How to crochet for absolute beginners

 

Crochet might look complicated at first, but it's basically just a simple pattern that you have to follow. It's one of the most relaxing and rewarding crafts you can learn, and you don't need a whole bunch of materials to begin.

If you have been curious about crochet but have no idea where to begin, this guide is for you.

All you need is:

. crochet hook

. yarn

. scissors 

( I recommend starting with a bigger size crochet hook and a thick yarn)

LET'S BEGIN

The slip knot:

This is essentially how the yarn attaches to the hook. Start by:

. Grab about 3 inches of yarn and fold it to make one end cross the other

. Put two fingers inside the circle you created and pull back the yarn connected to the ball

. Pull it until the yarn tightens and the slip knot is formed    

Holding the hook:

Generally, there are two ways people hold their hooks when crocheting:

. The knife hold and

. The pencil hold.

It doesn't matter which way you hold yours, just make sure you are comfortable with it. I personally prefer the knife hold, but it's completely your choice.

Now you have made your slip knot, insert the hook inside the circle with the curved part facing you, then pull the yarn to tighten. Make sure it's not too tight or loose; the tension you create reflects in your work.

Holding the yarn:

The way you hold your yarn also determines the tension you create. 

Hold your hook (connected to your yarn) in your working hand, place your yarn between your middle and index finger, then wrap the yarn around your pinky and back to the front of your index finger. Then place to the back of your finger.

The chain:

To make a chain, wrap your hook around the yarn, then pull through the slip knot. Now you have another slip knot and a chain. Repeat the process again to make the second chain and so on.

We’ll stop here with the slip knot. In Part 2, I’ll show you how to hold your yarn and begin your first stitches.