is when I need a break from something more long term and complex. Sweaters and blankets are feats of mental and physical stamina as well as craftsmanship. Taking a break in the middle to make something quick gives me a little dose of accomplishment and helps me power on with the rest of a big project.

A bigger hook can help you avoid crocheting too tightly

If your crochet naturally tends towards the tight, and your pre-project swatches always come up small, then working with a bigger hook can counteract that.

They’re more comfortable to hold

Lots of us have problems with dexterity in our hands for one reason or another. In my case, I suffer from chronic chilblains in winter, which causes swelling in my fingers and restricts how tightly I can curl them. When this happens, gripping small needles gets unrealistic, and switching to larger ones means I can keep on crafting. Other people I’ve spoken to say using a larger hook helps reduce cramp, muscle fatigue and joint pain.

You’ll be able to see your stitches better

If you have trouble seeing your stitches, working on a larger scale literally magnifies your work for you, and makes it simpler to keep track of progress. For novice crocheters, working in a smooth, chunky wool makes it easier to see what’s happening at each stage of the process, and also spot mistakes if it starts to go wrong.

Does Using A Bigger Crochet Hook Use Less Yarn? Summary

Do You Like Chunky Projects?

Let us know what you’ve been working on in the comments box down below!

Don’t Miss

• Fixing wonky work
• Mastering tension and gauge
• How soon will you be able to make sweaters?
• Do knitting patterns translate into the same number of crochet stitches?

The post Does Using A Bigger Crochet Hook Use Less Yarn? appeared first on Lucy Kate Crochet.

I recently gave my 8 year old daughter a pep talk as she struggled to get to grips with a new skill, and it reminded me of all the times I’ve battled to make that leap from amateurish to actually-quite-good at something. I can still clearly recall a time when I used to wonder ‘why is my crochet so messy?’. And, as it was before craft resources started being readily available online, I had to fathom out the answer from my Mom’s hardly-touched 1979 edition of the Good Housekeeping Encyclopaedia of Needlecraft. Since then, experience and swapping notes with other people has taught me that there are 10 main factors that stop crochet looking as good as it could. So here they all are for you, in one easy online list!

Contents

• Why is my crochet so messy
• 10 reasons why your work doesn’t look its best
• To frog, or not to frog?

Why is my crochet so messy?

I think there are essentially 10 reasons why crochet ends up looking scruffy. (Not a number I was aiming for, honestly, but pleasingly round nonetheless!). Most of them boil down to either a technical problem in your work, or being tired or distracted as you stitch. But I think the biggest cause is simply inexperience. Which is why the most important thing I want to say is: don’t give up! Crocheting smoothly and neatly, and intuiting the ways to resolve little challenges as they arise, is just a matter of practice and muscle memory. It’s such a satisfying, creative and meditative pastime, that it’s worth a few misshapen hats and frayed granny squares to get there!

10 reasons your work isn’t looking its best

So, here are my 10 reasons why crochet doesn’t turn out right, and how to fix them.

1. You’re not using the right size hook

Look, we all have a favorite hook that we’d use for everything if we could (special shout out to everyone who knows it’s the G hook!). But, using a hook which is too large for the yarn is inevitably going to produce uneven tension and wonky work. So always check the recommended hook size on the yarn wrapper, and resist the urge to deviate too far from it. If you find small hooks uncomfortable to hold, invest in one with a chunky soft-grip handle.

2. You’re new to this

Everybody’s efforts are a bit wobbly at the beginning, it’s a normal part of the learning curve. Whilst you’re still getting to grip with holding the yarn and maneuvering the hook, you’re likely to get fluctuations in tension and uneven results. But with a bit of practice, the hook and yarn start to feel more like an extension of your own hands. And then your creations naturally start to tidy themselves up. It’s just like your mom used to say: practice makes perfect!

