Grandmas, aunts, nuns, school teachers, friends and mentors have all played a role in keeping crochet alive for hundreds of years and should not be sold short. Their gift of sharing the craft with new generations is time honored.
Agreed. This video emphasizes "professionals" way too much. No need to be picky about fundamentals nor patterns. Yet it is important to know a pattern can be hard to decipher.
I agree. I have been crocheting 42 years since I was 10. And i have taught many people to crochet and they do it beautifully. I may not be a certified instructor but I do know what I'm talking about when it comes to crochet
One of my favorite things about crochet is that you can “undo” and “redo”. A mistake doesn’t mean the whole piece is unusable. Most of the time they can’t be seen. And it’s also pretty easy to go back and fix a miscount in the previous row. And redoing projects years later when I have more skill is one of my favorite things. It’s proof that I’ve learned and grown
That's such a great point! Thank you so much for sharing! Every single project I make has at least one mistake in it and I doubt most people will ever be able to tell! 💗
I think one of the most harmful mistakes I made when I started out was not having the confidence that I could do it . I really appreciate how good a job that you do to encourage all of us☺️👍🏼 Karen from Greenleaf Idaho
I didn't realize you were in Idaho! That's a hot place to live these days, isn't it? I've heard it is so beautiful! Love that you recognize your mistake about not having confidence in the beginning. 💕
@@EliseRoseCrochet it’s a very beautiful and friendly place to live☺️ If you are ever out this way , you should stop by, I have a very sweet little guest house 🧶😊
4:06 as someone who’s looked at both written and video tutorials video tutorials are definitely so much easier. Yes it’s good to learn to read patterns but not everyone can read them or read them easily. That’s why video tutorials are so useful-they will always be far more accessible and you can see what it is you’re supposed to be doing as you go along (unless you’re blind, in which case you have to have the audio and yet ice to see audiobook version of patterns)
Diagram patters are the only way I can read 'written' patterns if I do follow patterns. I usually will freehand as that is how my brain functions as I am more visual learner. (I do sometimes video tutorials to get a grasp of new stitches) Written patterns also have some difficulty with being correct.
I have always used a pattern, esp for kniting. how do you know where you are at in the pattern when you set the work down and come back to it later? Seems it would be hard with a tutorial. I have to read it to get it.
Or patterns aren’t written correctly. I’ve had several like that where the numbers are off or the stitch name isn’t correct. Or it jumps a steps. I don’t like reading them unless I have to.
@@TheUsernameFound diagram patterns are my favorite. The first patterns I ever used were diagram patterns. I had a while where I’d convert written patterns to diagram ones because they were easier to work with. I also love looking at a finished piece and using that as my pattern diagram. In most cases I would much rather make my own pattern than try and decipher ones online. Another hurdle to reading patterns that is a major problem for me is that UK and US patterns use the same abbreviations for different stitches. My brain cannot keep track of where the pattern is from and what translation I’m supposed to be using. And it’s just frustrating
I’ve just started crocheting and am exactly the type to do it for hours and hours until my body can’t take it anymore. The last two tips were exactly what I needed to hear!
💕 I have made so many mistakes I can’t remember them all. I’m well acquainted with frogging. Probably the worst mistake I made was when I was a beginner. I decided to make a blanket for my parents king size bed. I was halfway through and put it on the bed to test out how much more I had to go when I realized I had been adding a stitch at the end of each row and it was getting longer and longer at the sides. I frogged the whole thing. Weeks of work and started again. A year later mom had her blanket. Lol
Oh my goodness!! That is such a horrible feeling when you discover deep into a project that you've made a big mistake! Not sure I would have had the strength to frog it all and keep working on it!!! That's amazing!! 👏👏👏
Thank you for sharing. I once heard we should never compare our beginning to someone else's middle. They were beginners once too. I hope you are feeling more confident and believe in yourself. 💕
I’m retired and have been crocheting nearly everyday for the last couple of years. My biggest mistake is Sitting to long and sitting on one butt cheek to lean toward the window light. This has caused me to get sciatic pain… so I’m learning how important it is to be mindful of my posture, and taking stretching breaks! Thank you for all your tips!
I grew up in OK and grandmas taught young girls how to crochet. But my grandma didn’t crochet, so I thought that ship had sailed. At age 35, I went by a new yarn shop in town in NM and I screeched to a halt when I saw the sign, “Learn to Crochet!” I pulled in, signed up, and learned pretty quickly. That was 47 years ago and I have enjoyed crocheting ever since. I regularly help beginners get started and others with their learning. Sooo happy that sign changed my life!
My biggest mistakes were definitely not knowing single crochet in the round still has a right and wrong side- took me a year before I learned that, it's such a small change but it makes pieces look so much tidier. Also- piecing together as you go instead of waiting for everything to be done and laid out at once. & Oh my goodness I'm loving your plug for using the library to get some crochet books! I've found some amazing ones in mine (I'm very eagerly awaiting the first Pica Pau book to come in!), and the difference of clarity between these and the small scale freebies is night and day. I'm still recovering from an incredibly poorly written pattern from my mom's birthday gift 😂 Use your libraries folks! They'll help so much! 💕
@EliseRoseCrochet our local library also has a fiber arts gathering every couple weeks - either bring in your own project or use some of the stuff in the makerspace. Great chance to meet folks, learn from others, etc.
Thank you the great tips!. I know I need the reminders to take breaks before my body tells me. By then, I'm wishing I hadn't lost myself in crochet. I'm a grandma so I don't bounce back like I did when I was younger. I have learned I do better if I don't crochet every day but I still lose track of time when I get going. I need to set a timer or something. I have heard you on other videos speaking about the importance of posture while we crochet. Now, when I find myself slumping, I hear your voice in my head telling me to sit up . Thank you for all you do .
I just finished watching your video about crocheting mistakes and it was really a wakeup call for me. Some of them really hit home and I realized that I do crochet/knit too long. I am from Northern Maine and I have knit lots and lots of wool socks. I have been knitting and crocheting for about 70 years. I am78
I've made all these mistakes and have learned the hard way to work on not making them again. One other tip I would like to add is make sure your not straining your eyes. I never needed glasses but as I got approached my 40's I noticed that I was having more and more trouble seeing my stitches. Using the right lighting and wearing the right glasses helped me with eye strain and headaches. Thank you and I love your videos!! Tracy from Houston TX.
💜 One of the most harmful mistakes I made was not trying new things. I got stuck in a scarf rut, and I didn’t break out of it until recently. Hello from Vancouver, Washington, and thank you for your wonderful, inspiring channel!
Hi, I’m just starting out with crochet. I’m 64 but hoping you’re never too old to start! I live in Sheffield,England,UK. I’ve subscribed to your channel, and am looking forward to making a start!
❤️ I started my crochet journey in December and was such a perfectionist that I was having trouble doing anything. I dropped that mentality recently and have gotten so much better at crocheting because of it. Sometimes, I make mistakes and can’t figure out what I did wrong, but I just keep going instead of letting it stop me completely. I have learned SO much more this way - it’s actually how I figure out what mistakes I made and how to avoid them going forward. I’ve found that making imperfect projects while I am learning is much more helpful than constantly undoing my work to try to get it perfect. And I still love the stuff I’ve made, even though I can see where I maybe missed stitches or did something wrong!
So happy to hear your comments about patterns. So many young designers make up their own way of writing a crochet pattern, patterns they charge $$ for. And add so many instructions with each step it's nearly impossible to find the actual pattern. I offered to test a pattern, no resemblance to actual crochet instructions. I couldn't figure most out, took one step I did understand, wrote it in proper crochet terms and syntax. I thought that was the help she was looking for. I was told in no uncertain terms she likes the way she writes patterns. And she intended to sell it. I sent it back to her. Even if I liked it, no way could I follow her instructions. For a pattern I did want to make, different designer, I had to rewrite for my own use in order to follow. Adding all those copious instructions fosters new crocheters to not learn terms or how to read patterns.
Not to promote any single supplier, but I started crocheting with a Woobles kit. It walked me through, step by step, with videos BUT also taught how to read a pattern. So I learned everything at a good pace, and can now read a pattern. I find it also helps to read the pattern steps out loud, decoding into words. Crocheting in Omaha, Nebraska!
This speaks to me because I am this type of perfectionist and my son has inherited it from me. I spend so much time in our homeschool trying to help him through this. I explain it like you have to fail in order to perfect. That you won't get to the final goal if you're too afraid to make mistakes along the way. But then, I am always putting off starting something because I'm just as uncomfortable with that part, lol. 💜
I’m a perfectionist crochet beginner too, and for me, it helps to think of it like it will show me my progress. If I make a mistake that is hard to correct when I notice it, I let it be. That way, I will always be able to look back at old pieces and see how far I’ve come! Just like with learning to draw. It’s really motivating to see something you made a month ago and remake it now, and see how much you’ve improved
Yes this video was a long time ago but some people might be able to see this and not do what I did. The biggest mistake that I made while starting my crochetting journey was the fact that I would pick up the crochet hook and make this absolutely huge plan that I would have to finish within a few weeks. I'm talking bags, blankets, clothing. I didn't even know what I was doing! And what happens when you put so much pressure on yourself - you don't find the joy in crochetting, and thoe big plans will just fall apart. So start with something simple.
💙 Certainly a perfectionist!! NOT sure I'm recovering.... At the beginning, I was taught by a 17 year old!! Single crochet, double crochet and a granny square ( working in the round, sort of). That was enough to " hook" me! I had very little yarn. And that made me do little projects. In time, I learned to read patterns, because I wanted to make doilies & lace. Thread was cheap(er) and it went a long way. Steel hooks were my favorite! (I still love and have a size 4 Hero steel hook after 47 years!!) I appreciate your advice. My input would be that every project needs to be approached with a fearless attitude. It is okay to do it boldly! Do not copycat the pattern exactly! Use a different yarn, change the stitch pattern a little - this is YOUR work, your creation! Go for it!! Last remark : some patterns, even from reputable sources, are plain old wrong. Once again, be brave!! Work it out if you can. Gulfport, Mississippi
Hi from Ontario Canada. Yes I have over used my arm learning to crochet. Once I started I could not stop I was hooked. I take days of breaks now it was very painful. Thanks for the tips. I will learn how to read a pattern during my breaks.💞
my biggest mistake is, looking at all the beautiful items that fellow crafters have made, and thinking ohhh i think i can do that, and overthink myself out of even attempting. however looking at some of the videos that you've mentioned have helped 100%.... Baby stepps and we will get there! I would really like a step by step on the beautiful bunnies you are making plllleeaassseeeeeeeeee
Thank you for sharing your struggle. For me, just trying things and not beating myself up if it doesn't turn out right has helped me so much. I've learned to stretch myself and it's helped me to get better. Unless the pattern is my own, I'm not allowed to make a tutorial for the pattern. So sorry! 🐰🎨🌿
A very different comment: thank you for being inclusive in your videos. I see the effort to include folks of color. Our humanity is a rainbow of beauty. Nice to see it in unexpected places.
