It seems as though a craft revival has occurred in my generation. Sitting down to watch an episode of Law and Order or Desperate Housewives with a group of girlfriends in college, several would pull out crochet work. They were making gifts for family or scarves for themselves during the freezing cold Chicago winters. I like the idea, especially because such work keeps you mildly active even while resting on the couch. You can create something and still enjoy some TV entertainment or visit with your friends.
As a complete novice to the craft, knowing where to begin in crochet is difficult. First, you need a crochet hook and basic yarn. An “H” hook is often recommended for beginners with some inexpensive acrylic yarn. American sizes range from B (smallest) to S (biggest), so you can get an idea of where this size sits. Before looking at any craft books, magazines, or, my favorite option, blogs, you have to be familiar with certain terms.
With my own skills in mind, I’ve created a Beginner’s Guide to Crochet (for the complete novice). Simply page through the five part guide for videos on how to tie a beginning slipknot, make a foundation chain, do the crochet stitches, and more.
Before you begin, learn how to hold the crochet hook. The hook should be in your right hand if you are right-handed. My preferred way is hold the hook like a pencil between my thumb and forefinger. In this picture, I’ve already tied the yarn to the hook with a slipknot. The yarn end attached to the ball or skein is wrapped around the pointed finger of my left hand to maintain yarn tension. You will find that maintaining yarn tension is very important. The thumb and pinky finger of my left hand help to stabilize the foundation chain as it’s formed and later the piece as I’m crocheting.
Good luck!
