Crochet Unravelled

Learn to Crochet FAQ

I’m left–handed, but have been told that I should learn to crochet right–handed. What do you recommend?

Up until recently this advice has been given because the majority of learn–to–crochet books had few if any left–handed instructions. Crochet Unravelled, however, is fully illustrated for both left– and right–handed learners.

If I learn left–handed will I be able to read crochet patterns?

Yes. Generally speaking, crochet patterns need no special translation for the left–handed worker: if you were to follow the instructions for the right–front of a cardigan, what you would end up with is the left–front. So all you then have to do is follow the instructions for the left–front in order to make the right–front! Crochet Unravelled gives specific guidance to left–handers where ambiguity might arise on this issue.

My daughter is left–handed while I’m right–handed. I want to teach her to crochet but really don’t know where to begin.

As you can see from the Crochet Unravelled sample pages, left– and right–handed illustrations are placed side–by–side, making it easy to use the book as a tutorial in cases where teacher and pupil are different handed.

Which is easier to learn — knitting or crochet?

Crochet is easier to learn, because one hand controls the hook while the other controls the yarn, whereas in knitting both hands have to hold needles. It is also much easier to rectify beginner mistakes, because crochet unravels so easily!

You say crochet is easier to learn than knitting, and yet even though I have been able to knit for years I can’t get the hang of crochet!

Many knitters find the transition to crochet puzzlingly difficult. This is generally due to the fact that (right–handed) knitters usually hold and control the yarn with their right hand, but for crochet the yarn is controlled with the left hand. It’s quite natural for knitters to find this awkward to begin with. Crochet Unravelled contains a yarn–controlling exercise which knitters can practice to help them overcome their initial awkwardness.

At what age can I teach my child to crochet?

A dextrous seven–year–old should be able to learn the basic stitches. It’s best to guage a child’s aptitude by introducing them to relatively easier skills first, such as plaiting, tying simple knots, making friendship bracelets, or simple sewing. As with teaching children anything, it’s best to wait until the child shows an interest in the subject, and then sieze the opportunity! Crochet Unravelled has patterns for a bracelet and hair scrunchie which are suitable for children to try.

When my grandmother crocheted, she used to hold the hook like a pen and wrapped the yarn around her middle, ring and little fingers, but I’ve seen a lot of people crocheting completely differently — with the hook held like a violin bow and the yarn controlled by the index finger which points upwards. Which way should I learn?

The first method you describe is the way that the majority of UK ladies crochet. The latter method is more usual in North America. Crochet Unravelled will teach you the traditional British method, which will be an advantage to learners who have, or who remember, family members crocheting like this.

I have been crocheting for years without knowing the names of stitches or how to read patterns. Why should I bother to learn now?

Lots of people happily crochet without ever knowing the names of the stitches or how to follow a pattern. They just love to be creative and make their designs up as they go along. This is great, but the ability to follow a pattern also means that you can write your own designs down, and share your creativity with others. Needless to say, Crochet Unravelled has an excellent step–by–step exercise in pattern reading!

How long does it take to learn how to crochet?

A few peaceful hours should be sufficient. Make sure, though, that you have plenty of breaks — rest and shake out your hands frequently. It’s a good idea to keep your first attempt at making a length of chain stitch by your side, so that you can see how quickly you improve. Crochet students often say that one day everything just “clicked” and they became aware that they were no longer a beginner, but could crochet smoothly and speedily. Short periods of regular practice is the best way to achieve this.

Other Questions

If you have any other questions on learning to crochet which are not listed here, why not email us at info@pottagepublishing.co.uk, and we will do our best to answer your questions and, if appropriate, add your question to our FAQs.