Hi, I learn to crochet over 15 years from friend and self taught on learning to read crochet patterns. I would go to library to find books to learn different stitches and practice them.The best advice for beginners is to practice and it ok to make mistakes is normal. I look back on my first projects when I was a beginners and how I have improved over the years. Once you feel comfortable on learning how to hold the crochet hook and yarn...it will be easier. Also it in mind speed shouldn't be important .. everyone is different..just relax and enjoy making your project. I would frog my work if I didn't like how it looks ...this would drive my mom crazy. I was learning on how to make a flower be instead it turn out looking like cabbage...lol 😆
Hi. I crocheted for about 15 years. I stopped crocheting about 5 years ago and I'm just trying getting back into it. I am so rusty at it (my tension is terrible.) This was a great refresher for me to make sure I'm doing things I used to do, and it was awesome to be able to get some recommendations to go to so I can try to fix issues that may come up. Thank you for the video. For the free patterns, something I always did was not only look them over and make sure I can read them, but I would also mentally visualize making the pattern while I was reading it, before I started. I learned that some of them I could read, but not visualize. If I couldn't visualize it, then it was either too hard for me to make or it wasn't written well, so I'd never be able to do it. Just a personal thing. Thanks again for the video.
One mistake I kept doing was being over confident. For example: not watching videos like yours, or not listening to video tutorial fully. Somehow I thought just because I knew how to do treble crochet, what BLO means, etc, made me a pro. That was mistake. My sister bought me an online amigurumi course. Yes, I know how to increase or do invisible decrease, etc. but I still learnt so much. Now, I'm sitting, making reversible octopus and watching variety of videos on crocheting. I am yet to find one that didn't teach me something you. Great video, I'm subscribing right now 🥰 (I'm Polish but I live in Slovakia now).
I love the reminder to take breaks and stretch. Had I been more diligent about it in the past I wouldn't be experiencing the pain I do now. I'm living in the Dallas, Texas area currently.
Taking breaks is the biggest lesson I ever learned!! My mom's family is all from Ft. Worth. I lived there for several years and spent most of my summers there as a kid!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🧡 for the perfectionist in me that beat myself for my beginner mistakes. I'm from Portland, Oregon. One of my early mistakes were not to weave my ends properly and the projects had a messy look to them.
The wrong side of my earliest crochet projects had knots all over the place! I was self-taught and obviously didn't learn how to add new yarn or weave in ends properly. I just tied knots and went on my merry in way! Lol Talk about messy!
Hi alise, I love the advise you gave, I am crocheting for a good few years and I've made loads of mistakes 🙄😂 but two of the most fundamental for me are first, I'm left handed so I learned to hold the working yarn in the same hand as the hook, after watching your video I am going to try and resolve this issue by practicing more with the yarn in my right hand the second mistake is more costly to my health, I developed asthma a few years ago and I got a few asthma attacks while crocheting I thought it was the fibers but it turned out that I was concentrating so much and stooping I was forgetting to breathe right 🙈🙈 I am more aware of my posture and breathing now I can tell you 🤓🤓🤓
I can imagine that it's tough when you're left handed! Two of my four kids are also left handed! The Bhooked videos have left handed tutorials as well! And thank you for the reminder to breathe!!! So important!! 💨💨💨
I learned to crochet from a book way before the internet so I learned to read patterns and graphs early on. I finally found videos about crochet a few years ago and I've learned a lot of things I didn't know. I see comments too when someone says they don't read patterns. I like tutorials but I also love to have a written version at hand to fall back on. Thank you Elise, great video and I'm one of those that needs to take your advice and stop to stretch every now and then. God bless
Several years ago I did the same thing you did - except with knitting. If I was sitting - I was knitting! I had a podcast and a small business dying yarn and making project bags. My hands had enough and I had to quit knitting! I mourned it! I stopped my business and the podcast. Now I have started knitting and crocheting again but I’m still struggling with wanting to do it all the time - especially since I’ve been sick and stuck on the couch anyway. Great reminders not to overdo it and risk loosing this beloved art! 💗-your Kingsport TN friend!😘
Oh that breaks my heart for you! I have been really careful about taking breaks. I don't want to end up not being able to continue since I'm having issues with my hands and wrists. But it's soooo hard when you love it so much! I've also heard hand dying yarn can be hard on the hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders too! 🧶🧶🧶
@@EliseRoseCrochet This time around it’s really helped to switch things up too. I switch between knitting and crochet projects and I also switch how I hold the hooks or needles and yarn. I have a order in to furls too! Thanks for that recommendation! Can’t wait to get them - I ordered two and they had a sale!🎉
Super helpful tips!! One of my biggest mistakes was crocheting way too fast and sometimes rushing my projects. Whilst I always love seeing the finished project, I was stressing myself out to get the project complete and not really relaxing - it is super important to relax, take your time and enjoy making your projects. Since I realised this, I have noticed how much I love the process and rhythm of crocheting and knitting as much as the end product. 😊🧶
I love this video. It is encouraging me to learn to read a pattern. I have been hesitant to purchase a pattern in fear I can’t read it and have wasted my money. I have ventured out but have mostly relied upon the video. Thank you from Virginia.
There are a ton of free crochet patterns on reputable sites. That way you could practice reading without spending the money. Also library books are excellent for this reason as well! Good luck!! You can do it!! 🙌
I learned how to crochet during this pandemic having never held a crochet hook. I learned it entirely through CZcams tutorials and made almost all the mistakes in this video. I learnt through trial and error. Through perseverance I would say I was pretty skilled now. I only wish I had this advice 2 years ago.
Hola, I am a single mommy👱🏼♀️ of a beautiful 3 year old baby girl 👧🏻 (she has Down Syndrome) and we are from California I am a novice to crochet 🧶 I never thought 💭 I would even think 🤔 Of doing this. For year I would always walk away when I would see a book 📕 or magazine on knitting or crochet 🧶 & then I just gave into it, I think it was a sign I wish I would have started before I had my little one but I a, so excited on this new adventure and later making her cute dolls & Animals & sweaters I can go on. Thank you, thank you for making a channel on this you are an inspiration 🥰 blessings
That's wonderful! So glad you have found crochet. I'm also a mom of an adult son with special needs. Having this creative outlet has been the best thing for me! Do you know Maria from Maria's Blue Crayon (on Instagram)? She is a crochet designer with a son with Down Syndrome! 💙💙💙
Oh dear. I am a prime example of many of the first things you said. I don't read patterns. But then I don't follow along on videos either. I look at the end product and deconstruct it in my mind to make an internal pattern. I usually "feel my way" through a project. I'm sure I'm making everyone shudder. The thing is I enjoy working this way and have no plans to change. I crochet to relax and express my creativity, As long as I am achieving that, I'm not going to worry.
Thank you for sharing your process! You may not be reading a pattern, but you essentially are reading the actual finished object! That's pretty cool! ❤️
I'm just getting ceritify to be a crochet teacher and this are amazing tips. I tthe one that I have done the most is not stracing and take a long break like to 30 mins, usually I got drink water and get back to my seat. Thanks for this video is really cool. I'm form Puerto Rico but I live now in Texas.
@@EliseRoseCrochet Lots of Texans in the house! My family and I are from Houston, TX (I'm now in Phoenix, but my heart and soul will forever belong to Texas!) 🤠🐎
My introduction to crocheting dtart when I wanted to learn how so I sent away for a Grannny Square kit from New York. I had never even crocheted a single stitch before. Needless to say, it arrived with 10 colors of yarn and a hook with an instruction pamphlet. This was 44 years ago before Internet and visual tutorials. I did make it. I am proud of it, inspire of the amazing variety of the size of my squares due to the amazing variety of tension I used. I had to make 12 squares of 12 different color combinations.😂 I wanted to learn because my sweet mother in law had a classic black border granny square afghan that I loved. I live in Jacksonville, Oregon.
Yeah I did that last one. I got so frustrated with not having time to crochet that I did it for hours. Took a long time before the pain was lessened. Thanks for the help! Pinon Hills, CA
Hello from Germany, just found your channel and am working my way through. So full of inspiration and encouragement. We all learned crochet anf knitting in primary school, us girls usually already had picked up a bit befor from our mums aunts and grandmas... the boys would take their projects home to have said grandmas do it for them.... they always ended up with the most beutiful finished stuff 😊
Hi from Canada. I definitely agree....about the resting. I crochet everyday...sometimes for hours at a time....and if I don't get up and stretch....well....I can get very sore. I need to stretch out my arms and neck...like you said in your video, but also my legs and butt....if I sit too long. Very informative video. Love your little craft room, it's gorgeous, with all your projects displayed.
Hi Alise - I just want to say thank you for your videos. I love them. I taught myself how to crochet over 50+ years ago, but it was from books! We had no videos or CZcams back in those days!! 🤣. Because I’m left handed, there was no one around who could teach me and no left-handed books - so I would hold the reverse side of the page up to the light and read it ‘backwards’!! So I had to learn to read patterns right away!! 🤪. Most of the things we made “back then” were afghans, doilies, or tablecloths - not like the variety there is now. Thanks again for your great videos! 😊 By the way - I’m from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. 🇨🇦
Sit her across the table from you and tell her what your right hand does do it with her left hand and what ever your lrft hand does do that with her right hand. I taught my left handed friend to crochet and knit this way.
I love, love, love your videos. I always have take aways to help me. Your list of must have books is so helpful. I find all kinds of little tricks and accessory patterns to help me to expand the dolls and animals I love to make.
