(Part 2) Top products from r/crochet

You've got the right idea about starting off practicing small and then doing something as big as a blanket.

That striped blanket in your post isn't actually difficult in terms of stitching, it's difficult in terms of the constant repetitive motion and general motivation to complete a large blanket.

I made a waffle stitch blanket for my stepbrother for Christmas, and it took 100 hours to complete. And the stitch was a double crochet, which is taller than a single crochet. I can't even imagine how long it took to complete that single crochet blanket.

I'm not saying this to discourage you from making a blanket! If you want to make a blanket, do it! Just keep in mind the reason people are making those comments on that blanket post is because blankets take a looooooong time to make, especially if the entire blanket consists of a small, compact stitch. A blanket was the second crochet project I ever did, it was a granny square blanket (lots of holes) made out of wool (expensive) that looks butt ugly. I never bothered to post pictures of it anywhere. And I was sooooo tired of making it and sooooo broke (damn wool) that it's not even big enough to cover a twin-sized bed, lol. It just sits folded up above my desk.

Generally, it's a good idea to make a "swatch." This is like a little sample of the stitch. You'll learn how the stitch looks in real life and how it feels to crochet it. Also, ravelry.com is a great website to find all sorts of neat stitches and blankets. Great place for inspiration (so is this subreddit.)

I feel like making a wool blanket is a little ambitious for a beginner project. A blanket? It'll take a long time, but sure. A wool project? Might be expensive, but it'll be soft and nice. A wool blanket? That's a big, expensive project right there. You might be taking on more than you can handle.

Price is another factor - that waffle stitch blanket I made, even with Caron One Pound (cheap-ish bulk acrylic yarn,) was $100. So, $100 for the cheaper, larger skeins of yarn. But if you have the funds for a lot of wool and price isn't a limiting factor in your crochet journey, then more power to you!

My first crochet project was a simple double crochet scarf. I bought a pretty skein of yarn (try to make sure it isn't super dark so it'll be easier to see your stitches,) a set of aluminum hooks, and watched this video and followed along.

Anyways, I hope this post was helpful and I hope you enjoy crocheting! Feel free to ask any questions, this subreddit is very nice. :)

If you're like me and learn better from pictures (I had a hard time with videos - there are a lot of great things out there on youtube, but I got annoyed with having to rewind back and forth all the time!) try checking out the pattern book section at your local craft store. I picked up this book (http://amzn.com/B000WV84ZA) at AC Moore and it was great, especially since it had left-handed directions as well. The diagrams were really clear, and they ease you into all the basic stitches and how to read patterns. They didn't have it available as a kit like the one shown in that link when I went, but that might be a great option as well so you don't have to figure out what supplies you'll need to get started. I think the hardest part for me after initially figuring out the basics was learning how best to hold my hook and yarn - it felt really awkward to me for a while. It definitely takes some practice, but once your hands build some muscle memory it'll click and you'll be addicted! :)

Also, I think I recognize that figure (amigurumi): it looks like it's from this book. I recently got it as a gift and it's pretty neat! I've only done the cthulhu that you can see on the top right of the cover but it has a lot of other fun patterns.

Edit: I see there's also an Idiot's Guide to amigurumi that might help you. Haven't read it myself, but Idiot's Guides are usually pretty well laid out.

One more sit that might interest you is Ravelry. It's an online knit & crochet community and it has a lot of free patterns, and lots of helpful people on the boards.

So, one good thing to note. When it comes to eyes on animals (also known as amigarumi), they don't need to use safety eyes or anything like that, they can just create sewn eyes from black/white yarn and the like. There are a lot of really great amigurumi patterns/books about geeky/video game crochet as well, so those might be good for your son.

One skein wonders is a popular book, so that would be a good choice. Sea creatures also looks interesting. Crochet ever after will require too many bits to be worthwhile, but their other book, beastly crochet has more potential, but i don't see an amazon seller for it. Crochet animal hats is adorable and will do well.

As for other books you may want to look into:

The Big Book of Little Amigurumi

Edward's Menagerie

Pocket Amigurumi

Crochet Star Wars

Once Upon a Time in Crochet

Amigurumi Monsters

I have made patterns from some but not all of these, but if she's made stuffed animals before, she'll be able to follow all of these. And like I said, patterns calling for saftey eyes can be replaced by just hooking some yarn into the fabric instead. I hope these help!

