If you are new to crochet it can be a little intimidating. Some have said that reading crochet patterns is like trying to read a book written in a dead language in the beginning. If you are just starting out, here is a great project to get you started, and some helpful links to help you along the way.
The project: Making a dishcloth
To get started you should start with something small, quick, and easy. The faster you're able to correctly complete your first project the more crochet confidence you are likely to have. That's why a dishcloth is a good place to start. For this project you will be following a pattern from Crochetspot.com. There are actually several dishcloths patterns listed on the site, and all of them use the same techniques that will be listed here. So, it's up to you to choose the one you would like to try.
The materials:
You don't need anything fancy to complete this project. Here is a list of what you should have in front of you when you get started.
- Ball/skein of medium weight yarn (any brand or color)
- “G” crochet hook (size: 4.25)
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Getting started with a “slip knot”
The first thing you will need to do after gathering the materials needed is to create your slip knot. A slip knot is very easy to do, and once you've done it once or twice you will be able to do it without thinking about it. Simply create a large loop with the yarn on your fingers, lay the loop over the yarn strand coming from your yarn ball/skein, and use your crochet hook to pull that strand through the loop. Now, tighten the knot and you're ready to start working.
Creating a chain
These patterns call for you to “chain/CH” between 31 and 32 stitches. Chaining is something you will need to master in crochet because many patterns start this way. It's very simple to do. In fact, it's a simple as using your hook to pull a length of yarn through a loop of yarn that is on your hook.
Single crochet
The body of the dishcloth will be done in a single crochet stitch. This stitch is done by inserting your hook into one of the chain/working stitches, wrapping your yarn around the hook, and pulling the yarn through your piece (you now have two loops on your hook). Then, wrapping the yarn around your hook once more, and plugging it through both loops on your hook.
Fastening off
Once you've completed the pattern you will need to “fasten off” your yarn. There are a couple of ways to do this depending on the stitch you are doing and the pattern you are working on. For this project, you will simply cut the yarn and pull the end through the last stitch.
Videos to get you started
Websites like YouTube are great for crochet beginners. Here are several videos that will help you complete this project.
- Crochet 101 ~ Slip Knot
- Art of Crochet by Teresa : Crochet Chain - Crochet 101
- Simple Crochet : How to Make the Single Crochet
- How to Fasten Off
Once you've finished this pattern, you will have all the skills you need to complete most single crochet patterns.
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