Saturday, February 18, 2017

A Beginner's Guide To Picking Crochet Patterns

By Angela Reynolds


If you have always loved the idea of homemade items such as sweaters, hats, socks and blankets you may want to think about trying your hand at crocheting. Many people find that completing crochet patterns is much easier to do since only a single hook is needed. This can make it an easier skill to pick up than knitting, which uses two needles and which can be more difficult to figure out. If you are looking for patterns that you can make, here are some tips that can help increase your chance of success.

In the past, there were relatively limited numbers of places to find patterns. They were available in magazines and books and some simple patterns, like granny squares, were handed down from generation to generation. Now, they are also available online. Yarn companies are creating and distributing their own patterns and there are also entire online communities and websites devoted to these hobbies. The selection is great but choosing which option to go with can become that much more difficult.

If you do not want to look on the website of a particular yarn company you might want to look in one of the online communities that are dedicated to knitting and crocheting. These often divide patterns down into different categories and provide information that will help you choose an appropriate pattern to work on.

One thing to consider is the difficulty rating of the pattern itself. Beginning crafters may want to make sure that they are picking projects that are rated as easy or ones that specifically say that they are intended for beginners. They may be easier to complete as they may involve simpler stitches or there may be more detailed instructions or diagrams that will make it easier for someone to follow even if that person is just beginning to crochet.

Reviews can also offer you valuable clues as to how easy it will be to complete a pattern. Users who have worked on a particular item before will often leave important information that will alert you to any mistakes or missed steps in the instructions. They may also offer valuable advice on alternate methods that you can use to complete difficult stitches that may save you some time and frustration.

While good instructions are important you also need to make sure you are working with the right materials. Your pattern should include information about the size of crochet hook to use and the kind of yarn to use. It can end up causing problems and lead to frustration if you are not using the right tools or materials to work on your project.

Taking your time and slowing down is also a good idea especially if you are starting out and have not worked on a lot of different items in the past. Making sure you are counting your stitches carefully can help prevent having to tear out stitches and rework areas that you have already completed. This can be frustrating and time consuming.

As you become more skilled, you will quickly find out how relaxing it can be to crochet. Even a beginner should find it possible to start making various items that can be worn or used around the house. Then, as you master specific stitches, you can begin to explore a wider variety of different projects and expand your repertoire even more.




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