Two extra tips from yours truly for those who are trying to wean off video tutorials (as a visual learner myself) - find a written pattern with a video but only refer to it if you're confused, or make a row and then watch how the row was supposed to be made so you don't have to frog like crazy because you're on row 17 and made a mistake on row 3. For the second tip, if you want to go off of video tutorial, actually write down what you'll be doing. Basically, make a written pattern by yourself; it will get you used to abbreviations (because nobody wants to write _single crochet_ eight billion times) and how the patterns are structured, and frankly, sometimes I see a written pattern and have to reformat it before I can work with it so it will come in handy. For the fundamentals, I'd like to also recommend Bella Coco; she has great, well done, well lit, slow tutorials on the starting chain, single, half double and double crochet, and I believe a granny square and magic circle/ring. She also has tutorials for both right and left handed crocheters, and explains the difference between American and British terminology. The break and posture points are real. Seriously, take care of yourself, and make sure your room is well-lit. And one thing I am surprised didn't come up - learn the 'upgrade' techniques early on. Do a magic ring instead of 'chain 4, join, crochet into the gap' so you can close it properly, look into the chainless half-double and double crochets to eliminate annoying budging and gaps when starting a new row, look up invisible finish so your edge is nice and crisp and learn foundation stitches - for the love of everything, save yourself the frustration of widening rows because your initial chain was too tight. I frogged so many wearables because they were 10cm wider than they were supposed to be and it hurts to this day. Also join us on Reddit at r/Crochet.
My mistakes in the first few hours have been “laugh until your sides hurt” mistakes - like total train wrecks. Learning how to weld was easier. 😂. I’ll be going over to my mom’s place tomorrow for private lessons. I’m 53, she’s in her 70’s and has done fabric/fiber crafts since the 1950’s when it was an essential skill for women. Most of your tips on taking breaks and posture is something I learned as a kid when I started learning how to play viola (I’m still playing). Warming up is important. I take breaks from viola practice at least every hour by doing something else, like laundry, or anything else that uses the big muscles while standing/walking rather than smaller muscles while sitting.
💜 Thanks for this I needed to hear this, still a beginner.. I'm watching a video while reading a pattern, & I'm making some hot stonking wonky things but I'm having fun. Thanks..I'm in Northern Ireland.
One of my biggest mistakes was not using a good hook. It really does make a huge difference. Also, investing in better yarn is important, too. Fortunately I have a great yarn store about fifteen minutes from my house and they carry Noro yarns. all the Borocco Vintage, and so many more that you just can't get in crafts stores. I feel blessed because I literally have three good yarn stores, several Michael's, JoAnn's, and Hobby Lobby stores all within thirty minutes of where I live, so I have access to tons of great yarn without having to order it online. I was just at Silk Road Textiles yesterday for some Borocco Vintage for an amigurumi project. :)
This just came on my feed. I have been crocheting for a little while. I started laughing when you talked about relying on video tutorials. I never use patterns because some steps seem unclear to me and I give up. This video is wonderful with great tips. I never thought about holding my needle differently. Oh. And yes Toni with TL Yarn craft is wonderful. She is the reason why I love tunisian 😁. I am saving this. Super useful! Thank you!
I'm so glad you found the video helpful!! And we all struggle to read crochet patterns in the beginning!! But once you can read them confidently a whole new world will open up for you!! 🧶🧶🧶
Karen from Pa . My biggest problem is keeping a accurate count. I may start counting each tow , but to move along so I do a few rows and wala I made a mistake . So I pull it out and fix the mistake. Then are times when thought I counted , but I didn't. Love you. Bought the books you recommended. But have not used them.
Thank you for these tips! I just found your channel and I started crocheting a month ago to have an outlet for that fidgety anxiety angst. I am so excited seeing all the possibilities for creativity. I am going to look into library book options now. Hello from Seattle Washington!
Thanks to you, I'm going to start learning how to read crochet patterns from now on. I do get discouraged when I don't understand and I give up. But I think it's time I learn. Thanks again! 😊
I have to keep reminding myself to take breaks especially when I’m in the groove. 😣 I’m also a perfectionist. Currently working on the Mushroom Fairy from SedefBay and I put the legs on backwards! 🤦🏻♂️ have to learn to move on…I’m hoping her skirt will kinda disguise the mistake Thanks for the tips! 👍
Yes, breaks are crucial!! And I bet no one will notice that the legs are on backwards!! I can totally understand that feeling when you realized it! So glad you liked the tips! 💕
I am so thankful I found this video. I set my yarn down and I’m going to take a break for a couple of days. I’m in physical therapy for an ankle injury and took up crochet as an activity for while I was off my feet. Now I find myself WANTING to crochet constantly but I can feel it building up in those muscles. I stopped and did the stretches with you. Thank you for sharing those! And the insight about being picky about resources feels really encouraging too. Thank you so much for this!
Hi I am Sheila Bauer from Cape Town South Africa. My daughter in law interested me in crotchet but I have mainly learned from tutorials and my tension is not as good as it should be! I am 86 yrs old but am hoping to improve my crotchet skills before too long. Loved your video.
Just wow!! 86 years old!!!! I'm so very impressed!!!! You're my hero! I hope that when I'm your age I'm not afraid to try to learn new things! I have a feeling you'll be an expert in no time! 💛
I think two of my biggest mistakes were getting really tense while crocheting for too long at each crochet "marathon" and, worst of all, being one of the most die-hard perfectionists in Texas, where I taught myself to crochet! Luckily (sort of) there was no internet or CZcams at that time (gasp!), so I learned to crochet by myself, reading patterns. I scoured Kmart for pamphlets and Leisure Arts booklets and taught myself to crochet using "steel hooks and thread", not even yarn! Believe me, that took dedication, but that's what everyone crocheted with "back then"! As you've no doubt surmised, I've been crocheting for quite some time; not quite since the reign of the dinosaur, but close! Lol! However, I LOVE the internet and CZcams for visual instruction and I'm still learning something new nearly every day. My crochet is prettier and neater from following tips and tricks being taught by qualified instructors. The three you named, Toni from TL Yarn Crafts, Brittany from B.Hooked Crochet and Knitting, and Sigoni from Sigoni Macaroni are three of my "very favorite" instructors! They're so talented and are such excellent instructors! And, then one lucky day I found Elise from LePetitSaint Crochet, the Amigurumi expert and fantastic instructor in all things crochet! Thank you so much, Elise, for being such a down-to-earth, natural instructor that we all can relate to, feel comfortable with and wish we lived close enough to be friends with and meet for lunch, or to crochet! Your enthusiasm is so contagious and your passion for crochet and knitting really encourages us to keep at it and not give up when something is a little difficult. Ok, 'nuff said.... This is too long! But just know that I thank you for all the hard work you do in posting your awesome videos and for being so very, very encouraging!! You are really greatly appreciated! Charlotte from Phoenix, AZ 🌵🌄🏜️🦕🦖
Thank you so much for this video Elise! I have definitely made several mistakes when crocheting, including being guilty of not having crochet breaks 😂😶 You said it - mistakes are how you learn, and it is really important that we recognise this as crafters! ❤🤩 Xx
@@EliseRoseCrochet I only learnt that about breaks last year, and I had been crocheting for 3 years by then so I was late in learning that ! 😔😢🥺 But 100% - mistakes are crucial for learning! Xx
I did learn to crochet in my teenage years. But only a little bit. Then, time passes by. Years later i met a woman who taught me again how to crochet. So, for me this was the really start for my crochet-journey. She taught me crocheting with her skills and english patterns. My first pattern was a little voodoo-doll. Later I realized, that this was a really good start. I live in germany. Thanks to my friend, I now have more access to patterns, than I would have had, if I had learned to crochet by my mother.
I'm from Florida. You gave excellent advice. I suffer from a debilitating muscle disorder called Distonia. It gradually get worse over time and has caused me to retire early and now not able to work because of muscle spasm pain and restrictive movements. You are RIGHT. YOU MUST TAKE BREAKS. It's necessary to move A LOT. Crocheting to much for to long HURTS if you don't take lots of breaks and stretch a lot too. I suffer for days if I crochet to long at a time. I love the craft but the craft doesn't love me back if I do it wrong. Love Ya Elise! I enjoy every CZcams episode. Keep doing those dolls. I want to see more of them with crocheted outfits and their tips and tricks.
Thanks so much, Cheryl! I really appreciate your perspective, but I bet it gives a lot of people hope (especially me) that you can continue to do what you love, just not as often as you like. I wish that I had taken more breaks in the beginning, but you live and learn! I've got some more dolls on the list of things to make (and of course share)! ❤️❤️❤️
💚 I learned that the best way to erase mistakes was to throw my finished project in the washing machine! And as far as free patterns, I use Ravelry exclusively and only start patterns that have pictures with them. 99% of the time they’ve been worked through and evaluated and even the new ones tend to have notes in the comments like “row 5 should read ch2 not c2” or some such… My brain literally can’t process charts though.. I can do patterns and videos, even translate UK terminology to US terminology, but those charts… I just can’t. They’re too busy for my brain to handle.
Thank you so much for sharing that! Ravelry is such an amazing resource!! And charts can be very difficult, I agree. I like seeing it written out, but I do know some people like charts better! 🧶🧶🧶
As a left-handed person I wish I had learned to crochet right-handed! I recently learned how to knit and I learned right-handed. I figured it was going to be "hard" at first using either hand. So why not learn the way most everyone else learns. It is so much easier to learn right handed... most of the tutorials and patterns are geared towards right-handed. When crocheting as a lefty I have to reverse everything in my head and it can get confusing sometimes :)
When I was twelve years old my aunt Sarah taught me to crochet, I didn’t realize until many years later how lucky I was that she also had taught me to read patterns too. I couldn’t even imagine crocheting without knowing how to read patterns, it seems like it would be so limiting in the crochet experience.
That was a true gift. So many people learn from video tutorials these days but don't learn how to read a pattern. I get those messages a lot on Instagram. It really is limiting. 💛
See, I don't understand this. To me, people who only go off of patterns are the ones limiting themselves. I freehand everything I make, so whatever I think up, I decide on size, color, type of yarn, and I create. Sure, it can be a bit more time consuming if things aren't working out the way I want it to at first, but I get there in the end (and have a book to write down the steps I took if I ever want to recreate it.) But always going off patterns? It seems incredibly limiting to me because let's say I wanted to make a dragon that was two feet tall and three feet long. Okay, now I'd have to search for a pattern that's approximately that size. But what if I can't find one? Oh, maybe this one is good enough, I'd just have to use thicker yarn and a larger hook. Thicker yarn is usually more expensive, and you get less of it. And then, oh, it's not a free pattern. Okay, you have to pay anywhere between $3 and $15 to get said pattern, (heck, more if it's in a book with a bunch of others.) Then have the annoyance of carting a book or a print out with you if you're working on the project outside the house. Or, if you have it as a picture or file on your phone, you have to have a place where you can comfortably view your phone while you crochet, but constantly be touching the phone so that the screen doesn't go black. I'm not saying at all that patterns aren't useful to people. I don't doubt that they are, and I'm not knocking those who use them. I just don't understand why anyone would say that not using them/not knowing how to read them would be limiting.
