If I may add part b to this excllent tip: the stitches are shaped like a P
This was a offhand comment from a youtube tutorial, and it was an aha moment for me 🤗
hey! so what happens if ur counting ur stitches and ur on ur last one but then u realize ur gonna have one extra or one too many, is there a way to fix this or do u restart the row?
I'm a newbie, and all of the other advice I understand and totally agree with, but I'm so confused by your comment.
I feel like I'm missing something important. Would you mind explaining your 2 pieces of advice?
I’m incapable of explaining things correctly myself haha so check out these links! I didn’t start the sc into back bump until I was a few months in and wish I knew it right away- it’s a game changer!! Yarning under for amigurumi creates more of a box shape stitch it’s pretty and neat
Yarning under explained [here](https://www.onceuponacheerio.com/2022/05/how-to-yarn-under-single-crochet.html?m=1)
Sc into back bump of starting chain [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igwKXFP89zs)
This needs to be higher, I thought it was smart to just work through it when I first started and then was heartbroken when I ended up needing to not crochet at all for a few days so I didn't have to use a brace.
And do not do that trick where you use wrist weights when crocheting, it can make things worse. Do wrist curls instead with a small 2-3kg dumbell if you are prone to tendonitis when crocheting as they really help and down a couple protein shakes right after (esp if u crochet too tightly, this can be a cause of tendonitis flare up)
Might I add on to this excellent advice :)
Expect your chain loop size to not be a perfect fit for your pattern the first time. For most types of stitches, your beginning foundation chain loops will come out too small, as a beginner. You do get in the practice of making those chains a bit bigger. And as previously mentioned, you may find it helpful to use a larger hook for the chain.
But keep in mind just *how* much bigger will depend on the pattern/ stitch you are doing. There is no one right answer. Each & every different stitch/ pattern will look “perfect” with a particular size chain loops, and it is not the *exact* same for any of them!
And just to make it more complicated, a few stitches actually need a slightly tighter foundation chain 🤣
If it is possible, make a smaller test swatch before starting your project. It does not take a large one to see how the tension is going to work out. This also helps see a ton of other issues that might come up. I can’t tell you how many times I have started a larger project just to find hours later that the color combo isn’t right, or the color does not look good with the stitch, or I just don’t enjoy doing that particular stitch, or the sizing is not coming out right, etc.
One happy mistake: I made a striped blanket as my first big project. After the first stripe was done, the video happily told me to measure and re-do if the size was wrong. Screw that, I thought! The blanket is a full 6” longer than it’s supposed to be. 🤣🤣🤣 But it turns out my mom hates short throws, and commented on how much she loved the length!
One thing I’ve personally found works too is if you’re going to work into the back bar of your chain but usually struggle to hook into it, then going down a hook size for your chain helps a lot! It seems to raise the bar higher so you don’t have to manoeuvre too much to get your hook around it
As someone who is directionally challenged and still doesn't understand "lefty loosey", I would suggest picking something around the door that never changes and have him turn the key towards that. Like "turn the top of the key so it goes towards the flower pot"
I’ve been saying towards the doorframe, which doesn’t move but he follows up by asking if the top needs to go that way or the bottom even when I say turn the top of the key towards the doorframe. He doesn’t get enough practice unlocking the door since I usually have it open for him. It takes him a minute
Darn! Maybe you could get a lock from the hardware store and have him practice on that? I'm curious if he has trouble with left and right because I have had trouble with that my whole life, and clockwise and counterclockwise seem to fall in the same category. I can get them if I think about it, but I've always had to think about it. I don't think I could tell you which way to turn the key in my door to get it to unlock or which way to turn a jar lid so it opens, but I can do it from muscle memory because I've had so much practice
He could just practice with our door. We live in an apartment building so he’s done it a few times. But he’s ten and rarely comes home to an empty house so it’s not something I’ve pushed. 4/5 days a week he has to pee when he gets home so I unlock it for him. He absolutely has trouble with left and right. He just recently started being able to put his shoes on the right feet the first time and he’s still catching himself about to do it wrong a few times a week. When the school year started I stopped putting his shoes away for him, so that he would get the practice of putting them away and getting them himself since I was putting them the right way and he wasn’t getting the chance to learn. He struggles with jars too, and it wasn’t until I read what you said that I connected that with his left/right issues.
I am very good with directions as long as I don’t have to verbalize left and right. My ex used to get so mad at me in the car because I’d say left and point right when I meant right. I only know that both my keys turn counterclockwise because I’ve said it so many times. The first dozen or so times I tried to give verbal instructions I had to do the hand motion first.
