(Part 3) Top products from r/crochet

First of all Kim Guzaman's Video Tutorials are indispensable. They helped me so much in the beginning. I agree with both /u/I_heart_DPP and /u/boyd121 that you should definitely work up a small swatch and start with that just to get the hang of the "simple" stitch. I then recommend making a smaller project like a scarf or dishtowels to get your tension down. You can use a regular crochet hook with a hair tie wrapped around the end as a "stopper" until you get the hang of it.

A few key points of Tunisian Crochet:

1.) Always try to start your project with the Tunisian Purl Foundation Stitch this will help alleviate the "curl" that can occur with Tunisian crochet.

2.) Use a hook at least 1 but more likely 2-3 times larger than the size recommended by the weight of the yarn you are using.

3.) The width of your project should not exceed 3 times the length of your hook. For example, if you want to make an afghan that is 3 feet wide your hook+cable needs to be at least 12 inches long.

For me, this technique is much faster. I made this Tunisian Watercolor Scarf in a couple of days. It's super fast once you get in the groove. :-D

Once you practice a bit and feel like you want to try a larger project (i.e. afghan) I recommend something like this simple (yet beautiful) Tweed Blanket as it incorporates a few techniques to challenge yourself and move beyond the simple stitch, including color changes, to keep things interesting.

I love my Denise Interchangeable Tunisian hooks. I bought a few supplemental cables from ebay for really large projects in 25", 40" and 60" lengths. They slide through the stitches like buttah' and the cables attach strongly and easily.

I hope this helps! Happy Hookin' :-D My inbox is always open if you have any questions.

EDIT: Formatting

All you need is a hook and yarn.

As for hooks, I would get this kit. Even if you ignore the book and learn online, its a decent value for the hooks and other things.

As for yarn, start simple. Red Heart Super Saver is cheap and available almost everywhere. I would grab a light color to start so you can see your stitches easier. Do not try and get some fancy fluffy yarn until you know what you're doing, you won't be able to see your stitches at all.

As for where to learn, if you get the kit, the book is great. There are also several tutorials online. I like the Crochet Crowd beginners set. It will walk you through everything from how to hold the hook and yarn to body positions so you don't hurt your neck while crocheting. It goes over all the basic stitches and is generally a good point to start so you know enough to know what questions to ask later. Crochet Gifs is another great spot, play around with the beginner pages on the right side bar to find what you want.

If you're the social type, I would check out your local library or ask around at craft stores to see if they run any crochet/knit clubs. They always welcome beginners and are happy to help if you have questions.

Great first time! With each square you will improve. You can get these locking stitch markers at any local craft store. They helped me A LOT when I was first starting out, to keep track of my rounds. I also enjoy making amigurumi from Wolf Dreamer Off The Hook. Her patterns are amazing. She has a ton of free patterns, and they are really great for beginning crocheters.

I liked having some quick-to-whip patterns that showed results starting out. An afghan takes a lot of time, more than I had patience for. I also recommend you-tubing videos for technique. Good luck!

I recently bought this book and have been using it to make a mixed stitch stripey blanket. I definitely recommend it; I bought it for exactly the reasons that you're describing, i.e. to learn a bunch of new stitches.

The Amazon page says it's paperback, but it's not a true paperback. It's got a thicker cover so you could definitely get away with keeping it in a bag. That being said, it's definitely not hardcover. It's kind of just a floppy, more durable paperback?

There aren't any mistakes that I've found in the book so far, and I've probably tried like 30 or so stitches from it? Maybe more? There have been a couple where I've tried to read the book but ended up just YouTubing it, and I think the combination of the book + videos on YouTube has been helpful. I do really like though that the book has a picture of each stitch, the stitch diagram for it, and then the written pattern for it. It's been good for learning how to read diagrams since it has all three things on each page.

I looked at that set for valentine's day. The reviews were so-so. I ended up going with this set: http://www.amazon.com/Tulip-Etimo-Crochet-Hook-Set/dp/B0045QHTU4/ref=pd_sim_ac_12?ie=UTF8&refRID=0RES6EWPNCQ8X67KR1P7
I absolutely love them. I'm sure the rose set would have been nice too but in all honesty, I liked the gray better! :)
I'm also a big fan of the Crochet Dude hooks. They never hurt my hands and come in sizes bigger than 6mm.

These are pretty simple. Part of how long it will take you to make them is if you're able to find a pattern for exactly that.