@@kateworkman921 I read patterns, learn from and watch videos, but also ‘wing it’ and do my own thing!! I change hook size and yarn, adjust stitch numbers as I like and sometimes completely change a pattern. Usually the pattern is just a starting point for my imagination to kick into gear!! There’s nothing wrong with reading a pattern or watching a video - but some people aren’t able to ‘do their own thing’ and expand from there. But if a person can both read and watch, it will expand their knowledge of what they can do.
@@brendablum9387 See, that, I can totally get behind. That's why I love freehanding everything I make. I can just create as I please because my imagination is the starting point.
I love this video, Elise! I've been crocheting for years, but no matter what I do, the treble crochet has a sloppy top. Any ideas?! 😻 ❤️💖 I'm in the SW Chicago suburbs, where we just had another snowstorm.
Writing from Frisco, Texas - Reading through the pattern notes and the entire pattern steps before beginning can save so much time/effort. So many times not understanding what the pattern is trying to achieve causes mistakes.
Hi everyone, it took me forever not to frog everything right away :D There are many forgiving patterns where you can hide or correct your mistake, for example in the next row. Don´t be too hard on yourself, keep learnig and having fun in the first place :D ❤
a tip for people who struggle reading crochet patterns: try finding video tutorials that have the pattern on the screen as you watch! that helped me a LOT with learning to decipher patterns!
Visual learner: take pattern instructions one line at a time. Use your power of visualizing to picture and start practicing on a sample yarn swatch. Referring to the abbreviation key and memorizing those (which I’m still working on) is also a direct visual reference because you can SEE the words on the page.
Couldn’t agree more about being careful who shows you to crochet. I don’t even know where I picked it up, but the way I do my granny squares is very different from a lot of others I’ve seen and I cannot understand how to do variations of them.
The break is so important. What I do is watch something while I crochet so I’m naturally taking short breaks when the tv catches my attention. And then I take breaks after every episode.
Loved this video, I need to do these exercises. I have been crocheting for about 3 years, learnt from a lady in my local wool shop and didn't realise how good a teacher she was. I can still hear her voice at times. I have always said I am not very good and have just reaslised I make the same things i.e. granny blankets, baby blankets, baby snuggles etc. I have made the Natures Walk Blanket in 2019 by Cherry Heart, will it did take me a time I finished it and it is my proudest crochet achievement. I have also made about 3 Toft Monsters and they have turned out really well, even if one was in chunky yarn. I have suddenly been able to read my stitches, and remember how to do stitches which has made me turn a corner. So glad to have found your channel and I will be giving your patterns a go, I just love the pigs!!!
Thank you so much! You sound like you have gained a lot of skill in such a short period of time!! I love anything by Cherry Heart! Sandra is such an incredible designer! 💕
@@EliseRoseCrochet Thank you so much, I am looking at so many patterns and enjoying your videos. They are so inspiring and I am really tempted especially the pigs, they are so cute.
Hi.. I am Sandy, and I am from Cincinnati… I urn 80 on September 11th… Just recently discovered your channel, and u live it. Your energy, and positive approach to passing on your knowledge are so refreshing. My biggest mistakes have always been bad posture, and not taking good breaks, Those mistakes has caused me a lot of pain… Oh yes… Be Hooked is an excellent teacher… I have .learned so much from her. ❤
Hello, I am from London, England. Reading through some of the comments, I can identify with quite a few of them, but the main one is no confidence, I don’t know why, but I really lose my confidence in myself when I crochet. I can knit and I’ve taught myself to know the difference between American and English terms, but I still lack that confidence. I loved your video and all your creations behind you are beautiful, really cute. Have a lovely day. Keep safe and be lucky me lovely 💞💞💞
Excellent. I am a long time knitter who has enjoyed the comfort of crocheting blankets during lockdown. These tips are also true for knitting. Daily yoga is my best protection. Love from the Fraser Valley, BC, Canada
I thank you for this advise to learn how to read crochet patterns, I have been intimidated by them but I will make the effort to learn because I like to become a better at crocheting would love to learn to make all those beautiful dolls and toys you have in your background. Love it. Thanks for sharing.
My mistakes is my count. I start off good then I'm off a stitch. Very frustrating and can't complete my programs cause I start over again and again. Love your advise. Thank you.
My mom introduced me to crocheting. As I got more experience I was able to figure different patterns and stitches. You learn by making mistakes. You can take a break and pick it up later. I am from Massachusetts.
Cathy from Kansas! My biggest frustration was learning how to make a granny square. Took me years. Then, I found out how to start and end in a corner instead. Game Changer! Some patterns are not written well, even in published books. I thought it was me and I would get so frustrated. Don't limit yourself. I currently have a person I was, who speaks another language, but I love seeing her creativity in small projects, things I wouldn't have thought to do.
Hi! New sub and new to crochet! My main goal is to learn how to read a pattern. They scare me, so i feel like i could get stuck in a basic blanket rut very easily. I am also a recovering perfectionist. I would be so scared of making a mistake that I wouldn't even try, but at 55 I've learned that perfection doesn't exist, and what you see as not perfect, others see as a beautiful job! I dove into embroidery 2 years ago, and I discovered that I actually have a talent for it, I was just intimated by it. I love fiber arts so much, even as a child. I'm so glad that I found your channel, and thank you for sharing your knowledge. I should also mention that I'm a lefty, so finding tutorials specifically for leftys is important as well Bella Coco has been a wonderful resouce for me as a lefty. ❤❤❤
I'm so glad that you're branching out and not being held back from perfectionism!! Learning to read a pattern is just learned to decode. Once you learn the code, it's super simple! 🧶🧶🧶
I'm a beginner from the Maldives. It's been only a couple of weeks since I started. My only source of learning is CZcams channels. We don't have any local crochet clubs or training courses. Thank you for pointing to really useful channels and good advice for a beginner like me. 💛
Grandmas, aunts, nuns, school teachers, friends and mentors have all played a role in keeping crochet alive for hundreds of years and should not be sold short. Their gift of sharing the craft with new generations is time honored.
Couldn't agree more! 🍄
Agreed. This video emphasizes "professionals" way too much. No need to be picky about fundamentals nor patterns. Yet it is important to know a pattern can be hard to decipher.
I learned how to crochet from my aunt and great grandma
I agree. I have been crocheting 42 years since I was 10. And i have taught many people to crochet and they do it beautifully. I may not be a certified instructor but I do know what I'm talking about when it comes to crochet
I was taught crocheting by a lovely old nun; I am very grateful ❤
One of my favorite things about crochet is that you can “undo” and “redo”. A mistake doesn’t mean the whole piece is unusable. Most of the time they can’t be seen. And it’s also pretty easy to go back and fix a miscount in the previous row. And redoing projects years later when I have more skill is one of my favorite things. It’s proof that I’ve learned and grown
That's such a great point! Thank you so much for sharing! Every single project I make has at least one mistake in it and I doubt most people will ever be able to tell! 💗
I would crochet for hours too and my hands paid the price! That's such a good tip because the obsession is real in the beginning!😂
So real! And I still have to remind myself to Put the Project Down, Elise. 😂
12 years later and my obsession still hasn’t left! But i always take breaks when my body tells me!!
@@steffen8741 Yes! That's awesome! SO good to take breaks when your body tells you, so smart!🥰🧶
I think one of the most harmful mistakes I made when I started out was not having the confidence that I could do it . I really appreciate how good a job that you do to encourage all of us☺️👍🏼 Karen from Greenleaf Idaho
I didn't realize you were in Idaho! That's a hot place to live these days, isn't it? I've heard it is so beautiful! Love that you recognize your mistake about not having confidence in the beginning. 💕
@@EliseRoseCrochet it’s a very beautiful and friendly place to live☺️ If you are ever out this way , you should stop by, I have a very sweet little guest house 🧶😊
Where is Greenleaf at? That is such a pretty name for a town. I live in the northern part of Idaho in the Coeur d'Alene area.
@@5alfalfa we are just west of Boise in a small town☺️
4:06 as someone who’s looked at both written and video tutorials video tutorials are definitely so much easier. Yes it’s good to learn to read patterns but not everyone can read them or read them easily. That’s why video tutorials are so useful-they will always be far more accessible and you can see what it is you’re supposed to be doing as you go along (unless you’re blind, in which case you have to have the audio and yet ice to see audiobook version of patterns)
Yes, video tutorials are very helpful! 🧶
Diagram patters are the only way I can read 'written' patterns if I do follow patterns. I usually will freehand as that is how my brain functions as I am more visual learner. (I do sometimes video tutorials to get a grasp of new stitches)
Written patterns also have some difficulty with being correct.
I have always used a pattern, esp for kniting. how do you know where you are at in the pattern when you set the work down and come back to it later? Seems it would be hard with a tutorial. I have to read it to get it.
Or patterns aren’t written correctly. I’ve had several like that where the numbers are off or the stitch name isn’t correct. Or it jumps a steps. I don’t like reading them unless I have to.
@@TheUsernameFound diagram patterns are my favorite. The first patterns I ever used were diagram patterns. I had a while where I’d convert written patterns to diagram ones because they were easier to work with. I also love looking at a finished piece and using that as my pattern diagram. In most cases I would much rather make my own pattern than try and decipher ones online.
Another hurdle to reading patterns that is a major problem for me is that UK and US patterns use the same abbreviations for different stitches. My brain cannot keep track of where the pattern is from and what translation I’m supposed to be using. And it’s just frustrating
I’ve just started crocheting and am exactly the type to do it for hours and hours until my body can’t take it anymore. The last two tips were exactly what I needed to hear!
I'm so glad! You need those breaks!! ❤️
Did you give in the reason? I can’t stop crocheting … nothing else makes me happy.
“Recovering Perfectionist”. I felt this in my soul.🙋🏻♀️
It's such a difficult personality trait to work through. 💜
💕 I have made so many mistakes I can’t remember them all. I’m well acquainted with frogging. Probably the worst mistake I made was when I was a beginner. I decided to make a blanket for my parents king size bed. I was halfway through and put it on the bed to test out how much more I had to go when I realized I had been adding a stitch at the end of each row and it was getting longer and longer at the sides. I frogged the whole thing. Weeks of work and started again. A year later mom had her blanket. Lol
Oh my goodness!! That is such a horrible feeling when you discover deep into a project that you've made a big mistake! Not sure I would have had the strength to frog it all and keep working on it!!! That's amazing!! 👏👏👏
Very much a recovering perfectionist 💕
My biggest mistake was comparing myself to professionals and doubting i could ever make something that looks good.
