(Part 2) Best products from r/crochet

You've got the right idea about starting off practicing small and then doing something as big as a blanket.

That striped blanket in your post isn't actually difficult in terms of stitching, it's difficult in terms of the constant repetitive motion and general motivation to complete a large blanket.

I made a waffle stitch blanket for my stepbrother for Christmas, and it took 100 hours to complete. And the stitch was a double crochet, which is taller than a single crochet. I can't even imagine how long it took to complete that single crochet blanket.

I'm not saying this to discourage you from making a blanket! If you want to make a blanket, do it! Just keep in mind the reason people are making those comments on that blanket post is because blankets take a looooooong time to make, especially if the entire blanket consists of a small, compact stitch. A blanket was the second crochet project I ever did, it was a granny square blanket (lots of holes) made out of wool (expensive) that looks butt ugly. I never bothered to post pictures of it anywhere. And I was sooooo tired of making it and sooooo broke (damn wool) that it's not even big enough to cover a twin-sized bed, lol. It just sits folded up above my desk.

Generally, it's a good idea to make a "swatch." This is like a little sample of the stitch. You'll learn how the stitch looks in real life and how it feels to crochet it. Also, ravelry.com is a great website to find all sorts of neat stitches and blankets. Great place for inspiration (so is this subreddit.)

I feel like making a wool blanket is a little ambitious for a beginner project. A blanket? It'll take a long time, but sure. A wool project? Might be expensive, but it'll be soft and nice. A wool blanket? That's a big, expensive project right there. You might be taking on more than you can handle.

Price is another factor - that waffle stitch blanket I made, even with Caron One Pound (cheap-ish bulk acrylic yarn,) was $100. So, $100 for the cheaper, larger skeins of yarn. But if you have the funds for a lot of wool and price isn't a limiting factor in your crochet journey, then more power to you!

My first crochet project was a simple double crochet scarf. I bought a pretty skein of yarn (try to make sure it isn't super dark so it'll be easier to see your stitches,) a set of aluminum hooks, and watched this video and followed along.

Anyways, I hope this post was helpful and I hope you enjoy crocheting! Feel free to ask any questions, this subreddit is very nice. :)

Many months ago, I submitted a ranty text post lamenting an offhand comment made to me by the mother of an old friend that, more or less, implied I should be making things for old friend’s baby for free. We’ve all been there. Pssh – some people, amirite?

Within that post, though, I very quickly touched on the struggle husband and I had been going through for a year and a half while trying to conceive our own child, and how difficult it had been for me to simultaneously create gifts for others in celebration of their new little ones while, with each stitch, also (and sometimes moreso) grieving the absence of my own. It was very quick, maybe a sentence or two, but heavy nonetheless. And I was amazed at how many of you felt that heaviness and reached out to me about your own struggles. How many of you gave me, a stranger, more empathy and support through the interwebs than most of the people I cross in my everyday life. And I was so thankful. Your kind words and heartfelt understanding was and still is so much appreciated.

I am happy to report that on our 19th cycle, my husband and I were able to conceive. We are expecting our first child, a little boy, in November. As a tribute to one my most favorite children’s books, we are putting together a few pieces inspired by Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are for his nursery, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to put my book, Animal Heads to Crochet by Vanessa Mooncie, to good use with this adaptation of The Bull, known also as the loveable Bernard from the 2009 film adaptation. I am so pleased with how he came out – especially as a 100% stash project – and hope he leads the little guy on some seriously magical adventures in the years to come.

Thank you all so much for the love and support. It truly lit up what had become a very dark place.

Project Page for Pattern Link and Notes

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

Also, I think I recognize that figure (amigurumi): it looks like it's from this book. I recently got it as a gift and it's pretty neat! I've only done the cthulhu that you can see on the top right of the cover but it has a lot of other fun patterns.

Edit: I see there's also an Idiot's Guide to amigurumi that might help you. Haven't read it myself, but Idiot's Guides are usually pretty well laid out.