I came across this cute, free Halloween pattern by Allison Hoffman the other day. She is well-known for her dolls, especially modeling them to look like characters/celebrities. I totally recommend her book "AmiguruME."

The pattern I linked is for a little girl trick or treater and 3 outfits to dress her up as. Very simple, but sweet!

Edit: Link to her book! I bought it the week it came out last year and love it. Lots of customization: choose male or female; head shape; pick and choose facial features/hair styles; so much variety in the clothing/shoe options too! It's basically set up like a choose your own adventure book. :)

I just saw a "I taught myself crochet" book at Wal-Mart that included about 6 different hooks and some other stuff for $10 the other day. It's on Amazon for $15 right now, but that looks like an older edition from what I saw in store. Wal-Mart also had a better selection of yarns than I thought they would.

I'm personally a beginner as well (posted this question about a month ago!). Crochet Geek's youtube channel is okay, but I like it more now that I actually know what I'm doing. I tried her stuff from the get-go, but she doesn't teach you how to hold the yarn and the hook or anything. I had to get someone to show me in person. Finding a group is the best way to learn.

Another thing I did was hit up the local library and get a few beginners' books. I found one geared toward 8-year-old girls that probably helped the most. I'm definitely still a total nub, but I'm getting there...

Personally I think if you just gave them an exact list it would be easy for them to pick out the items themselves. Then you could pick out a pattern for them and hand that out when you teach them. I think squares is the easiest to start with so I would make potholders. You could tell them to get:

• susan bates hooks pack - I think its easier to learn with inline hooks because they grab the yarn easier and these are cheap and always at JoAnns.
  
  
• 2-4 skeins of sugar'n cream yarn - worsted weight is the best to learn with i think and this yarn is perfect for pot holders and pretty cheap. (ps i use a 5mm hook to make mine)

This book is my absolute favorite for new and interesting square/circle/triangle/hexagon patterns. It has both the written instructions, a chart, and a picture of the finished square.

The same author has a book of crochet edges which I also really like.

My favorite general stitch book is this book. It also has the written instructions, chart, and a picture of the finished stitch. I have the older version, but this one looks the same but with more patterns.

As already mentioned, youtube is a GREAT place to physically see the stitches being done if you get caught up. Good luck!!!

Twinkie Chan is one of my favorite crochet bloggers, and she has a lot of unique patterns. Like a pizza scarf, or a donut ottoman. It's all super cute. I have both of her books, and she is really good at writing patterns.

Twinkie Chan's Crochet Goodies for Fashion Foodies: 20 Yummy Treats to Wear https://www.amazon.com/dp/0740797581/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_DhTbAb1A9KE56

Twinkie Chan's Crocheted Abode a la Mode: 20 Yummy Crochet Projects for Your Home https://www.amazon.com/dp/158923930X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2iTbAb112112Y

Hey @gingeelise, @JaeBells1 and @fuckysprinkles, thanks for your help!

I actually ended up buying her a yarn bag, new ergonomical crochet hooks and a yarn cutter.

Unfortunately where we live, we don't have many options regarding a store that sells quality yarn or fabrics. So I thought this was quite a good options!

I also looked into your wiki and found some inspirations on the online stores when I looked into their assortment.

Again, thank you for your help! I really appreciate it :)

I've got this book and pretty much love it. It's got some great stuff.

Have you tried searching Ravelry using yardage and project type (household, blanket, etc.) constraints? There's so much there I'm sure you'd find plenty of interesting somethings!

Pattern books are always great. One of my personal favorites is this stitch guide. It shows how to do tons of stitches, from very basic to some advanced lace to joining techniques. Whatever she is interested in, theres is almost certainly a pattern book catered to that interest.

Pattern is from Complete Idiot's Guide to Amigurumi, except that it calls for an E hook, the smallest I have is F, and the smallest my hands would cooperate with was a G. Also, it calls for 6mm safety eyes but for some reason I had bought 9mm, so that's what went in!

Yarn is Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Cola.

