Learning how to Crochet
I decided to learn how to crochet after being bored for 2 weeks with nothing to really do. So, same as when I learned how to needle felt, I took to the internet to find information on how to start and do the basics. I also went to some of my friends who also already knew how to crochet, and because of this I think we’ve become closer – showing that art creates community.
Magic circles are my enemy. This is the first lesson I learnt. Magic circles are when you wrap wool around a certain way that it creates a loop that can be adjustable after you work into it. After hundreds of tries, I just couldn’t do it! So, I searched for alternate ways on how to do them and found a much easier way for me. Slip Stitch, Chain 2, work into the second stitch from the hook. This was a god send, as even now, this is the method I use when creating amigurumi’s (toys).
Learning and remembering many different stitches at first were quite difficult, but after loads of practice, it almost became second nature. And after a while, not only do you remember what they all mean, but you acknowledge them and see the effect they are having on your piece – in that way the piece grows or shrinks, at what rate, things that all effect what you are making.
Learning how to crochet, has really helped me with my university studies: Not only has it allowed me create items that heavily link to my subject matter of childhood by creating toys, but it has also created a new fun, relaxing hobby that I definitely needed during my final year at university.
As seen in the pictures attached, these are some of the only crochet pieces that I have fully finished, the reason being, that despite it being relaxing, it is quite time consuming (especially when you have to restart because you lost count of stitches!). That octopus took me ages! It was my own pattern so there was lots of trial and error and restarting, but in total, probably took me 40 hours, start to finish.
I recommend crocheting, but there are a few drawbacks. Patience is a big thing you need when doing this activity, if you go wrong try not to get annoyed with yourself, you’re only a beginner. Also, make sure you buy a wool when starting out that is easy to count stitches, I made this mistake and got an impossible one just because it looked nice! Start simple then work your way up!
