Soon I’ll be teaching a group of children (around 10 years old) how to crochet, and we’ll be making a cute chenille plushie.
Since chenille yarn can make stitches really difficult to see, especially for complete beginners, I was wondering if you have any tips or tricks to make the stitches easier to spot and work with.
Do you have any advice, tools or techniques that could make the learning process easier and less frustrating for little beginners?
I’d love to hear your experiences and suggestions! Thank you!
Agreed! Chain 2 method over magic ring! Only because I still see so many adults who still struggle with the concept of it…
Be sure to use a larger hook size, at least 5mm, to start so as to make the stitches a bit larger to see.
Or you could have them use Chinelle yarn with an extra strand of thinner yarn (preferably in the same color) that they can work together to help see stitches as well as easily pull a stitch closed (like if you were to do the MR method)
Choose an easy to follow pattern as well. Like a little loaf kitty or something similar
Best of luck though! This sounds like it’s going to be such a fun time for everyone involved!! I hope you post pics of everyone’s projects when they’re finished I just know they’re all going to do amazing!!
I also was thinking of using a cotton yarn with the chenille to see easily the points, even if the result will be no perfect the important thing is that they all have fun
Sure! I will post the result, Im really looking forward to start
In my opinion, if you’re teaching someone how to crochet for the first time, especially children, I don’t recommend the use of chenille yarn or making a plushie.
Before using chenille yarn, it’s important for beginner crocheters to use a non-fluffy yarn and recommended hook size according to the yarn label, so they can clearly see the stitch structure and where to insert the hook etc. The use of chenille yarn and a much smaller hook (for a plushie) defeats this purpose.
It’s also essential for beginners to focus on learn the basics, such as chaining, sc, hdc, dc, inc and dec, before attempting to make a plushie.
PS: I moved this to the Personal Space - The Crochet Circle.
I agree with this! Seeing the stitches and what you’re doing and any mistakes are so important for a beginner and will reduce unnecessary frustration!
I would use a thicker, soft cotton! If I tried using chenille when I first tried learning crochet I would’ve probably given up completely and thought crochet just wasn’t for me.
If any of them are like me and need to succeed pretty fast to actually have patience for learning something new I hope you’ll provide an easy alternative!
You could always offer chenille aswell for those that learn fast or want a challenge.
I have to use chenille yarn because the hosts of the workshop requested a specific (yet simple) project, so I can’t use anything else. I’m currently experimenting by placing cotton yarn next to chenille yarn of the same color, and it seems like the stitches are clearly visible this way… I’ll have my husband (who has never held a crochet hook before) try it out tonight, and we’ll see how it goes
Fingers are crossed for hubby!! But don’t worry babes I learned by starting with Chinelle myself…just be sure to use a larger hook size with it. If there’s enough time in the class, maybe start them with a small square to practice a few stitches like previously stated. Basically all the stitches that would be used in the project. Just a thought! But I know even that could be time consuming and I’m sure you’ve got a limited time for this! But I know you’re going to do great!! Don’t doubt yourself! You’ve definitely got this!
I just know they’re all going to do amazing!!
I learned by starting with Chinelle myself…just be sure to use a larger hook size with it. If there’s enough time in the class, maybe start them with a small square to practice a few stitches like previously stated. Basically all the stitches that would be used in the project. Just a thought! But I know even that could be time consuming and I’m sure you’ve got a limited time for this! But I know you’re going to do great!! Don’t doubt yourself! You’ve definitely got this!