I didn't know about blocking until later on when I started making a blanket. I tried the soaking it in water,the steaming and the dry. The best tip got for blocking was to put your project in the washing machine, then you can stick it on your blocking boards or wherever you prefer blocking a projects. Works fantastic!
@@erinb3323 I’m really liking your suggestion to put your project in the washing machine, but I’ll put it in a pillowcase first. I do not need my washing machine to “eat” my project! I made my 12 yr old niece a special baby blanket when she was born and the housekeeper put it in the laundry UNPROTECTED and the whole blanket came UNDONE!! When the laundry was done washing, she ends up pulling out a giant puddle of yarn… So I took the yarn puddle back and REKNIT the blanket. It’s a good thing I LOVE to knit (and now I’m obsessed with crocheting!). I PUT NOTHING IN THE WASHER AND DRYER WITHOUT PROTECTION! Pillow cases or bra bags work incredibly well!!
Speaking of tension, when I was teaching my little sister to crochet, I made her redo her chains over and over again until they were all essentially the same size. Did the same thing for her single crochets. After that she has gone on to surpass me in her making and everything she makes is absolutely beautiful.
I taught my step mum to crochet (many years ago) now she turns out works that I wouldn't even attempt and blows me away. (I'm envious and proud at the same time) 😀
My worse crochet habit is to watch crochet videos without having anything to start crochet yet 😅. But I will start soon and I'm so excited, thanks for all your videos, tips and information ❤
The one thing she does not mention is fast frogging. If you have to frog, take your time. It will do less damage to the yarn. Fast=fuzzy yarn, knots or worse with chenille, it falls apart!
Something that might help with that is to find a project that really pushes your skills, such as an advanced pattern if you are an experienced intermediate. I have also found that making a blanket of a bunch of identical squares just doesn’t keep me engaged, but creating a blanket from a number of different but compatible squares is a lot of fun. Crochet Alongside (CALs) are great resources for projects like that. Hope the tip helps! ❤
Same! I have about a dozen projects going on right now! I am working to pare those down to just two, so I can switch between them when I get bored, but not have a dozen project bags full of stuff!
Crocheting without taking breaks/crocheting through the pain cost me a torn hand tendon, an expensive surgery, and months of physio. Tendinitis is no joke! Loved the video! I have to get one of those neck lights so I can finally crochet using black yarn, lol
Convinced myself I could wing an intricate floral lace pattern for a cardigan without counting stitched. Got to about 8 rows after around 3 hours of crocheting and frogged all of it the next day. Restarted with the CORRECT number of stitches and I did the same progress in half the time. COUNT YOUR STITCHES GUYS.
I'm so good at remembering stuff but as soon I start counting I become a goldfish I am currently figuring out if I did 5 more rows already and I do have stitch markers I might frog it since it won't take long to redo it
The beauty of crochet is that until you've cut the yarn, you haven't wasted anything, and even shorter bits can be used up after you have. So there's no need to be terrified of making mistakes ☺
@@Narangarathso true. I use all of my yarn, all the scraps, all the bits and pieces... Small scraps 20-50cm I tie together and make a scrap ball of yarn and make something out of it ...and I keep even smaller bits for stuffing when I need it 🤷♀️ and frogging is always there if you make a mistake Crochet is awesome
@me9981 I keep all my short bits in a mini storage bin in case I ever have tiny details. Certain colors just never get used, though so I love this idea, thank you for sharing!
I got a neck lamp for Christmas, and it was a game changer for me. It made it possible for me to be able to crochet in the evenings, which previously just hadn't been possible. Having that direct light in the exact right place also helps with seeing your stitches when working with dark yarns.
That's great and I couldn't agree more!! It's so wonderful to be able to see and I've been shocked at how it has helped with the other issues like neck aches, eye strain and headaches!! 🧶🧶🧶
As I was listening to you, I was like she is talking about me 😂! Also I recently started to tuck in tails on projects. I have an afghan I completed except the tails from four years ago and I am still trying to get to it. On top that I have finished working on other projects except that afghan!!!😂😂😂
Oh my gosh, I agree! DO NOT crochet through pain!! Even if you are in your early 20s and you think "oh I'll be fine, I wont develop problems" Trust me you will.
Most of these videos are people blowing up minor "mistakes" for clickbait, but these habits really are important to correct! And yes, I'm guilty LOL. I hunch my shoulders, don't bother to set up my task light when I know I need it, and keep crocheting when my hand hurts because there's "just a little bit left." The one thing I don't do is put off weaving in my ends, because I'm also a weirdo who looks forward to it. It's so satisfying to me when the tail vanishes like magic, and the piece looks tidy and finished. 😊
My worst habit is not reading through the pattern and my other bad habits are not having enough yarn, not making notes for sure and not taking breaks. Thanks I enjoy this.
On remembering: I bought a bag of blank "price tags" with attached threads. I attach them to my projects. Pattern name, yarn type and name, pattern source (written pattern or video) etc. Helps a lot!
I'll be counting to myself and my husband comes to say something to me, I start counting out loud, he stands there waiting. He's so good to me. I spent many years as an aircraft mechanic, we were trained to read all the instructions before picking up a tool, I applied the same thing to my crochet and embroidery. I don't make clothes so the fit is not a problem.
Your husband sounds great. I do the same and my ornery bugger of a man starts counting aloud at a different number just to mess me up! 😂😂😂 He has dodged more than one flying hook!
One thing that not covered by many tutorials including this one is clearly identifying a stich at the ends of simple and complicated patterns, (when to stop and flip the project) the last stich is sometimes hard to clearly identify. In most tutorials it feels like it's assumed we beginners should see it, we should know. This is where i leave a chain out often then end up ripping it out and starting again to identify what happened. It would be great to see a basic video on the issues that happen when we get to the edges.❤
My husband got me a neck lamp. He's a flashlight fanatic. I tried it to make him happy. I love it! It helps me so much. I wish I had known about them sooner. Thanks hubby.
I found it reassuring that my writing notes all over my crochet patterns isn't a sign of being a bad crocheter lol My patterns are absolutely COVERED in notes otherwise I will forget pretty much everything! I got a new desk lamp for my birthday and it has been AMAZING for crocheting! It has a small footprint so it doesn't get in my way, it's dimable for the perfect amount of light, and it has an adjustable head so I can angle the beam of light to the exact position needed to be able to see my stitches. I love it so much!
Crochet hook sizes really do make a difference! I wanted to make a summer mesh cardigan with a really fancy stitch pattern in worsted weight yarn. I tried a gauge swatch (so glad I did) with a 6mm and 4mm hook. It came out so much cleaner and prettier with the 4mm and I knew I had saved so many hours of work
I know I'm odd, but I STARTED crocheting because I had trigger finger in my tension finger. It gave me something to do with that finger until I had the release surgery. I'd seen how my mama held her hands while she crocheted- exactly the way my finger would stick anyway. By the time I got my surgery, we'll just say I was hooked. 😂
My super bad habit is working through pain in my hand. I get so excited about a project that I don't take a break. Thank you for the remider of how important breaks are. 😊🎉
I easily get side tracked because hello pretty yarn! I have a project sitting right here next to me that I haven’t touched in 8 weeks… I keep looking at it but haven’t picked it up. I need to finish what I start and stop making plans for new projects and buying yarn until my current project is finished! 😂
So guilty of this! I just stare at it too😅 & get stressed bc it's sitting there unfinished & I'll start another project thinking it will make me feel better & accomplished BUT it seems to always come back to haunt me...😂
I am guilty of scrunching my shoulders and not sitting properly while crocheting/knitting. I ended up in physio because I was in such terrible pain (shoulder, wrist, neck). I now do stretching exercises for my neck and wrist and strengthening exercises for my shoulders. And when I feel the slightest twinge, I stop! I don’t pause, I stop! There is always tomorrow to continue the project. Doing this will allow me to continue these wonderful hobbies for many more years to come. Thanks again, Élise, for this wonderful video.
Excellent advice for beginners. After 62 years, I have a big DO (mostly geared towards older crocheters): DO keep abreast of new techniques; DO practice those techniques until you're comfortable and proficient (magic ring, chainless/standing stitches, substituting stitches for chains when joining, invisible join, invisible decrease, etc.). These will improve the eye appeal and may save yarn. Securely weave in ends: over under in one direction, repeat in the opposite direction, repeat in the first direction. ends will never work themselves out and your project will never unravel. Do this religiously.
