Your Top 7 Crochet Questions Answered

If you’ve just decided to learn to crochet, you probably have a few questions as to how to go about learning how, what you need to start, etc.

We’ve gathered together the most-often asked questions and answer them as well!

What is the difference between knitting and crochet? 

The difference between knitting and crochet is easy to remember — knitting is usually done with two needles, while crochet is always done with one hook.

The hook may be shorter or longer, depending on the manufacturer, but is usually made to fit snuggly in your hand.

Tunisian crochet hooks can be about 12 inches long, or may look like a normal 4 inch crochet hook with a cable attached to it. Even with Tunisian crochet you only use one hook even though the hook looks more like a knitting needle!

Crochet also usually only has one stitch on your hook at a time (Tunisian crochet differs in this regard, though), while you have a number of stitches on your knitting needles at any one time. In this way, crochet is a lot more forgiving than knitting, as you only drop one stitch — and not multiple — when you do drop a stitch!

While they may look the same to you at first, once you get going you can quite easily tell finished items apart and know whether they have been knitted or crocheted. 

Is it difficult to learn to crochet?

It’s not at all difficult to learn how to crochet! The good news is that there is only about five basic stitches you need to know.

By building on these stitches (chain, single crochet, double crochet, treble, and slip stitch) you can make any of the gorgeous patterns that you’ve seen; from doilies to toys, blankets, and beyond.

It also doesn’t really matter whether you first learn to knit or learn to crochet. Both have a steep learning curve when you just start out but, as soon as you get used to making the stitches, you’ll enjoy every second. 

How long does it take to learn to crochet? 

It usually only takes an hour or two to learn the first three basic stitches — chain stitch, slip stitch, and single crochet — and start your first project, for example a dishcloth or scarf.

Learning the more complicated stitches like the double crochet and trebles can take a bit longer, and so does learning to “work in the round”.

However, it is all a matter of practice, practice, practice. The more times you make each of the stitches, the more they will become part of your muscle memory. Soon you’ll also be watching Netflix and crocheting at the same time! 

Where can I learn to crochet? 

While it’s always nice to have a real life teacher who can teach you, there are also many online options if you don’t have a friend that crochets.

Here are some resources for learning to crochet:

• Ask a friend or relative to teach you
• Ask your local yarn shop if there is anyone that they know of in the area that teaches crochet classes
• Look on sites like meetup.com for crochet groups in your area that you can join
• The bluprint.com is a wonderful site with classes that range from beginner to advanced and everything in-between. They also have knitting, baking, drawing and many other classes. They’re really worth the investment if you want to learn more than just crocheting
• YouTube also has many different channels with crochet tutorials. Some are easier to follow than others, so it’s worth going through a few of the channels to find a teaching style that suits you.
• Teaching yourself from books is also a lot easier than you may think. If you can’t find a whole book on crochet at the bookstore or library, most crochet magazines have a “how to” section in the back of the magazine that you can follow. 
• Find a Facebook supports group friendly to beginners like CrochetPal 

What do I need to start crocheting?

You need very little to start crocheting — and it also won’t cost you an arm and a leg. If you have yarn and a crochet hook, you can start crocheting!

We usually recommend starting with about a worsted weight or double knit yarn and a crochet hook that is a US number 6 or 4mm. At this thickness and size hook the stitches are a lot easier to see and count.

Try to get a crochet hook with an ergonomic handle, as this will make it a lot more comfortable to crochet for extended periods of time. A hook without an ergonomic handle may cause your hand to cramp or fingers to hurt if you use it for a long time.

You can also get a packet of stitch markers, especially if you want to try your hand at amigurumi or soft toy making.

As you grow with your crocheting, you can add more hooks and yarn to your collection. 

Where can I find beginner crochet patterns?

There are countless good websites where you can find good beginner crochet patterns. Some of these include:

• Lovecrafts: Although Lovecrafts also contains many other types of patterns, their crochet patterns are some of the best around.

Ravelry: Sometimes described as “Facebook for knitters and crocheters”, there are many patterns available on the site that cater for everyone from every skill level.

• All Free Crochet: As the name suggests, this site contains only free crochet patterns. However, they do cater for all skill levels.

What is amigurumi? 

Amigurumi, a Japanese word that means “crocheted or knitted soft toy”, is a type of (usually) crochet toys that has taken the internet by storm.

The amigurumi toys or amis comes in all shapes and sizes and can be personalized to your heart’s content.

Usually only a few basic stitches are used to make amigurumi with the single crochet (double crochet in UK terms) making up most of the stitches. 

Amigurumi patterns are usually work in the round in a spiral. This ensures that there are no “striping” as you go from one row to the next.

Pipe cleaners or florist wire can also be added inside an amigurumi doll to make them poseable. The stuffing that is used can range from the usual brushed polyester, to small plastic pellets that will weigh down specific parts of the design.

Search on Pinterest or even on Instagram for your favorite amigurumi patterns and give them a go — you may just fall in love with it!

Are you ready to start crocheting? What will you make first? Tell us in the comments!