3. You’ve miscounted your stitches

If the width of your scarf is oscillating as you progress, then it’s likely you’re adding a variable number of stitches to each row. Turning chains at the end of a row are one of those things that are hard to get your head around until you’ve seen them in action, and (probably) made a few mistakes along the way. It doesn’t help that some patterns count them as a stitch, whilst others don’t. Using a stitch marker can help you keep track of where your row starts and ends, and if in doubt, count!

4. Watch where you’re sticking your hook!

This sounds pretty obvious, but your work will start to look shabby if you regularly make your next stitch in the wrong place. For example if you:

• Only catch the back loop of a stitch on your hook.
• Only catch the front loop.
• Work into the post of the stitch instead of the loops.
• Split the yarn with your hook.

Bear in mind that the first three can also be the right thing to do, when the pattern instructs you to. But splitting the yarn usually happens with fibers that aren’t tightly spun, or if your hook has an unusually sharp point. And it’s alway a no-no.

5. Don’t rush

We all get sloppier and make more mistakes when we hurry. So avoid putting yourself in a situation where you’ll be tempted to do so. And if you know you’ve got to put your work down in 5 minutes, don’t start a long fiddly section with the time you’ve got left.

6. Concentrate!

I love to crochet whilst binging a new TV series as much as the next person. But if you’re not paying enough attention it can show in your finished piece. A few little mistakes don’t matter – in some traditions, craftspeople believe that every piece you create traps a part of your soul inside, and you need to leave a little flaw somewhere so it can escape again. In other traditions, handmade items with errors are regarded as more valuable than those without them, since the mistakes prove they weren’t mass produced. So a miscounted cluster of treble stitches or two isn’t anything to be ashamed of. But lots of slip-ups because you weren’t concentrating enough will mean your finished item doesn’t do justice to your ability.

7. Weave in your ends – properly

Weaving in ends is like flossing your teeth or filling your tax return. It’s tedious, but it’s better to make the time and do it properly than deal with the consequences. Ends of yarn which wiggle their way free make an otherwise impeccable design look a bit scruffy. So weave ends in one direction, then double back as well to make sure those little blighters can’t break free. And your work will look impressive indefinitely.

8. Be judicious carrying colors

Colorwork is an eye-catching and joyful kind of crochet. Integrating two or more shades of wool is exciting as you watch the pattern emerge. And it’s also highly motivating to be able to count the little chunks of progress as you go. To avoid weaving in too many ends, one option is to carry each color of yarn inside the stitches of another color. But it’s important to accept the limitations of this. You can’t carry multiple strands of yarn inside one stitch without them starting to poke through. And dark yarns will almost always show through light yarns and spoil the overall finish. Sometimes, weaving in ends is just unavoidable!

9. Stop when you’re tired

Tiredness affects our ability to concentrate and perform tasks accurately. It also impairs our ability to carry out fine motor skills in an even, uniform way. Worst of all, it makes discovering these problems emotionally harder to deal with. I think every break down I’ve ever had over a piece of crochet has happened after 10pm. You know when you stop functioning at your best, so stop hooking then too.

10. Block your work

Once your ends are tucked in and your seams are sewn, if your creation still looks wonky then the final step is to block it out. If you don’t believe me just look at some before and after photos online, and prepare to be amazed how much messy crochet was never really messy at all. Blocking is the piece de resistance which takes projects from bumpy and distorted to perfect and professional. It’s like seeing a butterfly emerge from its cocoon – the grand finale of all your effort. It is the most satisfying moment. Don’t deny yourself!

To frog or not to frog messy crochet?

Deciding what to do with a project that didn’t turn out as well as you hoped is a tricky business. After all, it still represents hours of hard work. And in years to come, you might appreciate being able to hold your earliest attempts again, and give recognition to how much progress you’ve made since. On the other hand, yarn isn’t cheap. The materials you harvest from unraveling one hot mess could be exactly what you need to give life to a new idea. So, ultimately, this is a matter of personal choice. No one likes undoing something they have made, but if you can’t use it, and you haven’t got anywhere to store it, then frogging it is probably for the best. (Nope, not that kind of frog!) In these situations, I always try to remind myself that I like the process of crochet, and if I was happy doing it once, there’s no reason I shouldn’t enjoy doing it twice!