My worst habit while crocheting is my posture. I've not been crocheting for very long, but I did have bad posture while crocheting. I didn't pay much attention to the pain until I stretched after ages and heard a bunch of creaking sounds! 😁 I love this video and all your others too. They're concise and though some are quite simple they make a world of difference! ❤
I hate to say most of these are my bad habits. Thanks for bringing these up so I can actually try to break them instead of ignoring them. It's always good to know I'm not the only one out there struggling with these😊
I'm really tired of people tail-shaming me! I leave my tails until the end on purpose and, for me, it's NOT a bad habit! I change my mind often (about yarn color, stitches, etc,, particularly when I'm not working from a pattern). I've learned from experience that weaving as you go makes it difficult to frog. I've had to cut out big chunks of my fabric, which can be problematic, especially if I'm working with "just enough" yarn.
Totally agree. I just retrieved a half finished project to restart and realized I had no idea what part of the front I had done. Having left all the tails it was a simple matter to unravel all the flowers and redo them. Yes at the end of this project I will have several hundred tails but It is really nice to be able to undo if needed.
I know this is a bit of an older video, but seeing as I just found your channel and am currently binge-watching while I crochet a spider web... crocheting through pain is a horrible habit of mine. I actually had to go to a sports medicine doc to get things sorted... and then I found out the crochet was causing the nerve in the arm to slide out of the groove. Except it didn't end there: I got the okay to crochet again from my rheum of all people! Apparently my marathon crochet sessions in my late teens/early 20s caused scar tissue and along with some other not so fun stuff. As long as I keep it to under an hour a day (and not all at once!) I can still make things. I just need to crochet responsibly (and let this comment serve as a reminder that stuff does catch up with ya, even if you don't think it will).
Wow! I wasnt prepared to be so called out on an early Friday morning 😂 Here's my contribution to the list: Another bad habit that has been some what glamorised is buying loads of yarn, having a huge stash without a pattern in mind. Which leads to using whatever yarn you have on hand to make a project and then finding out later it's not suitable. I'm guilty as charged. I'll show myself out
😂😂 re not weaving in your ends as you go along. I chuckled when you said this!! I just finished a large granny square blanket for my son using chunky bamboo/ cotton mix yarn. I was nearly in tears trying to weave in/ tidy up ends as the finished blanket was large and very heavy!!! It was a ‘love in every stitch’ blanket for my son who lives abroad and even though I was struggling to finish it, I made sure I stayed patient and kept the ❤❤❤. I learned my lesson and passed this on to my beginner crochet friends to tidy each square as we go along. 🙏🏽🙏🏽 Thank you Elise for sharing your time and talent :) ❤
Oh my gosh. Not taking notes. Guilty as charged. After pulling out countless projects to finish and not even remembering what size hook I was using, I learned my lesson. Now when I start a project, I take a sticky note and write down what hook size I am using, what brand of hook, (I have too many different brands) what yarn I am using, any changes I make to the pattern or if it is a pattern I am making up, such as a granny afghan, I make of note of what or whose granny square pattern I am using. I then tuck these sticky notes into a small zip lock back and tuck it in with my project. This has saved my bacon several times now. I always sew my ends in as I go because I don't really like doing it and I don't want to be dealing with all those ends when I am done.
Oh Elise, this video really is relevant for my situation currently 😱 I’m wearing a thumb splint and have an ugly tendinitis problem 😔. The doctor said listen to my body, I just ignored my pain and now I’m in the soup😢. I now only crochet for a short time each day . I hope others watching your video heed the warning 👍🏼 Happy Mother’s Day…….Karen from Greenleaf Idaho 🌹🌹🌹🌹
I've never gauged any project nor did I know anything about proper yarn substitution until last week. So, those are my worst habits...I love learning. Thank you
Great video! Every single one of these habits applies to knitters, too! :) Add one more: not checking your work every couple of rows so that a mistake can be easily fixed which means less frogging!!!
i wish i would've heeded these warnings sooner! I am 24 and only began crocheting two years ago. My hands and wrists are in constant pain, even when doing work on my computer! Haven't crocheted a project in many months, and thinking surgery is my only option. Listen to your body, it's doing its best for you.
I worked thru the pain in my left shoulder (I'm right handed) and ended up having a torn labrum in that shoulder. No one, including myself, could figure out how I had done so much damage to my non-dominate side until after I had recovered from surgery and tried to crochet again. Lesson learned! Have a lovely weekend!!
@@EliseRoseCrochet yes, thank you! It actually happened about 25 years ago. I might not have even though of it until you mentioned your shoulder. I hope that you are about to get some answers and relief! I've not been able to crochet in over 10 years due to severe rheumatoid arthritis. I now have 4 grandchildren and only 1 of them has an afghan. I can't let arthritis stand in the way of being a grandma. So I turn to the Internet to find some inspiration and WOW, crochet explosion. It's funny how crocheting has taken off again! Thanks for your great videos! 💜
My left is my non-dominant side, too, and I find that it's usually my left shoulder bunching up during a project. It's so weird how that happens, but I kinda figure it's because that's the hand holding the project.
Writing down notes as I work through a pattern was never an issue for me. However, I would lose the printed pattern that I worked from. What I started to do was keeping patterns I’m working on as PDF files, and adding notes in a text box right on the PDF file. I resave the file with the notes. So when I want to make that pattern again, I open up that PDF and all my notes are there. I just have to print it out and work from the adjusted pattern. Since I sometimes use a different yarn the next time I make it, I also note information on the yarn I used and the hook size. It’s really been helpful when I want to go back and make it again.
I write lots of notes...on my pattern..but when I return (much later!) I don't even understand what all the scritches mean! So aggravating and continuous!
Great video! When I started crocheting years-decades!-ago, I thought I was too savvy for stitch markers. Using them felt like cheating for some dumb reason. Now I always use them and life is so much better and easier.
I have a disease called Lupus Sle. I have had reconstructive surgery on both hand ,wrist ,fingers and my back,knees and both feet. I am rehabbing myself back to a normal life. Everyone of your tips are so true. I got back into needlework to get full use of my hands again. I have to remember those breaks and stretches are so important. It can lead to tendinitis and even arthritis. Thanks Elise for pointing out these bad habits. All of my surgeries have been a huge success. I am located in Arkansas
I'm so sorry that you have Lupus and have had to endure so much. I'm glad that you're taking care of yourself and are able to continue creating beautiful things! ❤️❤️❤️
SLE IS lupus… saying you have lupus sle is saying “lupus systemic lupus erythematosus.” Anyways, I have it too and crocheting helps me! ❤ Sounds like you have RA though.
@@Odiekins Yes, SLE for short. They have tested me for RA and said I didn’t have it. I have osteoarthritis and pseudogout. I am still going through testing because my bones are breaking down very quickly.I have Osteoporosis but my bones are worse than they should be with even all the conditions I have, sucks! Hey, I am out of my wheelchair and walking now.
This was a very eye-opening video! I think my worst bad habit is not writing down what I’m working on. I even bought a cute notebook for this, and it’s still sitting in my closet! I also don’t have a super comfortable chair to work in, but I’m stuck with it for now. Thank you so much for all you do with these videos!
I think I have done just about every one of these at one time or another then learned the hard way I needed to correct my habits. I would say dropped shoulders and posture are things I have to remind myself of on a regular basis. Thank you for the video!😊
I feel so called out from all of these bad habits haha Although I never knew just keeping my elbows down would reduce the pain, that was really helpful :)
Boy , I have lots of bad habits! I'm glad you shared and I can be more aware and try to fix them . My worst habit is the bad posture , scrunching shoulders and not counting stitches diligently! I love your videos!
