MAKE IT CUTE

Crocheting is everywhere lately. Take a walk through Zara, H&M or Forever 21, and you will see all sorts of crochet shirts, pants, sweaters and even bags.

Allow us to let you in on a secret though...it's actually really easy to make yourself. With a few simple materials and some practice, you can make the crochet wardrobe of your dreams.

Gather your supplies 

Acrylic yarn | Crochet hooks | Chain markers and needles

In order to start crocheting, you only need two things: a crochet hook and yarn. You can find both of these at a craft store such as Michael's or Hobby Lobby.

On the back of the yarn label, there is some important info about what crochet hook would be best suited for that yarn (depending on the thickness). It's best to start with a yarn in the 5-6 mm range, just because it is easier to work with. Additionally, beginners usually opt for an acrylic yarn rather than a cotton yarn.

Further down the road of your crochet journey, you may want to purchase some stitch markers or darning needles. These will make your creations look *extra* professional. 

Learn the basic stitches

@nordic_hook

Now that you have your supplies, it is time to start learning the basic crochet stitches. Before watching the tutorials, here is some terminology you should become familiar with:

+ Slip knot: the knot used to start any crochet project, loop is placed around the hook to begin
+ Chain stitch: the most basic crochet stitch used to build any crochet project, just one continuous line
+ Single crochet: builds off of a chain stitch, used to build/thicken a chain stitch
+ Double crochet: builds off a chain stitch but is taller than a single crochet, used to increase a chain stitch more quickly
+ Slip stitch: used to end a row, change directions or connect 
+ Yarn over: the act of looping yarn around your hook before making a stitch, most people say this in tutorials
+ Flip your work: used when you get to the end of a row in order to start a new one, simply flip your work around and start stitching again

Practice
Become familiar with these basic stitches and practice, practice, practice. Without any project in mind, simply start a chain stitch and practice single and double crochets from there. Try out all of the different types of stitches until you can do them with ease and little mistakes. Wait, did we mention you need to practice?!

Look up some beginner crochet tutorials
The best way to learn how to make something is by watching other people do it first—that's why YouTube tutorials are your new BFF. Whether you want to make a sweater, tank top, shorts or tote bag, crochet creators publish tutorials for everything! Here are a few of our beginner-friendly-faves: 

Scroll through Pinterest for your next idea and follow some crochet-content-creators
After you finish your first project (or projects) it's time to level up! Whether you need some inspo or just want a more advanced task, check out Pinterest for some cute inspiration! 

Also, try following some crochet content creators. Some do YouTube or print tutorials, giving you some *major* inspiration.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Mia | crochet patterns (@mias.realmofideas)

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Kennedy | Crochet & Art (@itkenken)

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by CROCHET BY AG (@crochetbyag)

Have you started on your crochet journey yet? Tag us @girlslifemag on Insta for a chance for your creation to be featured! 

Want more *amazing* DIY inspo? Check out these posts!
🧶 Beginner friendly crochet projects that you will actually want to wear
🧶 5 stress-free art projects to try this summer
🧶 How to make your own recycled heart bookmarks

Top and slider images: @mias.realmofideas

by Frankie Smith | 9/21/2023