What is Crochet? and How to Get Started

Crochet is a type of needlecraft in which you use a hook to create fabric from loops of yarn. Crochet can be used to make everything from blankets and scarves to hats and sweaters. If you’re looking for a fun, creative way to spend your free time, crochet may be the perfect activity for you!

In this blog post, we will discuss what crochet is, how to get started, and some of the basics you need to know before you begin. I’ll also provide some helpful resources so you can start crocheting today!

crochet fabric in blue yarn with a pink and gray crochet hook

Have you ever seen someone crocheting and wondered what it was? Or maybe you’ve tried to crochet before, but didn’t know what you were doing? In this blog post, we will explain everything you need to know about crochet! We’ll start by defining what crochet is, and then move on to discussing the different types of crochet stitches. Finally, we’ll teach you how to get started with your very own crochet project!

What is crochet?

Crochet is a type of needlework in which you use a hook to create fabric from loops of yarn. No one is quite sure when and where crochet got its start, but it is believed to have originated in either Arabia or China. The type of crochet we know today spread to Europe in the 1800s, and has been growing in popularity ever since!

What you can make with crochet?

Crochet is a versatile craft that can be used to create a wide variety of items. Some of the most popular things to crochet include blankets, hats, scarves, and dishcloths. However, you are not limited to these items! With a little creativity, you can crochet just about anything you can imagine.

Here are some examples of what you can make with crochet:

A sweater or cardigan
A crop top or bralette top
A pair of socks
A market bag
A potholder

For more ideas, check out this list of beginner-friendly crochet projects.

yellow crochet beanie with a white fur pom pom

What is the difference between crochet and knitting?

Crochet and knitting are both needlework crafts that can be used to create a variety of items, such as blankets, hats, and scarves. The main difference between crochet and knitting is that crochet is worked with a single hook, while knitting is worked with two needles.

Here are a few more differences between knitting and crochet:

Crochet is typically faster than knitting.
A piece of crochet fabric often uses more yarn than a similarly-sized piece of knit fabric.
Crochet fabric is sometimes less stretchy than knit fabric.

One crochet myth I often hear is, “Crochet is only for home decor items, not garments.”

This is definitely not true! Crochet can be used to create both home decor items and garments. In fact, many of the most popular crochet patterns are for clothing items, such as sweaters, hats, and mittens.

Which is easier: crochet or knitting?

I wish I could give you a definitive answer to this question, but it just depends on what you’re more comfortable with.

Here are a few reasons why some people say crochet is easier to learn than knitting.

Crochet uses one hook rather than two needles, so there are fewer tools to handle at the same time.
Since crochet works with one live stitch, it’s less likely to unravel accidentally than knitting.
To fix a crochet mistake, all you need to do is rip back a few stitches, and redo the work.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which craft you want to learn first. And you know, you can always learn both!

finsihed crochet swatch of crochet moss stitch in teal yarn with a pink crochet hook

3 Tips for Learning Crochet

Ready to crochet? Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Choose a project that is challenging but not too difficult. You don’t want to be so frustrated with your project that you give up halfway through!
Start with a simple pattern. There are plenty of easy crochet patterns available online, and this is a great way to get started without feeling overwhelmed.
Take your time! Learning how to crochet can take a bit of time, so don’t rush through it. As with any new skill, practice makes progress.

How to Get Started with Crochet

Crochet is a relatively easy craft to learn. Here are a few ways to get start learning how to crochet.

If you are a visual learner, there are plenty of crochet tutorials available online. One of our favorite places to learn is on YouTube, where you can find step-by-step video tutorials for every level of crocheter.
For those of you who are hands-on learners, we recommend attending a crochet class at your local yarn store or craft store. This is a great way to learn the basics and get some practice in before you start crocheting on your own.
Or, if you prefer written instructions, check out a crochet book or crochet tutorials online. Read this article, How to Crochet: A Complete Guide for Beginners, to get started.

Beginner Supplies

Before you can start stitching, you’ll need some supplies! You will need a crochet hook, yarn, and a needle for weaving in ends.

Crochet hooks: Crochet hooks come in a variety of sizes and materials. When choosing a crochet hook, be sure to choose one that is comfortable for you to use.
Yarn: Yarn comes in many different weights and textures, so it’s important to choose the right type of yarn for your project. I recommend that beginners start with a mediu weight, light color yarn.
A tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Scissors
A ruler or measuring tape for measuring gauge swatches and pattern pieces.

For more information about my favorite crochet supplies for beginners, read this guide: The 7 Essential Crochet Supplies that Beginners Actually Need.

Basic Crochet Stitches

There are many different types of crochet stitches, each with its own unique look and feel.

A crochet project starts with a chain stitch. This is simply a loop of yarn that you create by wrapping the yarn around your hook and pulling it through the loop on the hook. You then use subsequent stitches to build upon this chain stitch.

The next crochet stitch to learn is called the single crochet. Work a single crochet by inserting your hook into the next chain stitch, grabbing a strand of yarn, and pulling it through the loop on the hook. You then yarn over (wrap the yarn around the hook once more) and pull through both loops on the hook to complete the stitch.

There are many other basic crochet stitches, including half-double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, and slip stitch. Check out this post for a comprehensive list of the 6 basic crochet stitches all beginners should know.

Easy Patterns for Beginners

Now that you know what crochet is and how to do the basic stitches, it’s time to start your first project. And for that, you’ll need an easy crochet pattern that’s suitable for beginners.

Look for a beginner-level pattern that will help you practice the basic crochet stitches and get comfortable working with yarn.

Here are a few of my favorite easy crochet patterns for beginners:

These are just a few ideas to get you started! For more patterns, visit my crochet pattern archive.

crochet granny square in gold yarn with a blue crochet hook on a gray marble background

Explore More Tutorials

I hope this article has helped you learn more about what crochet is and how easy it can be to get started! If you’re looking for more information on this topic, then check out my other blog posts here.

What’s Next?

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