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| Featured Pattern of the Week: Circular Shawl |
        Interested in knitting? Visit our sister site: Knitting Pattern Central  | Tips 'n TricksDo you have a helpful hint or handy trick that will make any aspect of crocheting easier? Share it! Post ideas on scrap yarn usages, stitch markers, starching, hook organization, color changing, maintaining your sanity while following a difficult pattern, etc. There is most probably someone out there that will benefit from your help. Need ideas yourself? Read others' comments--we all live and learn! Name: Tyler Subject: Fun Comment: I am 12 years old and I learned how to crochet when I was 10. I have enjoyed doing crochet. It is a great stress reliever! I had trouble finding beginner patterns but the patterns on this site really helped me get started. Some of the tips in this section really helped me, THANKS! Name: Courtney Subject: Learning from books Comment: I'm 13, and I enjoy crocheting like my mom, aunt, and Grandma. When I was beginning to learn from a book, it took me forever because when they were to single and double crochet, it was on a project that I didn't want to learn. So it really helps to have someone else there to tech you, and now, all those things are EASY!!!! Name: Christine Subject: Beginning Crocheters Comment: Hi! I'm 12 years old and love to crochet. My tip to beginners is that learning from a book takes longer and learning from another person is better. I think it is better because they can show you short cuts. For instance I was learning how to make a slip knot and I didn't get the instructions, so I asked another person who knew how to crochet and found out there is nothing to it! I've been crocheting for 1 year and recommend it to everone! Name: Susan Subject: Photos Comment: I give all my crochet projects as gifts, so I take a photo of each completed item and file it with my notes on yarn usage, hook size, etc. The photos remind me of projects I particularly enjoyed and designs that evolved as I worked on them. When I offer to make an afghan for a friend, I show the photos as sample designs and color schemes; the recipient chooses her favorite, and then I can create a gift she truly will love. Name: Sherrie Subject: Counting Comment: Instead of using those fancy stitch counters, i use safety pins. I use several sizes to help keep the counting simple. When I'm finished with 25 rows, i'll attach a Little gold safety pin, 50 rows I use medium size etc. Use whatever scale works best for you. Name: Tricia Subject: what hook did I use again? Comment: I have WAY too many WIPs, and they keep getting seperated from the hooks. So, I took some plain card stock and cut it into 3" squares, and punched holes in a corner of each. I put those and safety pins in my yarn bag. When I start a new project, I write out the hook size, yarn type (including dye lot!), and where I got the pattern. No more guessing games! Name: Carol Subject: Hands sticking to hook? Comment: I have found sometimes as I crochet the hook will start to feel tacky in my hands and not want to move freely. All I do is wash my hands good with soap and water and dry them good and they are ready for another round of crocheting! Name: Lynn Subject: Tension and healthy hands Comment: Thank you, Gina for your brilliant add on. Another way to relax your hands is to wash dishes in really warm, sudsy water, followed by a thorough rub with your favorite non-greasy hand lotion. This can be an excellent substitute for the massage. Name: Gina Subject: Healthy Hands Comment: As an add on to Lynn's good advice, take good care of your hands! Warm up before crocheting by opening to their fullest extent, and closing them several times, and by gently stretching fingers backwards by using the finger tips of the opposite hand. Do both several times. While crocheting, take breaks as Lynn suggested, and shake your hands over your head to combate carpal tunnel congestion. Get a good hand massage as often as you can! The most fun and least expensive way to do that is to ask a family member :) Have fun! Name: Lynn Subject: Tension Comment: I have been crocheting for 45 years, and have taught many people in that time. While studying in Seminary, I worked in a craft store in which it was my job to teach crochet classes, as well as others. The one thing that most people have trouble with is tension. There are no magic formulas for overcoming this. But I have found that patience pays off. If you are having trouble with tension, just keep at it. Don't work till your hands cramp and get sore. Work for a while, then come back to it. Crochet should be relaxing and fun, not a fight to the death with tangled thread. Relax, enjoy yourself and don't take it very seriously. Make it fun, and you'll be pleased with how quickly you pick it up. Name: Jeanne Subject: Place Markers Comment: Hello. Whenever I start a crochet project I always have a safety pin or 2 and pin it to whatever I am making at the time. It is good especially on rounds or long afghans ...I usually check what I have crocheted and then I put the pin there, I know that everything is correct up to that point. I hate to have to rip out so this keeps me on my toes and I can finish the project without mistakes and get on to something else. Hope that this helps someone. Name: Sharon Subject: Scrap yarns Comment: After completing a yarn project, using an inexpensive food scale that weighs in ounces, I weigh the left over yarn and write the amount on the wrapper before storing. When a small amount of yarn is needed for another project, it is easy to see how much you have of each leftover skein. Name: Lea Subject: Double Strand Tip Comment: I have been mainly crocheting double-strand afghans as of late and discovered that when you have a color that doesn't require more than a few ounces you can simple pull from both ends of one skein, rather than buy an extra you don't need. Name: Bev Subject: Teaching Lefties to Crochet Comment: When you are trying to teach someone who is left handed to crochet, and you are right handed, try sitting directly in front of them. That way they can mimic what you are doing like it is a mirror image. Name: Sanna Subject: Sweaty palms. Comment: Try rubbing a bit of baby powder on your hands to minimize perspiration on a hot day while crocheting. It makes the finished product smell nice, too! (If, that is, you happen to like the smell of baby powder.) 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