Mine is a 5mm, always has been! Either wooden, resin, bamboo or metal ones are great, I love my Dot Hooks with ergonomic handles but my Mum uses metal, it’s entirely up to you. Once you get started you’ll figure out what your favourite size of hook is. Starting a project is really simple, you just need a crochet hook and some yarn.

I never tire of making blankets, afghans or throws and I know so many others are like me too. They are something to be really proud of and admire. I mean who doesn’t love a blanket?! They are a perfect gift, or to keep for yourself. Your hands know what they are doing and you can pop on your favourite box set and crochet away. The moment you get lost in it is the best feeling – it means you’re there. If you choose a blanket with a really simple repeat for the pattern then you won’t only be learning how to crochet but you’ll be learning about your hook and yarn positioning and action, you’ll develop an even tension and eventually, you’ll get lost in the mindfulness of the blanket. There are a few reasons for this.įirstly, repetition. Most people I know are fans of scarves, dishcloths, cushions and other smaller projects but I think you should just go for it with a decent sized blanket.

Lots of people ask me what the best things are to crochet for beginners. When you find the perfect way you’ll know and the muscle memory you develop will mean you’ll find it hard to do it any other way! Or at least I do! Why start by crocheting a blanket? I would encourage everyone to just find what works for you.ĭon’t worry about how you hold your hook or your yarn, just find what’s comfortable for you. I didn’t know anyone else who crocheted and so I just copied my Mums technique which is pretty similar to throwing your yarn in knitting so to pure crocheters it looks really weird. Don’t beat yourself up if your first few (or more than a few) attempts don’t work out. So my best advice for anyone starting out learning to crochet is to be kind to yourself. I would say it took at least 4 or 5 blankets for me to feel comfortable with my technique so don’t despair, it will happen! It’s like anything in life where practice makes perfect and all that jazz.

My muscle memory started to kick in and those tight awkward chains started to flow and I could finally work my stitches into them without having a massive argument with them! Fortunately, I had the time and energy to persevere and slowly but surely it came to me. I didn’t know how to hold the hook, my Mum went waaaaay too fast (bless her) and it just didn’t make any sense to me. Getting Started with easy crochet blanketsĪt first it felt awful and I hated it. Please see my full disclosure and privacy policy for details.

Crochet patterns for beginners afghan