Why is my crochet so messy – summary

Wonky, uneven work with lots of mistakes usually results from one of a small handful of causes. I hope I’ve been able to help you identify which ones are causing you stress, and how to overcome them. Let us know if you have anything you’d add to this list in the comments box down below!

More troubleshooting guides

• Fixing tight crochet
• Stash-busting uses for yarn scraps
• Translating English crochet terms into American (and back again)

The post Why Is My Crochet So Messy? appeared first on Lucy Kate Crochet.

I am pretty impatient when it comes to learning new skills. So when it came to picking up a crochet hook, ‘how long does it take to learn crochet?’ was a concern near the front of my mind. Luckily I was convinced to give it a go by a friend, who showed me how cute amigurumi shapes are constructed using one single simple type of stitch. Since then I’ve tried all kinds of projects, and I’m certain that crochet is one of the easiest crafts to achieve a good overall proficiency in. That’s not to say that it won’t show if you spend years building up your skills – it definitely will. But if you’d like to try something new, and get to the point of producing something worthwhile as quickly as possible, I’m pretty sure I can convince you to give crochet a shot!

Contents

• How long does it take to learn to crochet?
• Is crochet difficult to learn?
• Can you learn to crochet in a day?
• Is crochet harder than knitting?
• How long does it take to learn to crochet clothes?
• How long does it take to learn to crochet amigurumi?
• What is the hardest thing to crochet?

How long does it take to learn to crochet?

It sounds cheesy, but inevitably the amount of time it takes to learn to crochet depends upon the standard you want to achieve. This sounds cavalier, but I’m sure I could show you how to crochet a small exfoliating washcloth in an hour. It might be wonky, but it would be yours. And your face would be squeaky clean and make up free at bedtime. If you tried again without me, they would be looking much neater by your second or third attempt.

To make more complicated items than washcloths though, you’d need to master some more skills. Such as:

• Keeping your tension even across large areas.
• Mastering different flat stitches.
• Using increases and decreases to create three dimensional shapes.
• Reading crochet patterns.
• Joining pieces together.

And this is going to take a bit of time. How much time depends upon things like :

• Whether you’re naturally blessed with fine motor skills.
• Whether you’ve done other yarn crafts like knitting or macrame in the past.
• How much time you’re going to spend practicing.

Is crochet difficult to learn?

I’ve tried a lot of creative pursuits, and I’m convinced that crochet is one of the easiest and most satisfying to start. The sheer simplicity of it – one hook and a ball of yarn – is immediately approachable and unintimidating. And you don’t need to learn lots of techniques to start producing useful and beautiful items. Whilst there are over 200 decorative crochet stitches to master in future if you fancy, you only need two or three of them to start making a lifetime’s worth of toys, clothes, homewares and accessories right now.

All that said, I remember the fumble of trying to coordinate yarn in one hand and hook in the other for the first time. I remember indignantly telling my husband that it was impossible without growing a third hand. Which, with hindsight, was somewhat melodramatic. I won’t pretend it isn’t an advantage to be naturally dextrous and good with fiddly tasks. But even if you’re not, I’m convinced you can learn to crochet, and quicker than you think.

Some tips to help you learn faster are:

• Start with a smooth, chunky yarn, such as Lion Brand WOW yarns, or Big Twist mellow yarn. These are easiest to hold, control, and see what you’re doing with.
• Ask a friend to help you get started. Nothing beats looking at exactly what someone else is doing to get started. So bribe them with a cake and get them to show you the basics.
• Start with something you actually want to make. Churning out washcloths because that’s what you think you’re ‘supposed to do’ to learn basic crochet is pointless and uninspiring if you don’t want washcloths. Find a project you actually want to own, and start there. Sure it might turn out a bit rough, and you might remake it one day, but you’ll be motivated and excited about your output. This is meant to be fun, remember!