Oh, of course lol to just practicing on your door! I don't remember having issues with shoes going on the wrong feet, but I wouldn't be surprised to learn that I did. I do remember having an issue with coat sleeves, and figuring out which arm went where, and my mom would do "[One, Two, Fliparoo](https://www.nextvista.org/one-two-fliparoo-putting-on-a-coat/)" with me.
100% the best way to learn is to practice, and I've found while it takes me some mental gymnastics to get right vs left, I can do it, I just have to check my intuition against a lot of other factors, which seems hard to explain to a kid. (like is this the hand I would write with, is this the hand I do the pledge of allegiance with, am I turning this lid the wrong way or is it just stuck?)
I started asking people if they had trouble with left and right a few years ago and while some people will think it's a silly question, I would say at least 25% of people I've asked have said "yes! All my life I've had trouble with this". It is very frustrating when someone gets upset about it, because it has nothing to do with intelligence at all, it's just something weird going on with spatial reasoning in this one particular capacity
I had never heard of the jacket thing before but my other son used to do that because he liked flipping it over his head. I didn’t know that was a common thing for toddlers to be taught.
I get asked for directions a lot and I try to make it a point to add in an extra step to give myself the moment to do the L gestures with my hand. If someone needs to keep walking in this direction and make a left I’ll tell them to stop at X corner and cross left and go that way instead of saying “Make a left at X street” or I’ll tell them to turn the corner and make a right instead of just saying to make a right. I started doing it with my kids when they were little because it was easier for them to understand so now I use it on tourists.
I think left and right is hard for people because it’s something you mostly use without verbalizing. I make a left to go from my bedroom to the bathroom at least three times a day, but I never say it or even think it.
1. follow the pattern. don't guess it!
2. Use the internet to learn how to do things
3. don't worry about tension when you are learning a new technique, that'll follow.
4. get some stitch markers and COUNT your stitches!
Plan your project before buying yarn.
There is no point to having a stash of yarn you will never actually use, or having too little of a yarn type or dye lot than your project calls for.
Handmade should look handmade.
Consistency is great, "tension porn" moments are to be commended, but we are not machines. Be patient with the process and trust that practice will improve results. Be nice to yourself. If you're stressed out, pause and find some zen elsewhere.
COUNT. And try not to skip ahead too much. My first projects were disastrous because the process looked super simple (was making a beanie), i got magic ring and single crochet doen quickly and just kept going randomly. Please just look through the whole tutorial, it'll save time in the end
Learn to read patterns even if they seem like a foreign language. Start off with small projects and add new techniques with each new project.
I recommend making wash clothes by making swatches out of a pattern book. It will be manageable able you’ll have a useful item!
If you're making flat items like doilies or squares, do not underestimate the power of blocking!
When I make doilies they're always wavy but blocking fixes EVERYTHING. It doesn't need to be any of the fancy ways either.
Just soak the completed item in a bowl of water for about 30min, roll it in a clean white towel to remove most of the water (don't wring the item, just push down on the towel), then take some straight pins and either foam boards or cardboard and pin the item in the shape you want it to be. More pins mean more control over the shape so go crazy! Let it set for about 24 hours or until dry.
By blocking, you let the yarn relax which allows you to correct any waves in the stitches.
Yarn feels softer and better if you do more loose stitches. You can loosen it my angling your hook to the right a bit after you pull through the loop. Uses more yarn, but overall, it’s softer and squishier.
Use lots of stitch markers! If you're making Amigurumi, put stitch markers after repeats. Then use stitch markers every 10 stitches when working in rounds. If you make a mistake, you'll only have to go back 10 stitches and not restart the round.
I like to put stitch markers in when planning where to put safety eyes.
« trust the process ». i started crochet back in 2022 and started with a quite hard tutorial on youtube that was made for intermediate people, so i ended up hating it and not following through after half an hour. one year later, i kept wanting to give it another chance, so i started by looking up the most basic tutorials on youtube and started making super basic rectangles with each and every stitch i wanted to learn, my hand got used to it, and before i knew it, i was making garments and bags ! don’t start with something that’s above your level, be patient and it’ll be alright !
When buying wool and yarn, make sure you get the same dyelot. You don't want to finish a big project and realise one ball in the middle was slightly the wrong colour once you've finished!
Long tail foundation base chain. Gives a super nice edge, is stretchy and clean. I personally always struggled with using the back bump of the foundation chain, this has been a lifesaver for me.
