Running to google every time I need to figure out how to do something gets to be a real pain, so I put a page in my OneNote combining all the links I use into one place, and I thought I would share them with you. Let’s start at the very beginning; just click on the highlighted link! (Note: I have made an effort, wherever possible, to include links without phishing or clickbait – please comment if you find any! It is practically impossible to include only sites without any affiliate links however, but I tried to find sites where they are minimal.) These links are only for how to crochet links; over the next few posts, I will be talking about designers, yarn companies, etc)
- First is learning crochet stitches. You can find basic to advanced stitch instruction at Annie’s.
- Reading a pattern is essential; the Yarn Craft Council has a good guide.
- You don’t have to learn diagrams/charts/graphs but a lot of great patterns use them. Craftsy shows you how.
- You can learn about yarn at the Encyclopedia.com.
- Herrschnerr’s has an article on yarn weights; handy for planning projects.
- You don’t always have access to the yarn called for in a pattern – Yarn Sub makes substitution easy.
- One of my favorite designers, Dedri Ulys (Sophie’s Universe), has written a super article on crochet hooks.
Yarn, hooks, pattern, stitches – what’s next? Really important is planning the color pattern or progression. It can be super difficult for me, so I am always looking for help. Most sites describe colors palettes with Stylecraft yarns, but I find that once I see the palette, I can find similar colors in the yarn of my choice.
- Another favorite designer, Emma Goodgion (Pippin Poppycock), is particularly adept at yarn mood boards.
- Blanka made this tool that will let you look at the colors of Stylecraft and Paintbox yarns yourself.
Looking for a pattern now? There is only one perfect place to start, and that is Ravelry. Whether you are looking for a doily pattern out of the finest thread, or a granny afghan, you will find a pattern here. If you have never used it before, you should click on patterns on the home page. You can type what you are looking for into the search pattern box or you can browse through the categories.
You can refine your searches to find only patterns with pictures, only free patterns, only crochet patterns, or whatever parameters suit you.
Once you have the basics down, and a pattern picked, there are a few advanced techniques you might want to learn. For instance, if you are working in the round and don’t want that hole in the center, you might want to try the magic circle. (Note: I like to wrap the yarn/thread around my fingers twice, for the most secure ring!)
- Wikihow has 4 ways to make the magic circle.
- Mikey at the Crochet Crowd has a youtube video of the magic circle.
If you are starting with a long chain, the chainless foundation row is amazing. Lion Brand has a video by Maggie Weldon.
In a few days I will be adding things like care of your project and blocking. Until then, happy hooking!
Holm Made 