Can you learn to crochet in a day?

How far you get on your first day of crochet depends on what your aspirations are, and a little bit on natural aptitude too. I’m confident that anyone could learn the basic techniques which all crochet patterns are based on in one day. Once you’ve got it figured out, you can tuck your ball of yarn and hook into the top of a bag and take it almost anywhere to keep working on in future. So in this sense, crochet is very efficient in terms of how much time you actually need to spend looking at instructions or tutorials.

Is crochet harder than knitting?

I think most people would agree that crochet is easier to learn and master than knitting. The big advantages of crochet over knitting are:

• There’s just one hook to control.
• If you drop your hook, your work can only unravel one stitch at a time, instead of an entire row all at once. It is much easier to recover dropped work, too.
• It’s more portable, and takes up less ‘elbow room’ to work on away from home

On the other hand, crochet does tend to be less elastic and more ‘rigid’ than knitting. And one place crochet does hit harder is on your wallet. Crochet uses about 25% more yarn than knitting to cover the same area with the same density of fabric.

How long does it take to learn to crochet clothes?

This depends on how generously you’re willing to stretch the definition of ‘clothes’! Scarves, cowls, snoods, hats and hand warmers are all classic beginner crochet projects. They’re a good opportunity to practice the basic stitches and develop a consistent, even technique. You also get to enjoy quick results, and you don’t have to invest in a lot of yarn to try them out.

That said, once you’re confident working the basic stitches evenly, there are plenty of simple patterns for larger garments which you could skip straight to. For example a chunky granny hexagon cardigan, which can be made from two large flat hexagons, cleverly seamed together.

To crochet intricate clothing in lightweight yarns, colorful patterns or beautifully tactile ornate stitches though, I don’t want to undersell the level of practice and artistry involved. When a crocheter has decades of experience, it shows in the confidence and sophistication of their work!

How long does it take to learn to crochet amigurumi?

Amigurumi toys and plushies are one of the hottest things in crochet. In fact, they’re what got me into crochet in the first place. One of my first projects was an amigurumi elephant, with a slightly eyebrow-raising trunk. Nonetheless, I was amazed that I’d managed to produce something so cute with so little prior experience.

Amigurumi uses a very small variety of crochet stitches – lots of patterns call for just single crochet stitch and nothing more. The complexity is in learning how to create 3D shapes using that one stitch, and finding the patience to assemble all the parts once they’re made.

So it doesn’t take long at all to learn how to follow simple amigurumi patterns. However, it takes longer to master complex patterns, and understand how to construct creations of your own.

What is the hardest thing to crochet?

This depends on who you ask! Crocheters tend to naturally gravitate towards projects they particularly enjoy, and they will tell you that other types of projects are harder. For example, some people find amigurumi hardest, because they dislike the sewing and embroidery elements. Other people will tell you that the mental stamina to make 200 granny squares and weave in all those ends and join them all together makes a blanket the hardest project to complete. And still other people have sworn off ever making another shawl or sweater because counting and constructing highly decorative stitches had them tearing their hair out.

How long does it take to learn to crochet – final thoughts

Crochet is among the easiest of the fiber or yarn crafts to master. All it takes is a single hook, a ball of yarn, and some instruction from a person, book or online video. And one of my favorite things about crochet is the huge variety of projects you can tackle with just a small number of basic techniques. So I think it’s fair to say that crochet is a quick skill to learn. But, I think it’s also true to say that you can spend a lifetime mastering all the extra crochet skills that there are to discover.

Let us know in the comments box what kinds of crochet projects you’re hoping to get the hang of!

More tips for beginners

• How to get started
• Is crocheting an expensive hobby?
• Best yarn for crochet sweaters
• Where it all begins – chain stitch
• Our complete guide to basic stitches and techniques
• Can you crochet from knitting patterns?

The post How Long Does It Take To Learn To Crochet? appeared first on Lucy Kate Crochet.