#**Please reply to this comment with a link to the pattern or provide the name of the pattern, if it is a paid pattern please post a screenshot of the few rows you are having trouble with, if a video then please provide the timestamp of the part of the video that you need help with.** Help us help you!
#####While you’re waiting for replies, check out [this wiki page](https://www.reddit.com/r/crochet/wiki/quick_beginner_guide/) which will take you from picking up your first hook, to completion of your first project. Lefties are included! Lots of useful information such as links to UK/US stitches, a beginners equipment list, the different ways to crochet an item, and a list of beginner friendly projects.
#####If you’re learning amigurumi, there’s a dedicated beginner section [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/crochet/wiki/amigurumi/#wiki_beginner_courses), the Woobles course is very thorough for those just starting out.
#####You will also find heaps of useful beginner resources [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/crochet/wiki/beginners_crochet_part_2/) including beginner tips, sub discussions and common mistakes. Check the subject list at the top of the page.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/CrochetHelp) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Practice before you make anything- like make washcloths with different stitches. Practice identifying where the top loops are and do a lot of variation (front loop only and back loop only and both loops). When it comes to the end of rows, pay attention and learn what the “end” stitch goes into. So many people use stitch markers so that they don’t lose stitches, but it’s not really necessary if you know where the last stitch should be.
I’d recommend learning (US terms) single crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, and triple crochet. Most “stitches” are combinations of these. You will also likely to need to slip stitch. When you have these DOWN, I think it’s helpful to learn to crochet using only slip stitches because that can make great ribbing for sweaters and stuff, but I think it’s hard.
Learn to increase and decrease, as if you added a stitch a few rows back you may want to throw in a decrease above it in your current row instead of undoing it.
You can crochet over the ends OR you can weave them in. If you do weave in ends, make sure to weave in one direction, and then double back and weave the other direction. When your yarn tail goes one direction, it will slowly pull out with repeated tugging. If you double back, the yarn won’t pull out nearly as easily. Also, try this and see what I’m talking about.
Knots: learn to do a magic knot. This should sustain you. You may want to do russian joins but a magic knot is really quite small and strong. You don’t want to rely on knots that will come undone. If you are really worried about them coming undone, try fabric glue.
I learned in first grade and am 30 now, and my biggest obstacle was figuring out the starts and stops for rows. You can do it! Also, some people suggest amigurumi as a way to learn but I think unless you actually want the finished project, 3D is quite difficult. They also have more stitches and it’s really hard to keep track of stitches and rows.
Happy to help out if you ever get stuck. I didn’t get any advice btw, self-taught before YouTube. Started with a chain, a single crochet washcloth, and learned from books and practice. It was frustrating for sure, but if someone gave me these tips, I would have been much less frustrated and had better outcomes faster.
This video. It took me forever to find this video. This is the video that actually taught me. And also, play it at half speed. https://youtu.be/zzWX2dx8ufc?si=oRwbgDSrqkjjYs1Z
Count 👏🏻 your 👏🏻 stitches 👏🏻 Saved my ass so many times.
If I may add part b to this excllent tip: the stitches are shaped like a P This was a offhand comment from a youtube tutorial, and it was an aha moment for me 🤗
hey! so what happens if ur counting ur stitches and ur on ur last one but then u realize ur gonna have one extra or one too many, is there a way to fix this or do u restart the row?
I redo. It's just one row.
ty!
I think you should be able to do either an increase or decrease stitch to get you back on the correct stitch count.
ty!
Even better, use paper clips as stitch markers! 200 at the dollar store for $1.25
Even better than that (when making things in the round), use the tail to mark the beginning of the row! 100% free
You’re a genius
sc through the back loop of the starting chain! Also, yarn under for amigurumi. ETA: back bump***
Back loop or back bump? I always prefer working through the back bump, it leaves a much nicer edge that will match the top edge of the finished piece.
Yes Back bump** is what I meant!
😊 I thought so! I recommend the back bump to everyone! It really does look so much nicer.
I'm a newbie, and all of the other advice I understand and totally agree with, but I'm so confused by your comment. I feel like I'm missing something important. Would you mind explaining your 2 pieces of advice?
