I’ve known how to knit for quite a while but have always been fascinated with the amazing things you can make with Crochet. There are the classic and well known Granny Squares turned into amazing blankets and afghans, intricate lace, the wonderful world of Amigurumi and everything else in-between.
You can’t start to learn something without the right tools. Recently, I ordered some crochet hooks and a pouch to store them in. There are many different types of crochet hook you can buy, but after some research I decided to buy the Clover Ergonomic Hooks as they looked sturdy with lots of reviews about how great they are compared to their thinner counterparts.
This set features a soft easy grip that is warm to the touch and gives the user the most comfortable finger placement as well as tireless functionality.
The polished Aluminum hook is the perfect shape for smooth crocheting.
Each of the 10 sizes features a different bright and fun colored handle. The sizes are B-2.25mm, C-2.75mm, D-3.25mm, E-3.50mm, F-3.75mm, G-4.00mm, 7-4.50mm, H-5.00mm, I-5.50mm, and J-6.00mm.
Interestingly, the case matched the one I have to store my Knitting Needles (you can find out more about them here), so I was really pleased about that. Obviously a much smaller version to accommodate the size of the hooks and perfect to throw in your bag for crochet-on-the-go.
It’s called the Clover Getaway Case for Soft Touch Crochet Hooks
There is only space for 8 hooks but I have managed to pop the other two on top and fold down the inside flap. Once the pouch is rolled up it holds them all securely, so I haven’t found this to be a problem.
Considering you’ll most likely have a couple of projects on the go anyway, will help solve the storage problem.
The timing of my order was perfect as my Mother-in-Law was visiting and set me up and running on the basics – starting chain and practicing the single crochet stitch (sc) back and forth. I even managed to change color.
However, she couldn’t stay forever so I had to practice on my own and also find some more help. Thank goodness for the wonderful world wide web. You can pretty much find anything you want especially videos to help you learn many things – crochet, luckily for me, being one of them.
I’m part of a knitting/crochet community on Ravelry and someone suggested the best beginner crochet tutorials she had found with really clear instructions were with help from the Crochet Geek. She really explains the stitches well, has slow motion segments in her videos, so you can really following along, and before you know it I’d made my first crochet hat. Considering I’d only been doing crochet three weeks up to that point, I astounded myself. Give it a try…if I can do it you can too!
My hat was the Crochet Hat with Brim and if you’d like to make one too you can find the video tutorial here
I used Red Heart Super Saver Yarn: Grape Fizz
Medium Weight 4 – also referred to as Aran, Worsted or Afghan weight knitting yarn. Made from Solids & Multis: 100% acrylic
One of the main things I’m loving about crochet is the fact you only need one hook. With knitting you need quite a bit of “equipment”. Generally two needles or a circular needle in various lengths and sizes and if you’re looking to do something like socks you need 4 or 5 needles unless of course you use the magic loop method.
I’m looking forward to my Crochet journey.
If you enjoyed this article you may also be interested in
Knitting Needles, The Anatomy of Sock Making and The Knitting Detective Guide
Do you have any Crochet tips and tricks to share? What’s your go to yarn of choice? I’d love to hear from you
I love to crochet. I taught myself with you tube videos and a couple of books. I find it very therapeutic. X
I did the same – you’ve got to love these helpful videos on the web. I agree it’s very calming. Thanks for visiting.
I’ve tried my hand at crochet, but never quite perfected it … Maybe I’ll try again once the kiddos are a little older, and I have more free time (assuming, of course, that I do indeed have more free time when they’re older ?). Thank you for the article!
There’s lots of help on the internet to get your skills tip top. Hope you try it out – it’s very relaxing.
I’d love to learn to crochet… although my knitting is still pretty basic so perhaps I should master that first!!!
Once you master one you’ll definitely be able to learn the other. I can knit but I find crochet more relaxing . Good luck
I love to crochet and knit! My yarn of choice would have to be (no surprise) Red Heart Super Saver! Mainly becaue it’s good on the wallet and goes a long way.
If I have to recommend any books or magazines out there Crochet World is a great magazine you can subscribe to. They have clear instructions, great patterns for beginners through advanced crochet, and a stitch glossary in the back.
Another great book is 365 Days of Crochet: 365 Crochet Patterns for 365 Days . They have some really great patterns in there as well. You’ll pretty much never run out. You can find it on Amazon. I would love to see more of your projects! Keep up the good work!
Thanks for visiting and for the tips. I’ll certainly check some of those out.