I have absolutely got bored of certain crochet projects, some of which remain unfinished to this day or abandoned in the yarn scrap pile. But is crochet boring as an activity? In my opinion, never! Because there are such a huge range of different things you can make with crochet, it’s easy to stay interested. Today I’ll share my top tips for keeping this diverse hobby fun and fabulous for years to come.

Contents

• Why I stopped crocheting
• Is crochet boring to learn?
• Do expert crocheters get bored?
• Is crochet boring if you do it every day
• Crochet vs other crafts for fun
• How to stop crochet from getting boring

Why I Took A Break From Crochet

I have been crocheting for more than ten years, but during that time I took a break for a few years too. But it wasn’t because crochet got boring. It was almost the opposite!

I tend to throw myself into anything I do with both feet, and any hobby I do consumes everything else in my life. I had so much going on, and another baby on the way, and something had to give. And weirdly it was a hobby I really enjoyed.

What the break showed me more than anything though, was that it really wasn’t the right choice. Crochet is repetitive, but it’s not boring as a result. In fact, it’s incredibly relaxing and I’m so glad I found it again.

Is Learning To Crochet Boring?

Boring is such a loaded word, isn’t it? It implies the activity has turned dull, pointless or even frustrating. Learning new skills is often a combination of stressful, frustrating and boring as your repeat the same techniques again and again to perfect them. But I can honestly say I never found learning to crochet boring as such. Annoying at times, sure, but not dull.

The trick is to repeat each technique you are learning a few times each day, then put that aspect aside and move onto something else. Whether that’s an alternative stitch, or learning some new terminology or just looking at potential patterns you’d love to try in the future.

Is Crochet Boring When You Get Good?

The better at crocheting you get, the more diverse and complicated projects you can take on. What’s great is it gives you more choice. You can produce lots of simple things really fast, or a few complicated things in your own time. Either way, the options available to you mean that you are very unlikely to get bored the more experienced you are.

Can You Crochet Every Day Without Getting Bored?

I have spent several months of my life at various points crocheting every single day. Whatever else was happening,I’d make sure I had at least a few minutes to work on one project or another. During that period I never got bored of crocheting or found it dull or a chore.

Is Crochet Boring Compared With Other Crafts

Different crafts have different appeal. I’ve tried a lot of things over the years, but crochet is something I keep coming back to. Some crafts have a higher excitement level, like glass blowing, or a more physical creativity, like pottery. But these require much bigger investments in equipment and space.

How To Keep Crochet Fun

• Get the right equipment
• Work on several projects
• Keep your work diverse
• Do something else at the same time
• Don’t turn it into a job

The Right Crochet Kit

Having the right equipment makes any task more fun. It pays to make sure you’ve got the right size hooks lined up, and a comfortable sort too. Little bits of kit like stitch markers also make the whole experience much smoother.

Several Projects On The Go

I rarely have one project that I am working on. It’s usually more like three or four. That means when you get to a repetitive part you can flip back and forth between a more complex or differently styled piece to keep your interest.

Distract The Senses

I have a terrible tendency to stare at my phone in the evening when the tv is on and I’m trying to relax. I’ll read a stressful news story or fret over something on a forum. But I don’t do this if I’m crocheting. I can concentrate on the programme and make something beautiful at the same time. And it never gets dull!

Keep Crochet For Pleasure

Several years ago I made crochet into a job. I loved making commissions but the stress of producing something perfect not personal drained the fun from it. Then

Learn from mistakes, and keep crochet for you if you can!

Your Crochet Questions Answered

• Why are my crochet stitches getting tighter?
• How can I crochet faster?
• Can I design my own crochet patterns?
• How do I crochet a cat?

The post Is Crochet Boring? appeared first on Lucy Kate Crochet.

Is crocheting hard for beginners?

Crocheting is not hard to learn for most beginners, but it depends on your other experience too. You knitting experts, familiar with yarn and needles, have a head start. Lego, jigsaw puzzle fans, or hair stylists, that need dexterity and concentration for your regular activities, will be ahead of the curve too. But even novice crafters can pick up these skills quickly.