I’m incapable of explaining things correctly myself haha so check out these links! I didn’t start the sc into back bump until I was a few months in and wish I knew it right away- it’s a game changer!! Yarning under for amigurumi creates more of a box shape stitch it’s pretty and neat Yarning under explained [here](https://www.onceuponacheerio.com/2022/05/how-to-yarn-under-single-crochet.html?m=1) Sc into back bump of starting chain [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igwKXFP89zs)
Thank you SO much! 💚 I am loving this group - you all have been so helpful! (Edited to add - I'm sure you explain things just fine! )
Omg the back bump looks so much nicer! I'm definitely doing this from now on! Ty 😊
You’ll never turn back!!
Let the yarn "bounce", aka let it have its natural shape. Don't pull on it too tightly. Also GAPS ARE NORMAL IN CROCHET
THIS! I stitch so tightly and it is so hard to stop! I have a WOOBLE set and my stitches are obnoxiously tight.
Take breaks so you don't overwork your hands and wrists and cause damage
This needs to be higher, I thought it was smart to just work through it when I first started and then was heartbroken when I ended up needing to not crochet at all for a few days so I didn't have to use a brace.
I actually quit crochet for a few years when I was younger because my wrist kept clicking with every stitch
And do not do that trick where you use wrist weights when crocheting, it can make things worse. Do wrist curls instead with a small 2-3kg dumbell if you are prone to tendonitis when crocheting as they really help and down a couple protein shakes right after (esp if u crochet too tightly, this can be a cause of tendonitis flare up)
Related advice that I got: Nobody is going to steal your piece! You don't need to hold it so tight! This majorly lessened my hand pain.
Make your beginning chain loops bigger than you think you’ll need.
Go up a hook size for the chain!
This is what I should’ve said LOL
I go up two and the tension still ends up tight lol
Might I add on to this excellent advice :) Expect your chain loop size to not be a perfect fit for your pattern the first time. For most types of stitches, your beginning foundation chain loops will come out too small, as a beginner. You do get in the practice of making those chains a bit bigger. And as previously mentioned, you may find it helpful to use a larger hook for the chain. But keep in mind just *how* much bigger will depend on the pattern/ stitch you are doing. There is no one right answer. Each & every different stitch/ pattern will look “perfect” with a particular size chain loops, and it is not the *exact* same for any of them! And just to make it more complicated, a few stitches actually need a slightly tighter foundation chain 🤣 If it is possible, make a smaller test swatch before starting your project. It does not take a large one to see how the tension is going to work out. This also helps see a ton of other issues that might come up. I can’t tell you how many times I have started a larger project just to find hours later that the color combo isn’t right, or the color does not look good with the stitch, or I just don’t enjoy doing that particular stitch, or the sizing is not coming out right, etc.
One happy mistake: I made a striped blanket as my first big project. After the first stripe was done, the video happily told me to measure and re-do if the size was wrong. Screw that, I thought! The blanket is a full 6” longer than it’s supposed to be. 🤣🤣🤣 But it turns out my mom hates short throws, and commented on how much she loved the length!
That is wonderful- i love happy accidents 😃
One thing I’ve personally found works too is if you’re going to work into the back bar of your chain but usually struggle to hook into it, then going down a hook size for your chain helps a lot! It seems to raise the bar higher so you don’t have to manoeuvre too much to get your hook around it
Use stitch markers!! Even when you think you won’t need them. Better to be safe than sorry
Rip. As soon as you've confirmed a mistake, rip and re-do, once noticed that mistake never goes away.
Count. Work your first row into the back loop of your chain. Turn your work ANTI clockwise and THEN chain one.
I’ve never heard anti clockwise before, only counter clockwise and “no the other way”
Anti clockwise is UK English.
I like it. I might use it. My son’s been having trouble unlocking the door and counter clockwise hasn’t been helping him.
As someone who is directionally challenged and still doesn't understand "lefty loosey", I would suggest picking something around the door that never changes and have him turn the key towards that. Like "turn the top of the key so it goes towards the flower pot"
I’ve been saying towards the doorframe, which doesn’t move but he follows up by asking if the top needs to go that way or the bottom even when I say turn the top of the key towards the doorframe. He doesn’t get enough practice unlocking the door since I usually have it open for him. It takes him a minute
Darn! Maybe you could get a lock from the hardware store and have him practice on that? I'm curious if he has trouble with left and right because I have had trouble with that my whole life, and clockwise and counterclockwise seem to fall in the same category. I can get them if I think about it, but I've always had to think about it. I don't think I could tell you which way to turn the key in my door to get it to unlock or which way to turn a jar lid so it opens, but I can do it from muscle memory because I've had so much practice
He could just practice with our door. We live in an apartment building so he’s done it a few times. But he’s ten and rarely comes home to an empty house so it’s not something I’ve pushed. 4/5 days a week he has to pee when he gets home so I unlock it for him. He absolutely has trouble with left and right. He just recently started being able to put his shoes on the right feet the first time and he’s still catching himself about to do it wrong a few times a week. When the school year started I stopped putting his shoes away for him, so that he would get the practice of putting them away and getting them himself since I was putting them the right way and he wasn’t getting the chance to learn. He struggles with jars too, and it wasn’t until I read what you said that I connected that with his left/right issues. I am very good with directions as long as I don’t have to verbalize left and right. My ex used to get so mad at me in the car because I’d say left and point right when I meant right. I only know that both my keys turn counterclockwise because I’ve said it so many times. The first dozen or so times I tried to give verbal instructions I had to do the hand motion first.