Amigurumi are made by crocheting in the round using mainly single crochet stitches (very basic stitch). I started learning how to crochet by doing ami, and my first few were really terrible as I figured out how to crochet correctly. It also took a super long time.

So if you're willing to spend some time working on it, I'd say a few weeks to a few months (depending on how much time you spend on it and how quickly you pick new skills up). There are loads of videos on youtube for crocheting help that make it really easy. I'd recommend finding a pattern that is for beginners and trying to make it, looking up stitches and abbreviations that you don't know.

When I learned I used this book: http://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Critters-Leisure-Vannas-Choice/dp/1601404956/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344645656&sr=8-1&keywords=lion+brand+amigurumi which I found at a local craft store. It's nice cause the projects are small (and therefore quicker to finish) and they have a basic how-to in the back. Another nice thing is that since it's published by a major yarn company, it's easy to find the yarn and hooks you need to make your ami turn out just like the ones in the book.

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

I was also never able to talk myself into adding borders to fleece blankets until I found this rotary blade that makes evenly spaced holes for you to crochet into. It fits into a regular rotary cutter and is so easy, you just run it along
the edges and it creates even spaces like magic!

They also have sharp crochet hooks so you can pierce the fabric and make the holes while crocheting that first row but I like having the even spaces. You could poke holes with a large quilting needle too although that takes longer.

This video is a really good start to finish tutorial, once you have the basics down on creating the foundation row you can do any borders you like.

Hope you try it!

Hi and welcome! We have a pretty good wiki with a lot of resources for things like hook sizes, types of yarn, how to read a pattern and links to blogs. I suggest creating an account on Ravelry.com, too. There you can keep track of your stash and projects, as well as getting new patterns and ideas.

There are also lots of books. I particularly have and love Stitch'n'Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker

Things I find useful.

Small snips - they are small siccors typicly used in sewing they keep a sharper edge because the blade is small making it easier to cut yarn.

A hook, and gauge tool I recoment the Susan Bates brand because its crochet friendly, other brands dont always list the crochet hooks ect. Its an important tool because most patterns will tell you what the gauge is and this tool makes it dead simple.

Yarn Needles Not to be confused with sewing needles, these have a larger 'eye' so you can thread yarn threw so she can weave in the tail ends of her projects.

Bonus-- not nessary.

A project bag like this or like the one I have which my SO gave me last year for christmas, matieral looks cheap but it has held up fantastically threw several BIG projects it holds all my hooks and project yarn (I can fit over 20 skeins in it). Project bags are nice so you can have a place to put your yarn and tool, keeps the kids/pets/dust out. Also makes it easier to tote around, I often take my crochet with me to our friends house when we game.

You could get her some really nice hooks, or some really great yarn! Crocheter's love that stuff! A bowl is also a good idea. You could also get her this book! I imagine it is very useful!

Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker I think this is the only book I really love. It has patterns that are pretty and you might actually be able to see yourself wearing. It also has a lot of simple/easy instructions for all kinds of techniques. This book taught me how to tapestry crochet which is my favorite thing!
I have A LOT of books / mags / etc. So many only have a 1 or 2 good things in them, or they are just presented poorly. But the Happy Hooker is a keeper!

It's no secret - hookers love yarn. But it can be difficult buying yarn for someone you don't know. Especially if you don't know much about yarn (it's probably much more expensive than you might think, and picking some out could send you into a very Jeremy Renner picking out cereal in The Hurt Locker kind of moment). It can also be difficult buying hooks. There are... a shitton of hooks. And each one is very different. Picking those out could be like trying to pick out guitar strings for someone you've never met or heard play. My point: you'll really want to do your homework - stalking in 3... 2... 1.. go! If you can't find something they've specifically fawned over, you might stick with tools. Something I think every hooker should have, well - you can't go wrong with Lace Blocking Wires.

You can get them here from Knitpicks ($19.99 plus shipping).

Or here from Amazon ($23.99 and free shipping if you have Prime).

Another option is a travel Yarn Bin. Something like this from Amazon, which is killer on sale right now for $9.99 (regular $19.99) and free shipping with Prime. Or this little ditty from cafe press.

If you need some small filler type stuff - stitch markers are absolutely invaluable to hookers (just make sure they open and close like a D-ring. You don't want the circle ones that don't open - those are for knitting and can't be used for crochet.). Darning Needles in assorted sizes kick ass and get used on pretty much every project. Same with a stitch counter - crochet gold right there.