We all find different things difficult. I didn’t learn to drive until my mid-thirties. If you can’t crochet yet, but you got a driver’s license before turning thirty-five, I salute you. You can definitely learn crochet too!

Is crocheting worth it?

Learn something new is worth a go. Even if you hate crocheting, you won’t die wondering whether it was your calling.

You can pick up your crochet hook and a ball of yarn for a few dollars on Amazon or Joanns, or for cents in thrift stores. And if you don’t like it – quit! Keep hold of your crochet hook though, it’s got lots of other uses like doing up buttons, pulling snugs through to the inside of your sweaters, or yanking your hairs out of plug holes (yuck).

Can I learn crochet by myself?

Oh yes! As an introvert I frequently make life harder by refusal to engage human beings in conversation. I learned to crochet happily alone.

Crochet is an excellent solitary pastime, you just need a source of instructions:

• YouTube videos
• Books
• Magazines
• Blogs

YouTube videos

YouTube is the best resource for learning crochet techniques. The vloggers who spend hours patiently demonstrating and narrating crochet techniques, editing and uploading the footage are angels. From slip knots to stitches, and making whole cardigans, there is a video to demonstrate everything.

Books

There are plenty of crochet books for beginners, and you can check one out of your local library if you don’t want to buy. Static, two-dimensional images and captions aren’t always the best for learning techniques, but books are unbeatable when you are following a new pattern for the first time.

Magazines

There are several monthly magazines dedicated entirely to crochet, plus plenty of crochet coverage in more general interest craft magazines. Look out for editions which come with a free hook and ball of yarn to accompany an easy beginner project.

Blogs

Like this one – hello!

How long does it take to learn crocheting?

All crochet basically boils down to one action – pulling a looping of yarn through another loop of yarn. I’m certain you can learn to do that pretty quickly. And one of the best, most freeing things about crochet is that once you’ve mastered that action, you can basically make whatever you like. You don’t need to build up through unwelcome stages of making things you don’t want, just to get proficient enough to make the things you do want. Dive right in at the deep end!

My first make was a granny square blanket. My second was an amigurumi elephant with a questionable trunk. I still have both of them twelve years later, so their standard is not embarrassing in the slightest.

How hard is it to crochet a granny square?

Lots of beginners start their crochet career with a humble granny square. Whether you work outwards from the center or in rows, and whether you stop small or go big, the granny square is a great way to master your grip, work on your technique, and practice getting a steady tension. There are literally hundreds of videos online to help you, and a basic granny square is one of the easiest patterns you can possibly start with.

How hard is it to crochet a blanket?

There are lots of ways to make your crochet blanket. You can

• Work in rows.
• Make a big stack of granny squares and sew them together.
• Work from the center out (effectively, one giant granny square).
• Go wild and free form shapes together.

The first three aren’t difficult at all. Only the last option requires a good grasp of how to build up your shapes using crochet stitches, and a feel for how your evolving design is going to come together without a pattern.

In fact the hardest part of making a blanket is keeping going. Big projects take stamina, and if you want to use lots of colors or assemble your blanket from granny squares, you will have extra jobs like weaving in your loose ends. My top tips for staying motivated are:

• Listen to podcasts or binge box sets.
• Join an online or real life crochet group for company. Share your progress and be cheered on by other people.
• Take breaks to complete quicker projects.

Is it easier to learn to knit or crochet?

Most people agree that crochet is easier to learn than knitting. I can do both, and it’s certainly my experience.

• In crochet you only hold one hook, and only keep one stitch on the hook at a time. If you drop that stitch, your work can only unravel one stitch at a time too. And since the stitches are more knot-like than in knitting, they don’t tend to unravel too readily.
• In knitting, you use two (or more) needles at once, and you hold all your stitches on those needles at all times – or so help you! If one of those needles slides out, picking those stitches up again is fiddly, and dozens or even hundreds of stitches can get lost at a time.
• It’s also easier to go backwards in crochet if you make a mistake. You can literally ‘delete’ the stitches as quickly as text on a screen. Whereas in knitting you need to ‘unwork’ each stitch in turn.
• And finally, crochet takes up less elbow room. So it’s easier to pick up and practice on trains, subways, buses and in waiting rooms.

