cro·​chet

/kroʊˈʃeɪ/

: needlework consisting of the interlocking of looped stitches formed with a single thread and a hooked needle

what is crochet?

Crochet is a process of creating textiles by using a crochet hook to interlock loops of yarn, thread, or strands of other materials. The name is derived from the French term crochet, meaning 'hook'. Hooks can be made from a variety of materials, such as metal, wood, bamboo, or plastic. The key difference between crochet and knitting, beyond the implements used for their production, is that each stitch in crochet is completed before the next one is begun, while knitting keeps many stitches open at a time.

Crochet has been around since the early 19th century, and has gone through many trends. The early 21st century has seen a revival of interest in handcrafts and DIY, as well as improvement of the quality and varieties of yarn. As well as books and classes, there are YouTube tutorials and Instagram videos to help people learn how to crochet.

What can I crochet?

Almost anything! Here are some of the most popular options.

Amigurumi

Amigurumi ("crocheted or knitted stuffed toy") is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures. The word is a compound of the Japanese words 編み ami, meaning "crocheted or knitted", and 包み kurumi, literally "wrapping". Amigurumi vary in size and there are no restrictions about size or look

Granny squares

A granny square is a piece of square fabric produced in crochet by working in rounds from the center outward. Although there is no limit to the maximum size of a granny square, crocheters usually create multiple small squares (called "motifs") and assemble the pieces to make clothing, purses, blankets, and other household textiles.

Clothing

Pretty much an article of clothing can be made in crochet. Sweaters, tops, and cardigans tend to be the most popular.

Accessories

A wide variety of wearable and home accessories can be made with crochet: hats, scarves, mittens, headbands, bags, pillow covers, wall hangings, and more!

learn to crochet

It's really easy to get started! To begin your first project, there are a few key techniques you'll need to learn. With just these 4 skills, you can make a huge range of items including amigurumis, garments, bags, blankets, and more. Click on the images for tutorials on each skill.

Magic Ring

Chain

Single Crochet Stitch

Double Crochet Stitch

source supplies

There are a few key supplies you'll need to get started. For any crochet project, you'll need a hook, yarn, darning needle, and scissors. If you want to make amigurumis, you'll also need stuffing, stitch markers, and you might want safety eyes. For some garments, you may need buttons.

You can find these items many places. If there is a craft store in your area, they will have everything you need. You can also order supplies online - for those in Europe, Las Tijeras Magicas is one of my favourite retailers.

For any and all crochet projects, you'll need:

Yarn

A crochet hook

A darning needle

Scissors

Depending on what you're making, you might also need:

Stitch markers

Safety eyes

Stuffing

Buttons

find patterns

There are many places to find patterns online, for free and for purchase.