Anyhow - I know the wires are a few bucks over budget, but they're a great tool to consider if you aren't able to find something fool-proof for your giftee. Hope this helps :D

This is a nice starter set.

With crochet, there are 2 main types of regular hooks, Bates (inline) and Boye (tapered). The hooky part (head) is different in each. They work the same way, but feel a little different as you crochet. I perfer inline, however most of the hooks out there are tapered. There are also Tunisian hooks (the left most hook in that kit) which are longer (12 inches or so and longer) used for a different method of crochet, but I wouldn't worry about those until she has a good foundation.

Edit to add - basic normal hooks are less than a few bucks each. If she likes it, you can upgrade to nicer or more ergonomic hooks. I have some hooks that are $8 a piece, then I have some that are $30 a piece - those are luxury and really don't produce "better" crochet. The starter kit I linked has the basic sizes that most projects call for. I would say my most used hooks are H (5mm) through N (8mm)

I enjoyed the Happy Hooker book. It's a good read and it gives a pretty good overview of how crochet works. Bonus - it was available at the local library so I got it for a month at no cost.

It doesn't really matter. All you need is a needle with a large enough eye for the yarn to fit through. There are metal ones. And there are huge packs of plastic ones, but plastic can break. You can also find plastic ones in smaller quantities of course. And then there are these which are pretty great for short tails, but don't spend this much on them bc they can be found for cheaper.

I bought this set of Tulip Etimo hooks last year. It was a splurge, but they are super comfortable and pointed on the end.Tulip Etimo hooks

Made from one of my favorite books https://www.amazon.com/100-Snowflakes-Crochet-Make-Snowdrift/dp/125001333X

Love these patterns and they are so easy to follow. I add beads to give them a more holiday look.

I’ve really learned that what is called “easy” and “beginner” can feel like a mountain at the very beginning. It’s subjective. The very first amigurumi I did came from this book and once you know how to start a round I found most of them very manageable. Good luck!! 10 Amigurumi Dolls

Love my Denise Interchangeable set, I rarely use them for Tunisian since I haven't put the time into learning anything beyond tss, but they're my go-to hooks for pretty well every project.

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.

The pattern is here. The print out doesn't say much on it, but the youtube video it links to is excellent and really easy to follow.

You'll need a hairpin lace loom. I used this one.

Patterns are from this book. I'm kind of in love with this book, and I'm definitely going to have to make another set for myself haha.

I just recently bought myself a pack of Tulip Etimo hooks and love them. They come with a nice little case, too!

Tulip TP1166 Etimo Crochet Hook Set https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0045QHTU4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9ECYCbHEBSA4V

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!

Try these. The teeny tiny hooks fit on the g-ish sized handle. I love mine!

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

I have close to 200 of these and never had a single one break. The stay closed and are made of a nice sturdy build; yeah they are a little on the expensive side, but they are well worth it.

You can also use this blade on a rotary cutter to create petfectly aligned holes to crochet directly onto fabric.

I use mine to attach linings to bag interiors, but this has given me new inspiration to start adding edgings to all kinds of things!

Something that's little but awesome are these two:


Yarn Cutter Pendant https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000WUTIZQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qxnCDbF7Y6CCF


Needle Set https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00114M20A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2znCDbB0XBVT2

Thank you for that. Sorry for the confusion, I think links were automatically filtered out from my post because I'm on a throwaway. this was what I had linked to actually!

Just out of curiosity, in your opinion as someone familiar with this - do you think a 'darning needle' of a very short size, could accomplish the same task as these that you've linked to? (Or is it the fact that the opening is the full length of the needle that makes this what is needed?)

The reason I ask - I decided I'll go ahead and purchase a set of darning needles because it seems will be a good thing to have. Wasn't sure if I would still need to buy this as well, or if the darning needles might do the trick. This is what I was looking at for darning needles: https://www.michaels.com/dmc-tapestry-needles/M10152603.html (apparently they have a short size of 1.75 inches). I'd also seen this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0021GN2BA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Absolutely. You should cut the fleece to the side of your blanket and then run one of these rotary cutter blades all around it 1/2" from the edge. You might want to go for the full 1" your first time. It will still look good!