Is crocheting an expensive hobby?

Alas, cost is crochet’s biggest downfall. Crochet uses about 25% more yarn per square inch than knitting. Which means in materials alone, it is the more expensive hobby. You can save some money by looking for supplies in end-of-batch yarn sales and thrift stores. You can even unravel old sweaters to repurpose their yarn!

Is crocheting good for your brain?

Crochet can be seriously good for you! Research has shown that:

• Learning new skills improves memory in older people.
• Tactile projects are physically soothing to work on, and relax your heart rate and breathing.
• Finishing projects gives us feelings of accomplishment and improves self esteem.
• Joining a crochet community in real life or online promotes a sense of belonging and relieves feelings of loneliness.
• Some crocheters use their hobby to manage mental health conditions and life events such as grief, chronic illness and pain.

How hard is it to crochet? Summary

Crochet is one of the easiest and quickest yarn crafts to learn. It requires little investment in materials or equipment, and once you’ve mastered the basics you can progress rapidly to more complex projects.

Crochet guides for beginners:

• Is crocheting slow?
• Helping with tensioning.
• Crocheting at speed.

References

• Burns & Van Der Meer. Happy Hookers: findings from an international study exploring the effects of crochet on wellbeing. Perspectives in Public Health. 2020.
• Chan et al. Training Older Adults to Use Tablet Computers: Does It Enhance Cognitive Function? The Gerontologist. 2014.
• Mayne. Feeling lonely, feeling connected: Amateur knit and crochet makers online. Craft Research. 2016.

The post How Hard Is It To Crochet? appeared first on Lucy Kate Crochet.

Crochet is a repetitive activity, so you should be able to fly through your patterns, right? Or to expect your friend that is making your something to produce it in a reasonable amount of time? Sadly, although you can crochet dead fast when you’ve got a lot of practice and the right conditions, crochet is still very time consuming. Today I’ll share my experiences of why crochet takes so long, and what factors might be getting in the way of quick production.

Contents

• Why does crochet take so long?
• Learning to crochet takes time
• Choosing your pattern, colors, yarn and hook
• Working with crochet patterns can be slow going
• Dealing with friction, cramps and strains
• Yarn changes slow the process
• Why sewing in the ends takes a while

Why Does Crochet Take So Long?

There are an awful lot of reasons that hand made craft projects are time consuming, but crochet has some specific quirks that can make it slow going sometimes. These boil down to a few factors including:

• Learning new skills and a new language
• Making choices about patterns and projects
• Selecting yarn types and colors
• Reading and referring back to patterns
• Designing your own patterns when one isn’t available
• Straining fingers, hands and grip strength
• Changing yarns over
• Weaving in loose ends

Let’s take a look at each in turn and how they actually add those minutes and hours onto your predicted finish time.

Learning To Crochet

Learning to crochet isn’t just about how to hold a hook, pick up yarn and keep tension. It also involves learning a whole new language. Different terms, abbreviations. And depending on where your pattern comes from the same words can even mean different things in your instructions!

It takes a while to get familiar with the terminology, and to learn the individual techniques and stitches. Once you’ve learned to crochet, crocheting itself is faster but that doesn’t mean it’s actually fast.

Picking A Pattern

I don’t know about you, but even when I know what sort of item I am going to make choosing the pattern for it takes ages. I have a huge library of crochet books, from vintage books to modern ones, there is so much choice! I’ve spent entire evenings mulling over the benefits of a prettier but slightly more complex choice, over one that seems quicker but less appealing as a finished piece.

And that’s before I’ve even picked out my hook and yarn!

