How to Find the Right Crochet Tools and Techniques
Starting your crochet journey might seem like a daunting exercise, but once it’s broken down and simplified, it doesn’t have to be. Instead of looking at the whole thing at once, the tools, techniques, and all the things that you want to do, it’s best to think about how you’re going to approach this handmade craft. Everyone has their own way of doing things, and learning yours will be instrumental in growing as a Crocheter.
First things first, whenever I start a new endeavor, I do my research. Before picking up that crochet hook and yarn, try reading up on how others might utilize tools. You probably have someone in mind who you want to emulate and that’s a great place to begin. If there’s someone you know in your personal life, you can even ask them for the resources they prefer. First-hand accounts will help eliminate some of the trial and error we all have to go through.
Next is to test out those techniques to find the ones that suit your style. In my opinion, the chain stitch, the single crochet stitch, and the double crochet stitch are good places to start. They’re very easy to learn and it’ll set you up for when you move on to more difficult stitches. When you try each one, make notes about which ones you prefer and why. You might want to work on the ones that give you the most trouble or nix them completely. This will really enhance your personal creative experience moving forward.
Crochet hooks are also something that you should consider. There are so many different kinds and there’s really no surefire way to know which ones are right for you until you try them out. They vary in size and shape and there are add-ons like cushions for hooks that offer comfortability as well. It’s also okay to stick to a favorite crochet hoke and rely on that for most of your projects. Mine is the H/8 5.00MM hook. I started with this hook and it’s my trusty go-to that never lets me down.
Another tip I practice myself is that I never get complacent. I still try out various new methods on how to approach stitches I’m unfamiliar with. Doing this opens up more possibilities that I might not have tried otherwise. I’ll rewind tutorials on YouTube, read articles about the process, and practice until I feel comfortable in attempting a piece utilizing a new method. Start small! You don’t have to go for a big project right out of the gate. You can try making a simple patch just to see how it feels and then go bigger.
Yarn needles are options that people might not expect, but I use them frequently. I use them to attach my crochet pieces together and it works marvelously. Many others might utilize a smaller hook to connect their designs and that’s valid too (try them both!). When approaching this creative adventure, always pack what feels right for you because there isn’t only one right way of doing things. This is your journey and you should use the tools that will help you succeed.