Crocheting has long been characterized as a “grandma-age” hobby, along with knitting and baking cookies. Well, this summer, my inner grandma emerged as I decided to pick up crocheting. I already had some yarn and a hook, so I started simple with granny squares and worked my way up. In just three weeks, I ended up making six stuffed animals, a shirt, and a small tablecloth. Crocheting was the perfect way to feel productive while binge-watching TV and to create cute, personal handmade gifts for my friends and family. As a new member of the crocheting community, here are my tips and tricks if you’re interested in picking up a hook!
- Start Small
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I have about twenty crochet sweater inspiration photos saved on Pinterest, but unfortunately, projects like those take hours. When starting crochet, I recommend beginning with something super small, like stuffed animals. Not only will you master skills like making magic rings, single crochet, and understanding crochet patterns, but there are also hundreds of beginner-level tutorials on YouTube that explain every step. Two of my favorite stuffed animals were a penguin and a panda because they didn’t require a ton of yarn.
- Take breaks
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When I started crocheting, I would go for hours because I had nothing better to do while watching TV. My fingers and joints started to ache constantly, and I ended up having to take a break for a few days. So, when you crochet, try to maintain good posture, use proper hand technique, and take frequent breaks to avoid joint pain.
- Use it to relax – not stress
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I have two projects currently sitting in my closet that I have yet to finish, and I have no plans for when I’ll get back to them. But since I’m already swamped with school, I try not to put pressure on myself to finish those projects. Crocheting is a personal hobby, so do it on your own time in a way that works for you.
- Find a community
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The whole reason I got into crocheting is because my roommate showed me how one day. She’s made so many gifts, including a hat for me, and I loved watching her work. She showed me the basic stitches, and from there I learned through YouTube videos. Nowadays, we sit together on some weekends to crochet and catch up. We love sharing patterns and projects, and since we have different styles, we get to explore each other’s crochet. She is much better at making clothes and gave me advice about sizing, while I prefer stuffed animals and was able to show her some tricks I picked up for 3-D projects.
- Count well
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Crochet does not involve a lot of math, but you do need to be good at counting stitches for any kind of project. Many people rely on a counter app, which I have also used for several projects. Others count in their head or freestyle. Whatever you choose, just know that consistency is key.
Crocheting has given me a way to stay connected with my hobbies and escape the stress of school without being too time-consuming. I love to crochet while watching lectures or to destress after exams. The crochet community is incredibly welcoming, so if you choose to pick up this hobby, know that we’re excited to have you!