Crochet

Patterns for crocheting

Are you looking for patterns on how to crochet, would you like to learn more about this relaxing and creative hobby or are you interested in new trends in the world of crochet? Then CrazyPatterns is the right place for you, because we have exciting patterns, tips and tricks for you. Whether patterns for beginners or advanced users, you are guaranteed to find what you are looking for in our extensive selection and will always discover something new. If you don't have any experience with crafting yet, then crocheting is the ideal way to start. Because of the easy handling, first projects can be done in no time at all and you will notice your progress quickly. Everything you need for this: good crochet hooks, which you can get in any handicraft shop, the right wool and good patterns, which will bring you step by step to your goal. And the possibilities are almost limitless: From the classic scarf to the sweater to small figures and many other creative projects, everything is possible.

• Crochet pattern
• Crochet patterns for beginners
• Crochet patterns for advanced crocheters

Crochet patterns

Crochet patterns are based on a simple principle. Hook and thread always form a loop, but the combination of thread strength, color and shape is important for any given crochet project. Crochet patterns are created by arranging these loops in a certain way. A so-called double (or treble, or double-treble) crochet pattern is created, for example, when any number of loops are first put on the hook before a stitch is fully pulled through. This creates more or less long bar-shaped stitches - if stitches are omitted or skipped, a hole pattern is created. Other effects are created by working in the same stitch repeatedly, and thus forming individual knots or bulges. If you have learned and understood these techniques roughly, you can even develop your own crochet pattern.

When you are just starting out, however, finished crochet patterns for the beginning are certainly the better choice. They guarantee a quick introduction, which does not necessarily require a lot of previous knowledge. Nowadays there are crochet patterns for every conceivable project. In our assortment you can find for example crochet patterns for numerous garments such as socks, sweaters or scarves, but also accessories, bags and a lot more are imaginable, as well.

In detail, our crochet patterns show you how you can realize your dream project step by step. You will receive tips for difficult areas so that you can make progress in any case, and suitable pictures show you what your intermediate steps should look like. However, it is important to make sure at the beginning that you pay attention to whether your desired project is really aimed at beginners or whether you already need to have certain skills. However, this is always shown on an overview page, so that you can see at first glance whether the selected project is suitable for you and what expertise you need.

Crochet patterns for beginners

Crocheting is actually relatively easy, nevertheless as a beginner it is completely normal that you’ll have to learn the individual movements and steps and what is actually important. For this reason, we have provided special crochet patterns for beginners, with which you can quickly learn your new hobby and achieve your first successes. Through our crochet patterns for beginners you get easily accessible help, which is enriched with many pictures and explanatory texts. So, you know directly how well you are progressing, what the intermediate steps of your project should look like and when something is not right. For your chosen project you will also be provided with info on the appropriate crochet hooks and suitable yarn and wool suggestions, so that your crochet work comes as close to the original as possible.

You still need help or would like to learn more about the basics, for example special meshes or the correct way to hold the crochet hooks? No problem, our portal not only has the right beginner's guides for you, but also offers you access to the portal's own forum. There you can exchange ideas with like-minded people, get helpful tips and you can show your finished works to other users.

Crochet patterns for advanced crocheters

Have you already completed your first crochet projects or are you already a real professional when it comes to doing more complex crochet patterns? No problem, with us you will also find a large selection of advanced patterns where you can let your creativity flow freely. Try a modern color gradient that works very well with shawls and scarves, for example. Or how about a pillowcase made of small, colorful granny squares, which are currently very popular and trendy? In the same way, you can also use our crochet patterns for advanced crocheters to learn new types of stitches and make the stitch pattern more varied. Or instead, look out for particularly varied crochet ideas that you may never have seen before. No matter what you are looking for or what new expertise you would like to learn - our patterns are guaranteed to have a few suitable crochet projects ready for you.

And if a question should arise or you are not sure how to apply certain steps: No problem, our crochet patterns for advanced crocheters are illustrated just like our beginners' patterns and explain every necessary step to you as precisely as possible.

What can I crochet with CrazyPatterns patterns?

