Since I've got more confident with knitting, I've been thinking I should learn to crochet too. I did make a couple of finger crocheted rag rugged after a lady at our local permaculture group gave me a quick lesson, but I had not yet mastered the crochet hook. I had the basic idea though, from all the finger crochet, so I really just had to sit down with some wool and a hook and one of my many crochet books and figure it out.
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| My first grannie squares |
If you want to learn to crochet, I recommend finding someone patient to show you, even a quick 15 minute lesson is better than nothing. At least you will have the feel for it. I spent ages looking at diagrams in books, but I really needed someone to show me how to hold the yarn and the hook before I could follow the diagrams. If you can't find anyone to show you in person, here is a really good youtube tutorial. This is also a good refresher to help you remember what you learnt. I like the way the presenter explains the technique and talks through every step.
basic granny square pattern
honey and roses granny squares
I kind of want to crochet a nice scarf using some alpaca wool and this pattern, but I really need to finish the knitted scarf I started, and now its spring, eek! I better get knitting fast!
So what about you? Do you crochet? Or knit? Or both? How do you think they compare? And what tips do you have for beginners?
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When you master the basic stitches, you're going to want to make some grannie squares! I think the most fascinating thing about crochet, particularly if you're coming from a knitting mindset, is that you can crochet straight lines, or you can go around. It took me a while to see the difference, but its important. While knitting is really only two dimensional, crochet can create 3-D shapes. Also its very quick (but a little holey!).
Here are the two grannie square tutorials that I used to make the squares in the photo. Be careful though, grannie squares are a little addictive. I kept thinking, just one more round and I'll stop. I think that's how rugs happen.....
basic granny square pattern
honey and roses granny squares
I kind of want to crochet a nice scarf using some alpaca wool and this pattern, but I really need to finish the knitted scarf I started, and now its spring, eek! I better get knitting fast!
So what about you? Do you crochet? Or knit? Or both? How do you think they compare? And what tips do you have for beginners?
Clever Chicks Blog Hop
Simple Saturdays Blog Hop
From the Farm Blog Hop
Homestead Barn Hop
The Homeacre Hop
I'm a knitter, but a good friend taught me to crochet (in a very basic way). I prefer knitting but crochet does have it's attractions too. I have made hundreds of little granny squares and triangles ready to be sewn together into a jacket, but they are all still in the bag as I am not sure how to join them.
ReplyDeleteMy advice is to try both and you will discover whether you are a knitter or a crocheter. Follow your addiction.
Hi Jude, that's good advice! Try youtube, I'm sure you'll find some instructions for joining those squares :)
DeleteLove the pattern on the one up top right in your image liz! Im struggling to learn both....thanks for the video, im sure it will help. Xx kel
ReplyDeletehappy to help :)
DeleteCrochet is very addictive, i have soo many blankets its not funny. I crochet while watching tv then it feels like im still doing something and not just a couch potato and i catch the train a lot so granny squares are perfect. summer is the only time i take a break as it find its too hot.
ReplyDeleteIm not a knitter, i have made a few things but i find its just too slow.
i hope you enjoy your new adventure in crochet.
Yes! I agree it justifies TV watching because you're multi-tasking! I can't crochet on the train/bus though, I tried knitting in the car (as a passenger!) and just dropped stitches all the time...
DeleteThank you for the Video! Didn't crochet for a long long time so have forgotten it already. Like your grannie squares. Happy crocheting!
ReplyDeleteI reckon you can pick it up again though, your body doesn't forget...
DeleteUh oh not the crochet bug! I knit and crochet, but I prefer crochet especially with the fancy stitches and patterns that are around today. It also makes up quicker than knitting, but crochet does use more wool. The internet is a wonderful tool for learning just about anything :)
ReplyDeleteyes, I like how quick crochet is, knitting seems to take FOREVER now!
DeleteI love that Honey & Roses granny square, if you want to make enough I'll show you how to make a bag..............if I ever get to a permie meeting again
ReplyDeletethanks Judi! If I ever make it to another one!
DeleteWhat a great crochet video for a beginner or refresher for someone that is picking up the craft again.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with the Clever Chicks Blog Hop! I hope you’ll join us again next week!
Cheers,
Kathy Shea Mormino
The Chicken Chick
http://www.The-Chicken-Chick.com
No worries Kathy :)
DeleteThis post really spoke to me. I learned to crochet years ago... but never more than the most basic stitches. And I couldn't follow a pattern for anything!
ReplyDeleteBut a couple of week ago I *finally* learned how to make a grannie square. And I'm hooked!
I chose this as my featured post for the From the Farm Blog Hop this week! I hope you'll be joining us again! :)
~ Christine from @Once Upon a Time in a Bed of Wildflowers
Thanks for featuring me Christine!
DeleteI've started too. Have made about 20 large granny squares so far with the hope of making a lovely throw rug. At this rate I might have something by next winter.
ReplyDeleteWell that's something to aim for :) Good work Karen!
Delete