After 14 years of teaching crochet, I've heard just about every beginner question going.
And while everyone comes to crochet for different reasons, there are three questions I hear again and again.
So, if you're thinking about learning to crochet but aren't quite sure where to start, keep reading my friend.
1. How do I get started?
This is probably the biggest one.
When you're brand new to crochet, it can feel like there's a lot to work out.
What size hook do I need? What yarn should I buy? How do I hold the hook? Which of the 28.2 million YouTube tutorials should I watch?
And what happens when I get stuck?
My advice is simple: don't try to learn everything at once.
When you're learning to crochet, you only need enough information to get started. You don't need to know every stitch, own every size crochet hook or understand what a magic circle is before you've even made your first chain.
Start with the basics. Learn how to hold your hook and yarn, make a chain, learn the basic double crochet and practise a few times. You'll start to get the hang of it pretty quickly, but it will take a few gos.
This is the approach I take with beginners. Whether you're learning at home or coming along to one of my classes, I like to keep those first steps simple and give you plenty of time to get comfortable.
My beginner projects stick to the basics, using just two stitches and plenty of repetition.
And once your hands know what to do, you can start thinking about the fun part: what you're going to make - yippee!
2. How long does it take to feel natural?
This one is tricky because there isn't a magic number.
Your first few rows might feel awkward. Your tension might be too tight. Your stitches might look a little wonky. You might forget where the hook goes and have a brief moment of wondering why you thought learning to crochet was a good idea (hehe).
It's a bit like learning to play tennis. You wouldn't pick up a racquet for the first time and expect to serve like a professional. You'd learn how to hold it, practise your swing and gradually put everything together. Good news is that finding your flow in crochet is a lot quicker than learning to play tennis (well)!
Remember, your brain and hands are learning a whole new set of movements, and that takes practice. So don't worry if your first few rows are a little wonky (they will be) - it's all part of the process.
With a bit of practice, you'll stop thinking about every single movement. Your hands start to remember what to do, your tension settles and, before long, the stitches begin to flow.
That's when crochet starts to feel really relaxing.
It's also why I don't rush beginners. Some people pick it up quickly; others need a little longer for their hands to catch up with their brain. Neither is better or worse - it's just the way it is.
Give yourself the time to practise without expecting every row to be perfect. That's how your brain starts to nut out what isn't quite right and how to improve. It's how you build confidence.
3. What can I make as a beginner?
Quite a lot, actually.
But here's my advice: start simple.
You don't need 47 different stitches to make something impressive. In fact, I think beginners often have a much better time when they learn a small number of stitches really well.
A simple stitch repeated over and over can create something surprisingly lovely - like this flirty florence beginner bag. She's made using just one stitch - the double crochet!
All my beginner projects work this way - learn the stitch, get comfortable with it, then let repetition do the heavy lifting.
And there's something so satisfying about watching a project grow when you know exactly what you're doing.
If you're coming to one of my beginner classes, we'll put those basic skills straight into practice with a raffia crochet coaster. If you're learning at home, you might choose a simple first project like a beginner bag (that comes with practice yarn so you can get the hang of crocheting before you dive in).
The important thing is to choose something that matches your skill level. Your first project doesn't need to be your magnum opus.
You can save that for later.
So, what's the best way to learn?
There isn't one right answer.
Some people love learning at home, pausing and replaying a video until a stitch finally makes sense. Others learn better with someone sitting beside them, showing them exactly where the hook needs to go.
Both are perfectly good ways of learning to crochet.
What matters most is finding a way of learning that makes you feel comfortable enough to keep going when those first few rows don't quite behave.
And if you do get stuck, ask for help. That's what teachers, tutorials and crochet communities are for.
You don't have to know what you're doing before you begin. That's the whole point of being a beginner.
Start with a chain stitch.
Practise it.
Make a few wonky ones... but keep going. Make a super long chain, until you see those lovely neat stitches. And if you don't get them on your first attempt... pull it out and try again.
Next, start working a double crochet into your chain. Keep practising this, going back and forth, row by row. You'll soon notice the difference - your stitches become neater, your tension is flowing, and you don't have to think so hard about every movement. Hooray!
Before long, you'll look down and realise you're actually crocheting.
Not bad for something that started with "Where does this hook go?"
Amy 🧶
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I get started with crochet as a beginner?
Start with the basics: learn how to hold your crochet hook and yarn, make a chain stitch and learn a basic double crochet. Practise these simple skills before moving on to more complicated stitches or projects.
2. How long does it take to learn crochet?
There’s no set timeframe for learning crochet. Your first few rows may feel awkward, but with regular practice your hands will become more familiar with the movements, your tension will improve and your stitches will start to flow more naturally.
3. What can I crochet as a beginner?
Beginners can make plenty of useful and enjoyable projects, including bags, coasters and other simple designs. Start with a project that uses a small number of basic stitches and plenty of repetition so you can build confidence as you crochet.
4. What is the best way to learn crochet?
The best way to learn crochet depends on how you learn. You can learn at home using tutorials and beginner-friendly patterns, or attend a crochet class where a teacher can show you the techniques in person. The most important thing is finding a method that helps you feel comfortable practising and asking for help when you get stuck.