It’s been two decades since I crocheted my way through my afghan in a day project at winter camp in middle school, but then I saw a post about I saw a post about Amanda Seyfriend that linked to a candy corn crochet bunting banner and suddenly I was in a rabbit hole of crafting projects on Pinterest.
I came across the cutest crochet Frankie Stein doll that would be perfect for my Halloween baby’s 2nd birthday. I found a mudcloth pumpkin with a free pattern, a crochet knot pillow that could double as coffee table decor, and a pattern for a fluffy faux fur throw similar to one that my husband wanted from Pottery Barn.
I remember crochet as being fairly easy to learn, but I didn’t how exactly to start. Which project would be easiest for a beginner? Which yarn? What size needle? What do the notations on the pattern actually mean?
If you’re a beginner, or if you forgot everything that you once knew how to do, this is for you.
Start with this book. I came across Debrosse while I was scrolling through inspiration on Pinterest. Her book, Modern Crochet, gives you access to all of her how to stitch videos along with a great collection of starter patterns (and an overview of how to read patterns) and the exact yarn, etc. you need with links.
I based my first projects on what was available in terms of yarn and hooks and what would be easy. I wanted to start right away with something easy, so I started with a throw. A throw or a blanket is a great way to start because you are basically doing the same stitch over and over again, and with this project, I didn’t have to count stitches after the first round. It takes some effort on the front end to learn the basics, but it’s a great confidence builder, and you will have a big tangible finished product in the end.
If you want to start with the Bainet Throw (pictured above) like I did, you’ll find the pattern in the book above. You will need this P hook (amazon link here, Michael’s link here) and this yarn (I bought 9 skeins, but ended up using only 7 using curbside pickup from Michaels, but you can also buy it at Joann’s).
This is the video I used to learn to connect the new yarn. I watched the videos that came with the book on how to do a slip stitch, chain stitch, single crochet stitch (back loop only), and slip stitch as I stitched the first couple rows before muscle memory took over.
Stitch markers (inserted into the first stitch on the right side) are a must for keeping track of stitches and rows, even though there is no turning in this project and you will start with a new yarn for each row, going right to left. I recommend buying this set of hooks, as you need a smaller size for the tassels on this project and will need different sizes of hooks eventually anyway. I also bought this tapestry needle set, which I didn’t use until I made my mudcloth pumpkin.
A Few Tips for Starting:
The first chain that you stitch should be on the looser side (Debrosse talks about this in her book), so that you don’t end up with a shriveled up blanket side.
Get a feel for your tension (how tight or loose you stitch) by stitching a chain and then a few single crochet (sc) stitches into that chain. You can easily unravel this and start over–one of the best parts of crochet!
Give yourself lots of grace–the beginning of each project is the hardest, and you will end better than you started. This means that the first rows of your project may look too loose or too tight until you get a hang of the right tension, but no one else will notice.
For me, it helped to just start. I picked a project and learned what I needed for that project, using the book and YouTube videos for reference. I didn’t learn how to make a magic ring until I started the pumpkin (linked below), and I didn’t learn how to switch colors or stitch continuous rounds until I started Frankie Stein (also linked below).
my mudcloth pumpkin, a.k.a. boy children-friendly holiday decor
Other patterns I purchased and my next projects:
Paix Fur Throw by Debrosse This looks simple, but I’ve started it and it’s actually not because you can’t see any of your stitches, so you are basically stitching blind.
Mudcloth Pumpkin This is a free pattern that you can buy on etsy if you want the ad-free version. It took me several tries to get the hang of the magic circle that is the basis for this pattern, but now that I know how, I can make...
Frankie Stein For Micah’s halloween bday! This is my first doll project, and I’m having so much fun with it.
Mare Knot Pillow by Debrosse Decorative wood, concrete or metal knots are all the rage right now in interior decor, so why *knot throw a velvet yarn once in the mix. See what I did there? ;)
The Croix Coaster (from the Modern Crochet book). I imagine this would also be a good project to start with, but the yarn wasn’t in stock at the time. I just now purchased supplies for this: this yarn (I think you’ll only need 1 skein of it for this project) and these rings. Basically all patterns Debrosse are beautiful with the clearest explanations and accompanying video links.
All those patterns will tell you what supplies you need. I buy the exact yarn they recommend because I don’t trust my skill in finding appropriate substitutes.
I love all things creative – writing, graphic design, interior decor, cookie decorating, calligraphy. But what I love about crochet is: one–it’s super easy to learn, two––it’s tangible and three–with the help of stitch markers, it’s easy to start, stop, tuck into a basket, and pick up again when there’s time. I can work on a project while watching a show with my husband or a movie with my kids or listening to an audible book (most recently: The Matriarch, a biography of Barbara Bush and Becoming–highly recommend both). Where so many other parts of my life require mental gymnastics, the most demanding part of crochet is keeping track of stitches and rounds.
For a girl who’s felt a little bit creatively stuck in this chaotic season, it feels good to hold something tangible and be able to say I finished this.
*This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase using the links above, I’ll receive a teeny, tiny commission that will probably go towards supporting my new old lady yarn habit.