On Crocheting

Last summer, I decided I needed a new hobby, and I had always wanted to learn how to crochet. I went to Michael’s, I picked up some yarn and a few crochet hooks, and I found a couple of different tutorials on YouTube. When I started, having the correct tension of the yarn was difficult for me. More tension results in tighter stitches while less tension results in looser ones. I thought that learning all the stitches would become tedious, so I instead chose a simple project to start with: a granny square.

Before I knew it, this new craft had stuck, and I had a Pinterest board with inspiration for all the projects I wanted to make. I wanted to take on the challenge of making a blanket. I saw a video on Instagram of a beautiful star-shaped blanket that was called the 6-Day Superstar Blanket (one of the three variations of this blanket). I was sure that it would take me much longer than six days, but it has now been more than six months and I’m still not finished! Initially, it was meant to be a throw blanket for my bed, but its diameter is now almost six feet long! When I started making it, I was still learning how to make sense of a crochet pattern, so the center of the blanket is not as neat as I would like it to be. However, as I kept crocheting, each round became cleaner, and I love how it is turning out. This project definitely tested my patience because I had to restart at least three times before I got the hang of it. I also completely underestimated how much yarn I would need, but that’s how I learned how to join two balls of yarn!

The next step for me was to make projects that I could actually use. I made a cute summer top, and I’m working on crocheting a tote bag. I have to admit that I have started many more projects than I have finished. At this point, I have a small basket of unfinished projects: a makeup pouch, a set of flower-shaped coasters, an oversized sweater, and at least three granny squares that need to be joined to an unknown piece. I have convinced myself that that is just part of the process. The summer top was the first clothing item I have actually finished, and I am very proud of it. The size of the starting chain was way too big, but I didn’t realize that until I had crocheted about 20 rows, and I had used almost an entire ball of yarn! I decided to start over using the other end, but I finally got the sizing right.

Initially, I used acrylic yarn for every project, but cotton yarn or a cotton blend is better for clothes. I also recommend buying a set of ergonomic crochet hooks because my hand did not hurt as much when I used those. I want to experiment with thinner yarn for clothes and fluffier yarn for amigurumi. I’ve gotten so used to crocheting that I naturally have a project in hand while I’m watching a movie. The next time you are looking for something to cure your boredom, learn how to crochet!