Thank you for sharing. I once heard we should never compare our beginning to someone else's middle. They were beginners once too. I hope you are feeling more confident and believe in yourself. 💕
I’m retired and have been crocheting nearly everyday for the last couple of years. My biggest mistake is Sitting to long and sitting on one butt cheek to lean toward the window light. This has caused me to get sciatic pain… so I’m learning how important it is to be mindful of my posture, and taking stretching breaks! Thank you for all your tips!
Really good advice! Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
I grew up in OK and grandmas taught young girls how to crochet. But my grandma didn’t crochet, so I thought that ship had sailed. At age 35, I went by a new yarn shop in town in NM and I screeched to a halt when I saw the sign, “Learn to Crochet!” I pulled in, signed up, and learned pretty quickly. That was 47 years ago and I have enjoyed crocheting ever since. I regularly help beginners get started and others with their learning. Sooo happy that sign changed my life!
My biggest mistakes were definitely not knowing single crochet in the round still has a right and wrong side- took me a year before I learned that, it's such a small change but it makes pieces look so much tidier. Also- piecing together as you go instead of waiting for everything to be done and laid out at once.
& Oh my goodness I'm loving your plug for using the library to get some crochet books! I've found some amazing ones in mine (I'm very eagerly awaiting the first Pica Pau book to come in!), and the difference of clarity between these and the small scale freebies is night and day. I'm still recovering from an incredibly poorly written pattern from my mom's birthday gift 😂 Use your libraries folks! They'll help so much! 💕
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! And there are so many good pattern books at the library! ❤️
@EliseRoseCrochet our local library also has a fiber arts gathering every couple weeks - either bring in your own project or use some of the stuff in the makerspace. Great chance to meet folks, learn from others, etc.
I taught myself to crochet. It was a long road but now I can make anything I want to
That's wonderful! 💕
Thank you the great tips!. I know I need the reminders to take breaks before my body tells me. By then, I'm wishing I hadn't lost myself in crochet. I'm a grandma so I don't bounce back like I did when I was younger. I have learned I do better if I don't crochet every day but I still lose track of time when I get going. I need to set a timer or something. I have heard you on other videos speaking about the importance of posture while we crochet. Now, when I find myself slumping, I hear your voice in my head telling me to sit up . Thank you for all you do .
It is so hard to stop when you're in the zone!! 🧶🧶🧶
I just finished watching your video about crocheting mistakes and it was really a wakeup call for me. Some of them really hit home and I realized that I do crochet/knit too long. I am from Northern Maine and I have knit lots and lots of wool socks. I have been knitting and crocheting for about 70 years. I am78
Wow!!! That's amazing!! Thanks for watching!! 🧶🧶🧶
I've made all these mistakes and have learned the hard way to work on not making them again. One other tip I would like to add is make sure your not straining your eyes. I never needed glasses but as I got approached my 40's I noticed that I was having more and more trouble seeing my stitches. Using the right lighting and wearing the right glasses helped me with eye strain and headaches. Thank you and I love your videos!! Tracy from Houston TX.
You are so right!!! Wish I had added this one!! I also have found that glasses and good lighting are essential! 💗 Thanks for sharing!! 🤓
💜 One of the most harmful mistakes I made was not trying new things. I got stuck in a scarf rut, and I didn’t break out of it until recently. Hello from Vancouver, Washington, and thank you for your wonderful, inspiring channel!
I'm guilty of this!! I stay in my granny square/amigurumi corner and don't venture out often enough! Thanks for sharing! 💙
Hi, I’m just starting out with crochet. I’m 64 but hoping you’re never too old to start! I live in Sheffield,England,UK. I’ve subscribed to your channel, and am looking forward to making a start!
That is awesome!! You are never too old to start and now that I'm getting close to 50, the sixties don't sound old at all to me! ❤
"I made them all!" 💖 thank you for your tips and tricks how to release the neck and back pain, I have them all the time.
Love to crochet from Germany
Thanks so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! ❤
❤️ I started my crochet journey in December and was such a perfectionist that I was having trouble doing anything.
I dropped that mentality recently and have gotten so much better at crocheting because of it.
Sometimes, I make mistakes and can’t figure out what I did wrong, but I just keep going instead of letting it stop me completely. I have learned SO much more this way - it’s actually how I figure out what mistakes I made and how to avoid them going forward.
I’ve found that making imperfect projects while I am learning is much more helpful than constantly undoing my work to try to get it perfect.
And I still love the stuff I’ve made, even though I can see where I maybe missed stitches or did something wrong!
That's awesome!! Thank you so much for sharing how dropping that perfectionist tendency actually helped you to improve your crochet!! So great! ❤️
So happy to hear your comments about patterns. So many young designers make up their own way of writing a crochet pattern, patterns they charge $$ for. And add so many instructions with each step it's nearly impossible to find the actual pattern. I offered to test a pattern, no resemblance to actual crochet instructions. I couldn't figure most out, took one step I did understand, wrote it in proper crochet terms and syntax. I thought that was the help she was looking for. I was told in no uncertain terms she likes the way she writes patterns. And she intended to sell it. I sent it back to her. Even if I liked it, no way could I follow her instructions. For a pattern I did want to make, different designer, I had to rewrite for my own use in order to follow. Adding all those copious instructions fosters new crocheters to not learn terms or how to read patterns.
Oh goodness. That sounds very frustrating. I'm a big advocate for well written patterns. ❤️
Not to promote any single supplier, but I started crocheting with a Woobles kit. It walked me through, step by step, with videos BUT also taught how to read a pattern.
So I learned everything at a good pace, and can now read a pattern. I find it also helps to read the pattern steps out loud, decoding into words. Crocheting in Omaha, Nebraska!
That's awesome! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
This speaks to me because I am this type of perfectionist and my son has inherited it from me. I spend so much time in our homeschool trying to help him through this. I explain it like you have to fail in order to perfect. That you won't get to the final goal if you're too afraid to make mistakes along the way. But then, I am always putting off starting something because I'm just as uncomfortable with that part, lol. 💜
I totally understand! It's something I'm always working against! Thanks for sharing! ❤️🧶❤️🧶
I’m a perfectionist crochet beginner too, and for me, it helps to think of it like it will show me my progress. If I make a mistake that is hard to correct when I notice it, I let it be. That way, I will always be able to look back at old pieces and see how far I’ve come! Just like with learning to draw. It’s really motivating to see something you made a month ago and remake it now, and see how much you’ve improved
Yes this video was a long time ago but some people might be able to see this and not do what I did.
The biggest mistake that I made while starting my crochetting journey was the fact that I would pick up the crochet hook and make this absolutely huge plan that I would have to finish within a few weeks. I'm talking bags, blankets, clothing. I didn't even know what I was doing! And what happens when you put so much pressure on yourself - you don't find the joy in crochetting, and thoe big plans will just fall apart. So start with something simple.
That is fantastic advice! Thank you so much for sharing your experience! 🧶🧶🧶
Yes I need to rest more often . thank you for sharing these tips. From Idaho
Yes! I ended up starting to learn crochet through library books❣Sooo happy that I did🥰
Wonderful! 🧶🧶🧶
Knitter here. Solid yes to the 'learn to read patterns' - it's liberating!
Yes! A whole world will open up to you! 🧶🧶🧶
💙 Certainly a perfectionist!! NOT sure I'm recovering....
At the beginning, I was taught by a 17 year old!! Single crochet, double crochet and a granny square ( working in the round, sort of). That was enough to " hook" me!
I had very little yarn. And that made me do little projects. In time, I learned to read patterns, because I wanted to make doilies & lace. Thread was cheap(er) and it went a long way. Steel hooks were my favorite! (I still love and have a size 4 Hero steel hook after 47 years!!)
I appreciate your advice. My input would be that every project needs to be approached with a fearless attitude. It is okay to do it boldly! Do not copycat the pattern exactly! Use a different yarn, change the stitch pattern a little - this is YOUR work, your creation! Go for it!!
Last remark : some patterns, even from reputable sources, are plain old wrong. Once again, be brave!! Work it out if you can.
Gulfport, Mississippi
Love that attitude, Violet! Be fearless!! 💕
Hi from Ontario Canada. Yes I have over used my arm learning to crochet. Once I started I could not stop I was hooked. I take days of breaks now it was very painful. Thanks for the tips. I will learn how to read a pattern during my breaks.💞
It is so much more common than I ever knew! So many people suffer with pain from crocheting! Thanks for sharing! 💕
my biggest mistake is, looking at all the beautiful items that fellow crafters have made, and thinking ohhh i think i can do that, and overthink myself out of even attempting. however looking at some of the videos that you've mentioned have helped 100%.... Baby stepps and we will get there! I would really like a step by step on the beautiful bunnies you are making plllleeaassseeeeeeeeee
Thank you for sharing your struggle. For me, just trying things and not beating myself up if it doesn't turn out right has helped me so much. I've learned to stretch myself and it's helped me to get better. Unless the pattern is my own, I'm not allowed to make a tutorial for the pattern. So sorry! 🐰🎨🌿
A very different comment: thank you for being inclusive in your videos. I see the effort to include folks of color. Our humanity is a rainbow of beauty. Nice to see it in unexpected places.
Awww, thank you. Crocheting and knitting is for everyone and I want that to be represented in my videos when I can! ❤️❤️❤️
Hi, I learn to crochet over 15 years from friend and self taught on learning to read crochet patterns. I would go to library to find books to learn different stitches and practice them.The best advice for beginners is to practice and it ok to make mistakes is normal. I look back on my first projects when I was a beginners and how I have improved over the years. Once you feel comfortable on learning how to hold the crochet hook and yarn...it will be easier. Also it in mind speed shouldn't be important .. everyone is different..just relax and enjoy making your project. I would frog my work if I didn't like how it looks ...this would drive my mom crazy. I was learning on how to make a flower be instead it turn out looking like cabbage...lol 😆
Great advice!!! 👏👏👏 I also don't worry about speed! I have actually slowed down because it is easier on my muscles. ❤️
Hi. I crocheted for about 15 years. I stopped crocheting about 5 years ago and I'm just trying getting back into it. I am so rusty at it (my tension is terrible.) This was a great refresher for me to make sure I'm doing things I used to do, and it was awesome to be able to get some recommendations to go to so I can try to fix issues that may come up. Thank you for the video. For the free patterns, something I always did was not only look them over and make sure I can read them, but I would also mentally visualize making the pattern while I was reading it, before I started. I learned that some of them I could read, but not visualize. If I couldn't visualize it, then it was either too hard for me to make or it wasn't written well, so I'd never be able to do it. Just a personal thing. Thanks again for the video.
