Crochet tips much appreciated 
?
Hi, I recently started crocheting and I’ve been all hook happy ever since I finished my first project. So far I’ve made a couple of beanies, multiple flowers (but all from the same pattern), and a couple of granny squares.
I wanted to ask for a few tips such as:
Where is the best place to buy yarn?
Where is the best place to find patterns?
What are the skills (single crochet, double crochet, etc) that I will need to know for most patterns or that would help me?
What materials should I have handy?
And any other pointers you might have for an eager beginner
You don’t have to answer all those questions, btw, I just want tips from some more experienced crocheters so whatever words of wisdom you have are welcome
yay! y’all are great thanks for all the help!
Previous answers gave you lots of info already so I’ll just give you my POV, LOL.
Yarn? Depends on the project and how much you want to spend. I primarily use Michaels and ACMoore because they are easiest to get to and I can get coupons pretty regularly. For Large projects you may need to order online to get quantity in the same dye lot. I went straight to Lion Brand to purchase my thread for a tablecloth. I shop around, that’s half the fun.
Finding patterns: again, it depends on the project. For a beginner, try:
http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory.php
or if you find a yarn that you love, go to the manufacturer’s website to find patterns just for that yarn.
Skills: I’ve been crocheting for thirty years and still learning. If you can do a granny square you are well on your way. You have the basics. Your next focus would be improving the consistancy of the tension in your work, learning the abbreviations, and the specifics on reading patterns. For a while every pattern might have it’s own challenge but that’s what keeps the hobby interesting. My advice is don’t try something too hard too soon because it will get discouraging. Many patterns will say easy/intermeiate/difficult…don’t skip levels. If you do get stuck you can always ask here.
Materials: scissors, hooks (you can add them as you need them if you are on a budget or treat yourself and buy a set), yarn needles and tapestry needles for sewing in your ends and lots and lots of patterns. That’s about all I use regularly.
Tips:
I get cramping in my hands so I try to alternate between using thread and yarn, or at least if I’m working on something that is all double crochet, then I’ll do some finger puppets in single crochet to change the position of my wrist.
Opinions vary but I like projects that have lots of small pieces and variety. Afghans that are in squares as apposed to loonnnng rows of repetitive stitches, or a teddy bear that has 15 pieces sewn together as apposed to Amigurumi. JMO, don’t be offended anyone. LOL
Most of all, have fun! Do what interests you, be it toys, baby clothes or pillows,or a vintage sunhat or thong bedroom slippers. If you start something that doesn’t make you happy you can always rip and make something else.
Crochet Loopy Granny Square & Flower
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Beyond the Square Crochet Motifs: 144 circles, hexagons, triangles, squares, and other unexpected shapes $11.39 Shows some signs of wear, and may have some markings on the inside. 100% Money Back Guarantee…. |
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The Granny Square Book: Timeless Techniques and Fresh Ideas for Crocheting Square by Square $15.03 Granny squares are to crochet what pieced squares are to quilting. They originated with pioneer women using up precious scraps of yarn to make blankets for their families, and over the years, many recognized, named patterns have been handed down from one generation to the next. Beyond this treasury of 75 different granny square motifs, Margaret Hubert shows the evolution of the granny square, how … |
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