As someone who has been crocheting for years, yes it can make a difference. The yarn will glide over them better and a good ergonomic hook can keep your hands from hurting

Most people consider these some of the best and thisnis currently a great price https://www.amazon.com/Clover-Amour-Steel-Crochet-Hook/dp/B00KB68U3C/ref=sxin_3_ac_d_pm?ac_md=3-2-QWJvdmUgJDI1-ac_d_pm&crid=2BS4KQRBHYW87&keywords=ergonomic+crochet+hooks&pd_rd_i=B00KB68U3C&pd_rd_r=c0eeddee-5f4b-41fe-bdf9-6e13c131eff0&pd_rd_w=N0JUB&pd_rd_wg=Bpxqq&pf_rd_p=24d053a8-30a1-4822-a2ff-4d1ab2b984fc&pf_rd_r=MEBA9FTX3DJBDQT7BEWW&psc=1&qid=1573653820&sprefix=Ergonomic+c%2Caps%2C218

One thing she would probably love is some ergonomic or cushioned hooks. There are several different styles, some of the more popular ones are Clover Soft-Touch, Addi Swing (whew pricey!), and Susan Bates Comfort Grip.

If she hasn't joined Ravelry.com, she should check it out. You can keep track of yarn and projects, join forums to chat, post pictures, and find patterns and charitable groups times infinity.

I LOVE my Festive Hands hooks I got for Christmas they are aluminum, lightweight and fit into my hand so comfortably. http://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Hooks-Ergonomic-Friend-Aluminum/dp/B00MW43YZA

Just the basics starting out.
Red Heart brand Super Saver Yarn is available at almost any place that sells yarn, if you go to Hobby Lobby get "I Love This Yarn" brand yarn. Both of those are "Worsted Weight" which is what 99% of the beginner patterns will call for.
Pick up this Set of Hooks, also available at any place with yarn.
Buy a Yarn Needle.
This shopping list should cover all you need to get started.

I second this, especially with such a varied selection. I have checked out every crochet book from my library system and have bought some that I find myself repeatedly checking out. Others I check out to get the basics, then look up online when I need a refresher because then you at least know what questions to ask. Sometimes, like the tunisian or filet crochet, you may find that you just don't like the style and you've bought the book for nothing. Better to test the waters at the library first.

As for "a more comprehensive lesson" blog posts and you tube videos are better than books for that. Like those stitch guides will give you the basics, but only briefly, then use those basics to build on more complicated stitches. They will use short hand and graphs, assuming you know them already and if you don't you'll be flipping back and forth to reference.

​

Short answer: the less money you spend on books that you might not need, the more you can spend on yarn ;)

​

In case you're curious, here are some books that I would recommend. But realize, these are all reference manuals for ideas. They all have the basics on how to do things, but I keep them around because I don't follow patterns often, but I mix and match for my own styles. Pattern books are 100% useless to buy for me, it's rare that I'll make a specific pattern more than once so better to look online or check out.

Crochet Stitch Dictionary

Granny Square Book

Around the Corner Crochet Borders

Beyond the Square Crochet Motifs

I don't think I should have made the switch from sc to hdc, but it was worth a shot.

My little sister wants me to make a blanket with this pattern, I told her to buy me the yarn. :P It's quick, so that makes me happy at least, and it would make pretty coasters.

The pattern is from here and then modified with some hdc rows instead of sc so I don't know if I'm allowed to post it or not.

Hi guys! Quick update for all those wanting the pattern. It's on page 108 of Crocheted sea creatures by Vanessa Mooncie.

Crocheted Sea Creatures: A Collection of Marine Mates to Make (Knitted)

Any further questions feel free to dm me & I'll pass them onto my mum as I have no clue how to crochet. Thanks for all the nice words, it's been nice seeing her smile at everyone.

I have owned two yarn winders before finding my true love. The first was from Knit Picks, it broke after seriously 3 balls. Knit Picks was pretty reasonable and gave me a full amount store credit. The second was some cheap-o off Amazon, which ended up teaching me about exposed gears eating yarn. Yeah, expensive LYS hanks got eaten. I cried and died a little on the inside. The Knitters Pride is amazing! Smooth turning, so far has lasted through rewinding all my stash plus it makes really even cakes.

For a swift I own Knit Picks it has lasted without issues.

Also, I travel a lot which means limited room for yarn/goodies so owning a winder helps me manage packing yarn up better for travel. Plus, once caked I can store more yarn at home too.

