Everything I Wish I’d Known When I First Started Crocheting

When I first picked up a crochet hook, I thought I was about to embark on a calm, cozy hobby filled with blankets, scarves, and instant gratification. What I didn’t realize was that I was also signing up for tangled yarn, mysterious abbreviations, and the humbling experience of frogging the same row five times.

If you’re new to crocheting—or thinking about starting—here are all the things I really wish someone had told me at the beginning. Lets take a look…

Don’t forget to pin this on Pinterest for later!

 

 

1. Crochet Tension for Beginners: Why It Matters Early On

At first, I had no idea why my squares looked more like trapezoids and my scarves kept getting wider. The culprit? Tension.

Your tension won’t be perfect at the beginning, and that’s okay. What would have helped is knowing that consistency matters more than tightness. Death-gripping your hook won’t make your stitches better—it’ll just make your hands hurt and your stitches impossible to work into.

The good news? Your crochet tension improves naturally with practice.

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2. Best Yarn for Beginner Crocheters (And What to Avoid)

I assumed yarn was yarn. It is not.

Some yarns split constantly, some hide stitches, and some feel nice but are incredibly frustrating for beginners. I wish I’d started with:

• Medium-weight (worsted) yarn

• Light or solid colors

• Smooth, non-fuzzy textures

Choosing the right yarn can make learning crochet significantly easier.

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3. How to Read Crochet Patterns Without Feeling Overwhelmed

Opening my first crochet pattern felt like trying to read another language.

ch, sc, dc, sl st, (2 sc in next st)… it’s a lot at first. What I wish I’d known:

• Crochet patterns get easier with time

• You don’t need to memorize abbreviations

• Most patterns repeat similar structures

Reading crochet patterns is a skill you build—not something you instantly master.

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4. Why YouTube Crochet Tutorials Are a Game Changer

Written instructions didn’t click for me at first, and I thought that meant I was bad at crocheting. I wasn’t—I just needed visual learning.

Being able to pause, rewind, and watch stitches form in real time made everything easier. Even experienced crocheters still rely on video tutorials for new stitches.

Using YouTube tutorials isn’t cheating—it’s smart.

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5. Counting Stitches in Crochet: The Habit That Saves Projects

I skipped counting stitches because it felt tedious. That was a mistake.

Counting stitches helps you:

• Keep your project the correct size

• Catch mistakes early

• Avoid having to frog entire sections later

Stitch counting might feel annoying, but it saves so much frustration in the long run.

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6. Frogging in Crochet: Why Undoing Work Is Normal

If you’re new to crochet, you’ll quickly learn the term frogging—ripping out stitches.

Here’s what I wish I’d known: every crocheter frogs their work. A lot.

Frogging isn’t failure; it’s part of the learning process. Mistakes happen, and fixing them is how you improve.

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7. Beginner Crochet Projects Don’t Have to Be Perfect

I put way too much pressure on myself to create flawless, Pinterest-worthy crochet pieces right away.

Your first crochet projects are allowed to be:

• Uneven

• Slightly wonky

• Full of character

Perfection is not the goal—progress is.

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8. Crochet Hand Pain and Fatigue: When to Take a Break

Crocheting through hand pain is not a badge of honor.

Taking breaks, stretching your hands, and using ergonomic crochet hooks can prevent discomfort and injury. Crochet should be relaxing, not painful.

Listening to your body will help you crochet longer—and happier.

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9. There Is No “Right Way” to Hold a Crochet Hook

If you’ve ever compared your grip to someone else’s and felt unsure, you’re not alone.

Everyone holds their yarn and hook differently. As long as your stitches look right and you’re comfortable, you’re doing it correctly.

There’s no single correct way to crochet.

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10. Why Crocheting Is About More Than Finished Projects

I started crocheting to make things. I stayed because of how it made me feel.

Crochet is calming, creative, and deeply satisfying. The finished items are wonderful, but the real joy is in the process—one stitch at a time.

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Final Thoughts: Crochet Advice I Wish Every Beginner Knew

If I could talk to my beginner self, I’d say this: Be patient. You’re learning something new, and you’re doing better than you think.

Crocheting isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, creativity, and enjoying the journey.

Happy crocheting 🧶💛

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