Crochet

Inspiration & Exploration

Crochet has a long history, and you get to be part of it. Start by watching a few YouTube videos — search "crochet for beginners" and spend an hour just seeing what's possible. Chunky blankets, tiny amigurumi animals, colorful market bags — it's all made with a hook and yarn. Visit Ravelry.com, the free online community for yarn lovers, and browse the free patterns. If you're in Salt Lake City, stop into a local yarn shop like Black Sheep Wool Company or browse the yarn aisle at JOANN on 300 West. You don't need to buy anything yet. Just look, touch, and dream. Notice what styles excite you. Screenshot or bookmark five projects you'd love to make someday. You're ready for the next step when you can name two crochet styles you want to try.

Tools & Techniques

Now it's time to get your hands on a hook and some yarn. Grab a size H-8 (5mm) hook and medium-weight (worsted) yarn — these are beginner-friendly sizes. Watch the "How to Hold a Crochet Hook" and "Magic Ring" tutorials on YouTube by channels like Bella Coco or Sheep and Stitch. Learn the chain stitch first, then single crochet. Practice until your stitches are even and not too tight. Ravelry has a free "Absolute Beginner Crochet" collection — print or bookmark a couple of those patterns. Don't worry about perfection; every crocheter has a pile of wonky practice swatches somewhere. Make a 10x10 swatch of single crochet stitches. You're ready for the next step when you can chain 20 stitches and complete two rows of single crochet without dropping a stitch.

First Creations

You know the basics — now make something real. Pick a beginner project from Ravelry: a simple dishcloth, a bookmark, or a small coaster. These small projects let you practice without a huge time commitment. Follow the pattern step by step. If you get stuck, YouTube is your best friend — search the exact stitch or technique that's tripping you up. Try learning the half double crochet (hdc) stitch this week; it's slightly taller than single crochet and opens up tons of patterns. Don't rip out every mistake — instead, count your stitches at the end of each row to catch errors early. Finish at least one small project, even if it's not perfect. You're ready for the next step when you've completed a finished object (FO) you can hold up and say, "I made this."

Style Development

You've made your first pieces — now let's find your style. Scroll through Instagram and Pinterest searching #crochet and #moderncrochet. Do you love earthy textures, bold color blocks, or delicate lace? Start experimenting with color changes, stripes, and different yarn weights. Try making a small project in bulky yarn for speed, then try fingering-weight yarn for detail. Ravelry lets you filter patterns by difficulty, yarn weight, and category — use it to find patterns that match the aesthetic you're drawn to. If the University of Utah's Continuing Education program offers textile arts workshops, check their schedule. Make two small swatches experimenting with color or texture combinations you love. You're ready for the next step when you can describe your personal crochet style in a sentence and point to a project that shows it.

Refine Your Craft

Time to level up your technique. Learn two new stitches this week: the shell stitch and the granny square. Both are building blocks for dozens of patterns. Watch Mikey's tutorials on The Crochet Crowd YouTube channel — his explanations are clear and fun. Practice reading crochet diagrams (the symbol charts), not just written patterns. Start a project that uses at least one stitch you've never done before. Pay attention to gauge — measure your stitches against the pattern's recommended gauge so your finished size comes out right. If you join a crochet-along (CAL) on Ravelry, you'll get feedback from other crafters. You're ready for the next step when you can complete a granny square with neat, even corners and read a basic crochet diagram.

Portfolio Piece

This is your showcase moment. Design or choose a pattern for a meaningful, finished piece — a wearable item like a hat or cowl, a home good like a pillow cover, or a gift like a baby blanket. Before you start, write a simple project plan: yarn color(s), hook size, approximate hours needed. As you work, photograph your progress. When it's done, post it to Ravelry as your first stash/project entry and share it in a beginner group there. If you're in SLC, consider donating a finished item to Project Warmth Utah, which collects handmade hats and scarves for people in need. You're ready for the next step when you have a finished, photographed portfolio piece you'd be proud to show someone who asked, "Did you really make that?"