(Edit: To suggest winders are worth every penny)

I think this one is the largest and most comprehensive (free) guide but there's a few other free beginner's books too. How to Crochet for Beginners, 16 Quick and Easy Granny Square Patterns, How to Crochet - A Guide for Newbies

I highly recommend Edward's Menagerie Great patterns combined with easy instructions. It's how I learned amigurumi. Just be aware it's UK terms not North American.

If you don't mind paying for patterns, I highly recommend the "Edward's Menagerie" book by Kerry Lord. It's my favourite amigurumi book. It has a monkey/chimp, elephant, zebra, giraffe, lion... You can buy most individual patterns for the 3 GBP or the equivalent of just under 4USD. I highly recommend the whole book, though - I love all of the patterns in it. Here's a US link to buy the whole book. Note that the patterns are written in UK terms - just remember to sc where it says to dc.

I just got these and I absolutely love them! So much more comfortable than the cheap aluminum ones I was using.

I received a yarn bag last christmas and I love it! it's very simple, similar to this one. Whenever I travel, I bring this along. It's great for flying or train rides.

Step 1: Get a rotary cutter for fabric. Like this one: here

Step 2: Get a blade replacement that is not a solid wheel like this one: here.

Step 3: make sure you have cut your fleece to fit your crocheted item.

Step 4: use the skipping rotary blade to poke holes in just the fleece about a 1/4 inch from the edge the entire way around the blanket. Mind you the corners are where it gets a little fussy, try to keep from overlapping into the next row and not leaving too many spaces between holes.

Step 5: Crochet a border that uses the holes in the fleece you created and the pattern on your crocheted portion of the blanket.

If you do better with visuals, here is a video of how to do it with fleece, here.

You won’t regret it.

BeCraftee Best Yarn Bag/Knitting Bag. Portable, Light and Easy to Carry. Yarn Storage Bags Have Pockets for Crochet Hooks & Knitting Needles. Slits on Top to Protect Wool and Prevent Tangling. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015HVQDIY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7WuFDbFMX92PQ

Thanks :)

Crocheted Sea Creatures: A Collection of Marine Mates to Make (Knitted) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1861087578/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_YPWuybQPNA4V2

The pattern is in this book, which I highly recommend.

lol, it's been on my amazon wishlist for a while now =P I actually got [http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Amigurumi/dp/1615640037/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324399699&sr=1-1] a week or two ago, and it's really quite good. lot of great tips and the pictures are acceptable.

I use a bit of opposite coloured yarn, but I wonder why stitch markers are so friggin expensive! They're just a bit of plastic....

Thank you! I use a rotary cutter with a blade called a skip stitch!https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KTD88VQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is the one I got from Amazon. It makes things very quick and easy!

I actually got it at my LYS. It came in a generic white box that says wool winder without a particular brand stated. I am pretty sure they sell the same/similar winders on amazon, though.


Here is a link to one I found on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00R7GGTCI/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1502738012&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=wool+winder&dpPl=1&dpID=41ep3AiS-tL&ref=plSrch

I bought this book awhile back. Everything in it is so cute and fun :)

As OP mentioned these are the Knitter's Pride Dreamz Interchangeables Set available on Amazon. :-D

I bought a set of ergonomic hooks on amazon for $11. They are a good quality and i really like them.

These ones

I asked for a set of pom pom makers, a yarn winder, a nice-looking yarn tote, a set of blocking mats, and some awesome crochet books!

Super Cyd was created using basic body pieces from the book AmiguruME by Allison Hoffman.

Do you have a tunisian hook yet...? They're extra long. Got mine from Michaels and it's a set length, but there are a bunch online that have flexible lengths of plastic cording at the end that's adjustable to accommodate the width of all the loops you'll need, like this

I found a book with a section on cables and it had some really great cables. It's called Crochet Stitches Visual Encyclopedia.
What are the rules on taking pictures of books? If it's allowed I could post some photos.

It's just a regular aluminum S. Bates G hook, but I have one of these squishy things on it (they're pretty disappointing), and shoved the tube from a Bic pen on it to make it thicker so it's easier to hold.

http://imgur.com/Ekxy2Nb

I bet! Mine looks similar to this and makes little center pull cakes you can stack.

