A Crochet Beginner's Guide Part 2

So many hours crocheting and honestly, I'm starting to feel a little Loop - y!

How to Join Your Yarn

The easiest and quickest way to join yarn is to grab your new yarn and seamlessly continue crocheting. Make the stitch, but stop before you put your final yarn over to finish the stitch. Yarn over with your new yarn and pull through the remaining loops on your crochet hook. Then continue to crochet with the new yarn. Do not forget that you will also need to weave in the ends later on. There is one drawback to joining colours like this: it’s not as secure as other joining methods, meaning it could come apart more easily, and you also have to weave in ends. This method of changing colours is my favourite way to do it.

1. Single Crochet - insert hook into a stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, then finish the stitch with a colour of your choose.

2. Half Double Crochet - yarn over, insert hook into a stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, then stop finish the stitch with a colour of your choose.

3. Double Crochet - yarn over, insert hook into a stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, then stop finish the stitch with a colour of your choose.

4. Treble Crochet - yarn over twice, insert hook into a stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through 2 loops, then stop finish the stitch with a colour of your choose.

The Difference Between UK and US Terms

The main difference between UK and US terms is the starting point; a single crochet stitch is the US term, and a single crochet is called a double crochet in UK terms. The UK terms refer to the number of loops on your crochet hook, and the US terms refer to the number of yarn overs when pulling up your first loop. Uk Terms are one step above US Terms stitches. For example, the US term for single crochet is the same as the UK term for double crochet. The US term for double crochet is the same as the UK term for triple crochet. My favourite term to use is the US term; it is easy for me to read the crochet patterns.

Does the Loop on Your Crochet Hook Count as a Stitch?

The loop on your crochet hook does not count as a stitch. The loop helps you form your next stitch.

How to Straighten Your Border on Your Projects

1. Wavy boarder - if your boarder is wavy you need to do single crochet decreases every 3 to 5 stitches depends on how wavy your boarder is.

2. Tight boarder - if your boarder is puckering up you need to do single crochet increase every 3 to 5 stitches depends on how puckered your boarder is.

How to Crochet a Magic Circle or Ring

Hold your yarn end with your thumb and circle the yarn around three fingers, and there will be an x shape on top of your fingers. Put your crochet hook underneath the yarn closest to your fingernails, then pull and twist the yarn that is attached to the ball of yarn, and then chain one. There you go, there is a magic ring or circle.

Materials You Need to Start Crocheting

1. Yarn - Acrylic Yarn is a synthetic yarn; it is easy to access, has heaps of colour options, is allergy- and sensitive-skin-friendly, is very budget-friendly, is not sustainable, and is not breathable. Wool yarn can come in different types (mohair, merino, alpaca, and so much more), it is sustainable, and it is a natural fibre, but it is not vegan friendly because it comes from an animal. Wool sometimes gets itchy, and people are potentially allergic to lanolin. Cotton yarn is perfect for summer; it is breathable, vegan-friendly, comes from a plant, has natural fibre, and is more expensive for larger crochet projects.

2. Crochet Hooks - There are many crochet hook sizes; it can be frustrating. On the label on the yarn for your crochet project, it will tell you what size crochet hook you need for that particular size yarn. There are many crochet hook types. Aluminium crochet hooks are great for beginner crocheters, and they slip through the stitches really easily. The ergonomic crochet hook is great for avoiding strain on your fingers and wrists because of the rubber handle. Wooden and bamboo crochet hooks are great for getting a nice grip on the yarn when working with any type of yarn.

3. Measuring tape - to help you gauge your crochet project.

4. Scissors - to cut your yarn when changing colours or finishing your project.

5. Stitch markers - Stitch markers are great when you are crocheting in rounds.

6. Yarn needle - this helps you with sewing in your ends.

Crochet Studio App

The Crochet Studio App will help you choose the perfect colour combinations. You can put reference photos of colours you would like into the app, and it will choose the colours closest to the photo. The app has pre-made colour options and charts for you to choose from, and it has a wide range of colours, from neutral to light.

A Crochet-To-Go Bag

I love to crochet on the go. Wherever I go, I crochet in waiting rooms, in the car, and in different spots around the house. I love to have a go bag with everything I need for a crochet project. I can slip a pattern, my notes, yarn, crochet hook, scissors, and everything else I need to crochet into a bag. This is not the best way to store yarn long-term, but it is fantastic when you are feeling stressed or anxious.

Organising Yarn by Colour

Organising your yarn stash by colour makes starting a crochet project easier. It is easy to check how much inventory you have of each skein.

See my previous blogs for more tips and tricks:

1. https://www.billiesoffthehookblankets.blog/post/my-beginner-crochet-guide-part-one

1. https://www.billiesoffthehookblankets.blog/post/what-size-crochet-hook-is-best

1. https://www.billiesoffthehookblankets.blog/post/top-5-simple-and-fun-crochet-stitches

1. https://www.billiesoffthehookblankets.blog/post/what-are-the-easiest-crochet-stitches

1. https://www.billiesoffthehookblankets.blog/post/how-to-do-3-simple-crochet-stitches

 I've gotta go! Ya, girl is hooked and busy ❤