One more sit that might interest you is Ravelry. It's an online knit & crochet community and it has a lot of free patterns, and lots of helpful people on the boards.

I came across this cute, free Halloween pattern by Allison Hoffman the other day. She is well-known for her dolls, especially modeling them to look like characters/celebrities. I totally recommend her book "AmiguruME."

The pattern I linked is for a little girl trick or treater and 3 outfits to dress her up as. Very simple, but sweet!

Edit: Link to her book! I bought it the week it came out last year and love it. Lots of customization: choose male or female; head shape; pick and choose facial features/hair styles; so much variety in the clothing/shoe options too! It's basically set up like a choose your own adventure book. :)

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.

Personally I think if you just gave them an exact list it would be easy for them to pick out the items themselves. Then you could pick out a pattern for them and hand that out when you teach them. I think squares is the easiest to start with so I would make potholders. You could tell them to get:

• susan bates hooks pack - I think its easier to learn with inline hooks because they grab the yarn easier and these are cheap and always at JoAnns.
  
  
• 2-4 skeins of sugar'n cream yarn - worsted weight is the best to learn with i think and this yarn is perfect for pot holders and pretty cheap. (ps i use a 5mm hook to make mine)

Hey @gingeelise, @JaeBells1 and @fuckysprinkles, thanks for your help!

I actually ended up buying her a yarn bag, new ergonomical crochet hooks and a yarn cutter.

Unfortunately where we live, we don't have many options regarding a store that sells quality yarn or fabrics. So I thought this was quite a good options!

I also looked into your wiki and found some inspirations on the online stores when I looked into their assortment.

Again, thank you for your help! I really appreciate 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.

I prefer to crochet because it's faster and easier to learn in my opinion. I can create all sorts of shapes with crocheting that I have yet to master with knitting.


I feel that the crochet products tend to be less soft than the knitting products.


I got this book and so far it has help a lot with all of the really basic steps. The color illustrations make the stitches really easy to understand. Good luck and have fun!

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!

This is a great response, as far as books go this one was my crochet bible, I have other books but this one was the best followed by this one. The first one is also easier to carry around with you if you're crocheting outside of your craft space and need a quick refrence.

Also for visual aid, look up Teresa's art of crochet on youtube, she has some very nice tutorials.

Pattern books are always great. One of my personal favorites is this stitch guide. It shows how to do tons of stitches, from very basic to some advanced lace to joining techniques. Whatever she is interested in, theres is almost certainly a pattern book catered to that interest.

Once you get going I found this book to be awesome for inspiration. The patterns come with diagrams which is what really finally taught me where my stitches go. Plus, all the different stitches are wonderful for simple projects like scarves and blankets.

I LOVE my Festive Hands hooks I got for Christmas they are aluminum, lightweight and fit into my hand so comfortably. http://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Hooks-Ergonomic-Friend-Aluminum/dp/B00MW43YZA

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.

Just the basics starting out.
Red Heart brand Super Saver Yarn is available at almost any place that sells yarn, if you go to Hobby Lobby get "I Love This Yarn" brand yarn. Both of those are "Worsted Weight" which is what 99% of the beginner patterns will call for.
Pick up this Set of Hooks, also available at any place with yarn.
Buy a Yarn Needle.
This shopping list should cover all you need to get started.

I don't think I should have made the switch from sc to hdc, but it was worth a shot.

My little sister wants me to make a blanket with this pattern, I told her to buy me the yarn. :P It's quick, so that makes me happy at least, and it would make pretty coasters.

The pattern is from here and then modified with some hdc rows instead of sc so I don't know if I'm allowed to post it or not.

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

It is cool to be able to customize your projects. I love the diagrams with the symbols, too. Great to reference when patterns are poorly written/explained!

This is the one I have, but there are other good ones, too.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1589234723/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1374458876&sr=8-3&pi=SL75

I highly recommend Edward's Menagerie Great patterns combined with easy instructions. It's how I learned amigurumi. Just be aware it's UK terms not North American.