Marrywindix Bobbin Winder Yarn Winder Table Clasp, Hand Operated Manual Wool Winder Holder for Swift Yarn Fiber Ball https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R7GGTCI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_xnjvDbN7GP0VX

I’ve had one similar to this for years and it’s held up perfectly.

I love the Edwards menagerie set. There are three books, animals, birds, and a build your own monster one.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1446304787/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505827423&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=edwards+menagerie&dpPl=1&dpID=510OIrRd-VL&ref=plSrch

My cutest project yet! Pattern here, I believe its an extract from Vanessa Mooncie's Crocheted Sea Creatures.

Some different angles:
1
[2] (http://imgur.com/fydMSu2)

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Amigurumi is good for demonstrating how to create the basic shapes.

The joins on those are less than stellar, and I would not trust them to hold the weight of an afghan without coming apart.

If you want individual hooks:

http://www.handsomefibers.com/ChiaoGoo-Flexible-Tunisian-Crochet-Hooks

If you'd rather have a set and can swing the price, I'd recommend the interchangeable kind because it's nice to have just the right length of cable for your project:

https://www.amazon.com/Knitters-Pride-Dreamz-Tunisian-Crochet/dp/B006H7QY8C

I used the Quinby pattern from Crochet One Skein Wonders. It was super simple to follow.

Hooks. Ergonomic hooks, like these. Amour is a better brand, but I'm not seeing any of those on Amazon for less than $30. If you're only getting a few, prioritize the F, G, H, I sizes as those are generally the most used (you could also ask your giftee which sizes they use most).

I got it from the following book:

Durant, Judith, Edie Echman. "Crochet One-Skein Wonders". North Adams: Storey Publishing, 2013. Title of the work: "Lucky Dog" by Deb Richey.
Link to the book on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Crochet-One-Skein-Wonders-Projects-Crocheters/dp/1612120423

I have a set of knitters pride tunisian hooks
https://www.amazon.com/Knitters-Pride-Dreamz-Tunisian-Crochet/dp/B006H7QY8C

There is a 60" cable available
https://www.amazon.com/Knitters-Pride-Interchangeable-Single-Cord/dp/B00I1229WQ/

(they are compatible with the knitpicks interchangeables cables as well if you are bistitchual) I think you can get connectors and link the cables together too, but I think a 60" cable would be fine for anything short of a king size afghan.

Thanks! I used this book: https://www.amazon.ca/AmiguruME-Make-Cute-Crochet-People/dp/1454703970/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465158798&sr=8-1&keywords=amigurume

If you buy a beginner pack it will include a thin booklet introducing her to crochet, several hook sizes, and a couple yarn needles--easy way to get all the stuff you need excluding yarn :)

You also don't need to buy it online. These things are available at any craft store or even Walmart.

Look at buying a crochet stitch encyclopedia
Crochet Stitches Visual Encyclopedia (Teach Yourself VISUALLY Consumer) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1118030052/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_cwm7Ab4Y0QE2K I found this one is good, lots of different stitches to try

Yes it's from a book called Edwards menagerie

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1446304787/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1457164872&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=edwards+menagerie&dpPl=1&dpID=51OaaqBygnL&ref=plSrch

This book really helped me get started. There are a lot of projects in there that are great for beginners, and then plenty that are higher difficulty once you get the hang of various stitches and techniques.

It looks like Twinkie Chan's pizza scarf pattern. It's in [this book.] (https://www.amazon.com/Twinkie-Crochet-Goodies-Fashion-Foodies/dp/0740797581/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1285225016&sr=8-1)

These are my favorite hooks, but this set only comes with F through K.

This book has been in my Amazon cart forever, I finally bought it and made a Mr. T for my dad's birthday!
http://www.amazon.com/AmiguruME-Make-Cute-Crochet-People/dp/1454703970

When I first started my hands would hurt like crazy if I crocheted for more than an hour or two. I figured out that my problem was that I was keeping an iron grip on the hook. I added these with these on top of them and that's helped a lot. There's also a big ball-type grippy thing that you could get. I hope you find something that helps.

Clover 3675 Amour Steel Crochet Hook Set is on 41% sale on amazon.

