12
votes
Crochet
Hello Tilderinos!
Do any of you crochet or would like to learn to?
I've been crocheting for about two years. It's a fun pastime that gets you addicted to yarn (you can never have enough). I learned primarily through a book and lots of YouTube videos. It took a while to learn the lingo, but now that I have a hang for it I've started to delve into pattern making for stuffed toys. That alone is an entirely different beast!
I am very much a beginner in the crochet world, but I find that it makes more sense to me than knitting! Show off some photos of some things you're particularly proud of!
Here are two more recent projects: https://imgur.com/a/uQBH2sT. The cat I made for myself, and the zipper pouch I made for my sister.
I agree about the knitting! I took a class earlier this year and it was so hard to get the hooks lined up right. What do you like to crochet? I find rectangles very hard...most of the time mine look wonky; which is why I stick with toys. It's all in the round!
I've made a couple of blankets using a simple chevron pattern. It's mostly singles and double half stitches with some triples thrown in. Super simple but my most recent blanket has been sitting around unfinished because I just can't bring myself to call it done.
This might be indicative of a larger problem... Hmm...
Hmmm. That sounds like a lot of projects I have. I tend to get distracted and start new ones cause they look so fun. Are on Raverly (raverly.com)? I highly suggest it for looking up patterns (free and paid). You can also log what projects you're working on and information related to the project (hook size, yarn used, additional notes, pattern used, etc.)
News! I just started working on an amigurumi. It's a lot of counting, but I learned magic circles last night. Quite frankly, I'm terrible at sewing things on.
Thanks for the link to Raverly. I should definitely get on the site and make use of some of the awesome patterns. Also, I just realized that I forgot to comment about that cat you posted! It's adorable in that pose.
Awesome! You will LOVE the magic circle. It's such a helpful technique. Sewing isn't my favorite thing. I'm finding with my amigurumi I'm learning to crochet my arms/legs into the body as I go to prevent sewing them on later.
Thanks! :)
I love your zipper pouch! Did you follow a pattern?
Thank you! I did. Here is the pattern: https://stuffstephmakes.wordpress.com/portfolio/cactus-zipper-pouch/
The designer includes links on how to do the tapestry crochet.
Thanks!
Awesome pouch! (Cat too, but) I'm impressed that you added a lining and zipper.
Thanks! My sister was going to use it for school so I wanted to make it sturdy and not have pens poking out. Sewing the zipper to the lining wasn't bad (go sewing machine!). The hand sewing to the crochet was harder.
I'm a beginner, doing it on and off for a few years. It's definitely addicting and fun to do as I watch TV. I feel like I struggle to learn to learn though. I've looked at basic patterns but it never seems to come out right. I might try to use youtube videos.
Any advice to a newbie, wanting to improve?
A lot of good advice here. To piggy off of that, I recommend checking out:
Raverly (raverly.com)
This is a good source to find patterns (free and paid). You can easily search based off the item type (blanket, doll, etc.) to the techniques used. I like it because I can post my projects there and keep detailed notes on what I did for each project. You have the ability note which: hook size used, amount and type of yarn, pattern, additional notes, gauge, etc. When you look at a pattern too it will show you the projects of people who have completed it. You also have the ability to search their notes and filter what yarn was used.
Planet June (https://www.planetjune.com/)
If you get into amigurumi (the Japanese art of stuffed toys), PlanetJune is filled with tutorials (videos and pictures) of techniques used. For example, in amigurumi we use the invisible decrease. It's similar to a normal decrease but it makes it less pronounced so you don't have a gaping hole showing stuffing.
Crochet Along (CAL)
CAL's are a great way to watch somebody else go through a pattern and explain to you what they are doing. When I first started I did a doll CAL and it was really helpful because I could pause and rewind whenever I had issues. If you search YouTube for "crochet CAL" and then whatever you want to make you should get some hits.
Have fun and take on projects despite how they look! You'd be surprised how hard something appears, but in reality it's just a different series of steps of stitches you already know.
Thanks for the advice! I haven't actually made gauges before, so I should probably start. I like your idea of practicing with potholders and rags.
I made half of a huge blanket with double crochet and a tiny little amigurumi octopus and then I stopped! Haha!
I started learning but didn't get very far since I kept wanting to set it down and use the keyboard for something. I could see it being a really good hobby for when you have a movie or show on. Do you crochet with other people, like in a local group or an online club?
I do not. I have a couple friends who crochet, but our schedules clash so it turns into sending text updates of what we've created. I would be interested in an online club if you know of any.
Well hello! This is a topic I can get behind. I've crocheted pretty consistently since I was little, with a peak in middle school and early high school. My family has some pretty... creative Christmas tree ornaments that are just misshapen blobs I crocheted as a small child. Lately, as a college student, I've been knitting more because I prefer knitted fabric for the things I make most (hats, socks, etc.), but I'll happily crochet lace scarves, jewelry, amigurumi, fingerless mitts, and such. I'd like to get back into designing patterns.
Really underappreciated quality of crocheting: you just need a hook!! Keeping track of all sizes and shapes of knitting needles drives me nuts.
As a solitary crafter, I'm enjoying this conversation about yarn!
I love that your family has your creations as tree ornaments! You mentioned getting back into designing. What have you designed before? I would love to see some of your creations.
Aw thanks! I've only published a cabled toddler hat and a simple openwork shawl. I mostly enjoy making Frankenpatterns on the fly. I'll PM my Ravelry profile, but I'd rather not connect it with my Tildes account yet.