By: John Glover (MBA)
Just because you’re new to a craft, does not mean you can’t become the master. Let’s face it. Taking on a new craft or project can be daunting. Most of the time we might not know where to start, or how to be successful. We might fail the first few times we try, and it seems like we will never get the hang of it. When it comes to crocheting, stitching away towards success feels like it will take forever. Being persistent in your craft and working hard to learn from your mistakes is the premier way to become the master.
However, you don’t have to do it all on your own. Crafting is becoming so popular through social media platforms like TikTok, that there are accessible ways to learn how to get started. Crocheting can be tough, especially if you have never done anything like it before, but there are communities out there to help. Here are some of the premier tips to get you started, and will prove that there is no more beginner’s luck.
Learn Basic Stitches
Practicing and mastering the basic stitches is the first step to begin crocheting. Single crochet stitch, slip stitch and chain stitch are the common. You don’t have to have the advanced skills in the book on your first try. Crocheting can be difficult so start easy and then work your way up. Knowing the basic stitches will help you get comfortable with the process, and help you figure out your rhythm.
Once you feel comfortable, you can expand to bigger and better things. The crochet world is so versatile that you can really make it be whatever you want it to be. The great thing about mastering the basic stitches is that it can transfer to almost anything you want to create, and trust me there is a lot out there.
“With crocheting specifically, people have gotten really creative and are breaking the barriers of the crafting world. People are crocheting coasters, bags, sweaters, blankets and even stuffed animals. They can follow patterns or try something completely new, and that’s the great thing about it. People can express their true selves through crocheting. Whatever you set your mind to, crocheting is there to bring it to life,” shares Corey Pearson, Chief Quilt Artist and Brand Ambassador at Linda’s.
Keep Tension Consistent
When crocheting, it’s important to keep the same level of tension throughout each stitch. If you switch it up things can look messy and not put together. Consistency is key, when it comes to crocheting. Most people think they need to pull hard when crocheting, because they feel it will hold their project together better. But it’s actually the opposite, by keeping the stitch relaxed and comfortable you are able to move your yarn through each stitch better. Having a little wiggle room will set you up for success better than you realize.
Read Instructions Thoroughly
Perhaps the important tip is to really read and understand your patterns. As with any project, you might feel lost right off the bat, but your instructions are there for a reason. A lot of directions have symbols for different stitches, so maybe look up and memorize what each symbol means before you begin, so you know what direction to take.
Crocheting is like a new language, so it might take some time and practice to be well-versed, but it’s an important step to starting a new project. The great thing about crocheting is that you have the freedom to really personalize it to your own taste.
“The great thing about crocheting is that you get out of it, what you put into it. Some people crochet just for fun, or to practice self care, or even to sell their masterpieces in a small business. The more effort you put in to test your skills and try new things, the more opportunities are out there for you to create. There is nothing universal about crafting and that’s what makes it so unique for everybody,” Pearson says.
These first tips will help get you on the right track, but it’s up to you to stick with it and advance your skills. Feeling comfortable and confident in your abilities is when you know you can take a leap of faith and try something new. Being the master of your craft does not seem so impossible after all.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