That's great that you're getting back into crochet! 🧶🧶🧶
One mistake I kept doing was being over confident. For example: not watching videos like yours, or not listening to video tutorial fully. Somehow I thought just because I knew how to do treble crochet, what BLO means, etc, made me a pro. That was mistake.
My sister bought me an online amigurumi course. Yes, I know how to increase or do invisible decrease, etc. but I still learnt so much.
Now, I'm sitting, making reversible octopus and watching variety of videos on crocheting. I am yet to find one that didn't teach me something you.
Great video, I'm subscribing right now 🥰
(I'm Polish but I live in Slovakia now).
Thank you so much for sharing your journey! And I totally agree and learn something new every day too! ✨
I love the reminder to take breaks and stretch. Had I been more diligent about it in the past I wouldn't be experiencing the pain I do now. I'm living in the Dallas, Texas area currently.
Taking breaks is the biggest lesson I ever learned!! My mom's family is all from Ft. Worth. I lived there for several years and spent most of my summers there as a kid!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🧡 for the perfectionist in me that beat myself for my beginner mistakes. I'm from Portland, Oregon. One of my early mistakes were not to weave my ends properly and the projects had a messy look to them.
That's a great perspective! We shouldn't beat ourselves up for making mistakes, especially when we are beginners. And thank you for that tip!! 💗
The wrong side of my earliest crochet projects had knots all over the place! I was self-taught and obviously didn't learn how to add new yarn or weave in ends properly. I just tied knots and went on my merry in way! Lol Talk about messy!
Hi alise, I love the advise you gave, I am crocheting for a good few years and I've made loads of mistakes 🙄😂 but two of the most fundamental for me are first, I'm left handed so I learned to hold the working yarn in the same hand as the hook, after watching your video I am going to try and resolve this issue by practicing more with the yarn in my right hand the second mistake is more costly to my health, I developed asthma a few years ago and I got a few asthma attacks while crocheting I thought it was the fibers but it turned out that I was concentrating so much and stooping I was forgetting to breathe right 🙈🙈 I am more aware of my posture and breathing now I can tell you 🤓🤓🤓
I can imagine that it's tough when you're left handed! Two of my four kids are also left handed! The Bhooked videos have left handed tutorials as well! And thank you for the reminder to breathe!!! So important!! 💨💨💨
I learned to crochet from a book way before the internet so I learned to read patterns and graphs early on. I finally found videos about crochet a few years ago and I've learned a lot of things I didn't know. I see comments too when someone says they don't read patterns. I like tutorials but I also love to have a written version at hand to fall back on. Thank you Elise, great video and I'm one of those that needs to take your advice and stop to stretch every now and then. God bless
Thank you so much! Videos are great, but I'm like you, I like to have the written pattern! It's so hard to take breaks when you're having fun! ❤️
Several years ago I did the same thing you did - except with knitting. If I was sitting - I was knitting! I had a podcast and a small business dying yarn and making project bags. My hands had enough and I had to quit knitting! I mourned it! I stopped my business and the podcast. Now I have started knitting and crocheting again but I’m still struggling with wanting to do it all the time - especially since I’ve been sick and stuck on the couch anyway. Great reminders not to overdo it and risk loosing this beloved art! 💗-your Kingsport TN friend!😘
Oh that breaks my heart for you! I have been really careful about taking breaks. I don't want to end up not being able to continue since I'm having issues with my hands and wrists. But it's soooo hard when you love it so much! I've also heard hand dying yarn can be hard on the hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders too! 🧶🧶🧶
@@EliseRoseCrochet This time around it’s really helped to switch things up too. I switch between knitting and crochet projects and I also switch how I hold the hooks or needles and yarn. I have a order in to furls too! Thanks for that recommendation! Can’t wait to get them - I ordered two and they had a sale!🎉
Super helpful tips!! One of my biggest mistakes was crocheting way too fast and sometimes rushing my projects. Whilst I always love seeing the finished project, I was stressing myself out to get the project complete and not really relaxing - it is super important to relax, take your time and enjoy making your projects. Since I realised this, I have noticed how much I love the process and rhythm of crocheting and knitting as much as the end product. 😊🧶
That's wonderful!! ❤️ Thank you for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
I love this video. It is encouraging me to learn to read a pattern. I have been hesitant to purchase a pattern in fear I can’t read it and have wasted my money. I have ventured out but have mostly relied upon the video. Thank you from Virginia.
There are a ton of free crochet patterns on reputable sites. That way you could practice reading without spending the money. Also library books are excellent for this reason as well! Good luck!! You can do it!! 🙌
I learned how to crochet during this pandemic having never held a crochet hook. I learned it entirely through CZcams tutorials and made almost all the mistakes in this video. I learnt through trial and error. Through perseverance I would say I was pretty skilled now. I only wish I had this advice 2 years ago.
That's so wonderful! 💜
Hola, I am a single mommy👱🏼♀️ of a beautiful 3 year old baby girl 👧🏻 (she has Down Syndrome)
and we are from California I am a novice to crochet 🧶 I never thought 💭 I would even think 🤔
Of doing this. For year I would always walk away when I would see a book 📕 or magazine
on knitting or crochet 🧶 & then I just gave into it, I think it was a sign I wish I would have started
before I had my little one but I a, so excited on this new adventure and later making her cute dolls
& Animals & sweaters I can go on. Thank you, thank you for making a channel on this you are an
inspiration 🥰 blessings
That's wonderful! So glad you have found crochet. I'm also a mom of an adult son with special needs. Having this creative outlet has been the best thing for me! Do you know Maria from Maria's Blue Crayon (on Instagram)? She is a crochet designer with a son with Down Syndrome! 💙💙💙
Oh dear. I am a prime example of many of the first things you said. I don't read patterns. But then I don't follow along on videos either. I look at the end product and deconstruct it in my mind to make an internal pattern. I usually "feel my way" through a project. I'm sure I'm making everyone shudder. The thing is I enjoy working this way and have no plans to change. I crochet to relax and express my creativity, As long as I am achieving that, I'm not going to worry.
Thank you for sharing your process! You may not be reading a pattern, but you essentially are reading the actual finished object! That's pretty cool! ❤️
I'm just getting ceritify to be a crochet teacher and this are amazing tips. I tthe one that I have done the most is not stracing and take a long break like to 30 mins, usually I got drink water and get back to my seat. Thanks for this video is really cool. I'm form Puerto Rico but I live now in Texas.
That's wonderful! Congratulations on getting your certificate! My family is from Ft. Worth, Texas! ⭐
@@EliseRoseCrochet Lots of Texans in the house! My family and I are from Houston, TX (I'm now in Phoenix, but my heart and soul will forever belong to Texas!) 🤠🐎
Great advice, I've been crocheting for years and I still forget sometimes to take breaks and stretch, good reminder. Thanks. 💜
I do too, and then my body reminds me! 😂
My introduction to crocheting dtart when I wanted to learn how so I sent away for a Grannny Square kit from New York. I had never even crocheted a single stitch before. Needless to say, it arrived with 10 colors of yarn and a hook with an instruction pamphlet. This was 44 years ago before Internet and visual tutorials. I did make it. I am proud of it, inspire of the amazing variety of the size of my squares due to the amazing variety of tension I used. I had to make 12 squares of 12 different color combinations.😂 I wanted to learn because my sweet mother in law had a classic black border granny square afghan that I loved. I live in Jacksonville, Oregon.
That's amazing!!! Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
Thank you for this. I sometimes think I'm not a good crocheter because it's not perfect. Your right perfection holds you back.
We all make mistakes, it's how we push through them that makes us good crocheters! Keep going!! 👏👏👏
Love all the reminders,,,,, especially the exercise techniques.have a wonderful day……❤️❤️❤️
Thank you!! Hope you have a wonderful day too! 💜
Yeah I did that last one. I got so frustrated with not having time to crochet that I did it for hours. Took a long time before the pain was lessened. Thanks for the help! Pinon Hills, CA
It's such a common mistake! We love doing it so much, but too much is not good! 💕
You are so right about free online patterns. It’s also good to read thru the pattern to make sure you can understand it🧶
Absolutely!! Reading through a pattern has saved me a few headaches! 🧶🧶🧶
Hello from Germany, just found your channel and am working my way through. So full of inspiration and encouragement.
We all learned crochet anf knitting in primary school, us girls usually already had picked up a bit befor from our mums aunts and grandmas... the boys would take their projects home to have said grandmas do it for them.... they always ended up with the most beutiful finished stuff 😊
Lol!! That is funny about the boys having their moms and grandmas finish their projects for them! 🤣🤣🤣
Hi from Canada. I definitely agree....about the resting. I crochet everyday...sometimes for hours at a time....and if I don't get up and stretch....well....I can get very sore. I need to stretch out my arms and neck...like you said in your video, but also my legs and butt....if I sit too long.
Very informative video. Love your little craft room, it's gorgeous, with all your projects displayed.
Thank you so much! Yes, stretching those legs and rear end are super helpful too!! 💛
Hi Alise - I just want to say thank you for your videos. I love them. I taught myself how to crochet over 50+ years ago, but it was from books! We had no videos or CZcams back in those days!! 🤣. Because I’m left handed, there was no one around who could teach me and no left-handed books - so I would hold the reverse side of the page up to the light and read it ‘backwards’!! So I had to learn to read patterns right away!! 🤪. Most of the things we made “back then” were afghans, doilies, or tablecloths - not like the variety there is now. Thanks again for your great videos! 😊 By the way - I’m from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. 🇨🇦
Well I am impressed! I cannot imagine the determination you had to learn how to crochet! Funny enough, two of my four kids are left handed! ❤️
My daughter is a lefty. I was trying to introduce some crochet stitches, and it was very difficult for me to reverse!
@@elizabethhorstman3480 One thing you could do is position a mirror in front of your hands and have her watch the mirror.
@ Kate workman Interesting! I’ll have to try that!
Sit her across the table from you and tell her what your right hand does do it with her left hand and what ever your lrft hand does do that with her right hand. I taught my left handed friend to crochet and knit this way.