If you don't mind paying for patterns, I highly recommend the "Edward's Menagerie" book by Kerry Lord. It's my favourite amigurumi book. It has a monkey/chimp, elephant, zebra, giraffe, lion... You can buy most individual patterns for the 3 GBP or the equivalent of just under 4USD. I highly recommend the whole book, though - I love all of the patterns in it. Here's a US link to buy the whole book. Note that the patterns are written in UK terms - just remember to sc where it says to dc.

I just got these and I absolutely love them! So much more comfortable than the cheap aluminum ones I was using.

I received a yarn bag last christmas and I love it! it's very simple, similar to this one. Whenever I travel, I bring this along. It's great for flying or train rides.

https://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Answer-Book-Solutions-Question/dp/1580175988

Just put this in your crochet sack. My favorite reference book. Make a scarf and hat set with a basic pattern from Ravelry. Something where you just practice the sc and dc. Then find a toy pattern and learn how to shape and do inc and dec. Good luck.

You won’t regret it.

BeCraftee Best Yarn Bag/Knitting Bag. Portable, Light and Easy to Carry. Yarn Storage Bags Have Pockets for Crochet Hooks & Knitting Needles. Slits on Top to Protect Wool and Prevent Tangling. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015HVQDIY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7WuFDbFMX92PQ

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

This one, The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet by Margaret Hubert, is big and very useful not just because it has pictures, but each stitch or grouping has both written and chart instructions all together. It also has a few different patterns. Not affiliated, just appreciate this book when teaching because learning styles do vary. It's an old favorite. I do not have the 2nd Edition, just original.
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Photo-Guide-Crochet-Comprehensive/dp/1589234723?SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-d-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=1589234723

There's this book on Amazon. I have it and its pretty neat!
https://www.amazon.com/Animal-Heads-Trophy-Crochet/dp/178494064X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497453130&sr=8-1&keywords=animal+heads+crochet
(Sorry, don't know how to link well)

There is a lion head in it that you can possibly modify.

Lion head from the book:
http://imgur.com/yMd24e2

https://www.amazon.com/Animal-Heads-Trophy-Crochet/dp/178494064X
Its the best thing i have brought so far, it has taught me so much about crochet.
No way could i free form this! Maybe one day..

I bought a set of ergonomic hooks on amazon for $11. They are a good quality and i really like them.

These ones

I asked for a set of pom pom makers, a yarn winder, a nice-looking yarn tote, a set of blocking mats, and some awesome crochet books!

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/178494064X/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_YLbzyb7009MDN

I would assume you could find something similar in this book. It's currently #1 on my most wanted list. Now that I'm done Christmas gift crochet, I'm planning on rewarding myself with this.

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

Made this adorable puffin from Animal Friends of Pica Pau. I have also made the frog from the book, everything from the book is so cute! Only change I made was to crochet the eyes instead of using plastic safety eyes as it is for a baby.

Super Cyd was created using basic body pieces from the book AmiguruME by Allison Hoffman.

Thank you!

It's the gazelle pattern from this book:
[Animal Friends of Pica Pau: Gather All 20 Colorful Amigurumi Animal Characters] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/9491643193/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_bpsPDbNM703Y7).

Hi, I didn't forget to find the link, I promise! I just had the hardest time figuring out what it was. Turns out it wasn't a YouTube video at all, but this [Craftsy] (http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/09/demystifying-the-magic-ring/) link and the instructions from the book [Creepy Cute Crochet] (http://smile.amazon.com/Creepy-Cute-Crochet-Zombies-Ninjas/dp/1594742324/ref=smi_www_rco2_go_smi_1968491462?_encoding=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0&pf_rd_p=1968491462&pf_rd_s=smile-campaign&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=1594742324&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0XP7ER03Z10ZZ16NZ7SN). The patterns in that book are stupid adorable.

