Tag: crochet

Two of the three members of Writing Across the Lines love to crochet: myself (Jen) and Cymantha. Jen has created a variety of things, including a few Loki dolls, a bunch of Litwicks, and lots and lots of scarves. Cym is even more talented, having created a few dolls herself, amazing scarves, and beautiful blankets. We do have to say that we know our stuff. So, when I was thinking of what to post, I figured I’d give some tips on crocheting!

1. Pick the right crochet hook.
   1. This has to be the most important tip. They have metal hooks, plastic hooks, hooks with grips, light-up hooks, wooden hooks, and afghan hooks. Personally, I prefer the plastic Susan Boye Luxalite hooks. They’re cheap (6 for $3!), they’re flexible (which many people don’t like, but I do), and they also have versions that are colorful (you can find them here). You want to find a hook that is comfortable to use, because crocheting can be a little tiresome for your hands, especially if you’re older or have arthritis.
2. Learn your yarn.
   1. Like hooks, yarn comes in different shapes and sizes. You can go with the less-expensive Red Heart, which is a little scratchy, or go for premium yarn that is soft. I prefer the cheaper-yet-soft Caron Simply Soft yarn. It’s very shiny and easy to work with while still being very cost-effective.
3. YouTube!
   1. If you encounter a stitch you might not know, look it up on YouTube! I taught myself how to crochet simply from watching YouTube videos and looking up tutorials. It’s so easy and it’s free. Don’t be ashamed to look things up.
4. Ravelry
   1. Ravelry is a great place for free and beautiful patterns. That’s where I found my Loki pattern, as well as the one for my Litwicks. Most of them are very easy to do and the patterns are available for free. There are some that cost money, but you can filter those out if you’re not looking to pay for a pattern.
5. Don’t stress.
   1. Crochet is supposed to relieve stress, so don’t worry if a pattern isn’t going exactly how you expect. If you find you made a mistake, “frog” it (rip it!). If it’s a small mistake, leave it. It makes your creation one of a kind. If crocheting is stressing you out, you’re doing it wrong.
6. Turn on music or TV.
   1. This may not work for you, but I prefer to work with noise. Most of the time, I’ll put on a YouTube documentary and just sit and crochet. After a while, you learn to crochet without looking and you can watch the TV without worrying about your project. It helps the project past quickly.
7. Have fun!
   1. You can create just about anything, so just have fun! Don’t be afraid to modify a pattern and try something new. Sometimes you end up with a project better than you thought.