I love, love, love your videos. I always have take aways to help me. Your list of must have books is so helpful. I find all kinds of little tricks and accessory patterns to help me to expand the dolls and animals I love to make.
Thank you so very much! I'm so glad you find the videos helpful! 💕💕💕
Two extra tips from yours truly for those who are trying to wean off video tutorials (as a visual learner myself) - find a written pattern with a video but only refer to it if you're confused, or make a row and then watch how the row was supposed to be made so you don't have to frog like crazy because you're on row 17 and made a mistake on row 3. For the second tip, if you want to go off of video tutorial, actually write down what you'll be doing. Basically, make a written pattern by yourself; it will get you used to abbreviations (because nobody wants to write _single crochet_ eight billion times) and how the patterns are structured, and frankly, sometimes I see a written pattern and have to reformat it before I can work with it so it will come in handy.
For the fundamentals, I'd like to also recommend Bella Coco; she has great, well done, well lit, slow tutorials on the starting chain, single, half double and double crochet, and I believe a granny square and magic circle/ring. She also has tutorials for both right and left handed crocheters, and explains the difference between American and British terminology.
The break and posture points are real. Seriously, take care of yourself, and make sure your room is well-lit.
And one thing I am surprised didn't come up - learn the 'upgrade' techniques early on. Do a magic ring instead of 'chain 4, join, crochet into the gap' so you can close it properly, look into the chainless half-double and double crochets to eliminate annoying budging and gaps when starting a new row, look up invisible finish so your edge is nice and crisp and learn foundation stitches - for the love of everything, save yourself the frustration of widening rows because your initial chain was too tight. I frogged so many wearables because they were 10cm wider than they were supposed to be and it hurts to this day.
Also join us on Reddit at r/Crochet.
Thank you so much for all those tips!! Fantastic!! 👏👏👏
My mistakes in the first few hours have been “laugh until your sides hurt” mistakes - like total train wrecks. Learning how to weld was easier. 😂. I’ll be going over to my mom’s place tomorrow for private lessons. I’m 53, she’s in her 70’s and has done fabric/fiber crafts since the 1950’s when it was an essential skill for women. Most of your tips on taking breaks and posture is something I learned as a kid when I started learning how to play viola (I’m still playing). Warming up is important. I take breaks from viola practice at least every hour by doing something else, like laundry, or anything else that uses the big muscles while standing/walking rather than smaller muscles while sitting.
Thank you so much for sharing!!! And I love the mistake of laughing until your sides hurt!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣
💜 Thanks for this I needed to hear this, still a beginner.. I'm watching a video while reading a pattern, & I'm making some hot stonking wonky things but I'm having fun. Thanks..I'm in Northern Ireland.
Lol!!! Good for you!!! 👏👏👏
One of my biggest mistakes was not using a good hook. It really does make a huge difference. Also, investing in better yarn is important, too. Fortunately I have a great yarn store about fifteen minutes from my house and they carry Noro yarns. all the Borocco Vintage, and so many more that you just can't get in crafts stores. I feel blessed because I literally have three good yarn stores, several Michael's, JoAnn's, and Hobby Lobby stores all within thirty minutes of where I live, so I have access to tons of great yarn without having to order it online. I was just at Silk Road Textiles yesterday for some Borocco Vintage for an amigurumi project. :)
Oh that's a great tip! A good hook and quality yarn can make all the difference in the world!! ❤️❤️❤️
Good morning have a wonderful and blessed weekend friends. Sending happy thoughts from sunny southern California.
Good morning! Thank you! My husband is in your neck of the woods for work this weekend! 🌞
This just came on my feed. I have been crocheting for a little while. I started laughing when you talked about relying on video tutorials. I never use patterns because some steps seem unclear to me and I give up. This video is wonderful with great tips. I never thought about holding my needle differently. Oh. And yes Toni with TL Yarn craft is wonderful. She is the reason why I love tunisian 😁. I am saving this. Super useful! Thank you!
I'm so glad you found the video helpful!! And we all struggle to read crochet patterns in the beginning!! But once you can read them confidently a whole new world will open up for you!! 🧶🧶🧶
Karen from Pa . My biggest problem is keeping a accurate count. I may start counting each tow , but to move along so I do a few rows and wala I made a mistake . So I pull it out and fix the mistake. Then are times when thought I counted , but I didn't. Love you. Bought the books you recommended. But have not used them.
I hate when that happens!! So frustrating!! Thanks for sharing your experience! 💗
Thank you for these tips! I just found your channel and I started crocheting a month ago to have an outlet for that fidgety anxiety angst. I am so excited seeing all the possibilities for creativity. I am going to look into library book options now. Hello from Seattle Washington!
Welcome to the world of crochet!!! There are so many wonderful possibilities!!!💚💚💚
I love that you , love books and libraries.I taught myself to knit and crochet from books!
That is awesome! 🧶🧶🧶
I am from Stow, Ohio and I really have been enjoying your videos as I crochet my favorite basic stitch, hdc.
That's wonderful!! 🧶🧶🧶
You Rock, Your amazing and THANK YOU for this video!! ❤🖤❤
Thank you so much! ❤️
Thanks to you, I'm going to start learning how to read crochet patterns from now on. I do get discouraged when I don't understand and I give up. But I think it's time I learn. Thanks again! 😊
I have to keep reminding myself to take breaks especially when I’m in the groove. 😣 I’m also a perfectionist. Currently working on the Mushroom Fairy from SedefBay and I put the legs on backwards! 🤦🏻♂️ have to learn to move on…I’m hoping her skirt will kinda disguise the mistake
Thanks for the tips! 👍
That´s highly possible. Some mistakes are not that visible for others in spite of the fact it almost pierced our eyes when we spotted them :D
Yes, breaks are crucial!! And I bet no one will notice that the legs are on backwards!! I can totally understand that feeling when you realized it! So glad you liked the tips! 💕
I totally agree! We are our own worst critics. No one else will even notice! 🍄
I am so thankful I found this video. I set my yarn down and I’m going to take a break for a couple of days. I’m in physical therapy for an ankle injury and took up crochet as an activity for while I was off my feet. Now I find myself WANTING to crochet constantly but I can feel it building up in those muscles. I stopped and did the stretches with you. Thank you for sharing those! And the insight about being picky about resources feels really encouraging too. Thank you so much for this!
I'm so glad you found the information helpful! 💗
Hi I am Sheila Bauer from Cape Town South Africa. My daughter in law interested me in crotchet but I have mainly learned from tutorials and my tension is not as good as it should be! I am 86 yrs old but am hoping to improve my crotchet skills before too long. Loved your video.
Just wow!! 86 years old!!!! I'm so very impressed!!!! You're my hero! I hope that when I'm your age I'm not afraid to try to learn new things! I have a feeling you'll be an expert in no time! 💛
I think two of my biggest mistakes were getting really tense while crocheting for too long at each crochet "marathon" and, worst of all, being one of the most die-hard perfectionists in Texas, where I taught myself to crochet! Luckily (sort of) there was no internet or CZcams at that time (gasp!), so I learned to crochet by myself, reading patterns. I scoured Kmart for pamphlets and Leisure Arts booklets and taught myself to crochet using "steel hooks and thread", not even yarn! Believe me, that took dedication, but that's what everyone crocheted with "back then"! As you've no doubt surmised, I've been crocheting for quite some time; not quite since the reign of the dinosaur, but close! Lol! However, I LOVE the internet and CZcams for visual instruction and I'm still learning something new nearly every day. My crochet is prettier and neater from following tips and tricks being taught by qualified instructors. The three you named, Toni from TL Yarn Crafts, Brittany from B.Hooked Crochet and Knitting, and Sigoni from Sigoni Macaroni are three of my "very favorite" instructors! They're so talented and are such excellent instructors! And, then one lucky day I found Elise from LePetitSaint Crochet, the Amigurumi expert and fantastic instructor in all things crochet! Thank you so much, Elise, for being such a down-to-earth, natural instructor that we all can relate to, feel comfortable with and wish we lived close enough to be friends with and meet for lunch, or to crochet! Your enthusiasm is so contagious and your passion for crochet and knitting really encourages us to keep at it and not give up when something is a little difficult. Ok, 'nuff said.... This is too long! But just know that I thank you for all the hard work you do in posting your awesome videos and for being so very, very encouraging!! You are really greatly appreciated!
Charlotte from Phoenix, AZ 🌵🌄🏜️🦕🦖
Awww! Thank you so very much!! Love your sense of humor and thank you for sharing your experience!! 💗💗💗
Thank you so much for this video Elise! I have definitely made several mistakes when crocheting, including being guilty of not having crochet breaks 😂😶 You said it - mistakes are how you learn, and it is really important that we recognise this as crafters! ❤🤩 Xx
Yes! Breaks are crucial! But you're right, we live and learn through those mistakes!! ❤️
@@EliseRoseCrochet I only learnt that about breaks last year, and I had been crocheting for 3 years by then so I was late in learning that ! 😔😢🥺 But 100% - mistakes are crucial for learning! Xx
I did learn to crochet in my teenage years. But only a little bit. Then, time passes by. Years later i met a woman who taught me again how to crochet. So, for me this was the really start for my crochet-journey.
She taught me crocheting with her skills and english patterns. My first pattern was a little voodoo-doll.
Later I realized, that this was a really good start. I live in germany. Thanks to my friend, I now have more access to patterns, than I would have had, if I had learned to crochet by my mother.
Thank you for sharing your journey! There are so many wonderful patterns available these days!! 🧶🧶🧶
I'm from Florida. You gave excellent advice. I suffer from a debilitating muscle disorder called Distonia. It gradually get worse over time and has caused me to retire early and now not able to work because of muscle spasm pain and restrictive movements.
You are RIGHT. YOU MUST TAKE BREAKS. It's necessary to move A LOT. Crocheting to much for to long HURTS if you don't take lots of breaks and stretch a lot too. I suffer for days if I crochet to long at a time. I love the craft but the craft doesn't love me back if I do it wrong.
Love Ya Elise! I enjoy every CZcams episode. Keep doing those dolls. I want to see more of them with crocheted outfits and their tips and tricks.
Thanks so much, Cheryl! I really appreciate your perspective, but I bet it gives a lot of people hope (especially me) that you can continue to do what you love, just not as often as you like. I wish that I had taken more breaks in the beginning, but you live and learn! I've got some more dolls on the list of things to make (and of course share)! ❤️❤️❤️
💚 I learned that the best way to erase mistakes was to throw my finished project in the washing machine!