Selecting Yarn Type and Hooks

Once you know what you are going to make and which pattern you’ll follow, you need to select the right type of yarn. It might seem like grabbing something out the yarn basket is simple, but I’ll often need to order in or go buy the perfect yarn for a new project. Yarns might all look similar, but they come in a huge range of weights, materials, types and styles.

You’ll want to pick a yarn that looks visually right for the project, but is also the right type for it. You don’t want thick woollen yarn for your crochet teddy, likewise you don’t want tight woven yarn for your soft granny square blanket. And then to choose a hook that is the right size for the yarn you’ve chosen, and has a grip that allows you to manipulate the type of yarn most comfortably.

Choosing Your Yarn Colors

For craft enthusiasts choosing colors can be a serious business. We don’t just want them to match each other, but often to work well with the color scheme of a room, bedspread, curtains or rug.

Once you’ve got an idea of the color pallet you want, you then need to find these colors. And make sure that your balls of yarn are all from the same dye batch, so that they match exactly.

Reading Crochet Patterns Takes Time

Before I start to crochet I skim read the pattern. If there is a stitch I don’t use often in there it means I can remind myself how to make it, and I can then know what to expect and what equipment to use. For instance whether I will need stitch markers to count my stitches in a round.

When I begin a new pattern I’ll keep it with me to refer to. The breaks to check where I am in the pattern, see what is coming next and match it to my work all add time.

Why Does Crochet Take So Long To Design?

It’s worth mentioning that sometimes when you commission a crochet blanket, toy or item of clothing the designer will create an entirely bespoke pattern for you. When we design crochet objects I work from known shapes and build from there, but it still takes time.

You need to pause to make notes if you want to replicate it again, and take measurements and make assessments of how well it’s going as you proceed. You need to add in hours if not days to the time the project will take if it’s a bespoke design.

Moving Your Fingers In An Intricate Way Takes Time

There is only so fast a human can move their hands and fingers. However practiced you are, making intricate motions to manipulate tools takes time. Crafting will also be slower than using a machine, but there is a beauty to it that makes that worth the wait.

Friction From The Yarn

Certain types of yarn are gentler on your hands than others. If you’re working with a rough type of yarn or one with sequins intertwined with it then it is going to hurt your hands. Sore hands slows down your crocheting, but also means you need to take more breaks. Adding on to that total project time considerably.

Color Changes Take Time

Crochet projects that use more than one color take time. When you swap colors you will either begin your new section in a new color, or you will need to gradually switch over by combining yarn strands.

Whichever method your crochet piece requires, it is going to add to the time taken to crochet as it’s more complex.

Tieing Off Rows

Some crochet projects are mostly continuous, others require you to finish a row, cut your yarn and begin at a different place. In these cases there is a delay as you tie off the end, weave it in and restart in a new place. Time consuming, right!

Weaving In Yarn Ends

Crochet toys and other three dimensional projects don’t require an awful lot of work when you complete a row. The ends stay inside the object, nicely hidden from view. But with open crochet like blankets, baskets or even pen holders, you need to keep the loose ends of your yarn invisible.

The best way to do this is not to cut them short, where they stick out like tufty ends. They are also more likely to fray or come undone and ruin your project if you clip them short. What you want to do is sew them into the project, so they look just like any of your own crocheted rows. But doing this takes time too.

Why Does Crochet Take So Long?

Crochet takes a long time because this home making process involves using a variety of techniques, and your own bare hands that can become sore or irritated. You need to understand, read, follow or design patterns. And to apply these techniques repeatedly to form sometimes huge toys, blankets or throws. If you get very experienced you’ll be faster, but you’ll always need to accept delays for changing colors, weaving ends in or simply making decisions about how to proceed.

If you’re having trouble getting a crochet project together, why not drop me a line in the comments section below and I’ll see if I can help!

Check Out My Top Crochet Patterns

• Is crochet hard to learn?
• How to crochet a toy pig
• Instructions for crocheting a doll
• How to crochet a dog sweater
• Crochet stick man pattern

The post Why Does Crochet Take So Long? appeared first on Lucy Kate Crochet.