The Art Of Crochet, Moving Thread Or Yarn Into Beautiful Shapes!

Maybe you've thought about learning to crochet and it just seemed too scary. Or maybe you've tried it but the darned hook just won't cooperate! Crocheting becomes fun when you achieve a fluid movement that becomes second nature. When you're sitting watching TV or having a conversation with someone while crocheting, you're there in the fluid movement zone. It's all about training your hands to do the motions effortlessly. You're not going to get there in a day or a week. Just like learning to drive a car, flip a pancake, thread a needle, or type, it takes practice, and lots of it! But the reward is so worth it.

In this article we're going to talk about two different things relating to the movement called Crochet. First, for people who are already crocheting with yarn and want to move down to working with thread, I'll offer a few suggestions on how to do that.

Secondly, for beginners who have always wanted to learn to crochet, I'll offer a large selection of video tutorials on YouTube. For some of us who are visual learners, video is more helpful than a book. It's the next best thing to having someone sit there and teach you!

If you are wanting to "hook up" with other crocheters, I'll offer a few suggestions for online groups you can join. There, you can ask your questions, show off your latest masterpiece, or just chat with people with whom you have this amazing hobby in common! You can even join my own crochet group on Yahoo if you want to!

If you're an experienced crocheter, think about finding a way to pass on your craft to someone!

Whatever your skill level, I wish you happy crocheting! -Sheila

To crochet requires two things: A crochet hook in the right size for the yarn you are using, and of course yarn. Again I highly recommend using a very basic yarn such as Peaches n' Cream or Sugar n' Cream yarn in 100% cotton. Both are readily available anywhere and yarn doesn't get any more basic than 100% smooth cotton. You have years to play with all those pretty fancy yarns out there, but right now they're not the best for learning. You need to see your stitches clearly and the cotton is perfect for that.

Your crochet hook is equally important. I recommend you try the Clover Soft Touch line of hooks. They're so easy and balanced to hold in your hand and prevent a lot of hand fatigue. For your cotton yarn, I'd recommend you start with size H (US). You can get your hook right now in the module just below, or they are available in many yarn and craft stores.

Do you gaze longingly at those pretty thread crochet doilies, scarves, even tablecloths and bedspreads? Well, you can master the art of thread crochet! It's simply a matter of training your hands to do the same movements, just on a smaller scale!

The most popular method to change from yarn to thread is the gradual one. If you're used to using worsted weight yarn with a size H hook, pick up a ball of size 3 crochet thread (such as DMC's Senso, or Aunt Lydia's Bamboo) and a size E or F hook. Try crocheting a simple swatch of rows of single crochet with it. Once you are very comfortable with the size 3 thread, it's time to move on down a notch. Get yourself a Clover Soft Hook in size 0 (don't worry, that's the biggest thread hook size!) and some cotton 6-strand embroidery floss. Crochet up a little swatch with that.

Once you are totally comfortable, it's time to move down to a size 7 hook and regular #10 crochet thread. I recommend DMC's Traditions or if you like a softer feel, try America's Best crochet cotton. Make a good size sample swatch with that. All the usual things in yarn crochet apply, like making your stitches firm but not too tight.

If eyesight is an issue for you, as it is for me, make sure you have a very good daylight lamp to work by. The Ott lights are considered the best. Below I've picked out a good, affordable one for you.

Are you doing it? Are you actually doing thread crochet? I knew you could!

Now if you want to get totally crazy... get yourself a size 9 or 10 hook and pick out several colors of sewing thread you like... tie a knot with 5 strands held together and crochet a swatch with that! Helpful hint - keep all the spools separated so they don't tangle up! I use this technique often when crocheting tiny flowers or ornaments. You can't always find the exact color you want in crochet thread, but it's a sure bet you can find something in sewing thread or even embroidery floss!

This lens was awarded a Purple Star, Squidoo's highest honor, on July 24, 2012. Thanks so much, Squidoo!

Graphic Courtesy of Dave Sutton