When teaching my friends, I always tell them to keep trying and that’s it’s ok if their first attempt doesn’t look exactly how they want. I don’t know if that counts as a ‘crafting tip’ so the other thing I’d say is make sure to read through the pattern beforehand so you don’t get halfway through and realize there’s a stitch you don’t know how to do or another color change that you don’t have the yarn for.
For crocheters, definitely learn the difference between the ‘right side’ and ‘wrong side’ (although neither is wrong, most people just prefer the ‘right side’) and yarning over vs yarning under.
Dont’t worry if your first make looks bad, mine did too!
I would say to a beginner to make sure you have your work facing the right way out and to start with a bigger hook! (With most of the crochet kits for beginers i have seen they use like a 2.0 mm hook! I would start with something more in the 4.0mm-6.0 mm range!)
when sewing or even crocheing limbs onto the body dont forget to doubleknot or knot as often as u feel like needed so its secure inside and doesnt come undone eventually.
Don’t be scared to start with more difficult items .. some will say start crochet with basic stitches and granny squares… if you want to start with amigurumi start with amigurumi.. don’t let people put you off either. And never be scared to ask for help . As a long time crocheter and knitter even I get stumped by things sometimes.
Oh and learn the difference between UK and US terms
There is no quick and easy project. To make the thing you want, you need to commit and be willing to learn and make mistakes because even 20 years from now if your still crocheting, you will MESS UP
You’re not so special to the point where you will make the perfect project in 5 minutes.
i would definitely tell them to make sure they weave in their ends (or know the option exists!)
when i was a beginner, i’d simply cut off my ends, and it wasn’t until i watched a video for a certain plushie where they showed how to weave in the ends. this led to a lot of my makes unraveling or not being secure, and weaving in your ends is a must (even tho i hate it)!
I don’t have a photo of my first , because it was about 15 years ago lol .
But I always say start with what you want to make .. even people who have never picked a hook up can do amigurumi.
If I had started with granny squares id have probably given up . I just couldn’t do them .. even 15 years on I’m still learning new things. And only really recently gone into those mandala style blankets from hooked on Sunshine.
Her designs are stunning, and written with begginers in mind. I didn’t think I’d be able to do them , but everything is explained . So if you fancy a challenge try one of those . Ami wise check Cottentail and whiskers out too.
I’d probably tell them…to start small and simple. I started by making a hat and lost motivation for like 2 months…so I know firsthand how bad starting out with a big or complicated project is.
Start with something that interests you. If you’re not interested in amigurumi or a granny square blanket, the likelyhood of finishing is decreased. Start with what you want
Don’t buy a load of yarn right away, you will end up with a bunch of it and you won’t know where to start. Choose your first pattern, buy the yarn you need, finish it, then look at the yarn you have, and based on that, choose your next project.
No matter how bad it looks at first keep going, actually finishing a project even if it’s not what you were expecting feels really good and can keep you interested in the craft
Thank you everyone for all of your helpful answers!
3 random commenters will win 30 gems each for sharing their wisdom!
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