Not recharging my neck light 💡!! Elise !! Just look at those subscriber numbers… oh my goodness I’m so proud of you (and I don’t even know you) I think most of the advice in this video could also apply to daily life. ❤️🏴🥃🥃 to you and my many fellow subscribers xx
I used to crochet itty bitty things, free hand, just to have something to do. And then I got an adult diagnosis of ADHD, got medication, and have since finished more crochet and knitting projects in the last three years than I did in the four decades before that. :) I HATE weaving in ends, so I tend to pick variegated or ombre yarns so I get the interest of colour changes without having to suffer through switching yarns and weaving in ends more than absolutely necessary - or "ADHD yarn" as I call it. ;) Whenever possible I lay the yarn double when switching over, for maybe five stitches - that way, it's practically secured already. And then I sit down with a yummy coffee mocha or a smoothie or something else yummy, good lighting, maybe some good music - or sitting outside, enjoying the weather, and I weave in ALLLLL the ends at the same time. I psych myself up, I get into the flow and lose track of time and I finish up one or two projects in one session. I have NO desire to take a pause in my knitting/crochet to bring out a needle and start stitching - it really interrupts my mental process and flow. The only thing worse than weaving in ends? Sewing buttons. Mounting pieces (sewing on sleeves etc.) varies. Sometimes it's satisfying, sometimes it's a draaaag.
OhMy! This is like a video that you made specially for me, because I ve murtured ALL of the bad habits you pointed out! Thanks for the helpful reminders and tips, I would definitely starting from today, trying my best to correct and break all these bad practices, let's all work together now so we can enjoy what healthy crocheting could bring to life 😀
Another great video. I'm guilty of a few of these. Mainly holding tension in my shoulders & MOST definitely working thru pain because I'm always in pain. That's why I crochet... to distract from it but I do sit for hours & crochet without a break just to "finish this last thing"..... which then becomes another thing...😅 Thanks for sharing all your tips!🩷
I've had a ganglion cyst appear in my wrist from crocheting too much, & I'm presently dealing with shoulder pain & a breathing problem from breathing in too much fibers so now I wear a mask when certain yarns irritate my lungs. Great video!
I had to put off my crochet journey for two years while I dealt with carpal tunnel pain and eventual CT release surgery. DO NOT work through the pain! Take frequent breaks if you need to. Get a little stress ball to help stretch and help relieve tension. Love that so many of these tips are about maintaining good health 🧡
So far my only bad habits are to crochet in bad posture and not add notes to the changes I do in patterns 😅 I hope I can fix them soon!! Thank you so much for this video!!
Hi Elise. I’m Karen from Torquay in Devon, England. I’m so glad you’re one of the few people who enjoy weaving in ends. For me it’s so relaxing and it gives me a feeling of pleasure that I’ve finally finished my project. Thank you for your fun videos ❤❤😊😊
Oh!!! Yes! That's a terrible habit and one that has taken me long time to break!! I talked about it in this video: czcams.com/video/AT3fLB9z13Q/video.html 🧶🧶🧶
I once saw something that said that leaving a mistake in a project makes sure that you don’t leave a piece of your soul in it. I keep that in mind when crocheting and let no more than 3 small mistakes slip through. I put my heart in my crochet, don’t wanna lose myself in my work too.
I am a 13 year old and I started crocheting 2 years ago. And I during that time I realized I have gone through a lot of shoulder and wrist pain. But I have fixed a lot of things and I feel way better!
Bad lighting is my worst habit. My husband likes subdued lighting but it drives me crazy when I’m crocheting or knitting! Love the neck light. I’m ordering one now!
I keep a floor light right next to my chair with a flexible neck to adjust where I want the light, I also use the crochet lite crochet hook for even more light. I like bright light when I crochet.
This was a good video. I have heard you talking about a necklight before, and had one selected on my wishlist, but after this video I decided not to wait anymore. The things that stood out for me where "pain is not the enemy" and old eyes. My eyes are getting older too and why should I not help them a little. So thanks! 💜
Re: bad posture...I saw a video from another crocheter and she was talking about the Valari pillow. My mom got it for me for Christmas and it has been amazing for relieving any pain issues while crocheting. I love it!
I actually was taught to crochet entirely wrong as a child, I had no idea I was doing it wrong either until around a decade later as a teenager I saw a youtube tutorial and realized. I was taught instead of pulling up a loop with your hook to wrap the yarn around the hook and then pull through a loop like in knitting 😬I've tried to correct this but sometimes I forget and still do it the wrong way.
I take samples of yarn with the wrapper and the pattern and the hook or needle size and put them in project zipper bags and put them in a file to always remember what i did to make a project.
@LePetitSaintCrochet I've had so many ufos that I frogged because I just couldn't remember something. I start a project bag with notes such as these.. so it makes it easier. It's also helpful for additional store trips if I forget something or I want to add a color. I just bring the little bag with me. :)
Totally with you on the stitch counting. Esp if I'm making a top in panels. I start with a certain number of stitches and end up having to grog it when i realise ive dropped stitches 10 rows back!!! What I do now is i pop a stich marker in my first stitch of each row so i can easily see where the last stich is!! Especially helpful when using dark yarn!
Weaving in ends! I used to be really bad about that. I have projects that I more or less completed over 40 years ago and still the ends are hanging loose! Since I discovered join as you go I don't do that anymore. Some really good points in this video.
A lot of the times while I’m crocheting, and this sounds silly, but I have to remind myself to relax!! I have always tensed up while playing a board game, or crocheting or even playing cards with family! So I’m always telling myself to relax your arms, relax your elbows, relax your feet, relax your shoulders!!one only the I try to make a point of walking around some at least once every hour! I love to crochet!! Thank you for showing all of these do’s & don’ts to us. I’ll do my best to remember to stop doing the don’ts will try my best to incorporate these ideas in my crocheting!! Thanks again so much, NORMA COLLINS FROM TEXAS
Hello Elise! My mother, daughter(16), and I have quickly become your biggest fans!! Through your inspiring videos, my daughter has taught herself to crochet, and is now making amigurumi animals! Anyway, I think the three of us have the bad habit of starting too many projects at the same time! 😬
Typically, I take 2-3 days break between finishing a project and starting a new one. I also take regular 30 minutes breaks for every 2 hours I’m sat crocheting. Also, a lot of these rules also apply to knitting (I do both crochet and knitting)
The weaving in your ends one really called me out...making a 25x32 blanket and it's 13x18 right now...haven't woven in a single end. That's going to be fun later 😂
Oh goodness, me too! I just finished an intricate queen size blanket with lots of different colours and small patterns that took almost a year. For the first half, I weaved them in as I finished an area. Then I got bored with it. I now have a completed blanket that has over 50% of it needing millions of ends ends woven in 😢. It's going to take another VERY boring month to do that! Maybe I learned a hard lesson for the next project... But probably not! 😂
The 1st habit on your list is probably my #1 as well! Before I watch more, I'll add this as well: when I stop a project for any length of time, I don't make explicit notes so that if something happens & I don't get back to it right away, I end up frogging until I figure out when my work & the pattern are in the same place! "No need! **I'LL** remember!" HA! No chance! Yet I don't take care of things anyway!
I'm a beginner crocheter and an experienced knitter. I think all of this is good advice for knitters too! I wish I'd taken better notes for a lot of my old knit projects! Using a neck light didn't really suit me so I swapped it out for a head torch - much better :)
I don't always count my stitches and have had to frog many a project.. Checking my gauge is something I really need to do. I guess I'm just too lazy and my mind says its a waste of time. After watching this video I think I'm more inspired to break my naughty habits. Thank you for telling us about these habits.
The habit I struggle with is getting excited about a project and then never finishing. Usually it’s because it wasn’t turning out. My blankets always get wider or more narrow and I’ve ‘made’ many sweaters that never became sweaters. The only thing I have successfully made is a scarf or hat. I am now trying the stuffies.
Currently on my second month of no crocheting, because my crochet bad habits are crocheting through the pain & then continuing to crochet for extended periods of time while still being in pain. The last time I crocheted, I didn't stop until I literally couldn't feel my hand anymore. And I'm a young and experienced crocheter, so of course I thought it would be no big deal, but it has cost me 2 months of lost progress all because I didn't listen to my body. Thankfully my wrist tendinitis is finally starting to feel better, but I could've avoided some of the worst pain in my life if I had just stopped to take breaks, or shortened my crochet sessions. Please take heed of this!! Listen to your body!!! Even if your project is soooooooo soooo so close to being finished!! It's NOT worth it!!
Thanks I truly enjoyed the video. My biggest bad habit is not reading the entire pattern carefully, and that is very important and I can't tell you how many projects I frogged because of that error. One of the other bad habits that you didn't mention was planning your time to complete a project. We all know how long it takes to complete a project but we never give ourselves enough to complete it without rushing to finish. (i.e. don't start your Christmas projects the day after Thanksgiving). You'll never get it done.
My worst habit would have to be working through the pain. I'm so used to ignoring it that I don't realize until I need to get up for some reason that it hurts. 40+ years experience and still learning. Thanks for the advice.
