How To Actually Crochet Sustainably As A Beginner
Has trying to crochet got you feeling disillusioned? Have you given up on your dreams of making bucket hats and crocheted boleros?
Your dream can still become a reality. A famous rat once said, that “anyone can cook.” And we say, anyone can crochet. Just follow our guide!
1.Do Your Research
If you are overwhelmed by beginning your crochet journey, start with these simple courses, videos, and tutorials.
For more in-depth tutorials: Skill Share Crochet Classes & Crochet Tutorials with Wool and The Gang
Rip the band-aid off and get started: Crochet Step-by-Step video
If you are video-adverse: Crochet for Absolute Beginners
For starting the non-traditional route: Crafting In Glory
2. Get Your Materials
You can get yarn and hooks from anywhere; however, sometimes synthetic yarns that you might find at your popular craft store are hiding microplastics that make this sustainable hobby less susty. We recommend finding your materials from these sources, but if they don’t work for you, look for organic cotton or wool yarn at the store of your choosing.
eBay
Your local thrift store or craft (small businesses preferred) store!
3. Decide on Your First Pattern
You can find free patterns and low-cost patterns all over the internet. Following a pattern is a great way to develop your skills and try your hand at harder, more complex crochet projects. We recommend a pattern after you get comfortable making beginner-friendly projects.
Free patterns
Affordable patterns
4. Build a Crochet Community
There’s nothing more gratifying and helpful than being in a community with other growing fiber artists. We rounded up various communities who meet virtually or in person to make fiber arts together! If you want to stay motivated, a crochet community is the way to go.
Fiber Friends of Falastin at Interference Archive in Brooklyn – this is a group that meets to crochet and knit in solidarity with Palestine.
5. Don’t Get Discouraged!
There are no steps to this one. Just keep your head up. Ask for help. We have all unwound a crochet creation after finding a mistake. The best things take time.
Fiber arts get a bad rap (probably because in a patriarchal society we love to shun and look down on feminized crafts). Crocheting and knitting are revolutionary, radical, and powerful practices, which allow us to connect with our community, bodies, and planet. Susty hobbies are HOT (and so are you).