If you're new to the craft scene or looking to delve deeper into the realm of textile work, you've come to the right place. In this beginners guide, we'll unravel what crochet has to offer, exploring everything from basic stitches to advanced techniques and showcasing the myriad of projects you can create with just a hook and some yarn.
What is crochet?
The name 'crochet' comes from the French word for hook: croche. At its core, crochet is making a series of knots. It's a method of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with a hooked needle. Unlike knitting, which uses two needles, crochet employs just one hook, making it a bit easier and accessible for beginners to grasp. This simplicity, however, does not limit what crochet has to offer! Even as a crochet beginner, you can craft everything from crochet garments, crochet bags, crochet tops, crochet blankets, crochet accessories, crochet toys and amigurumi, crochet home decor, etc.!
History of crochet
Crochet has a rich history. The earliest evidence of crochet dates back to the 16th century; its origins believed to lie in the Middle East. Historians have found that a simple hook was used in Arabia, China and South America to create delicate lacework, making garments and accessories with intricate designs. Whether crochet or knitting is older remains shrouded in mystery!
Crochet gained popularity in Europe during the 19th century, particularly in France and Ireland. It is said that crochet lace work actually functioned as a famine relief during the Great Irish Famine (crochet lace was sold to the elite to provide income). It was during this time that crochet transitioned from a pastime of the elite to a widely practiced craft among all social classes. During the Victorian era crochet became a popular past time, where mostly women of all ages embraced the craft. The industrial revolution made the materials used for crochet more widely accessible to the masses.
In the 21st century, crochet has experienced an amazing resurgence, fueled by the digital age where checkered crochet bags go viral and crochet beginners can easily find tutorials on TikTok, Instagram and Youtube. From a feminist perspective, textile work has long been relegated to the realm of "women's work." What I love about the popularity of crochet is that it creates diverse communities of crafters of all ages, comprising not only women but also men who are reclaiming and celebrating textile arts that have historically been undervalued. Moreover, crochet becomes a powerful tool for social impact as crochet projects are employed to advocate against inequalities.
The downside to this is that fast fashion industries has also picked up on the trend and now sells 'crochet bags' for 20 euro's. It's important to know that crochet can only be made with human hands and is never machine-made. If you encounter a real crocheted bag, I can assure you that somebody in a fabric somewhere has made this with their very own hands and is being underpaid or exploited. Only make crochet yourself or buy it from a small business <3
Materials for crochet
An advantage to having crochet as a hobby is that it is very accessible: you don't need a lot of space, money or materials to get started!
✰ Yarn: First choose a yarn appropriate for your project. While there's no yarn police dictating your choices, the nature of your project will influence your selection to some extent. Consider the intended use (shopping, winter wear, outside use) and desired qualities (drapey, flowey, stretchy, sturdy, etc) of your finished piece. For instance, a warm sweater may call for different yarn than delicate lace work or a shopping bag.
✰ Crochet Hooks: Available in various sizes, crochet hooks are labeled with a letter or number corresponding to their diameter. Have a look at your yarn label to check what diameter is recommended.
✰ Scissors: A sharp pair of scissors will come in handy for cutting yarn
✰ Stitch Markers: These small tools help you keep track of your stitches, especially in more complex patterns. However, you can also use a bobby pin, a piece of yarn or a paper clip if you don't want to buy plastic or prefer a cheaper option.
✰ Tapestry Needle: Used for weaving in ends and sewing pieces together.
Basic Crochet Stitches
There are 1000s of different crochet stitches available. However, you only need to know a few foundation stitches to get started! I recommend looking up each of them on YouTube to get familiar with them. Practice is key :) Please mind that this is US terminology.
✯ Chain Stitch (ch): The foundation of most crochet projects, the chain stitch creates a base for subsequent rows.
✯ Single Crochet (sc): A simple stitch worked into the previous row, creating a dense fabric ideal for garments and accessories.
✯ Double Crochet (dc): Taller than the single crochet, the double crochet stitch adds height to your work, perfect for blankets and shawls.
✯ Half Double Crochet (hdc): A versatile stitch with a bit more height than the single crochet but less than the double crochet
✯ Slip Stitch (sl st): Used for joining rounds or creating a seamless finish, the slip stitch is essential in many crochet projects.
Crochet for beginners
If you're new to crochet, don't be intimidated! With patience, practice, and a willingness to learn, you'll soon discover the joy of creating your projects from scratch. What I love about crochet is that you are not dependent on the toxic clothing industry for your home decor, accessories or clothing! Start with simple projects and stitches and gradually challenge yourself with more complex patterns. Remember, mistakes are part of the learning process, so don't be discouraged if your first few attempts don't turn out perfect. Focus on practicing with the techniques rather than unraveling your work if it does not meet your expectations aesthetically. Every stitch is a step forward!
In Conclusion:
Crochet is more than just a craft – it's a creative outlet, a form of self-expression, a mindful activity, a tool for social change and a timeless art form cherished by generations. The key to success in crochet is being proud of yourself that you created something with your own two hands. Happy crocheting!
If you want help as a crochet beginner or just want to meet fellow crafters, sign up for one of my crochet workshops*!
Love,
W
* Ik spreek ook Nederlands, dus de uitleg en begeleiding tijdens mijn haak workshops kan ook in het Nederlands worden uitgelegd.