The Best 10 Tips for Crochet Beginners

Here are 10 of the best tips I can give someone learning to crochet. It’s easy to get frustrated and overwhelmed in the beginning.

Are You Feeling Overwhelmed?

Who could blame you, with the wealth of information you can find now. There are several choices for crochet supplies — also, all the fantastic patterns and projects on Pinterest. I’m here to help you with some amazing tips for beginners.

My Best Beginner Tips

Tip 1: Stay Organized

Keep all your supplies in one space. I use large rubber storage bins to hold my yarn and tools. Crochet supplies add up fast!

I have one bin that I use for projects I’m currently working on. I put the crochet project, the hook, and the pattern in a gallon zip lock bag. Then I label the bag with notes. So when I get back to it, I have everything I need in one place.

Tip 2: Have Good Lighting

When you crochet with poor lighting, you strain your eyes to see your stitches. Which can cause you to get a headache. You may not work on a project as long as you like, because you can’t focus.

Natural light is best! If you have a dark house like mine, a bright white light is the best to use. You can read about my favorite lamp HERE

Tip 3: How to Choose the Right Yarn

Worsted weight yarn is the best to use for beginners. Don’t work with yarn that is to thin, too bulky, or textured. You want to choose a yarn that makes it easy to see your stitches.

Tip 4: Ball Your Yarn

Working from a ball is much easier than working form the skein. You will avoid knots and tangles. Also, you will catch any imperfections in the yarn. Balling your yarn also helps with tension. You can ball yarn by hand, or you can use a winder.

Tip 5: Use the Hook Size that the Yarn Label Suggest

When you buy yarn, read the label, it will tell you the right hook size to use.

Tip 6: You Can Use Pencil Grips on Crochet Hooks for Comfort

If you can’t get a comfortable hold on your hook slip on a pencil grip. You can add one or add a few to cover the handle.

Tip 7: Start with Small Projects

Don’t get ahead of yourself. I know you see all these lovely things you want to make. It’s essential to be comfortable with the basics before you start a big project. Start small with stitch swatches, then move up to granny squares or make a simple washcloth.

Tip 8: Count Your Rows and Stitches

Counting rows and stitches is very important because it’s easy to lose your place. When you are counting stitches, count the “V” on the top, not the post. You can buy a row counter to help you keep track of what row you are on.

Tip 9: Don’t Be Afraid to Rip Out Mistakes

We all make mistakes, and that’s OK! So don’t worry about ripping that mistake out and starting over. In crochet lingo some times you’ll hear it called “Frogging” rip it… rip it – get it?!

Tip 10: Take a Break

So you’re having a hard time mastering a stitch… Walk away! Put the yarn down, take a break, come back to it later. Don’t stress over the little stuff; I know you’ll master each crochet stitch.

The Last Thing You Need to Know about Learning to Crochet

It takes time! Be patient, master one stitch at a time, Move on to the next when you feel comfortable. There is no time limit to learning; go at your own pace.

If you liked these tips, please leave a comment.