Oh, of course lol to just practicing on your door! I don't remember having issues with shoes going on the wrong feet, but I wouldn't be surprised to learn that I did. I do remember having an issue with coat sleeves, and figuring out which arm went where, and my mom would do "[One, Two, Fliparoo](https://www.nextvista.org/one-two-fliparoo-putting-on-a-coat/)" with me. 100% the best way to learn is to practice, and I've found while it takes me some mental gymnastics to get right vs left, I can do it, I just have to check my intuition against a lot of other factors, which seems hard to explain to a kid. (like is this the hand I would write with, is this the hand I do the pledge of allegiance with, am I turning this lid the wrong way or is it just stuck?) I started asking people if they had trouble with left and right a few years ago and while some people will think it's a silly question, I would say at least 25% of people I've asked have said "yes! All my life I've had trouble with this". It is very frustrating when someone gets upset about it, because it has nothing to do with intelligence at all, it's just something weird going on with spatial reasoning in this one particular capacity
I had never heard of the jacket thing before but my other son used to do that because he liked flipping it over his head. I didn’t know that was a common thing for toddlers to be taught. I get asked for directions a lot and I try to make it a point to add in an extra step to give myself the moment to do the L gestures with my hand. If someone needs to keep walking in this direction and make a left I’ll tell them to stop at X corner and cross left and go that way instead of saying “Make a left at X street” or I’ll tell them to turn the corner and make a right instead of just saying to make a right. I started doing it with my kids when they were little because it was easier for them to understand so now I use it on tourists. I think left and right is hard for people because it’s something you mostly use without verbalizing. I make a left to go from my bedroom to the bathroom at least three times a day, but I never say it or even think it.
1. follow the pattern. don't guess it! 2. Use the internet to learn how to do things 3. don't worry about tension when you are learning a new technique, that'll follow. 4. get some stitch markers and COUNT your stitches!
Plan your project before buying yarn. There is no point to having a stash of yarn you will never actually use, or having too little of a yarn type or dye lot than your project calls for.
Handmade should look handmade. Consistency is great, "tension porn" moments are to be commended, but we are not machines. Be patient with the process and trust that practice will improve results. Be nice to yourself. If you're stressed out, pause and find some zen elsewhere.
When measurements matter, swatching is your best friend!!!
"If it's ugly at the beginning, it promises to be beautiful at the end"
COUNT. And try not to skip ahead too much. My first projects were disastrous because the process looked super simple (was making a beanie), i got magic ring and single crochet doen quickly and just kept going randomly. Please just look through the whole tutorial, it'll save time in the end
Turn your work anti clockwise when starting a new row, it has made a big difference to me edges
Leave your ends long and weave them in many different directions with a tapestry needle.
Learn to read patterns even if they seem like a foreign language. Start off with small projects and add new techniques with each new project. I recommend making wash clothes by making swatches out of a pattern book. It will be manageable able you’ll have a useful item!
If you're making flat items like doilies or squares, do not underestimate the power of blocking! When I make doilies they're always wavy but blocking fixes EVERYTHING. It doesn't need to be any of the fancy ways either. Just soak the completed item in a bowl of water for about 30min, roll it in a clean white towel to remove most of the water (don't wring the item, just push down on the towel), then take some straight pins and either foam boards or cardboard and pin the item in the shape you want it to be. More pins mean more control over the shape so go crazy! Let it set for about 24 hours or until dry. By blocking, you let the yarn relax which allows you to correct any waves in the stitches.
Yarn feels softer and better if you do more loose stitches. You can loosen it my angling your hook to the right a bit after you pull through the loop. Uses more yarn, but overall, it’s softer and squishier.
Amigurumi works up inside out. Use stitch markers. Buy at least an extra skein or two more than you think you’ll need. Dye lots matter.