Hi Allison, I’m in louavul as well. I was wondering if you know of any speciality yarn shops. The only one I have found is yarn and friends in Lagrange. Hobby lobby,micheals and Joann’s all have the same stuff.
I was a barista and kitchen manager for a very long time and started crocheting in the same position that I will work in. Like I can blast through a project if I do majority of it standing up with my yarn on the counter. I also love to use breathing exercises while im crocheting or sewing
I weave in ends from the beginning sometimes. Group them with the working yarn and start with a stitch not a knot. I learned so much from the tutorials that I had to follow along without understanding the language of the fiber artist! 🫶🏻
For me, it's the note-taking. I am a horrible journaler! Journaling is not my first love. I write notes on my patterns, but they're not just project notes. I also jot down things like the painter's phone number or how much my takeout order is going to be 😂 I just purchased a crafter's journal and have started trying to keep project-only notes there.
MORE BAD HABITS...ordering yarn and forgetting what project I had in mind, also overwhelming myself with too many project plans. In some cases ordering yarn for a past project that I already have stashed yarn planned.
This video is so helpful! I just started crocheting a few weeks ago & I'm already addicted. I've noticed a lot of the body/pain issues popping up already as I've found I tend to hunch over/curl up when crocheting - OWIE! It's not great for my body. Thanks for these reminders & other useful tips!
When making something in your own size... Take into consideration that the wool can stretch over time! I made a beautiful top but after wearing it two times it began fitting really loose so it doesn't fit me right anymore
My worst habit is not taking breaks-for movement, water, etc. I want to keep rolling-Especially if the yarn changes colors or it feels really nice In my hands.
I have a terrible habit of getting too into working on a project that my posture gets really bad. But amusingly enough, I do take the time to take long breaks to readjust and relax, like I can remember to stretch and massage but I always forget to maintain my posture. And when I first started my tensions was bad but even I amaze myself with how much I’ve improved, the sides are actually even now. And another thing I learned the hard way was counting my stitches, I would get so frustrated with how often I would mess up for not counting, so now I religiously count and recount my stitches like my life depends on it, helps a lot!!
I had bad posture and right now I am working on my cottage core mosaic blanket and granny squares blanket and butterfly 🦋 mosaic blanket and tebel crochet blanket and I love your channel and your videos and if you keep making videos I will keep watching them and what is your favorite crochet project to work on right now and favorite types of yarn to used when crocheting and keep up the great work on your CZcams channel and keep up the great work on your crochet projects
The first 1,000 people to use the link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/lepetitsaintcrochet05231 ❤
It sucks because I really enjoy crocheting
What is everyone’s favorite fabric glue to use, for gluing down amigurumi wigs on dolls?
@@nola_cozy.creationsi usualy just sew
I didn't know about blocking until later on when I started making a blanket. I tried the soaking it in water,the steaming and the dry. The best tip got for blocking was to put your project in the washing machine, then you can stick it on your blocking boards or wherever you prefer blocking a projects. Works fantastic!
@@erinb3323
I’m really liking your suggestion to put your project in the washing machine, but I’ll put it in a pillowcase first. I do not need my washing machine to “eat” my project! I made my 12 yr old niece a special baby blanket when she was born and the housekeeper put it in the laundry UNPROTECTED and the whole blanket came UNDONE!! When the laundry was done washing, she ends up pulling out a giant puddle of yarn… So I took the yarn puddle back and REKNIT the blanket. It’s a good thing I LOVE to knit (and now I’m obsessed with crocheting!).
I PUT NOTHING IN THE WASHER AND DRYER WITHOUT PROTECTION! Pillow cases or bra bags work incredibly well!!
My bad habit is starting new projects before I finish the old ones 😂
So many of us have the same issue! 🧶🧶🧶
Me too. 😂
One of my worst habits!😅
Oh that box of UFOs...
Yes, me too!!
Speaking of tension, when I was teaching my little sister to crochet, I made her redo her chains over and over again until they were all essentially the same size. Did the same thing for her single crochets. After that she has gone on to surpass me in her making and everything she makes is absolutely beautiful.
Wow!! Thank you so much for sharing!!! 🧶🧶🧶
Having bad posture
Wow amazing she stuck with it! Single crochet are easier than chains when it comes to tension and uniformity.
I taught my step mum to crochet (many years ago) now she turns out works that I wouldn't even attempt and blows me away. (I'm envious and proud at the same time) 😀
I did this to myself.
My worse crochet habit is to watch crochet videos without having anything to start crochet yet 😅. But I will start soon and I'm so excited, thanks for all your videos, tips and information ❤
That's wonderful!!! 🧶🧶🧶
Same !!!!!!😂
Ditto! 😅
yep, and leaving half finished projects lying around ;-;
same I wanna make a cat plush but I don’t have the right coloured yarn for what I wanna make
I started crocheting 3 days ago. I'm so glad I watched this. You just saved me from making horrible habits before I got to make them!!!!!
Woohoo! So glad you are starting off strong! 🧶🧶🧶
Same
I just started today!! Here's hoping I can get the hang of it!
WELCOME to the wonderful world of crochet ❤❤❤ with time, it will become a "second language".
The one thing she does not mention is fast frogging. If you have to frog, take your time. It will do less damage to the yarn. Fast=fuzzy yarn, knots or worse with chenille, it falls apart!
I get bored with a project and give up. My worst habits are bad posture and working through pain. Thanks for all you do! 💜
Thank you so much for sharing your bad habits! We all have them!! 🧶🧶🧶
Something that might help with that is to find a project that really pushes your skills, such as an advanced pattern if you are an experienced intermediate. I have also found that making a blanket of a bunch of identical squares just doesn’t keep me engaged, but creating a blanket from a number of different but compatible squares is a lot of fun. Crochet Alongside (CALs) are great resources for projects like that. Hope the tip helps! ❤
Same! I have about a dozen projects going on right now! I am working to pare those down to just two, so I can switch between them when I get bored, but not have a dozen project bags full of stuff!
This is why I keep my projects small. Baby blankets and lap throws.
My posture is usually ok, because I lay down, 1, it’s super comfy, and 2 your posture is way better!
Crocheting without taking breaks/crocheting through the pain cost me a torn hand tendon, an expensive surgery, and months of physio. Tendinitis is no joke!
Loved the video! I have to get one of those neck lights so I can finally crochet using black yarn, lol
Yikes!!!!! Now that's some bad tendinitis!!!! I hope you're better now! 🧶🧶🧶
I did this when i used to cross stitch. I would literally work for 8-10 hours on a piece then i wouldnt be able to lift my arm the next day.
Black yarn is the worst.
Great information. By your list, I don't have as many bad habits as I thought. Thank you. 😊
The Lighted Hooks 🪝🧶 with interchangable tips are Great 👍! Especially 4 Black 🐈⬛
Convinced myself I could wing an intricate floral lace pattern for a cardigan without counting stitched. Got to about 8 rows after around 3 hours of crocheting and frogged all of it the next day. Restarted with the CORRECT number of stitches and I did the same progress in half the time. COUNT YOUR STITCHES GUYS.
Lol! Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
Stitch markers have saved my bacon many a time!
I'm so good at remembering stuff but as soon I start counting I become a goldfish I am currently figuring out if I did 5 more rows already and I do have stitch markers I might frog it since it won't take long to redo it
i’ve been crocheting for 6-7 years now, and i’ve ALWAYS counted my stitches. i’m terrified to mess up a project and waste yarn.
It's a good habit to practice! 🧶🧶🧶
The beauty of crochet is that until you've cut the yarn, you haven't wasted anything, and even shorter bits can be used up after you have. So there's no need to be terrified of making mistakes ☺
@@Narangarathso true. I use all of my yarn, all the scraps, all the bits and pieces... Small scraps 20-50cm I tie together and make a scrap ball of yarn and make something out of it
...and I keep even smaller bits for stuffing when I need it 🤷♀️ and frogging is always there if you make a mistake
Crochet is awesome
@@me9981 me too!
@me9981 I keep all my short bits in a mini storage bin in case I ever have tiny details.
Certain colors just never get used, though so I love this idea, thank you for sharing!
I got a neck lamp for Christmas, and it was a game changer for me. It made it possible for me to be able to crochet in the evenings, which previously just hadn't been possible. Having that direct light in the exact right place also helps with seeing your stitches when working with dark yarns.
