What Is Crochet?
Crochet and knitting are often mixed up due to both being textile arts, while in fact they are different. Knitting uses two long long needles and forms loops around the needles, while crochet uses one needle that has a hook shape and forms knots rather than loops. There are different stitches used in crochet, some simpler than others, but they are vital to know for different projects. For example, a single crochet forms a single knot, while a double crochet forms two knots and looks taller than a single crochet. The more these knots are practiced, the easier they become and easier the hobby itself becomes.
Materials Needed
The easy thing about crochet is that not a lot of materials are required for it; all you need is the crochet hooks and some yarn. Craft stores often sell a pack of multiple hooks, because they come in different sizes that correlate with different-sized yarn. On the bundle of yarn, there will be a label, often with a crochet hook icon, saying what hook size should be used. The most common hook size for typical yarn is four millimeters. Acrylic yarn is also pretty inexpensive which makes it nice and affordable for beginners. I suggest buying just one or two spools of bright colored yarn first so that way seeing stitches is easier.
Tutorials To Watch
Emma P is one of my favorite youtubers to watch for crochet tutorials. She goes slowly and has a delightful English accent. Her CROCHET 101 | Basic Stitches for Absolute Beginners and SUPER EASY Crochet Blanket Tutorial! | DIY videos really helped me learn the stitches and the basics of making granny squares. Hannah Drapinski is another good crochet youtuber, with a variety of fun and creative tutorials ranging from beginner friendly to advanced. Her page is also very aesthetically pleasing.
Beginner Friendly Projects
Some beginner friendly projects include scarves and baby blankets, as both include making the original-style granny squares. Coasters or pot holders are another thing that could be made with granny squares. Making granny squares is nice, because you can connect them in any way you please. A more beginner to medium level project is making a star garland. That project is nice, because it works with five different stitches, making it a good stitch practice project.