Starting crochet is easy. You will need a set of needles to start and
some yarn. I prefer to start with a set of large needles -- you only
need G and K for most of my patterns, but since other patterns require
other sizes, I suggest that you buy a set containing C - K. The smaller
the letter, the smaller the hook.
When you get more advanced, you might want to tackle thread crochet and
will need steel needles. These are numbered. I suggest you buy sizes 4
- 7. The larger the number, the tinier the hook. Most of my patterns are
done with a size 7 hook. You can buy thread at any place you buy yarn.
My favorite place is Wal-Mart. They also have plenty of beginner books
that show you step by step how to begin crocheting. If you have never
crocheted before, I highly recommend one of these books. If you
have a hard time holding the hooks, there are also sheaths you can buy
to cover them.
One of the most common problems people tell me that they have is
following the patterns. To read patterns, you must first know the
meanings of the abbreviations. It will help to know that
c means
crochet. The other letters added to the
c refer to the type of stitch
you will make.
S means
single, so
sc refers to
single crochet. There are
also
d for
double,
hd for
half-double, and
t for
triple. Since I am not
set up yet for teaching beginning crochet, I again refer you to a good
beginner book. They are not very expensive. You can get very good
instructions in a tiny paper booklet.
Another difficulty some people have in following directions is that they
sometimes have trouble keeping up with their place. I suggest that you
copy off the pattern on a commercial copier. You can enlarge it making
the print easier to read. Then, without marking up your book, you can
highlight as you go so you will always know where you left off.
Some people think that they can't crochet if they are left-handed. I'll
admit that most instructions for beginners are shown for right-handed
people. You will have to find a way to hold the needle that works for
you. You might also try using a mirror while learning. I heard it helps.
If you are learning from someone, try sitting opposite them. That helps.
Check out our
Bookmarks page in our
E-group and our
Links page for links to
sites that teach left-handers!
If you are finding that your work doesn't come out even -- in other
words too tight or too lose, you will have to adjust your scale until
you get the right size. Most books offer a scale of how many stitches
equal an inch. If you take more stitches to get that inch, try a larger
needle than the author uses. If your stitches are looser, you might try
a smaller needle. Eventually, you will level out and will find a good
scale for you. It takes time and practice.
As you cruise our site, don't forget our links. You can follow the links
to our
Coffee Shop -- the page where you get to know me
and chat a little. Send us messages to post on our
Coffee Shop
page so you can get to know other members and find patterns and tips you
are looking for.
Another page will be the
Current Pattern.
This feature
pattern will later be archived. We will be changing it often. You can
submit interesting patterns to be featured here. We only ask that you
allow them to be used in a book we plan to write containing member
submitted patterns. We'll give you credit, of course. If you have a
photo of your project, e-mail it to us. We are now accepting patterns
for the book. You can submit them by
emailing
us.
Would you like to be listed on our
Member Page? Some
people prefer to be anonymous, of course. But if you are looking for
e-mail penpals, this would be a good page to be listed on. You can
e-mail us your e-mail address, the name you want to be
known by, and some interesting information about you. We will place it
on our
Member Page. Photos are also welcome.
On our
Links Page, you will find links to other places
where there are patterns, etc. Do you have a web page about crochet?
List it here. We will also list other sites we have created such as our
club sites and my art pages. We encourage reciprocal links.
If you links to us, we will gladly link to you.
Do you have any suggestions or ideas for pages or projects? Send them to
us. We want to hear from you. Just click our
Email link.
Or you could fill out our feedback form on our
Guest Page.
Would you be interested in contributing to this website? We love
original or vintage patterns, (vintage patterns are no longer
copyrighted and can be published by anyone) photos, stories from members
of our club, and we also offer a
Products section for
those wanting to sell their work on consignment.
Oh, and don't forget to sign our
Guestbook before you
leave. We want to know you were here -- even if you don't join. To join
the club, go to the
Club Page. Fill out the table and
submit. Then send us an
e-mail
with any patterns you
would like to submit for our book or the
Current Pattern
We will keep you up to date on any new pages or developments in
the club and give you links to the
Archives as they
happen.
Would you like to receive our
Newsletter? It is
just starting up and will be filled with information relative to
crocheting, family, and home. Just go to our Newsletter page to
read the latest
Newsletter
online and to sign up for
notices. You may choose to just receive a link to the newsletter
each time we write one, or you may choose to have the newsletter
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We never spam you. We only use opt-in on site, and opt-out by mail
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