You would like to know how large and varied the range at CrazyPatterns is and which instructions and templates you can find here? The best thing to do is take a look around or use our search functions so that you can quickly find what you are looking for. Basically, CrazyPatterns patterns offer you suggestions and ideas for almost every crochet project imaginable. Want to try your hand at typical classics like socks, sweaters and scarves? Or are you instead looking for special eye-catchers to add the finishing touches to your outfit? But it doesn't always have to be clothes, you can also crochet completely different things - such as stuffed animals, accessories or decorative items. Among other things, CrazyPatterns has patterns for the following categories for you:

• Crochet amigurumi
• Crochet hats and baby hats
• Crochet scarves and shawls
• Crochet jackets
• Crochet overalls and pullovers
• Crochet boleros
• Crochet socks
• Crochet slippers and shoes
• Crochet gloves and baby gloves
• Crochet stuffed animals
• Crochet blankets
• Crochet baby shoes

Crochet amigurumi

Amigurumis are small, cute figures that are originally from Japan. Meanwhile they are also very popular in Germany and surrounding areas, not least because they are varied and unusual. Because if you want to crochet an Amigurumi, the possibilities are almost endless: Whether owl, fish, turtle, cat, dog or bird - for each animal there are suitable patterns, with which you can quickly achieve first successes. Or should your Amigurumi be a bit more unusual? No problem, because not only normal animals, but also fantasy creatures like unicorns or normal everyday objects like key rings, cups, flower pots or toilets are represented in this crazy trend.

Crochet hats and baby hats

Clothes for children and babies are particularly popular when it comes to handicrafts. On the one hand because they have a very personal and individual touch as a gift, on the other hand because they are relatively easy to make. For example, if you want to crochet baby hats, this is an ideal introductory project to gain your first practical experience. Or would you rather crochet hats for yourself instead? Here, too, the effort is hardly greater, because the crochet pattern remains roughly the same, only the amount of material increases. But whether you choose a normal or a cute baby hat, we have a wide selection for you to choose from, offering both entry-friendly and more advanced variations as needed.

Crochet scarves and shawls

You finally want to start crocheting and are looking for the right introductory project? Then try your hand at a scarf or shawl as your first project, because in the end you will not only have a great and individual piece of clothing, but you will also hardly have any problems with the implementation. Or are you instead looking for a more advanced guide to crochet extra-ordinary scarves and shawls? Then CrazyPatterns is the right place for you, because we offer many different patterns for beginners and advanced crocheters for every conceivable crochet project. Whether with an unusual color gradient, a special embroidery pattern or a very beginner-friendly pattern, where every step is comprehensively illustrated - you'll find the right patterns for crocheting scarves and shawls here.

Crochet jackets

Would you like to crochet your own jackets and dress yourself according to your own wishes? For this purpose, we have different patterns here at CrazyPatterns ready for you, which support you both as a beginner and as an advanced. A nice poncho, for example, would be conceivable as an introductory project that not only keeps you warm in winter, but also provides for a nice wearing feeling in the summer. Or try a fashionable bolero for which you only need a small amount of material. You will be supported by detailed crochet patterns, which will explain step by step how to implement your crochet project correctly. In our large selection you will also find numerous patterns for crocheting jackets, which are more advanced, so that you can challenge yourself again and again and learn new things.

Crochet overalls and pullovers

Would you like to crochet a cuddly sweater and thus create one of the most popular crochet classics? Then CrazyPatterns is the place for you, because we have the right patterns for you so that you can crochet both overalls and sweaters step by step. Just choose a design that you like and make sure you know which skills you need for each pattern. If you're still a beginner, it's best to start with a rather simple design –you can gradually improve and broaden your knowledge. You want to get active and finally crochet overalls and sweaters that you can customize to your heart's content? Then get started now and take a look at our wide range of patterns.

Crochet boleros

A sweater or a jacket is too simple for you? Then try a crocheted bolero, which you can combine casually and loosely to many outfits. In crocheted form you can also wear your bolero as a simple house jacket, but also on the beach or even in combination with a business outfit it is suitable depending on the version. If you want to crochet a bolero and still need help or a corresponding model, then simply use our practical patterns. You will learn step by step how to crochet a bolero, which materials you need and what skills you should already have. Depending on whether you already have a lot of experience in crocheting or are just beginning, there are beginner and advanced patterns available for you.

Crochet socks

Socks are an absolute - if not THE absolute - classic when it comes to crocheting. For beginners, they are relatively easy to implement, because the amount of material is accordingly manageable and the basic crochet pattern is also rather simple. Of course, this does not always have to be the case, because even socks can become a challenging project if required. Depending on whether you are a beginner or already advanced, you can and should choose a suitable model or crochet pattern. Crocheting socks for beginners is rather simple, so that you can ideally learn your first crochet techniques here, while the advanced patterns can contain the most varied patterns and color gradients.

Crochet ballerinas and shoes

Crochet shoes? Yes, that's possible! For example, ballerinas are best suited for crocheting, but they are best suited for indoor use at home and less for outdoor use. They replace your slippers in a stylish way and keep your feet pleasantly warm. Are you still looking for a pretty pair of ballerinas that you can crochet easily even as a beginner? Then take a look at our beginner-friendly step-by-step patterens to help you get the most out of your homemade ballerinas. Or are you perhaps already advanced and looking for a more challenging project? Here, too, we have a number of patterns for you that require different color gradients, patterns or crochet techniques.