They’re from a book. I got mine from amazon. Worth every penny.
Animal Friends of Pica Pau: Gather All 20 Colorful Amigurumi Animal Characters https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/9491643193/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BxyADb0XAXHCR

I found a book with a section on cables and it had some really great cables. It's called Crochet Stitches Visual Encyclopedia.
What are the rules on taking pictures of books? If it's allowed I could post some photos.

I basically just use single crochets for all my amigurumi. I usually freehand them, and so I never really think of using anything fancier, even though I've done plenty of Irish crocheting, etc.

If you're hesitant about how to get started, a book like Creepy Cute might help, just to get you used to working with things that small in a structured way. All the stitches used in it are very simple.

You might also want to take a look at /r/Amigurumi!

I love the Edwards menagerie set. There are three books, animals, birds, and a build your own monster one.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1446304787/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505827423&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=edwards+menagerie&dpPl=1&dpID=510OIrRd-VL&ref=plSrch

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

I’ve had one similar to this for years and it’s held up perfectly.

Hooks. Ergonomic hooks, like these. Amour is a better brand, but I'm not seeing any of those on Amazon for less than $30. If you're only getting a few, prioritize the F, G, H, I sizes as those are generally the most used (you could also ask your giftee which sizes they use most).

Pattern is from the "cyber zombie" pattern found in Creepy Cute by Christen Haden!

Thanks! I used this book: https://www.amazon.ca/AmiguruME-Make-Cute-Crochet-People/dp/1454703970/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465158798&sr=8-1&keywords=amigurume

It’s from Animal Friends of Pica Pau : my local library had a copy. Gonna see if I can work up a Platypus before it needs to go back.

Animal Friends of Pica Pau: Gather All 20 Colorful Amigurumi Animal Characters https://www.amazon.ca/dp/9491643193/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_yG3SBbWBYEQBD

She is from Animal Friends of Pica Pau .

Yes it's from a book called Edwards menagerie

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1446304787/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1457164872&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=edwards+menagerie&dpPl=1&dpID=51OaaqBygnL&ref=plSrch

Sure thing! It came out of this book. Basically, just a lot of chains, then shells, and then picots :D

It's called Creepy Cute Crochet. I have the same book but haven't used it yet. I keep saying it will be next! http://www.amazon.com/Creepy-Cute-Crochet-Zombies-Ninjas/dp/1594742324

Creepy Cute Crochet is the reason that I learned how to crochet. You said 'cute', right? It's right in the name! (Yeah, okay...it's mostly monsters. They're cute, tho.)

My only complaint is that the pictures that go with teaching you how to make a magic circle are so small as to be meaningless. If you already know how to make one, you're golden. If not, YouTube.

These are my favorite hooks, but this set only comes with F through K.

This book has been in my Amazon cart forever, I finally bought it and made a Mr. T for my dad's birthday!
http://www.amazon.com/AmiguruME-Make-Cute-Crochet-People/dp/1454703970

I love this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Photo-Guide-Crochet-Comprehensive/dp/1589234723

The only downside is that I wasn't a big fan of the directions for basic stitches, but they have a lot of different stitches with written directions and visual directions. Not a lot of patterns to make things though.

He’s from this book: https://www.amazon.com/Animal-Friends-Pica-Pau-Characters/dp/9491643193

I’m not sure if it’s ok to post copyrighted material here...

Pattern is "Pine Trees" from A Complete Photo Guide to Crochet - link

I never knew I wanted a crocheted zebra head mounted to my wall until now. Ravelry link for a book amazon link to book Spoiler, there's more than just a zebra in there!!!

I found this one that has more realistic looking heads. I’m so tempted to get it but it seems so intimidating to attempt to crochet.

Pattern from this book: https://www.amazon.com/Animal-Friends-Pica-Pau-Characters/dp/9491643193

Ravelry link: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/animal-friends-of-pica-pau

(I forgot to line his ears and wasn’t about to detach them after I got them on! )

I used a slightly modified version of the Grim Reaper pattern from this book: http://www.amazon.com/Creepy-Cute-Crochet-Zombies-Ninjas/dp/1594742324/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8