That's great and I couldn't agree more!! It's so wonderful to be able to see and I've been shocked at how it has helped with the other issues like neck aches, eye strain and headaches!! 🧶🧶🧶
As I was listening to you, I was like she is talking about me 😂! Also I recently started to tuck in tails on projects. I have an afghan I completed except the tails from four years ago and I am still trying to get to it. On top that I have finished working on other projects except that afghan!!!😂😂😂
I bought one after I saw it on here. Love it! Use it at night or when using dark yarn. Sure does help. Good for reading, too.
Love mine, lasts a good long time on a charge too.
Those are the best, especially when working with dark yarn.
Oh my gosh, I agree! DO NOT crochet through pain!! Even if you are in your early 20s and you think "oh I'll be fine, I wont develop problems" Trust me you will.
Very good advice! 🧶🧶🧶
Ive got sprained wrist just gonna try the other hand.
Most of these videos are people blowing up minor "mistakes" for clickbait, but these habits really are important to correct! And yes, I'm guilty LOL. I hunch my shoulders, don't bother to set up my task light when I know I need it, and keep crocheting when my hand hurts because there's "just a little bit left." The one thing I don't do is put off weaving in my ends, because I'm also a weirdo who looks forward to it. It's so satisfying to me when the tail vanishes like magic, and the piece looks tidy and finished. 😊
Thank you so much! ❤️
My worst habit is not reading through the pattern and my other bad habits are not having enough yarn, not making notes for sure and not taking breaks. Thanks I enjoy this.
Thanks for sharing your bad habits!! 🧶🧶🧶
Same i dont take breaks because i want it done lol
On remembering: I bought a bag of blank "price tags" with attached threads. I attach them to my projects. Pattern name, yarn type and name, pattern source (written pattern or video) etc. Helps a lot!
That's fantastic! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
Great idea! I have a bunch of these at home.... will be doing this now!🎉
I'm stealing that idea!
I just had to frog a project because I forgot the hook size I used on it. This is genius!! Thank you 💛
@Wyster glad it helped. We all aquire so many WIPS and hooks, patterns and yarn go missing. This is a shorthand way to get back in the game.
I'll be counting to myself and my husband comes to say something to me, I start counting out loud, he stands there waiting. He's so good to me. I spent many years as an aircraft mechanic, we were trained to read all the instructions before picking up a tool, I applied the same thing to my crochet and embroidery. I don't make clothes so the fit is not a problem.
Oh wow!! That is so amazing!! Thanks for sharing and how it helped you with your crocheting! ✈️🛠️🧶
Your husband sounds great. I do the same and my ornery bugger of a man starts counting aloud at a different number just to mess me up! 😂😂😂 He has dodged more than one flying hook!
When I’m counting and someone starts talking it really gets muddling 😅 I need someone like that in my life haha
One thing that not covered by many tutorials including this one is clearly identifying a stich at the ends of simple and complicated patterns, (when to stop and flip the project) the last stich is sometimes hard to clearly identify. In most tutorials it feels like it's assumed we beginners should see it, we should know. This is where i leave a chain out often then end up ripping it out and starting again to identify what happened. It would be great to see a basic video on the issues that happen when we get to the edges.❤
Thanks for sharing! 🧶
I also have the same problem and I have been crocheting for ages!! Let me know if you find one please 😉
Is it possible to put a stitch marker in the end stitch (or the in the stitch you need to find)?
@@crazyoma3232 i always put stitch markers at the end of a row or other stitches i need to be able to find or keep track off
My husband got me a neck lamp. He's a flashlight fanatic. I tried it to make him happy. I love it! It helps me so much. I wish I had known about them sooner. Thanks hubby.
That is awesome! 💡💡💡
I found it reassuring that my writing notes all over my crochet patterns isn't a sign of being a bad crocheter lol My patterns are absolutely COVERED in notes otherwise I will forget pretty much everything! I got a new desk lamp for my birthday and it has been AMAZING for crocheting! It has a small footprint so it doesn't get in my way, it's dimable for the perfect amount of light, and it has an adjustable head so I can angle the beam of light to the exact position needed to be able to see my stitches. I love it so much!
Oooh!! Sounds like the perfect lamp!! 💡
Crochet hook sizes really do make a difference! I wanted to make a summer mesh cardigan with a really fancy stitch pattern in worsted weight yarn. I tried a gauge swatch (so glad I did) with a 6mm and 4mm hook. It came out so much cleaner and prettier with the 4mm and I knew I had saved so many hours of work
Thanks for sharing! ❤
I know I'm odd, but I STARTED crocheting because I had trigger finger in my tension finger. It gave me something to do with that finger until I had the release surgery. I'd seen how my mama held her hands while she crocheted- exactly the way my finger would stick anyway. By the time I got my surgery, we'll just say I was hooked. 😂
That's so interesting! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶
My super bad habit is working through pain in my hand. I get so excited about a project that I don't take a break. Thank you for the remider of how important breaks are. 😊🎉
I totally get that!! 🧶🧶🧶
I easily get side tracked because hello pretty yarn! I have a project sitting right here next to me that I haven’t touched in 8 weeks… I keep looking at it but haven’t picked it up. I need to finish what I start and stop making plans for new projects and buying yarn until my current project is finished! 😂
I totally get it!!!! Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
So guilty of this! I just stare at it too😅 & get stressed bc it's sitting there unfinished & I'll start another project thinking it will make me feel better & accomplished BUT it seems to always come back to haunt me...😂
I am guilty of scrunching my shoulders and not sitting properly while crocheting/knitting. I ended up in physio because I was in such terrible pain (shoulder, wrist, neck). I now do stretching exercises for my neck and wrist and strengthening exercises for my shoulders. And when I feel the slightest twinge, I stop! I don’t pause, I stop! There is always tomorrow to continue the project. Doing this will allow me to continue these wonderful hobbies for many more years to come. Thanks again, Élise, for this wonderful video.
Yes!!!! I try to remind myself that this is a marathon, not a sprint! 🧶🧶🧶
Excellent advice for beginners. After 62 years, I have a big DO (mostly geared towards older crocheters): DO keep abreast of new techniques; DO practice those techniques until you're comfortable and proficient (magic ring, chainless/standing stitches, substituting stitches for chains when joining, invisible join, invisible decrease, etc.). These will improve the eye appeal and may save yarn.
Securely weave in ends: over under in one direction, repeat in the opposite direction, repeat in the first direction. ends will never work themselves out and your project will never unravel. Do this religiously.
Thank you so much for sharing your tips from your experience!! 🧶🧶🧶
Thank you! I’m still a teen but this is very good to know.
My worst habit while crocheting is my posture. I've not been crocheting for very long, but I did have bad posture while crocheting. I didn't pay much attention to the pain until I stretched after ages and heard a bunch of creaking sounds! 😁 I love this video and all your others too. They're concise and though some are quite simple they make a world of difference! ❤
Thank you so much for sharing and your kind words! 🧶🧶🧶
I hate to say most of these are my bad habits. Thanks for bringing these up so I can actually try to break them instead of ignoring them. It's always good to know I'm not the only one out there struggling with these😊
You are definitely not the only one!!! 🧶🧶🧶
Hi my name is Jo Ann and I can't stop playing YARN CHICKEN! I didn't even know that I had a problem until you pointed it out. Thank you 😂
Haha!! You're a brave woman! 🧶🐓
I'm really tired of people tail-shaming me! I leave my tails until the end on purpose and, for me, it's NOT a bad habit!
I change my mind often (about yarn color, stitches, etc,, particularly when I'm not working from a pattern). I've learned from experience that weaving as you go makes it difficult to frog. I've had to cut out big chunks of my fabric, which can be problematic, especially if I'm working with "just enough" yarn.
Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
Totally agree. I just retrieved a half finished project to restart and realized I had no idea what part of the front I had done. Having left all the tails it was a simple matter to unravel all the flowers and redo them. Yes at the end of this project I will have several hundred tails but It is really nice to be able to undo if needed.
I leave my tails for the end too. I’ve been crocheting since I was 6 and I’m 45 now.
@@amandajane8227 Absolutely!
@@JessicaOberbreckling ... So glad I am not alone in this!
