Oops! It seems I’ve fallen down the crochet rabbit hole, yet again. But this time, I’m going about it a little differently. This time, I’m determined to hone my crochet skills, going beyond the granny square and basic stitches. Are you also interested in becoming a more advanced crocheter? Keep reading to find out what patterns and tools I’ve been enjoying while learning to crochet!
CROCHET: Cue New Obsession.
To be honest, I’m not sure what inspired me to suddenly go all-in on crochet. All I remember is waking up one morning feeling excited and determined to … become good at it!
Sure, I know how to make a single, double, or treble crochet stitch but it wasn’t until I got curious and learned there’s so much more to crochet than just granny squares and doilies. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against granny squares and doilies. They can be beautiful and fun to make! But coming to crochet from a knitting background, the type of projects available felt rather limited — or so I thought.
Digging a little deeper, I now realize there are so many gorgeous patterns out there that go beyond crochet basics. They produce some of the most interesting, and intricate 3D textures I’ve seen. (Yes! I can hear all the crocheters reading this shouting “Duhhh!“). Where have all these patterns been?! I want to learn how to do THAT! And so, my infatuation with crochet begins.
START HERE: Toni Lipsey of TL Yarn Crafts
If you’re not familiar, Toni is a pattern designer and hosts the TL Yarn Crafts YouTube channel. She is the Queen of Crochet (IMHO) and has a massive following to prove it. If you’re also interested in learning to crochet, look no further than her channel. She’s a true gem!
It was through binge-watching her channel that I started to improve my crochet skills and was simultaneously introduced to the wonderful world of Tunisian Crochet — a technique I’d never heard of. Reader, my mind was blown! It’s as if knitting and crochet had a baby — the best of both worlds! It also creates a unique fabric you’d be hard-pressed to recreate with knitting or regular crochet.
Unable to leave this crafty stone unturned, I treated myself to a gorgeous set of Lantern Moon Tunisian Crochet hooks and purchased Toni’s Lamia Wrap pattern … and I was off!
TUNISIAN CROCHET: Lamia Wrap by Toni Lipsey
The Lamia Wrap is an asymmetrical, triangular shawl that incorporates only two incredibly simple stitches; Tunisian simple stitch, and Tunisian purl stitch. The pattern is very repetitive and after several rows, I didn’t have to refer to the pattern anymore. Phew!
I quickly got the gist of Tunisian crochet but admittedly struggled when it came to finding the edge stitches. They like to hide! But a neat little trick is to add removable stitch markers to the edge stitches at the beginning and end of every row, making them much easier to find. Mischief managed!
I’m about halfway done crocheting the Lamia Wrap and, while I love the meditative simplicity, I’m already itching for something a little more challenging. Rest assured, I’m going to stick with it because I’m still building muscle memory and, of course, I want the finished object! I should also mention the Lantern Moon Tunisian hooks are a dream to work with.
If you’re just dipping your toes into Tunisian crochet, I can’t recommend this pattern enough.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE: 100 Crochet Tiles by Sarah Callard
For a recent vacation to Puerto Rico, I decided to pack some cotton yarn in a few different colors and downloaded a digital book called 100 Crochet Tiles by Sarah Callard. I was drawn to the beautiful textures and colors on the cover and thought it might be fun to practice more advanced crochet by making some squares. It kept me busy on the plane and was something to work on during quiet mornings, sitting on our hotel room balcony.
This book is such a great introduction to more complex stitches and I was able to familiarize myself with crochet charts and symbols — which are very different from knitting charts. Maybe one day I’ll commit to making a whole afghan but, for now, my four little squares will become a placemat.
In the photo above, I’m using an Etimo Red Crochet hook, which I love! These hooks have a nice slender, rubberized grip that fits perfectly in my small hands. The frosted metal shaft also plays nicely with most yarns.
NEXT LEVEL CROCHET: Intentions Wrap by Brittany Garber
As if that isn’t enough projects for you, I also cast on an Intentions Wrap, by Brittany Garber (aka KnotBadBritt), a lacy rectangular crochet wrap that calls for mini skeins. Eager to get this gorgeousness on my hook, I shopped some of my favorite fellow indie yarn dyers and stumbled on a gorgeous mini skein set by Yarn Cafe Creations. (Note: While I’m a yarn dyer, I don’t dye mini skeins because I don’t really knit with them … until now!)
Right off the bat, this pattern is teaching me new tricks! I’m not gonna lie, I had a few false starts when learning how to make new-to-me stitches. But now, I’m flying! The yarn helps too because, just like knitting a stripey sock, I can’t wait to get to the next color change.
Brittany recommends this pattern to advanced beginners and I have to agree. You know how much I love a good challenge! But if you’re new to crocheting, take your time and be patient with yourself. If I can get it, so can you!
A WHOLE NEW WORLD: Musings Of a Recovering Yarn Snob.
Now that I’ve been consistently crocheting for a few weeks, I appreciate the craft very much. Crochet works up rather quickly, which I love! Sure, I’m all about slow, meditative makes, but sometimes one needs instant gratification. Am I right?
And while it is quick, crochet also eats yarn, just as fast! Because of this, I regained my appreciation for more “budget-friendly” yarn brands like Lion Brand, Caron, and Red Heart as well as working with fibers that tend to get a bad rap like acrylic and cotton. As a recovering yarn snob, I’ll come out and say they have a place and with the right tools, they can be just as enjoyable to work with as “luxury” yarns.
I truly believe it comes down to your tool and fiber combination. If something isn’t working, try swapping a metal hook for a bamboo hook, and vice/versa. You’ll be surprised what a difference that could make.
Deep-diving into crochet has also introduced me to a world of new-to-me patterns and inspiring makers. It’s like a breath of fresh air! As a result, I’m currently all over the place with my crochet WIPs because casting on and trying a bunch of new things all at once is how I like to learn — and Reader, I’ve learned so much in just a short amount of time. I’m still learning!
As usual, I have no idea where this new-found obsession will lead but I’m excited to share it with you. As you probably know, I’m all about going with the flow and following my passions and, right now, crochet lights me up! Most importantly, I’m having fun! Because otherwise, what’s the point?
