Crocheting is a relaxing and rewarding hobby that uses yarn and a hook to create beautiful fabric. It’s a great way to reduce stress, improve hand-eye coordination, and spark creativity. Beginners can get started with a few basic stitches and some free online tutorials or video lessons. With practice, you’ll be crocheting scarves, hats, and other wonderful projects in no time.

Crocheting
as a hobby
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Helpful content to get started
The page is curated to inspire and help you get started with crocheting as a hobby.
Overwhelmed? Play a random video or podcast to start getting familiar with crocheting.
We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Always use your judgment. Refer to the listed resources for further research.
Videos
Short visual inspiration.
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Podcasts
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Crocheting is a stress-reliever: Studies have shown that repetitive crafts like crocheting can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and promote feelings of well-being.
Terms
Basic lingo for orientation.
Basic Concepts
- Gauge: The number of stitches and rows in a specific area of your crochet work.
 - Right Side (RS): The side of your project that is intended to be visible.
 - Stitch: The basic unit of construction in crochet.
 - Wrong Side (WS): The opposite side of your project from the right side.
 
Basic Stitches
- Chain Stitch (ch): A basic stitch used to start rows and create spaces.
 - Double Crochet (dc): A taller stitch than a single crochet, creating a looser fabric.
 - Half Double Crochet (hdc): A stitch in between a single and double crochet in height.
 - Single Crochet (sc): A basic stitch used to create a dense fabric.
 - Slip Stitch (sl st): A stitch used to join seams or securely move your yarn without adding height.
 
Stitch Techniques
- Decrease (dec): Creating fewer stitches than you started with in a row.
 - Increase (inc): Creating more stitches than you started with in a row.
 - Turning Chain (tch or t-ch): A chain stitch or series of chains made at the beginning of a row to turn your work.
 - Yarn Over (yo): Wrapping the yarn around your hook before inserting it into a stitch.
 
Styles and Applications
- Amigurumi: The art of crocheting small, stuffed creatures or objects.
 
More: Crochet Abbreviations Master List | Welcome to the Craft Yarn Council
Term Videos
First Steps
How to break the ice and make a start. One Aha! moment is all you need.
- Purchase a crochet kit for beginners that includes everything needed to get started.
 - Then, explore quality tutorials—many of which are free—across various mediums: YouTube tutorials, books, apps, online courses, or in-person classes.
 
First Steps Videos
Products
Essentials to have.
Product Demos
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How-Tos
Step-by-step tutorials.
How-To Videos
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Books
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Articles
Further reading.
audio and Video Articles
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Websites
Go-tos for information.
- Amigurumi Today – Free amigurumi patterns and amigurumi tutorials
 - Crochet Guild of America (CGOA)
 - Crochet.com – Crochet Supplies, Crochet Yarn, Books, Patterns, Hooks & Accessories
 - Free Crochet Patterns – Lion Brand Yarn
 - Passionate Crafter – Crochet and knitting for modern life
 - Ravelry – For knitters, crocheters, and fiber artists
 - TL Yarn Crafts Blog: Modern Crochet Patterns & Inspiration
 - Yarn, Crochet, Knitting Supplies & Free Patterns | Yarnspirations
 
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Movies & TV
Nothing like a good film or a show for inspiration.
Movie and TV Trailers
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Crocheting is a social hobby: There are online and in-person communities dedicated to crocheting, allowing you to connect with other crocheters and share your passion for the craft.
FAQS
Get a clue.
Q: Is crocheting difficult to learn?
A: Crocheting has a learning curve, but it’s generally considered easier to learn than knitting. There are just a few basic stitches to master, and many resources are available to help beginners get started.
Q: What supplies do I need to start crocheting?
A: You’ll need a crochet hook and some yarn. For beginners, a size H hook and worsted weight yarn are a good starting point. You can also find crochet kits that include everything you need to get started on a small project.
Q: What are the benefits of crocheting?
A: Crocheting offers a variety of benefits for your mind, body, and spirit. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Reduces stress and anxiety: The repetitive nature of crocheting can be very calming and meditative, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
 - Improves mood and well-being: Engaging in a creative activity like crocheting can boost your mood and overall sense of well-being.
 - Increases focus and concentration: Crocheting requires focus and concentration, which can help to improve your overall cognitive function.
 - Enhances hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills: The act of crocheting requires using your hands and eyes in coordination, improving dexterity and fine motor skills.
 - Sense of accomplishment: Completing a crochet project provides a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
 - Social connection: Crocheting can be a social activity. You can connect with other crocheters online or in person, fostering a sense of
 
Q: Where can I find a crochet community?
Q: What’s the difference between crocheting and knitting?
A: Both crocheting and knitting use yarn to create fabric, but they use different tools and techniques. Crocheting uses a single hook to create loops, while knitting uses two needles to interlock loops of yarn. Crocheting generally creates a denser fabric with a more visible stitch definition compared to knitting.
Q: Which one is better for beginners: crocheting or knitting?
A: Crocheting is often considered easier for beginners to learn due to the simplicity of using one hook and mastering a few basic stitches. However, some people might find knitting more intuitive depending on their learning style. Ultimately, the “better” option comes down to personal preference – try both and see which one you enjoy more!
Q: What kinds of things can I create with crocheting?
A: The possibilities are endless! You can crochet a variety of items, including:
- Wearables: scarves, hats, mittens, sweaters, shawls, blankets
 - Home décor: throws, pillows, wall hangings, table runners
 - Amigurumi: small stuffed animals, toys, keychains, decorative objects
 - Accessories: bags, totes, phone cases, ear warmers
 - Functional items: potholders, coasters, baskets, dishcloths
 
With practice and exploration, you can create beautiful and functional items using the art of crochet!
Q: What can I crochet as a beginner?
A: There are many easy crochet projects perfect for beginners, such as scarves, hats, and small amigurumi projects.
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Apps
Smart start.
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Courses
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Community & Near You
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Tips
Additional advice for beginners.
Video Tips
Crocheting is a creative outlet: With countless patterns and techniques available, crocheting allows you to express yourself and create unique and beautiful items.
Additional Information
Hobby attributes.
| Attributes | Value | 
|---|---|
| Activities | Collecting, Creating, Helping, Observing, Relaxing, Socializing, Volunteering  | 
| Fields | Arts, Crafts, Fashion and Beauty, History and Culture, Home and Interior Design, Wellbeing  | 
| Locations | |
| Participants | |
| Skills | Attention to Detail, Concentration, Creativity, Empathy, Fine Motor Skills, Hand-eye Coordination, Humor, Imagination, Innovation, Mathematical Skills, Memory, Mindfulness, Multitasking, Organizational Skills, Patience, Perseverance, Planning, Time Management  | 
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