Then just crochet around the edge, picking up the holes in the fleece as you go. You could even throw on a fancy border after you slip stitch or single crochet your way around :)

Here's the kind of rotary cutter blade you're looking for. This size is fine for sport, worsted or slightly chunky yarn. You might need closer holes if you are working with laceweight: https://www.amazon.com/Kays-Crochet-Fleece-Perfect-Projects/dp/B00LMGMOE6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1468858206&sr=8-2&keywords=fleece+hole+punch

I have a yarn drum that I really like for keeping my current project in. Does she have anything like this? https://www.amazon.com/ArtBin-6936SA-12-inches-4-inches-Periwinkle/dp/B003E0FNNC

I love my Denise Interchangeables - http://www.amazon.com/DENISE-INTERCHANGEABLE-CROCHET-HOOK-SET/dp/B001IAHNCE

Thanks! I used the Susan bates one..I bought it from amazon. It cost around $7. Here is the link http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004BP21H0

Some more friends here!

These are all made from this book: Hello Kitty Crochet: Supercute Amigurumi Patterns for Sanrio Friends

Someone gifted me this book for Christmas and I went to town:

http://www.amazon.com/Cats-Hats-Crochet-Patterns-Kitty/dp/0762456639/

But if you don't want to buy that, they do have their fox hat one for free here: http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/FelineFox.html?noImages=

And it's relatively similar (just have to register). And I didn't understand how to make a pom pom in the book, so I just youtubed it and it worked out!

You'll want a yarn needle, like http://www.amazon.com/Lion-Brand-Yarn-Large-Eye-Needles/dp/B0021GN2BA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1409607314&sr=8-2&keywords=Yarn+needle

They're much thicker and have a blunt tip. Embroidery needles are thin and sharp in order to pass through cloth http://www.amazon.com/Clover-Gold-Embroidery-Needles-Pack/dp/B000YQEVYQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=undefined&sr=8-1&keywords=Embroidery+needles

This, and the massive book 500 Crochet Stitches are my crafting bibles. :)
http://www.amazon.com/500-Crochet-Stitches-Ultimate-Stitch/dp/1250067308/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449807855&sr=8-1&keywords=500+crochet+stitches+the+ultimate+crochet+stitch+bible

I got the Harmony guide to crochet stitches (https://www.amazon.com/Harmony-Guides-Basic-Crochet-Stitches/dp/1596680814) and put rows of some of those into scarves and such when learning new stitches.

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)

I got it from a book :/ This is the only other reference I can find.

Edit: Here is the book. I really like it!

These are the ones I bought. I was just in the hospital and was trying to post how much I liked them but the signal was bad. The handle is bigger. I'm really impressed.

Boye Interchangeable Head Crochet Hook Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CE5DT6/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_hMvxub1AY6202

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

She's from the official Hello Kitty Crochet by Mei Li Lee.

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

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

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

Cats in Hats: 30 Knit and Crochet Hat Patterns for Your Kitty https://www.amazon.com/dp/0762456639/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_euIsyb69D63YW

It came from this book!

They are all from this book https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/125001333X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1476118669&sr=8-1&pi=SL75_QL70&keywords=100+snowflakes+to+crochet

I got mine on Amazon.

Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004BP21H0

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble.

I've been crocheting the patterns from

100 Snowflakes to Crochet: Make Your Own Snowdrift---to Give or to Keep (Knit & Crochet) https://www.amazon.com/dp/125001333X/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_eFu1DbT3KHJ76

And the motif section of

500 Crochet Stitches: The Ultimate Crochet Stitch Bible https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250067308/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_9Fu1Db4MY3VHB

Here is the desktop version of your link

I noticed they're on Amazon for that price. Was thinking of getting one instead of a yarn bowl. Do they work just the same?

For acrylic:

I lay it out on an ironing board and steam block with an iron. I usually just steam, holding the iron about an inch over the FO. Sometimes I put a damp towel over the FO and lightly touch the iron to the surface.


For everything else:

I soak it in this: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DEEUJ4

Then pin them to these: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0050P218E

With these: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H8IUUFM

I bought my foam puzzle tiles at Walmart or maybe toysrus. Mine are really children's floor mat and have the ABCs on them. I put a towel over them because they are rainbows and I worry about color transfer.

I saw that knitpicks sales them under the title blocking mat. If you search "foam tile" on google, plots of things come up.

Here is a link to one from amazon to get your search started. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0050P218E?redirect=true&pldnSite=1