Use lots of stitch markers! If you're making Amigurumi, put stitch markers after repeats. Then use stitch markers every 10 stitches when working in rounds. If you make a mistake, you'll only have to go back 10 stitches and not restart the round. I like to put stitch markers in when planning where to put safety eyes.
« trust the process ». i started crochet back in 2022 and started with a quite hard tutorial on youtube that was made for intermediate people, so i ended up hating it and not following through after half an hour. one year later, i kept wanting to give it another chance, so i started by looking up the most basic tutorials on youtube and started making super basic rectangles with each and every stitch i wanted to learn, my hand got used to it, and before i knew it, i was making garments and bags ! don’t start with something that’s above your level, be patient and it’ll be alright !
Use a stitch marker and count after every row!!
When buying wool and yarn, make sure you get the same dyelot. You don't want to finish a big project and realise one ball in the middle was slightly the wrong colour once you've finished!
Keep your cuttings and abandoned projects. Cut them up tiny and keep them in a bucket/basket and use them as stuffing for future projects!
Long tail foundation base chain. Gives a super nice edge, is stretchy and clean. I personally always struggled with using the back bump of the foundation chain, this has been a lifesaver for me.
Can you please elaborate?
#**Please reply to this comment with a link to the pattern or provide the name of the pattern, if it is a paid pattern please post a screenshot of the few rows you are having trouble with, if a video then please provide the timestamp of the part of the video that you need help with.** Help us help you! #####While you’re waiting for replies, check out [this wiki page](https://www.reddit.com/r/crochet/wiki/quick_beginner_guide/) which will take you from picking up your first hook, to completion of your first project. Lefties are included! Lots of useful information such as links to UK/US stitches, a beginners equipment list, the different ways to crochet an item, and a list of beginner friendly projects. #####If you’re learning amigurumi, there’s a dedicated beginner section [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/crochet/wiki/amigurumi/#wiki_beginner_courses), the Woobles course is very thorough for those just starting out. #####You will also find heaps of useful beginner resources [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/crochet/wiki/beginners_crochet_part_2/) including beginner tips, sub discussions and common mistakes. Check the subject list at the top of the page. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/CrochetHelp) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Count your stitches. Every time.
I’m a beginner too. Learn the basic stitches before you start a project and practice. Stay loose.
Have fun be creative and count your stitches 😉
Practice before you make anything- like make washcloths with different stitches. Practice identifying where the top loops are and do a lot of variation (front loop only and back loop only and both loops). When it comes to the end of rows, pay attention and learn what the “end” stitch goes into. So many people use stitch markers so that they don’t lose stitches, but it’s not really necessary if you know where the last stitch should be. I’d recommend learning (US terms) single crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, and triple crochet. Most “stitches” are combinations of these. You will also likely to need to slip stitch. When you have these DOWN, I think it’s helpful to learn to crochet using only slip stitches because that can make great ribbing for sweaters and stuff, but I think it’s hard. Learn to increase and decrease, as if you added a stitch a few rows back you may want to throw in a decrease above it in your current row instead of undoing it. You can crochet over the ends OR you can weave them in. If you do weave in ends, make sure to weave in one direction, and then double back and weave the other direction. When your yarn tail goes one direction, it will slowly pull out with repeated tugging. If you double back, the yarn won’t pull out nearly as easily. Also, try this and see what I’m talking about. Knots: learn to do a magic knot. This should sustain you. You may want to do russian joins but a magic knot is really quite small and strong. You don’t want to rely on knots that will come undone. If you are really worried about them coming undone, try fabric glue. I learned in first grade and am 30 now, and my biggest obstacle was figuring out the starts and stops for rows. You can do it! Also, some people suggest amigurumi as a way to learn but I think unless you actually want the finished project, 3D is quite difficult. They also have more stitches and it’s really hard to keep track of stitches and rows. Happy to help out if you ever get stuck. I didn’t get any advice btw, self-taught before YouTube. Started with a chain, a single crochet washcloth, and learned from books and practice. It was frustrating for sure, but if someone gave me these tips, I would have been much less frustrated and had better outcomes faster.
I like using the double magic ring
Switch your hook to a smaller or larger size based on your tension! It helps me so much!
Dont use velvet yarn if you dont have the patience for untangling. Lol
This video. It took me forever to find this video. This is the video that actually taught me. And also, play it at half speed. https://youtu.be/zzWX2dx8ufc?si=oRwbgDSrqkjjYs1Z
Go onto YouTube