Beginnings

When people see an item I've made, they often respond, "How beautiful!" Then they say, "It looks so hard. I could never do that!"

Hard? Difficult? no. Time consuming? yes.

My grandma taught me to crochet when I was 5, before I started to school.  Before I could read and write, I could crochet! So, I think crocheting is easy, fun, and relaxing.


I think it's easier to begin with 4 ply, worsted weight yarn and a size I or J aluminum crochet hook.

Make a slip knot

               Put the hook into the knot.

                Pull the knot tight.

               Wrap both the long and short ends around the hook, holding the knot in place with your first finger.

               Pull them through the loop that was on the hook.

               Wrap the long end of the yarn around the hook.

               Pull it through the loop that was on the hook.


 

               Pull on the short end to tighten the knot/stitch around the hook.

            And repeat, yarn over hook...  

               pull it through...

               and repeat...

              4 chain stitches.

Crocheted patterns start with the chain stitch. Practice this stitch until you are making fairly even ones.

The chain stitch is also used to make spaces or to move the yarn from one part of the pattern to another.





I've been crocheting for over 50 years, so give yourself plenty of time and practice before you say your stitches aren't even.