I know this is a bit of an older video, but seeing as I just found your channel and am currently binge-watching while I crochet a spider web... crocheting through pain is a horrible habit of mine. I actually had to go to a sports medicine doc to get things sorted... and then I found out the crochet was causing the nerve in the arm to slide out of the groove.
Except it didn't end there: I got the okay to crochet again from my rheum of all people! Apparently my marathon crochet sessions in my late teens/early 20s caused scar tissue and along with some other not so fun stuff. As long as I keep it to under an hour a day (and not all at once!) I can still make things. I just need to crochet responsibly (and let this comment serve as a reminder that stuff does catch up with ya, even if you don't think it will).
Thank you so much for sharing your experience!! I'm very glad that you've been able to continue crocheting!! It's a good reminder for us all! 🧶🧶🧶
Wow! I wasnt prepared to be so called out on an early Friday morning 😂
Here's my contribution to the list:
Another bad habit that has been some what glamorised is buying loads of yarn, having a huge stash without a pattern in mind. Which leads to using whatever yarn you have on hand to make a project and then finding out later it's not suitable.
I'm guilty as charged. I'll show myself out
Lol!! Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🤣🧶🤣
Taking notes is such a game changer!! I don't have many bad crochet habits anymore because I've learned from my previous crochet bad habits 😅
They are the best teachers!! 🧶🧶🧶
😂😂 re not weaving in your ends as you go along. I chuckled when you said this!!
I just finished a large granny square blanket for my son using chunky bamboo/ cotton mix yarn. I was nearly in tears trying to weave in/ tidy up ends as the finished blanket was large and very heavy!!! It was a ‘love in every stitch’ blanket for my son who lives abroad and even though I was struggling to finish it, I made sure I stayed patient and kept the ❤❤❤. I learned my lesson and passed this on to my beginner crochet friends to tidy each square as we go along. 🙏🏽🙏🏽
Thank you Elise for sharing your time and talent :) ❤
Awww! What a sweet gift for your son! 🧶🧶🧶
Oh my gosh. Not taking notes. Guilty as charged. After pulling out countless projects to finish and not even remembering what size hook I was using, I learned my lesson. Now when I start a project, I take a sticky note and write down what hook size I am using, what brand of hook, (I have too many different brands) what yarn I am using, any changes I make to the pattern or if it is a pattern I am making up, such as a granny afghan, I make of note of what or whose granny square pattern I am using. I then tuck these sticky notes into a small zip lock back and tuck it in with my project. This has saved my bacon several times now. I always sew my ends in as I go because I don't really like doing it and I don't want to be dealing with all those ends when I am done.
Fantastic tips!! Thanks so much for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
Oh Elise, this video really is relevant for my situation currently 😱 I’m wearing a thumb splint and have an ugly tendinitis problem 😔. The doctor said listen to my body, I just ignored my pain and now I’m in the soup😢. I now only crochet for a short time each day . I hope others watching your video heed the warning 👍🏼 Happy Mother’s Day…….Karen from Greenleaf Idaho 🌹🌹🌹🌹
Oh no, Karen!!! Tendinitis is so painful and frustrating!!! I'm glad you're taking care of it now! Happy Mother's Day to you!! ❤️❤️❤️
I've never gauged any project nor did I know anything about proper yarn substitution until last week. So, those are my worst habits...I love learning. Thank you
It's always good to learn new things!! And with crocheting there are endless possibilities!! 🧶🧶🧶
Great video! Every single one of these habits applies to knitters, too! :) Add one more: not checking your work every couple of rows so that a mistake can be easily fixed which means less frogging!!!
Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
i wish i would've heeded these warnings sooner! I am 24 and only began crocheting two years ago. My hands and wrists are in constant pain, even when doing work on my computer! Haven't crocheted a project in many months, and thinking surgery is my only option. Listen to your body, it's doing its best for you.
I'm sorry that you're experiencing so much pain. I hope you get better soon! 🧶🧶🧶
I worked thru the pain in my left shoulder (I'm right handed) and ended up having a torn labrum in that shoulder. No one, including myself, could figure out how I had done so much damage to my non-dominate side until after I had recovered from surgery and tried to crochet again. Lesson learned!
Have a lovely weekend!!
Wow!! Thank you for sharing!! I hope you're feeling better now! 🧶🧶🧶
@@EliseRoseCrochet yes, thank you! It actually happened about 25 years ago. I might not have even though of it until you mentioned your shoulder. I hope that you are about to get some answers and relief!
I've not been able to crochet in over 10 years due to severe rheumatoid arthritis. I now have 4 grandchildren and only 1 of them has an afghan. I can't let arthritis stand in the way of being a grandma. So I turn to the Internet to find some inspiration and WOW, crochet explosion. It's funny how crocheting has taken off again!
Thanks for your great videos! 💜
My left is my non-dominant side, too, and I find that it's usually my left shoulder bunching up during a project. It's so weird how that happens, but I kinda figure it's because that's the hand holding the project.
@@kateworkman921 I never thought of that, but it makes sense.
Have a wonderful day!
@@AliP1970 You, too, :)
Writing down notes as I work through a pattern was never an issue for me. However, I would lose the printed pattern that I worked from. What I started to do was keeping patterns I’m working on as PDF files, and adding notes in a text box right on the PDF file. I resave the file with the notes. So when I want to make that pattern again, I open up that PDF and all my notes are there. I just have to print it out and work from the adjusted pattern. Since I sometimes use a different yarn the next time I make it, I also note information on the yarn I used and the hook size. It’s really been helpful when I want to go back and make it again.
That is such a great tip!! Thank you so much for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
You are a GENIUS. I’m absolutely using this method now.❤
I write lots of notes...on my pattern..but when I return (much later!) I don't even understand what all the scritches mean! So aggravating and continuous!
Great video! When I started crocheting years-decades!-ago, I thought I was too savvy for stitch markers. Using them felt like cheating for some dumb reason. Now I always use them and life is so much better and easier.
Lol! I've never been brave enough not to use stitch markers!! 🧶
I have a disease called Lupus Sle. I have had reconstructive surgery on both hand ,wrist ,fingers and my back,knees and both feet. I am rehabbing myself back to a normal life. Everyone of your tips are so true. I got back into needlework to get full use of my hands again. I have to remember those breaks and stretches are so important. It can lead to tendinitis and even arthritis. Thanks Elise for pointing out these bad habits. All of my surgeries have been a huge success. I am located in Arkansas
I'm so sorry that you have Lupus and have had to endure so much. I'm glad that you're taking care of yourself and are able to continue creating beautiful things! ❤️❤️❤️
SLE IS lupus… saying you have lupus sle is saying “lupus systemic lupus erythematosus.” Anyways, I have it too and crocheting helps me! ❤ Sounds like you have RA though.
@@Odiekins Yes, SLE for short. They have tested me for RA and said I didn’t have it. I have osteoarthritis and pseudogout. I am still going through testing because my bones are breaking down very quickly.I have Osteoporosis but my bones are worse than they should be with even all the conditions I have, sucks! Hey, I am out of my wheelchair and walking now.
This was a very eye-opening video! I think my worst bad habit is not writing down what I’m working on. I even bought a cute notebook for this, and it’s still sitting in my closet! I also don’t have a super comfortable chair to work in, but I’m stuck with it for now. Thank you so much for all you do with these videos!
You're so welcome!! Taking notes is something I'm forcing myself to do too! 🧶🧶🧶
I think I yelled , "yasssss", for every one of these. 😄 Super info!
Haha!! Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
I think I have done just about every one of these at one time or another then learned the hard way I needed to correct my habits. I would say dropped shoulders and posture are things I have to remind myself of on a regular basis. Thank you for the video!😊
I feel so called out from all of these bad habits haha
Although I never knew just keeping my elbows down would reduce the pain, that was really helpful :)
I'm so glad it helped! ❤️❤️❤️
Boy , I have lots of bad habits! I'm glad you shared and I can be more aware and try to fix them . My worst habit is the bad posture , scrunching shoulders and not counting stitches diligently! I love your videos!