Hooks with Tails

Hook with Stopper

You're going to be able to fit a lot more loops on the first hook, as you can slide them off the hook part onto the plastic tubing, as opposed to being limited by the length of the hook, as is the case with the second type of hook linked above.

She posted a link in her previous update and I bought that one. It’s just the blade itself, so if you don’t already have a rotary cutter you’ll want to get one of those, too.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KTD88VQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It’s in a book. Here’s a link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crocheted-Sea-Creatures-Collection-Knitted/dp/1861087578/ref=asc_df_1861087578/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310865071345&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7654914437076671948&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045912&hvtargid=pla-453817517928&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/Twinkie-Crochet-Goodies-Fashion-Foodies/dp/0740797581

physical copy price seems a bit high, but that's the book...

My first was a basic Michaels, $29.99 winder. It fell off the table, and some tiny connecting piece snapped on the inside.

What are your suggestions for my second winder?

EDIT: I was looking at this.

The shapes here are from this book. When I have done all of the shapes in it I am moving on to this book.

Not OP, but I believe it is from this book.

Pattern from Once Upon a Time... In Crochet and eyes from Etsy Shop 6060

Yarn is all Caron Simply Soft with the 'skin' colors being Bone.

Leegoal 11Pcs 2-8mm 10.6" Multicolour Aluminum TUNISIAN/AFGHAN Crochet Hook Knit Needles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BLZ3WCG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_0BOLBbG3JKRAV

I found these, but depending on what you are making they may not be long enough.

I had to sign in and follow the link to the Canada store, but it worked from there!

Direct link to the Canadian version is [http://www.amazon.ca/How-Crochet-Granny-Square-Patterns-ebook/dp/B00N21327M/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1412227999&sr=1-1&keywords=How+to+Crochet%3A+16+Quick+and+Easy+Granny+Square+Patterns] (here).

You make tiny slits in the fabric using a rotary cutter and a skip stitch blade, then you just crochet into the holes.

Edit: I accidently deleted the link: www.amazon.com/Havels-32001WTS-Rotary-Cutter-Blade/dp/B00KTD88VQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426178247&sr=8-1&keywords=skip+stitch+blade

I ended up getting some of these but they really don't add much to them.

You could look into the clover amour hooks. They are similar to the boye hooks with the rounded tip but have the wider handle and go up to 6mm. The standard set goes as small as 2.25mm, but they also have a set of smaller hooks. The sizes are slightly different than boye (ex, G is 4mm instead of 4.25mm). They have the mm sizing on the handle, plus the standard J, I, H, etc. where applicable.

This is how I join new yarn to avoid having knots. BUT you can just knot it if you have a side that wont be seen.

Typicaly the loop method you mentioned you leave a long 6 inch tail that you would crochet over but when doing FP/BP you cant do that.

Link for those not on mobile :)

http://www.amazon.com/Knitters-Pride-Dreamz-Tunisian-Crochet/dp/B006H7QY8C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451764396&sr=8-1&keywords=tunisian+crochet+hooks+knitters+pride

i got these for Christmas and am so looking forward to using them. I can't get used to having the big long hook, it's too awkward for my hands.

This is the yarn. https://www.amazon.com/Red-Heart-Boutique-Unforgettable-Yarn/dp/B008CVJN0M/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref=yo_pop_d_pd_title

I bought it for a different project, that didn't go well, so repurposed it using a pattern from this book. https://www.amazon.com/Crochet-One-Skein-Wonders®-Projects-Crocheters/dp/1612120423/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541397390&sr=8-1&keywords=one+skein+wonders+crochet

I started out with this kit which I bought at Michael's with a 40% off coupon. You can go on the Michael's website to find coupons... most of the time they have a coupon for 40% off any one item. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000WV84ZA/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1450483411&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=i+taught+myself+crochet&dpPl=1&dpID=51woVdjvXxL&ref=plSrch

The only thing I don't like about this kit is the stitch markers it comes with... so you may want to buy her some stitch markers by Clover.


Then I bought myself a ball of cheap yarn to mess around with and some children's scissors (because they're small and have rounded tips). Make sure you buy her a lighter colored yarn... dark yarn is hard to see stitches and hard to learn with.

This is the Ugly Duckling pattern from Lynne Rowe's Once Upon a Time... in Crochet.