16/03/2014

HOOKED – learning to crochet

It’s no secret that I’ve wanted to learn to crochet for ages, but have always been a bit apprehensive (mainly due to concern that if I started to crochet I’d then forget how to knit) but a couple of weeks ago I finally took the plunge. And the good news is so far I can still knit, but I can also CROCHET A GRANNY SQUARE!!!

Yes, that is how excited I am. It still doesn’t feel as natural as knitting - I still keep trying to hold it like you would when knitting but I’m getting there. So far I’ve made 12 granny squares and am aiming for enough for a cushion cover, the first one took me about 3 hours but I can now average two squares per evening and am pretty pleased with that.



You can find the pattern I'm using here.
A few tips for beginners like me:
  • The US and UK have different names for the same stitches, for example the pattern calls for double crochets but in UK terms this is actually a treble crochet and a UK double crochet is something different. I learnt this the hard way, but it’s all practise.
  • All stitches are based on a chain stitch and there are lots of helpful youtube videos around.
  • Find someone who can already crochet to help you, my Mum learnt at 11 (I’m so behind!) and she’s a great teacher.

Do you have any favourite crochet patterns?

13 comments:

  1. I love your colour combo. Granny squares are my absolute favourite, but I find them really fiddly to make!

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    1. That's interesting, perhaps I've started with one of the more fiddly patterns! :)

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  2. Lovely colours ... I have just picked up my hook recently again too and am learning to ripple ... it is slightly addictive ... Bee xx

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    1. Ooh yes learning to ripple is next on my list! xx

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  3. oooh how beautiful are they, well done! :) they look incredible, great work! xxx

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  4. Yey good for you on learning, i'm a self taught crocheter - I learnt from all my grans old patterns which were in the UK terms and now work between the two, but yeah, I still have to google when i'm working from a US pattern, I always get confused. I'm working on a new afghan blanket, although I always have a major crochet session and then not pick it up again for weeks. If you haven't already joined Ravelry is a great resource for crochet patterns/motifs (as well as knitting).

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    1. Self taught - well done! Yes the different terms had me doing the wrong stitches to start, but we figured it out in the end and yes I love ravelry - only have knitting patterns saved on there at the moment though so definitely need to do some crochet searches! x

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  5. So well done, what patience!! what skill....and what gorgeous colours too...admiration is due...
    bestest Daisy j xx

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  6. Awesome! I've always wanted to learn how to knit - I may need to take the plunge soon! Or maybe I'll try to crochet?

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  7. I crochet how I knit and have struggled to do it any other way!!

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  8. Just thought have you come across Lucy at Attic24 if not look her up she is amazing when it comes to crocheting. Have a lovely weekend.

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  9. Well done, you! Looking forward to seeing the cushion cover :) xxx

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