I am a really bad shoulder scruncher! I have to constantly remind myself I that. 🧶🧶🧶
Not recharging my neck light 💡!! Elise !! Just look at those subscriber numbers… oh my goodness I’m so proud of you (and I don’t even know you) I think most of the advice in this video could also apply to daily life. ❤️🏴🥃🥃 to you and my many fellow subscribers xx
Awwww! Thank you so much, Sarah! It really is crazy!!! Thank you for all your support! 🧶🧶🧶
I used to crochet itty bitty things, free hand, just to have something to do. And then I got an adult diagnosis of ADHD, got medication, and have since finished more crochet and knitting projects in the last three years than I did in the four decades before that. :)
I HATE weaving in ends, so I tend to pick variegated or ombre yarns so I get the interest of colour changes without having to suffer through switching yarns and weaving in ends more than absolutely necessary - or "ADHD yarn" as I call it. ;)
Whenever possible I lay the yarn double when switching over, for maybe five stitches - that way, it's practically secured already.
And then I sit down with a yummy coffee mocha or a smoothie or something else yummy, good lighting, maybe some good music - or sitting outside, enjoying the weather, and I weave in ALLLLL the ends at the same time. I psych myself up, I get into the flow and lose track of time and I finish up one or two projects in one session.
I have NO desire to take a pause in my knitting/crochet to bring out a needle and start stitching - it really interrupts my mental process and flow.
The only thing worse than weaving in ends? Sewing buttons.
Mounting pieces (sewing on sleeves etc.) varies. Sometimes it's satisfying, sometimes it's a draaaag.
I really like how you make weaving ends in enjoyable by setting up such a cozy environment! 🧶🧶🧶
OhMy! This is like a video that you made specially for me, because I ve murtured ALL of the bad habits you pointed out! Thanks for the helpful reminders and tips, I would definitely starting from today, trying my best to correct and break all these bad practices, let's all work together now so we can enjoy what healthy crocheting could bring to life 😀
That's wonderful!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!! 🧶🧶🧶
I fixed my tension using a tension ring. I used to be really inconsistent, but that ring worked like magic.
Oooh! That's great to know! Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
I don't think I have heard of a tension ring.
@@kathy9947 They are rings that you run the yarn through, it keeps the tension straight without you having to correct or pull on it all the time.
Oh, thank you! Maybe I could use one of those.🙂
Another great video.
I'm guilty of a few of these.
Mainly holding tension in my shoulders & MOST definitely working thru pain because I'm always in pain. That's why I crochet... to distract from it but I do sit for hours & crochet without a break just to "finish this last thing"..... which then becomes another thing...😅
Thanks for sharing all your tips!🩷
I'm so glad you found the video helpful! 🧶🧶🧶
I've had a ganglion cyst appear in my wrist from crocheting too much, & I'm presently dealing with shoulder pain & a breathing problem from breathing in too much fibers so now I wear a mask when certain yarns irritate my lungs. Great video!
I also had a ganglion cyst! It took so long to heal! Hope you feel better soon! ❤️
Very useful video, my grandma taught me to crochet when I was 11 but until these days I’m still learning. It’s a lot of things to learn ☺️.
I had to put off my crochet journey for two years while I dealt with carpal tunnel pain and eventual CT release surgery. DO NOT work through the pain! Take frequent breaks if you need to. Get a little stress ball to help stretch and help relieve tension. Love that so many of these tips are about maintaining good health 🧡
Thank you for sharing your experience!! It's so valuable for all of us to remember! I hope you're feeling better now! 🧶🧶🧶
So far my only bad habits are to crochet in bad posture and not add notes to the changes I do in patterns 😅 I hope I can fix them soon!!
Thank you so much for this video!!
You're so welcome! ❤️
These are great! Thank you. I've never blocked a project... I can think of a few I should have. I also really liked the last tip.
Hi Elise. I’m Karen from Torquay in Devon, England.
I’m so glad you’re one of the few people who enjoy weaving in ends. For me it’s so relaxing and it gives me a feeling of pleasure that I’ve finally finished my project. Thank you for your fun videos ❤❤😊😊
It really can be relaxing! Thanks for sharing, Karen! 🧶🧶🧶
My bad habit is that I get bogged down in perfectionism to the point that the project stops being fun.
Oh!!! Yes! That's a terrible habit and one that has taken me long time to break!! I talked about it in this video: czcams.com/video/AT3fLB9z13Q/video.html 🧶🧶🧶
I don't even know the amount of time I've spent pulling projects apart !
I once saw something that said that leaving a mistake in a project makes sure that you don’t leave a piece of your soul in it. I keep that in mind when crocheting and let no more than 3 small mistakes slip through. I put my heart in my crochet, don’t wanna lose myself in my work too.
I’m making a Celtic weave stitch crop top and I don’t wanna finish it in fear it won’t come out how my perfectionist brain wants it to😩
I had this problem with quilting
My motto is now
It will be what it will be. So tiny mistakes don't bother me anymore
I am a 13 year old and I started crocheting 2 years ago. And I during that time I realized I have gone through a lot of shoulder and wrist pain. But I have fixed a lot of things and I feel way better!
That's so wonderful that you figured out what was causing your pain! 🧶🧶🧶
Bad lighting is my worst habit. My husband likes subdued lighting but it drives me crazy when I’m crocheting or knitting! Love the neck light. I’m ordering one now!
I keep a floor light right next to my chair with a flexible neck to adjust where I want the light, I also use the crochet lite crochet hook for even more light. I like bright light when I crochet.
I like bright light too! 💡
This was a good video. I have heard you talking about a necklight before, and had one selected on my wishlist, but after this video I decided not to wait anymore. The things that stood out for me where "pain is not the enemy" and old eyes. My eyes are getting older too and why should I not help them a little.
So thanks!
💜
You're so welcome! My eyes need all the help they can get! 💡💡💡
I gave an Ott Light that folds up and down. Its one of the smaller versions that sits on the table, but I can angle it.
I thought I was the only person who enjoys weaving in ends!! I'm glad I'm in good company!
Haha!! I think it's because I used to cross stitch and I enjoy doing little fiddly work like that! 🧶🧶🧶
Re: bad posture...I saw a video from another crocheter and she was talking about the Valari pillow. My mom got it for me for Christmas and it has been amazing for relieving any pain issues while crocheting. I love it!
Thanks for sharing! I'll have to check it out! 🧶🧶🧶
My sister, whom I say is a crocheting queen and I’m not, bought me a neck light for my birthday. I LOVE IT!
I'm wearing mine right now! 💡
I actually was taught to crochet entirely wrong as a child, I had no idea I was doing it wrong either until around a decade later as a teenager I saw a youtube tutorial and realized. I was taught instead of pulling up a loop with your hook to wrap the yarn around the hook and then pull through a loop like in knitting 😬I've tried to correct this but sometimes I forget and still do it the wrong way.
Oh interesting! Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
I take samples of yarn with the wrapper and the pattern and the hook or needle size and put them in project zipper bags and put them in a file to always remember what i did to make a project.
That's such a great way to remember those details!! 🧶🧶🧶
@LePetitSaintCrochet I've had so many ufos that I frogged because I just couldn't remember something. I start a project bag with notes such as these.. so it makes it easier. It's also helpful for additional store trips if I forget something or I want to add a color. I just bring the little bag with me. :)
Totally with you on the stitch counting. Esp if I'm making a top in panels. I start with a certain number of stitches and end up having to grog it when i realise ive dropped stitches 10 rows back!!! What I do now is i pop a stich marker in my first stitch of each row so i can easily see where the last stich is!! Especially helpful when using dark yarn!
Weaving in ends! I used to be really bad about that. I have projects that I more or less completed over 40 years ago and still the ends are hanging loose! Since I discovered join as you go I don't do that anymore. Some really good points in this video.
Thanks so much!! I love join as you go too! 🧶🧶🧶
Doing most of these while I listen to this 😮
Lol! I think we all have made most, if not all these mistakes! 🧶🧶🧶
I have recently binged your videos😊 You’re AMAZING!!! I have started 3 projects today that I do not plan finishing
Awww! Thank you so much for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
I love a girl in touch with reality 😂😂😂
A lot of the times while I’m crocheting, and this sounds silly, but I have to remind myself to relax!! I have always tensed up while playing a board game, or crocheting or even playing cards with family! So I’m always telling myself to relax your arms, relax your elbows, relax your feet, relax your shoulders!!one only the I try to make a point of walking around some at least once every hour! I love to crochet!!
Thank you for showing all of these do’s & don’ts to us. I’ll do my best to remember to stop doing the don’ts will try my best to incorporate these ideas in my crocheting!!
Thanks again so much,
NORMA COLLINS FROM TEXAS
Yes!! I have to tell myself to relax too! ❤️
Woo! As someone who also enjoys/doesn't mind weaving in ends, it's nice to feel heard!
