🌸 What I Wish I Knew Before I Started Crocheting

A beginner’s guide by SewDani

When I first picked up a crochet hook, I thought it would be simple… just yarn, a hook, and a few stitches, right?
Not exactly 😅
Crochet is such a rewarding skill, but there are a few things I really wish I knew when I was just starting out. If you’re a beginner (or thinking about starting), this post is for you 💖

🧶 1. Your First Projects Will Not Be Perfect
And that’s okay.
In the beginning, my stitches were uneven, my edges were wonky, and sometimes my projects didn’t even look like what they were supposed to 😭
But here’s the thing:
every single piece you make teaches you something.
Don’t give up just because it’s not “Pinterest perfect.” Progress > perfection, always.

🪡 2. Yarn Choice Matters More Than You Think
Not all yarn is beginner-friendly.
I wish I knew to start with:
Medium-weight yarn (like acrylic or cotton)
Light colours (so you can actually see your stitches)

Avoid:
Super fluffy or fuzzy yarn (it hides your stitches 😵‍💫)
The right yarn makes learning SO much easier.

✋ 3. Tension Is Everything (and It Takes Time)
At first, my stitches were either:
too tight (couldn’t even get the hook through 💀)
or too loose (everything looked messy)
Tension just means how tightly or loosely you hold your yarn.

👉 The truth:
You don’t “learn” tension overnight. It comes with practice.
So don’t stress if your work feels inconsistent at first — that’s completely normal.

🔄 4. You Will Frog Projects… A Lot
“Frogging” = pulling out your stitches and starting again 🐸
I used to think messing up meant I failed. Now I know:
redoing your work is part of the process.
Even now, I still undo rows when something isn’t right.
It’s not a setback — it’s how you improve.

📺 5. YouTube Will Be Your Best Friend
Patterns can be confusing at first, especially with all the abbreviations.
Watching someone actually do the stitch helped me so much more than just reading instructions.
If you’re stuck:
👉 search the stitch on YouTube
👉 watch it slowly
👉 pause and copy
Game changer.

🧵 6. Start Small (Trust Me)
I know it’s tempting to start with a big blanket or clothing item…
…but don’t 😭
Start with:
squares
coasters
small plushies
Small projects help you:
finish faster (which keeps you motivated)
practice without getting overwhelmed

💖 7. It’s Okay to Take Breaks
Crochet is supposed to be relaxing, not stressful.
There were times I felt frustrated or stuck, and stepping away actually helped me come back better.
Rest is part of the process too.

✨ Final Thoughts
Crochet is more than just a hobby — it’s something that grows with you.
From my first uneven stitches to creating pieces I’m truly proud of today, every step has been worth it.
If you’re just starting:
👉 be patient with yourself
👉 enjoy the process
👉 and don’t be afraid to make mistakes
Because one day, you’ll look back and realise how far you’ve come 💖

Remember practice makes perfect!

🌸 With love,
SewDani