Crochet gloves and baby gloves

Gloves are a constant companion, especially in winter. If you would like to have a pair that is as individual and unique as possible and are also interested in a new crochet project, then our patterns will help you with the implementation. Our crochet patterns not only show you how to crochet classic gloves, but also explain step by step how to make cuffs or wrist warmers. That way you don't just warm your hands and arms, you also have a great eye-catcher at the same time. By the way, you can not only crochet gloves for yourself, but also baby gloves. The pattern is correspondingly similar but requires less material.

Crochet stuffed animals

Would you like to start a new crochet project, but scarf, hat and the like are not special enough for you? Then just try a cute stuffed animal that you can crochet for your kids, for example. Just as well you can use the finished crocheted animals as decoration and set beautiful homemade highlights in your home. A special form of crocheted cuddly toys are the so-called Amigurumi - they originally come from Japan and are now also very popular in Germany. No matter which project you ultimately decide on, our beginner-friendly patterns will help you with the implementation and show you with the help of pictures and many tips how to successfully realize your stuffed animal project.

Crochet blankets

Blankets are also among the most popular classics when it comes to crocheting. Here you can vary so that your project becomes as small or as big as you want it to be. For example, if you have a large project in mind, you can crochet a sofa blanket in the trendy granny style. Or would you rather start with a smaller project? How about a cute baby blanket for your own children or as a gift? No matter which type of blanket you choose, our illustrated step-by-step patterns will help you to crochet blankets without any problems, even as a beginner. But we also have the right crochet patterns for advanced crocheters - just take a look around and you will certainly find patterns in our wide range that exactly match your wishes and skill set.

Crochet baby shoes

Crocheting is a great hobby if you would like to make homemade gifts. Especially baby clothes in crochet look are always a nice eye-catcher and not that difficult to make. Hat, scarf and gloves aren't extraordinary enough for you or don't challenge you anymore? Then try crocheting a pair of cute baby shoes instead. This way your baby's feet are softly and comfortably wrapped, which pays off especially when crawling and playing at home. But also as a gift at a baby party or as a birthday present, baby shoes are a gift that parents will surely be happy about and that will certainly be remembered for a long time to come. If you want to crochet baby shoes, but are still a beginner, then simply use our practical patterns, which explain exactly what you have to do step by step.

What types of crochet patterns does CrazyPatterns offer?

At CrazyPatterns you will find a variety of crochet patterns for different projects. Whether clothes, articles for decoration or stuffed animals and much more, here you will find what you are looking for and can let your creativity flow freely. Our crochet patterns are divided into different sections - on the one hand you will find free crochet patterns which you can use at any time and which are offered to you free of charge by the members of our community. On the other hand, CrazyPatterns also provides you with fee-based patterns, which you pay once and can use again and again afterwards. For your money, you will then receive a very comprehensive and illustrated guide that will guide you through your crochet project step by step – by the way, you can also design your own crochet patterns and submit them to CrazyPatterns, so you can easily earn some small or large pocket money.

Apart from that, our crochet patterns are also divided into patterns for beginners and advanced users. When looking for a crochet project, always pay attention to the level of difficulty and what exact knowledge you should already have.

• Free crochet patterns
• Buy crochet patterns

Free crochet patterns

You want to start crocheting, but you haven't gained any experience yet and don't know what to expect? Then it's best to start with one of our free crochet patterns without any obligation. This way you don't have to spend any money and can still try your hand at a first project. All you need is an account on CrazyPatterns so that you can download the patterns - all you need is a nickname and your email address. You have encountered a problem while crocheting and can't find a solution in the free crocheting patterns? No problem, just visit our forum. Many users meet there for a common chat, to show each other their works and will also be happy to help you out here and there. Another alternative is the CrazyPatterns Facebook page, where you can also get in touch with many crafts fans. If you have settled in a little on our site and feel comfortable, then the pattern creators will certainly be happy if you also browse through their other creative ideas. Maybe there is something suitable for you! If you would like to create a pattern yourself, but don't know the procedure yet, it's also worth taking a look at the free versions. This way you can directly see how a good manual is structured and what you have to pay attention to when creating it. How many pictures should be included, which abbreviations are known and common, how detailed should you explain your individual steps? Once you get the hang of it, you can create your own patterns and offer them to the community for a small amount on CrazyPatterns.

Buy crochet patterns

You have already experimented extensively with our free crochet instructions and are now looking for a new crochet project? Our site offers you a variety of other possibilities, including crochet patterns that you can buy. The advantage of these patterns is that they are much more comprehensive and can even contain up to 100 pictures and more. The respective CrazyPatterns members, who are responsible for these instructions, have worked very hard and would therefore be happy about a small compensation in return.

