Getting Started in Crafts - Crochet

By Anna Pierce

One of the easiest and most rewarding crafts to learn is crocheting. There are many items that can be made by crocheting. Hats, scarves, afghans and many items that can be used around the home. They make wonderful gifts and they can be made quiet economically. The basic items you will need are crochet hook, yarn and a pattern. You can buy the supplies needed very inexpensively.

If you are just starting in crochet, I would try the larger size hook and yarn. This will give you a feel for the craft and help you develop your skill. Also the larger size yarn will hold up better to you undoing your crocheting stitches. If will feel awkward at first, but after a bit it will feel natural to hold the yarn and the hook.

The most common crochet stitches are: chain, single crochet, double crochet. Pick a pattern that uses these stitches if you are just beginning to crochet. Start with a small project such as a hat or scarf. It won't be so overwhelming and you can do them up quick and easy. Practice doing the stitches needed to do your project before you start. When you feel comfortable with the look of the stitches, just undo them and start your project.

Also make sure you try and keep your stitches the same-not to loose or to tight. You do this by keeping the same amount of tension on your yarn If you make them to tight your project will want to curl and to loose it will have to much slack.

After you are comfortable, then you can start doing the smaller size hooks and crochet thread. They make some beautiful and lacy doilies, table runners and bedspreads. Don't get discouraged. It is just like learning any new skill. Practice makes perfect. If you get frustrated, put it down for a day or two and then come back to it.

Enjoy yourself and have fun with your new craft. So, pick your pattern for your experience level and remember just buy what you need for this project. If you find crocheting is more of a chore than enjoyable, then you won't have a lot of money invested. You can then just pay it forward to somebody that might enjoy the craft.

Anna Pierce is a self-employed business woman, who loves crafts of any kind, mainly needle crafts. Craft Patterns Getting Started in Crafts --------------------------------------- For more information and articles on Crafts, see www.myguidetocrafts.com.