How I started
I started crochet back in 2023 when I was struggling in dental school. I wanted to do something other than studying and watching netflix. I wanted to have a hobby. I wanted to have a personality, a life outside the academic world. I hated saying that I didn’t have a hobby.
So, I started watching youtube videos for crochet. One of the youtubers I’ll always recommend to beginners is Bella Coco. She explains perfectly. She’s clear and very helpful.
I didn’t buy any supplies. I just watched videos. I focused on hand movements and the types of knots and their names. I admit that I didn’t bother worrying about hook sizes and why they matter, lol. That was my initial mistake. I just figured that you can use any hook. It doesn’t really matter. So, I went to a local market and bought two hooks. 3mm and 7mm. Yes. Both extremes.
Anyways, I didn’t worry about it and just started making little squares of single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet. My stitches were fine, but they looked loose and wonky. The stitches in the videos I was watching were sturdy and stable. Then it clicked. I switched to 3mm, and the difference was clear. Obviously. So I quickly bought a very cheap aluminium hook set. In all sizes. And then started again.
Here is how you can start
For the supplies, buy a cheap set. Now it is up to you if you want ergonomic hooks (the hooks with the rubber grips in pretty colours) or simple aluminium ones. My hands sweat a lot, so I prefer ergonomic ones. But I started with aluminium ones, and I find them handy for small projects or in winter when there’s no sweat.
Next, you need a scissor and a tapestry needle. I got a set of 4 or 5 plastic tapestry needles as they aren’t sharp. They are also called darning needles, so don’t get confused.
One piece of advice that I see everywhere for beginners is to start with granny square. Because granny square helps you learn magic circle, all the stitches while keeping the square shape. You basically learn everything all at once. But I don’t recommend it.
I would always recommend basics like how to make a slip knot and finding which way is easier for you. Then, learn how to make chains. All equal in size.
After that, start by making little squares like 4 by 4 inch squares for each stitch. One for single crochet stitch, then for double and so on. This way, you learn how to do repetitive movements. You become familiar with each stitch as it becomes stronger in your memory. You learn to tension your yarn. And it builds confidence as you see your progress compared to row 1 and row x.
Magic circle?
For the magic circle, I dont recommend starting from a project. Don’t make a coaster (I know it’s tempting). Don’t make a bucket hat. Just practice magic loop, add 6 single crochets, slip stitch to complete the round, and then, in the next round, add 12 single crochets. Two in each stitch. Then 18. One single crochet and one increase. And so on.
Keep practising with each basic stitch. Once you have mastered the actual magic circle and learned to make stitches in it, then you may proceed with a proper project.
Don’t overwhelm yourself
For a couple of weeks at least, keep yourself limited to the basic three stitches. You can learn the difference between popcorn and bobble stitch later. Don’t overwhelm yourself. Remember, it’s just a hobby. You don’t have to monetize it or produce a perfect product for the masses.