here are some things i wish i knew when i started crocheting
hey pookie!
if you’re just starting out on your crochet journey, or maybe you’ve been at it for a while and still feel like there’s a lot you didn’t learn early on — you’re not alone! i’ve been there too. there are some things that i wish i had known when i first started, and today i want to share them with you. let’s keep growing together and make this learning process smoother for everyone! 
things i was never taught (but really wish i was!)
gauge is EVERYTHING
one thing i didn’t fully understand early on was the importance of gauge. it’s easy to think that just crocheting without checking your tension is fine, but it can make or break your project. swatching before you start can save you from having to redo a whole project because it’s too big or small. 
crochet isn’t all about the pattern
when i first started, i thought following patterns was the only way to crochet. while patterns are amazing, don’t forget that freeform crochet, experimenting with stitches, and just playing around with yarn can be just as fun and rewarding. creativity doesn’t always come from following a set pattern! 
it’s okay to make mistakes
early on, i thought making mistakes meant i was doing something wrong. now, i see them as part of the learning process. don’t be afraid to mess up! every mistake is a step toward improvement, and some mistakes even lead to happy accidents. 
crochet doesn’t need to be perfect
my first few projects were never “perfect,” but you know what? that’s okay! i wish someone had told me earlier that imperfection is part of the charm. if you look closely at your work, you’ll see that each stitch tells a story, and that’s what makes it special. 
learning different ways to hold the yarn and hook matters
no one really told me that there are so many different ways to hold your yarn and hook! finding the method that feels comfortable for you can make a HUGE difference in your tension and speed. experiment and find what works best for you! 
crochet is slow, and that’s fine
when i started, i wanted to crochet as fast as i could. i quickly realized that crochet is a process that takes time — and that’s totally okay. don’t stress if you’re not churning out projects at lightning speed. slow and steady is part of the fun! 
the importance of blocking
i didn’t learn about blocking until much later, but it’s a game-changer! blocking your finished pieces helps them hold their shape and gives them that polished, professional look. i wish i had known that sooner. it makes such a difference! 
your yarn choices matter more than you think
when i was new, i didn’t pay much attention to yarn types. i just picked whatever looked cute, but there’s so much more to consider. different yarns give different textures, and using the right yarn for a project can make all the difference. get to know the fibers and experiment with what works for your projects! 
key takeaways
gauge is your friend
mistakes are part of the process
crochet isn’t about perfection
experiment with different yarns, hooks, and techniques
take your time and enjoy the process!
if you’ve got any tips or things you wish you knew when you started, feel free to share them in the comments! let’s keep supporting each other as we learn and grow in this crafting community! 