It's very relaxing! 🧶🧶🧶
As always another great video. For posture for me, I always crochet with a pillow on my lap where I rest my hands on while crocheting.
I've never thought of putting a pillow on my lap! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
Great idea. It also lifts your work up to be more comfortable. I've done this sometimes.
Hello Elise! My mother, daughter(16), and I have quickly become your biggest fans!! Through your inspiring videos, my daughter has taught herself to crochet, and is now making amigurumi animals! Anyway, I think the three of us have the bad habit of starting too many projects at the same time! 😬
That's wonderful!! I'm so glad you both enjoy the videos and crocheting!! 🧶🧶🧶
I can't thank you enough for reminding me of all those stupid habits. I know them all and from now on will try to avoid them.
You're so welcome! ❤️
Thank you so much, I thought I was the only one going through muscle pains when I crochet I had no idea that it was the way I was sitting
Typically, I take 2-3 days break between finishing a project and starting a new one. I also take regular 30 minutes breaks for every 2 hours I’m sat crocheting. Also, a lot of these rules also apply to knitting (I do both crochet and knitting)
Thank you for sharing! Great ways to take care of yourself! 🧶🧶🧶
The weaving in your ends one really called me out...making a 25x32 blanket and it's 13x18 right now...haven't woven in a single end. That's going to be fun later 😂
Lol!!! It's never too late to start! 🤣🧶❤️
Oh goodness, me too! I just finished an intricate queen size blanket with lots of different colours and small patterns that took almost a year. For the first half, I weaved them in as I finished an area. Then I got bored with it. I now have a completed blanket that has over 50% of it needing millions of ends ends woven in 😢. It's going to take another VERY boring month to do that! Maybe I learned a hard lesson for the next project... But probably not! 😂
I’m trying to weave in ends as I start stitching the next piece.
The nice thing about this video is that it can apply to most yarn crafts too.
I think so too! Thank you! 🧶🧶🧶
I struggle with counting my stitches. I'm so glad im not the only one with this problem. Thank you for all the other tips. You are awesome!
I USE A LIGHTED HOOK FOR NAVY, & BLACK YARN HELPS
Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
The 1st habit on your list is probably my #1 as well! Before I watch more, I'll add this as well: when I stop a project for any length of time, I don't make explicit notes so that if something happens & I don't get back to it right away, I end up frogging until I figure out when my work & the pattern are in the same place! "No need! **I'LL** remember!" HA! No chance! Yet I don't take care of things anyway!
Ugh! That happens to me too!!! 🙀
I'm surprised having too many unfinished projects wasn't on the list!
That probably should have made the list for sure! 🧶🧶🧶
I'm a beginner crocheter and an experienced knitter. I think all of this is good advice for knitters too! I wish I'd taken better notes for a lot of my old knit projects! Using a neck light didn't really suit me so I swapped it out for a head torch - much better :)
Thanks so much for sharing! ❤️❤️❤️
I don't always count my stitches and have had to frog many a project.. Checking my gauge is something I really need to do. I guess I'm just too lazy and my mind says its a waste of time. After watching this video I think I'm more inspired to break my naughty habits. Thank you for telling us about these habits.
You're so welcome!! Most of the projects I do I don't need a gauge swatch but a few do and it makes a world of difference! 🧶🧶🧶
Want to watch guage change REAL quick? Work on a project while watching a horror movie or a thrilling mystery. Frog another back ten rows. AGAIN!
The habit I struggle with is getting excited about a project and then never finishing. Usually it’s because it wasn’t turning out. My blankets always get wider or more narrow and I’ve ‘made’ many sweaters that never became sweaters. The only thing I have successfully made is a scarf or hat. I am now trying the stuffies.
Thanks for sharing for struggles! I think a lot can relate! 🧶🧶🧶
Currently on my second month of no crocheting, because my crochet bad habits are crocheting through the pain & then continuing to crochet for extended periods of time while still being in pain. The last time I crocheted, I didn't stop until I literally couldn't feel my hand anymore. And I'm a young and experienced crocheter, so of course I thought it would be no big deal, but it has cost me 2 months of lost progress all because I didn't listen to my body. Thankfully my wrist tendinitis is finally starting to feel better, but I could've avoided some of the worst pain in my life if I had just stopped to take breaks, or shortened my crochet sessions. Please take heed of this!! Listen to your body!!! Even if your project is soooooooo soooo so close to being finished!! It's NOT worth it!!
Bad posture and shoulder tension are my issues. I really didn’t think much of it until you said something. 🤦🏻♀️
Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
Thanks I truly enjoyed the video. My biggest bad habit is not reading the entire pattern carefully, and that is very important and I can't tell you how many projects I frogged because of that error. One of the other bad habits that you didn't mention was planning your time to complete a project. We all know how long it takes to complete a project but we never give ourselves enough to complete it without rushing to finish. (i.e. don't start your Christmas projects the day after Thanksgiving). You'll never get it done.
Great tips! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
My worst habit would have to be working through the pain. I'm so used to ignoring it that I don't realize until I need to get up for some reason that it hurts. 40+ years experience and still learning. Thanks for the advice.
Thank you so much for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
I also do that. It's a hard habit to break.
I’m the WIP Queen of Louavul, KY! I also yarnscape my craft room till there’s no room in there for me!
Lol!! Love it!! 🧶👸👑
Hi Allison, I’m in louavul as well. I was wondering if you know of any speciality yarn shops. The only one I have found is yarn and friends in Lagrange. Hobby lobby,micheals and Joann’s all have the same stuff.
I was a barista and kitchen manager for a very long time and started crocheting in the same position that I will work in. Like I can blast through a project if I do majority of it standing up with my yarn on the counter. I also love to use breathing exercises while im crocheting or sewing
I weave in ends from the beginning sometimes. Group them with the working yarn and start with a stitch not a knot. I learned so much from the tutorials that I had to follow along without understanding the language of the fiber artist! 🫶🏻
That's amazing! 🧶🧶🧶
For me, it's the note-taking. I am a horrible journaler! Journaling is not my first love. I write notes on my patterns, but they're not just project notes. I also jot down things like the painter's phone number or how much my takeout order is going to be 😂 I just purchased a crafter's journal and have started trying to keep project-only notes there.
That's great idea!! I might have to look into this more!! Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
I tell myself all the time, don't forget to note the yard and hook your using....but do I? Nope! Will start.
MORE BAD HABITS...ordering yarn and forgetting what project I had in mind, also overwhelming myself with too many project plans. In some cases ordering yarn for a past project that I already have stashed yarn planned.
Yes!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣 I totally relate! 🧶🧶🧶
This video is so helpful! I just started crocheting a few weeks ago & I'm already addicted. I've noticed a lot of the body/pain issues popping up already as I've found I tend to hunch over/curl up when crocheting - OWIE! It's not great for my body. Thanks for these reminders & other useful tips!
You are so welcome! 🧶🧶🧶
When making something in your own size... Take into consideration that the wool can stretch over time! I made a beautiful top but after wearing it two times it began fitting really loose so it doesn't fit me right anymore
Oh goodness! Thanks so much for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
My worst habit is not taking breaks-for movement, water, etc. I want to keep rolling-Especially if the yarn changes colors or it feels really nice In my hands.
It's so hard to take breaks!! 🧶🧶🧶
I have a terrible habit of getting too into working on a project that my posture gets really bad. But amusingly enough, I do take the time to take long breaks to readjust and relax, like I can remember to stretch and massage but I always forget to maintain my posture.
And when I first started my tensions was bad but even I amaze myself with how much I’ve improved, the sides are actually even now. And another thing I learned the hard way was counting my stitches, I would get so frustrated with how often I would mess up for not counting, so now I religiously count and recount my stitches like my life depends on it, helps a lot!!
I had bad posture and right now I am working on my cottage core mosaic blanket and granny squares blanket and butterfly 🦋 mosaic blanket and tebel crochet blanket and I love your channel and your videos and if you keep making videos I will keep watching them and what is your favorite crochet project to work on right now and favorite types of yarn to used when crocheting and keep up the great work on your CZcams channel and keep up the great work on your crochet projects
I'm so glad you enjoy the videos! 🧶🧶🧶
My worst habit is not making notes, (or only brief illegible notes) and of course believe I will remember, Hah. Thank you Elise ❣
You're so welcome! ❤️