Crochet College
Don’t forget to check out the Learn To Knit & Crochet page too for help with yarns, tools and general techniques so you can crochet like a pro!
Learn To Crochet For Beginners
Crochet doesn’t have to be confusing!
Grab yourself some yarn and a hook and let’s learn how to make some knots……
As KingAndEye has evolved I get more and more messages from new knitters and crocheters and I have realised that most people find it easier to learn with chunkier yarns and larger hooks as they can see the way that the yarn travels during each stitch.
If you’re not sure which hook size or material to start with you might want to read this blog post on choosing the right needles first (it’s written around knitting but it’s the same advice for hooks)
You can buy the perfect starter hooks, yarns and kits in the shop
Plus, as these projects tend to work up more quickly it it is super satisfying for people who may work more slowly!
Essential Crochet Tools & Accessories For Crochet Beginners
Crochet needn’t be complicated or expensive. All you really need is some yarn and a hook.
Start by clicking here to learn which crochet tools are essential for beginners and which tools you can save money on to buy more yarn!
This video explains which hooks are best to start with and why you should choose certain hooks for the yarn you’ve chosen.
How To Crochet Basic Stitches:
How To Make A Slip Knot
A slip knot can be slipped onto anything – like a needle or crochet hook, or even your finger or your arm to start your craft adventure.
Once you’ve learned this little magic trick you can cast on a knitting project or crochet a chain to get you started on your craft project in no time.
How To Crochet Chain Stitch
Learning how to crochet the chain stitch is the very beginning of almost every project and getting your tension right will give you the best foundation for the rest of your work so you can show off your creations with pride!
In this video I’m going to teach you (really slowly, cos who wants to keep pressing pause?) how to make your first chain stitches so you’ll be a crochet pro in no time!
How To Do A Single Crochet Stitch
The single crochet stitch is the shortest and one of the most basic stitches you will need as beginner crocheter.
It’s a really simple stitch that gives a dense fabric that is great for dishcloths and home projects such as pillows and blankets.
You will see it abbreviated as SC on your patterns.
In this video I’ll show you haw to create your first row of single crochet in your foundation chain and then how to make your turning chain and move onto your second row.
How To Crochet Half Double Crochet
The Half Double Crochet stitch (HDC) in US terms is also known as the Half Treble Crochet (HTC) in UK terms.
It is one of the most useful basic stitches you will need as beginner crocheter.
It’s a really simple stitch that gives a substantial fabric with good drape for clothing, blankets, scarves and hats.
You will see it abbreviated as HDC (or HTC if using UK terms) on your patterns.
In this tutorial I’m going to teach you (really slowly, cos who wants to keep pressing pause?) how to make your first HDC stitches so you’ll be a crochet pro in no time!
I’ll show you how to create your first row of half double crochet and then how to make your turning chain and move onto your second row.
We will also talk about the differences between Single Crochet and Half Double Crochet.
……Watch this space…….more tutorials coming very soon!
How do I know which size crochet hook to use?
Crochet hooks are made in different sizes and are generally recommended for certain size yarns.
Sometimes a pattern might refer to the diameter in mm, sometimes US patterns refer them with a letter – so how do you know which crochet hook to choose?
If you look at the label on your yarn, there will be a recommended size of needle or hook.
Remember this is only a recommendation, sometimes you might need a bigger hook if your work is too tight or a smaller hook if your work is too loose……sometimes you might want to use a bigger hook to give you a different stitch effect.
The list below gives the usual hook size for the yarn you are working with:
US & UK Crochet Terms – What’s the difference?
One of the most confusing things about starting to crochet is knowing which stitches your pattern is referring to. There are two standards used in crochet patterns which are known as US and UK terms.
Although they are the same stitch techniques, each standard gives them a different name. So before you even start to think about your foundation chain make sure you are confident which terms your pattern is using…….otherwise you could end up with a project twice as big as you planned, or it could be teeny tiny!
(not so bad with a lovely long scarf but pretty frustrating when your market bag turns out to be small enough to only hold your lipstick!)
Abbreviations For Crochet Stitches & Instructions
Here are some typical abbreviations you might see in your crochet pattern (remember to check if you are working in US or UK terms).
The first charts refer to typical stitch abbreviations and the two below cover general instructions.
Crochet Chart Symbols
Sometimes you might see strange hieroglyphics in your crochet pattern. These are a different way of showing how the stitches fit together to create your project, they look scary at first but they can be great if you’re a visual learner!
The most common crochet symbols are listed below in this handy table from the Craft Yarn Council
Check out my beginner crochet patterns in the store
If you prefer your patterns free and online, then click here or on the images below to on head over to the blog for more inspiration……..
