@qualitygal
Though you're headed to YouTube for tutorials, per advice below, I wanted to leave you with a few things.
I'm in the process of opening up my online crochet business, so have been around the crochet block a few times. Am also an educator by education and experience. So, having said this, kindly allow me to suggest the following:
1. When you first begin, purchase a set of crochet hooks that are comfortable. I highly recommend "Athena's Elements" from the big "A." This is a set of 12 crochet hooks for $14.97!!! You cannot get a better deal anywhere; and, the handle part of the hook is covered in silicone to make it really comfortable for you.
2. As a beginner, I suggest you learn to crochet using "worsted weight" yarn. Acrylic (artificial fibers) will be best for you now and will be cheaper. Wool or wool blends are more expensive and will shrink, if not handled properly when washed.
Go to Michael's or Joann's and purchase something like "Lion Brand Vanna's Choice." (Vanna from Wheel of Fortune.)
Worsted: Look on the paper cuff around the yarn skein. Ther's lots of information on it. Look for "Worsted." It may even say "3" or "4." A worsted "4" would be better, as that yarn will be a bit larger in diameter. The paper cuff also indicated knitting needle and crochet hook size best suited for that yarn. Crochet hooks have various indicators. In the U.S., we use letters: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M/N, P, Q. A is quite small and Q is huge. In Europe, hooks are qualified by their size in milllimeters. 3.0mm, 3.5mm, 4.0mm and so on. There are also numerical indicators: 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, etc., with sizes becoming larger as the number decreases in size.
3. What is easier to crochet, if I've never crocheted before:? Going back and forth in rows is easier. The stitch to crochet with would be "Single Crochet" or "sc," as it is abbreviated. I encouraged you not to depend too much on YouTube, as you might lose out on how to read a pattern.
4. But, what if I want to crochet something round right now? Crocheting in the round can be a challenge, even for an advanced beginner. Hold onto that desire, until you have some skills under your belt.
5. Yeh, but those granny squares...: Crocheting granny squares is halfway like crocheting in the round. There are many opportunities for errors. When done correctly, opportunities abound for some fantastic outcomes.
6. So, what do I make now:? Make a scarf for winter and crochet it all in single crochet. Boring? Well, you can easily change colors several times. Plus, do add fringe to each end. An adult scarf should be between 60" and 72," depending on the height of the adult person. The fringe should be 9" at each end, so when cutting yarn, cut each piece 21" long. Use 3 pieces of yarn together. You can find instructions online.
7. When learning to crochet, what do I need to pay attention to:? A. You need to determine the most comfortable way for you to hold a crochet hook. I recommend against the pencil hold, as it places your wrist in flexion, which for some can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome after repeated and long use. B. Learning to manage the yarn in your left hand to create tension. There are more ways to do this than there are types of apples on this earth. I would advise against any technique that instructs you to wrap the yarn twice around your left index finger. This not only compromises the circulation in that finger, but can be a source of dermatitis. On YouTube, you're going to see several different methods of managing yarn. Take note and try them all.
8. How do I manage a skein of yarn so that it doesn't end up in a rat's nest:? A skein (pronounced "skain") has 2 yarn ends. You'll find one on the outside, usually under the skein paper cuff or near it and one buried right down the middle of the hole, which runs the length of the skein. Crocheting from the end on the outside is a real pain in the neck, believe me. You end up constantly having to stop what you're doing to flip the skein over and over and over. Best not to do it this way. This leaves the yarn end, which is way inside. (If, on your skein you see one strand of yarn which looks like it's coming out of the inside, gently grab it and pull. This will be that outside end of the yarn. Take it and shove it under the cuff.) To access the yarn end on the inside, take the index and middle finger of your dominant hand and reach straight into the skein of yarn. When you're at or near the middle of the skein, grab onto the closest strand or strands (just 1-2 or 3) and gently pull out of the skein. There may be resistance at first, but continue to withdraw. You'll end up with a little pile, but within that pile is the yarn end that you want. Do a little bit of untangling, find that end, then start making yourself a yarn ball: wind the yarn 8-10 times around your non-dominant index and 3rd fingers, which are close together. Remove the yarn, then begin winding your yarn around this little bunch, rotating as you go, until the entire skein is now a ball of yarn.
I'll stop there, except to say that it would be fun for you to invest in a crochet book for beginners. Nowadays, this type of book has great photos and step-by-step instructions and charts, so there are great options as to which way will work best for you to learn, plus you will have it at your fingertip at all times. Note: Insure that your book is geared toward the American crochete. Those books geared for British and European crocheters will only serve to confuse, as they call a single crochet a double crochet, etc.
Want some ooh-ahhh inspiration? Visit the Scheepjes website. Just input that name into google and go to their home page. Then click on "blogs" or "bloggers." Can't recall which term they use, then click on various of their uber creative bloggers. OMG! Talk about wonderful crochet! I'm starting Lila Bjorn's MAL (Make-A-Long) on July 11th. Such fun!
Just have fun! Come back with questions.
~ Rebecca
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