And as far as free patterns, I use Ravelry exclusively and only start patterns that have pictures with them. 99% of the time they’ve been worked through and evaluated and even the new ones tend to have notes in the comments like “row 5 should read ch2 not c2” or some such…
My brain literally can’t process charts though.. I can do patterns and videos, even translate UK terminology to US terminology, but those charts… I just can’t. They’re too busy for my brain to handle.
Thank you so much for sharing that! Ravelry is such an amazing resource!! And charts can be very difficult, I agree. I like seeing it written out, but I do know some people like charts better! 🧶🧶🧶
As a left-handed person I wish I had learned to crochet right-handed! I recently learned how to knit and I learned right-handed. I figured it was going to be "hard" at first using either hand. So why not learn the way most everyone else learns. It is so much easier to learn right handed... most of the tutorials and patterns are geared towards right-handed. When crocheting as a lefty I have to reverse everything in my head and it can get confusing sometimes :)
My daughter is also left handed and she learned to crochet right handed for the very reasons you share. It's just easier all the way around. ❤️
Bella coco has lots of left hand tutorials on CZcams
Enjoy your videos. Very informative. I'm fro Pennsylvania. I've been crocheting for 50 yrs. Love it
That's amazing! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
Posture, a comfortable chair & good lighting also helps🧶
Yes! Thank you for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
When I was twelve years old my aunt Sarah taught me to crochet, I didn’t realize until many years later how lucky I was that she also had taught me to read patterns too. I couldn’t even imagine crocheting without knowing how to read patterns, it seems like it would be so limiting in the crochet experience.
That was a true gift. So many people learn from video tutorials these days but don't learn how to read a pattern. I get those messages a lot on Instagram. It really is limiting. 💛
See, I don't understand this. To me, people who only go off of patterns are the ones limiting themselves. I freehand everything I make, so whatever I think up, I decide on size, color, type of yarn, and I create. Sure, it can be a bit more time consuming if things aren't working out the way I want it to at first, but I get there in the end (and have a book to write down the steps I took if I ever want to recreate it.) But always going off patterns? It seems incredibly limiting to me because let's say I wanted to make a dragon that was two feet tall and three feet long. Okay, now I'd have to search for a pattern that's approximately that size. But what if I can't find one? Oh, maybe this one is good enough, I'd just have to use thicker yarn and a larger hook. Thicker yarn is usually more expensive, and you get less of it. And then, oh, it's not a free pattern. Okay, you have to pay anywhere between $3 and $15 to get said pattern, (heck, more if it's in a book with a bunch of others.) Then have the annoyance of carting a book or a print out with you if you're working on the project outside the house. Or, if you have it as a picture or file on your phone, you have to have a place where you can comfortably view your phone while you crochet, but constantly be touching the phone so that the screen doesn't go black.
I'm not saying at all that patterns aren't useful to people. I don't doubt that they are, and I'm not knocking those who use them. I just don't understand why anyone would say that not using them/not knowing how to read them would be limiting.
@@kateworkman921 I read patterns, learn from and watch videos, but also ‘wing it’ and do my own thing!! I change hook size and yarn, adjust stitch numbers as I like and sometimes completely change a pattern. Usually the pattern is just a starting point for my imagination to kick into gear!! There’s nothing wrong with reading a pattern or watching a video - but some people aren’t able to ‘do their own thing’ and expand from there. But if a person can both read and watch, it will expand their knowledge of what they can do.
@@brendablum9387 See, that, I can totally get behind. That's why I love freehanding everything I make. I can just create as I please because my imagination is the starting point.
I love this video, Elise! I've been crocheting for years, but no matter what I do, the treble crochet has a sloppy top. Any ideas?! 😻 ❤️💖 I'm in the SW Chicago suburbs, where we just had another snowstorm.
Mine are sloppy too! No advice, just commiseration. 😂
❤ Spokane, WA
I love your tutorials. You are so enthusiastic. Makes it fun to watch and learn from.
Thank you so much! ❤️❤️❤️
Writing from Frisco, Texas - Reading through the pattern notes and the entire pattern steps before beginning can save so much time/effort. So many times not understanding what the pattern is trying to achieve causes mistakes.
Oh my goodness!! Yes!! Thank you for sharing that tip!! 💗💗💗
Hi everyone, it took me forever not to frog everything right away :D There are many forgiving patterns where you can hide or correct your mistake, for example in the next row. Don´t be too hard on yourself, keep learnig and having fun in the first place :D ❤
Great tips!! Thanks so much for sharing! 💕
💙
Oh interesting! Thanks for sharing! 💙
a tip for people who struggle reading crochet patterns: try finding video tutorials that have the pattern on the screen as you watch! that helped me a LOT with learning to decipher patterns!
That's a great idea!🧶🧶🧶
Hi, Julie from Tasmania, Australia. As a beginner I found this very helpful.Thank you.🙏
I'm so glad!!! 🐨🐨🐨
Visual learner: take pattern instructions one line at a time. Use your power of visualizing to picture and start practicing on a sample yarn swatch. Referring to the abbreviation key and memorizing those (which I’m still working on) is also a direct visual reference because you can SEE the words on the page.
Great tips! Thanks so much for sharing! 💗
😯
☺
Couldn’t agree more about being careful who shows you to crochet. I don’t even know where I picked it up, but the way I do my granny squares is very different from a lot of others I’ve seen and I cannot understand how to do variations of them.
Thank you for sharing your experience! 🧶🧶
The break is so important. What I do is watch something while I crochet so I’m naturally taking short breaks when the tv catches my attention. And then I take breaks after every episode.
That's a great idea!! Thank you so much for sharing that tip! 🧶🧶🧶
Loved this video, I need to do these exercises. I have been crocheting for about 3 years, learnt from a lady in my local wool shop and didn't realise how good a teacher she was. I can still hear her voice at times. I have always said I am not very good and have just reaslised I make the same things i.e. granny blankets, baby blankets, baby snuggles etc. I have made the Natures Walk Blanket in 2019 by Cherry Heart, will it did take me a time I finished it and it is my proudest crochet achievement. I have also made about 3 Toft Monsters and they have turned out really well, even if one was in chunky yarn. I have suddenly been able to read my stitches, and remember how to do stitches which has made me turn a corner. So glad to have found your channel and I will be giving your patterns a go, I just love the pigs!!!
Thank you so much! You sound like you have gained a lot of skill in such a short period of time!! I love anything by Cherry Heart! Sandra is such an incredible designer! 💕
@@EliseRoseCrochet Thank you so much, I am looking at so many patterns and enjoying your videos. They are so inspiring and I am really tempted especially the pigs, they are so cute.
Hi.. I am Sandy, and I am from Cincinnati… I urn 80 on September 11th…
Just recently discovered your channel, and u live it. Your energy, and positive approach to passing on your knowledge are so refreshing.
My biggest mistakes have always been bad posture, and not taking good breaks, Those mistakes has caused me a lot of pain…
Oh yes… Be Hooked is an excellent teacher… I have .learned so much from her. ❤
That is wonderful!!! I hope I'm still eager to learn when I'm 80!! Happy early birthday! 🎉🎂🎈
Hello, I am from London, England. Reading through some of the comments, I can identify with quite a few of them, but the main one is no confidence, I don’t know why, but I really lose my confidence in myself when I crochet. I can knit and I’ve taught myself to know the difference between American and English terms, but I still lack that confidence. I loved your video and all your creations behind you are beautiful, really cute. Have a lovely day. Keep safe and be lucky me lovely 💞💞💞
I actually feel that way about knitting! Although I can knit, I still don't have as much confidence and question myself! I totally get it! 💙
Excellent. I am a long time knitter who has enjoyed the comfort of crocheting blankets during lockdown. These tips are also true for knitting. Daily yoga is my best protection. Love from the Fraser Valley, BC, Canada
I also love doing yoga, but don't do it as often as I need to! Thanks for sharing! 🌻
Elise, your blog and videos are my favorites! Thanks!
Glad you like them! ❤️❤️❤️
💚🤍💛🖤🧡❤️💙🤎💜 good video! Thank you for reminding me to take breaks! OBSESSED here😁
Lol!!! I know just how you feel!!! 🧶🧶🧶
I thank you for this advise to learn how to read crochet patterns, I have been intimidated by them but I will make the effort to learn because I like to become a better at crocheting would love to learn to make all those beautiful dolls and toys you have in your background. Love it. Thanks for sharing.
That's wonderful!! You will be surprised at how simple it really is!! It's just a new skill to learn!! Good luck! 🧶🧶🧶
My mistakes is my count. I start off good then I'm off a stitch. Very frustrating and can't complete my programs cause I start over again and again. Love your advise. Thank you.
That is frustrating!!! Ugh. I feel your pain!! 💗
My mom introduced me to crocheting. As I got more experience I was able to figure different patterns and stitches. You learn by making mistakes. You can take a break and pick it up later. I am from Massachusetts.
Couldn't agree more! Mistakes are the best teachers! 🧶🧶🧶
Cathy from Kansas! My biggest frustration was learning how to make a granny square. Took me years. Then, I found out how to start and end in a corner instead. Game Changer! Some patterns are not written well, even in published books. I thought it was me and I would get so frustrated. Don't limit yourself. I currently have a person I was, who speaks another language, but I love seeing her creativity in small projects, things I wouldn't have thought to do.
That's wonderful!! When there's a will there's a way!! 🧶🧶🧶
Hi! New sub and new to crochet! My main goal is to learn how to read a pattern. They scare me, so i feel like i could get stuck in a basic blanket rut very easily. I am also a recovering perfectionist. I would be so scared of making a mistake that I wouldn't even try, but at 55 I've learned that perfection doesn't exist, and what you see as not perfect, others see as a beautiful job! I dove into embroidery 2 years ago, and I discovered that I actually have a talent for it, I was just intimated by it. I love fiber arts so much, even as a child. I'm so glad that I found your channel, and thank you for sharing your knowledge. I should also mention that I'm a lefty, so finding tutorials specifically for leftys is important as well Bella Coco has been a wonderful resouce for me as a lefty. ❤❤❤
I'm so glad that you're branching out and not being held back from perfectionism!! Learning to read a pattern is just learned to decode. Once you learn the code, it's super simple! 🧶🧶🧶
I'm a beginner from the Maldives. It's been only a couple of weeks since I started. My only source of learning is CZcams channels. We don't have any local crochet clubs or training courses. Thank you for pointing to really useful channels and good advice for a beginner like me. 💛
That's amazing!! Thank goodness there are great channels for learning here on CZcams!! ❤️