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Adding to my ever growing lists of hobbies, I have decided to undertake some crochet. I have never been able to knit, many people have tried and failed to teach me (I blame be a lefty in a right handed world), but crochet looked like something I could somehow get to grips with. I have listed a load of starter resources I found super useful, plus a load of effective patterns that despite looking complicated, are actually nice and easy.
What I Have Created So Far
I started super simple with a baby blanket just before my now almost two year old was born. I fell in love with a yarn cake from Sirdar (linked below) and had to find a way to use it.
I started with some cheap crochet hooks from Amazon, dove straight in. I was completely baffled by reading written patterns, so found some videos that broke down stitches really well and slow enough for me to be able to follow. I have included a list of these below. I can now mostly understand crochet patterns, differentiate between US and UK terms, and have a few projects under my belt.
Great Starter Resources
Tools
What I loved about this hobby is that the tools did not need to be expensive and I actually managed to get everything I needed to start from Amazon (not shamelessly plugging, it is actually what I did). I didn’t want to spend a whole load of money on a hobby that I might not be able to do, so started out with a set of crochet hooks and stitch markers, the set below. While my first attempt was not at all good, as you can see above from the difference in my two swatches, I progressed and have not changed the hooks I am using at all. The set below goes up to 6mm, so if you are using chunkier wool, you will need a set of larger hooks.
I also got a set of row/stitch counters. This is very handy for patterns that have a set number of rows, as I can’t be bothered to right them down or I get interrupted and do not remember. These are the ones I have, which are great to start with, but I am tempted by the electronic ones with just a button to push rather than turning a dial on the end. Will let you know if I get one, and how I get on with it.
Books
I love this book, so much so I have recommended to all of my friends that have wanted to start crochet. The instructions are simple, with pictures that make it easy to follow, and best of all some great patterns. Of note, it is in UK terms.
I am currently making a cute octopus mobile from this book. It is turning out so cute so far.
I did get some other pattern books for Christmas and birthdays, but I will share those once I have done some of the patterns and I feel I can really recommend them or not. I might have to finish some of my works in progress first.
Patterns That Look Complicated But Aren’t
Lotus Flower Blanket
This came up on Pinterest, and I pinned it for a later date, when I would be more confident at crochet. The pattern is by Hooked By Robin (link above). I absolutely adore the yarn it is designed for but could not justify the price as of yet, so decided to make it in a cheaper yarn to prove I could do it and make a case to buy the Scheepjes Whirl. The pattern is easy to read, even better there is a YouTube tutorial where everything is explained so well. I highly recommend making this one, it is simple yet very effective. I made it in two balls of the Sirdar Snuggly Pattercake in Candy Cane and gave it away as a present, but now I have a whirl and have started making it for me.
Alpine Stitch Throw
I love this stitch for a heavy blanket. I first saw it on Yarn Hooked Needles blog (link above). I made it in red and white yarn for a Christmas/candy cane effect as a blanket for my daughter. I added a border and pom poms. I can see where I have not done things as well as I would have liked, but I have started a new one in wool from Aldi, as my husband complains I steal the Nightmare Before Christmas blanket I sewed for him.
This is all I have tried so far with patterns online, but have a load more lined up, just need to order the wool! Will post more on my new adventures in crochet in the future.
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