How to Crochet - Don't Waste

Crochet is a type of textile art whose origins are lost in the mists of time and whose artifacts have been found in every corner of the world, from the Far East to Africa and Europe. This particular technique is often passed down to us by our grandmothers, who used it to make doilies , hats , and lace . But today we can also learn it ourselves, relying on the numerous guides and video tutorials available online.

Index of topics

How to learn crochet

Here then, step by step, is how to learn to crochet :

First buy a crochet hook, which is a long iron or aluminum hook, preferably a No. 3 or No. 4, because these are neither too big nor too small, making them perfect for beginners. Then, buy a ball of yarn suitable for this type of project. Try not to buy mohair, as it's difficult to work with and unravel if you make a beginner's mistake. Instead, opt for colored acrylic yarn, which is much easier. The label on the yarn will indicate which type of crochet hook to use. These are the tools of the trade; now all you have to do is get working with gusto.

La fundamental hand in crocheting it is the one that holds the thread, not the one that moves the wire. So, if you're right-handed, it's your left hand that does the work; if, on the other hand, you're left-handed, the secret lies in the movement of your right hand. The wire must be neither too tight nor too loose, but rather smooth across your palm, otherwise the entire project will be compromised. If you have a particularly thin wire, wrap it just once around your little finger, then pass the stub into your palm, then over your index finger, and finally behind your index finger, so as to hold it firmly between the pads of your thumb and middle finger.
The second step is represented by theergonomic, which you can choose according to your comfort. You can hold the crochet hook by holding it with your thumb and index finger or by moving your index finger over the hook shaft, while your thumb supports the part immediately below. Usually, for pure comfort, the crochet hook should be held on the flat side, the central one, as if it were a pen.

At this point, start the real workTie a knot and insert the crochet hook into it, then place the needle over the yarn, apply a little pressure, and pass it under, finally twisting it. You'll have formed a circle around your crochet hook. Now take a bit of yarn and pass it through the hook. You've made your first starting stitch. At this point, practice is what counts, so try to make at least a hundred chains to learn how to hold the yarn and needle. Once you've made the first stitch, you need to repeat the movements until you reach the desired length.
If you want to make a chain stitch, place the yarn on the hook and pull it through the first stitch to create a loop. Repeat until you reach the desired length.
For the point very low stitchInsert the crochet hook into the second-to-last stitch, pick up the yarn, and pull it through a loop. Repeat until you reach the desired length.

For point a low jerseyInsert the hook into the second-to-last stitch and pull it through the foundation stitch. You'll now have two stitches on your hook. Pick up the yarn again and pull it through both stitches. At the end of the row, chain a stitch to turn.
To do the high jersey, throw the Yarn Place the hook over the hook and insert it into the foundation stitch, in the fourth chain, ignoring the loop the hook is on. Then, pull the yarn through the chain. You will now have three loops over the hook. Place the yarn over again and then pull it through the remaining loops on the needle. At the end of the row, make three chains to turn your work.

To learn how to crochet, this easy video tutorial from MAEL DIY might also be useful , showing you step-by-step how to get started!

What projects can you crochet?

There are so many crochet projects, almost endless. Here are ten you can do year-round:

Summer and winter tops
Sleeveless dress
Shirts with and without sleeves
Knitted bandana
Mesh bag
Bikini
Necklace and bracelet
Small sandals
Baskets
Placemats

How to make money with crochet

You can try selling your crochet creations on Etsy or other online platforms, unless you want to open your own e-commerce site. Be careful, as a VAT number is required in any case. Alternatively, we recommend participating in local craft markets to get started.

How to work wool with needles

One of the most commonly used materials for knitting is wool. Easy to use, very versatile, and available in a wide variety of colors. To work with wool effectively, it's also important to choose the right needles.

How to hand weave

Even hand weaving , which can be learned slowly through specialized websites, is a beneficial activity for our well-being. For example, it stimulates concentration and creativity, reduces stress, and accustoms us to working with others.

Knitting calms the mind

Several scientific studies converge on this conclusion: knitting calms the mind and helps our mental health. It's no coincidence that it's an activity that's used for therapeutic purposes, including to combat depression. brood and cognitive decline. The reason for this benefit is simple: rhythmic, repetitive movements provide a sense of balance and control, and therefore help defeat stress, calming the mind and enabling it to work better. Even a genius like Albert Einstein She knitted to “clear her mind.”

Crochet and knitting in hospitals

Thanks to the Gomitolosa non-profit organization, 28 Italian hospitals now use knitting and crochet in their wards. This helps patients improve their physical and mental well-being. Specifically:

To distract them from the worries and anxieties of hospitalization
To reduce pain
To increase calm and relaxation
To foster new relationships, even among hospitalized patients

How to crochet and why it's good for you