Apart from that, the selection of our patterns in this section is much more extensive, so that you can always discover new exciting projects here. Whether clothes, decorative items, stuffed animals or many other unusual ideas, just check our homepage regularly, take a look at our different categories or on the SALE page. Once you've found a crochet pattern you like, log in with your username and password and simply download it to your computer. Just make sure your account is charged so you can buy the respective crochet instructions.

If you want to save a bit of money, also check out our regular contests. You can win vouchers and get one or the other pattern at a discounted price. If you want to earn some money with CrazyPatterns yourself, try your first own patterns and upload them to our website.

How can I get the crochet patterns?

Once you have chosen one of our crochet patterns, you can easily download it. First you have to register with CrazyPatterns and charge your user account - this way you benefit from a 5% discount on each pattern. Alternatively, you can pay with a different payment method. Once you have found a suitable crochet pattern using the search function or one of our categories, select it. You will already see the exact price, the name of the supplier and the picture of the pattern so that you can compare and choose quickly and easily. On the following product page, you will find more details and all information about the pattern.

To buy, click on the blue button, alternatively you can also put the pattern into your shopping cart and continue shopping. Once you have made up your mind, a short question will appear, which you answer with "Ok". Then the corresponding contribution will be charged to your account and your patterns will be downloaded without any waiting time. Here you can decide whether you want to receive the pattern as a ZIP or PDF file. Of course, you can also simply download both versions. By the way, multiple downloads are also possible at any time without additional costs, so your pattern will always be available digitally. To finally use the pattern, open the PDF or unzip the ZIP and open the file it contains. Now you should be able to see the complete pattern on your PC and you can either start right away or comfortably print it out.

Can I also offer crochet patterns on CrazyPatterns?

On CrazyPatterns you can not only search for new inspiration and interesting crochet patterns, but also upload them yourself and offer them to other community members. The CrazyPatterns marketplace is at your disposal for this purpose and is regularly accessed by many thousands of users of our platform. All you need is an account, which you can create for free.

You are allowed to design your own crochet patterns the way you want them to be, so go ahead and let your creativity flow. But keep in mind that your crochet patterns need detailed explanations and at best contain a lot of descriptive pictures – that way, they are especially easy for the users to understand, you get good reviews and that in turn ensures further sales. If you have created your patterns and think they are well done, simply upload them to our portal. There they will first be checked by us and will then be made available to all CrazyPatterns users.

We have made the rest of the process especially uncomplicated for you: The upload is completely free of charge for you and also the payment processing with the buyer is automatically taken over by us. In the case of a successful sale, a part of the price be credited to you, CrazyPatterns receives the remaining amount and with this it covers, for example, the administrative costs incurred. Once you have earned a few Euros, you can withdraw them at any time you like. Alternatively, there are also collective payments to choose from that will save you a lot of time. If your additional income brings you into contact with a tax consultant or the tax office for the first time, we'll help you by creating all the reports which in turn means that you no longer have to write invoices.

Crochet patterns for left-handed and right-handed people

The classic crochet school is usually designed for right-handers. Therefore, most of the crochet patterns and videos you will find with this orientation, but more and more often there are patterns developed especially for left-handers. In the past, working with the left hand was almost perceived as an illness, but in the present people are fortunately much more open, so that left-handers don't miss out on handicrafts either.

If you are also left-handed, you don't need any special tools or hooks for crocheting. However, lessons might still be difficult. As a left-handed person, you often have to imagine all the steps mirror-inverted, and the same applies to patterns or videos. Of course, this only applies if the teacher or creator is right-handed. If, on the other hand, they are left-handed, you have a big advantage and usually find a much easier entry into your crochet work.

You are left-handed and already know how to crochet well? Then write a pattern for our members, which is meant especially for left-handed people and thereby expands our offer for many left-handers. Of course, it is also possible that you are already very experienced as a right-handed person and can therefore explain all steps for left-handers - even then our community will be happy about your expertise!

Where is the wrong and right side when crocheting?

When crocheting, numerous terms are used that are especially puzzling for beginners or at least cause one or two uncertainties. This also applies to the question of the wrong side (inside) and the right side (outside), which can be quickly confused during crocheting. As a rule, the right side (outside) should face outwards when crocheting in rounds. This is also called "crocheting on the right side". Some crochet with the wrong side (inside) on the outside and then turn their crochet over. This is called “crocheting on the wrong side”.

If the work is turned over after each row, the first right side row is usually the right side. If patterns are used which consist completely of right side rows, the yarn is bound off with a slip stitch, cut off and then sewn up at the end of each row. The yarn then has to be reattached at the front. If the decision is to be made about which side of the crochet project is to face outwards or inwards for the finished crocheted garment, many people will also simply go with their gut feeling.

Learn to crochet

Would you like to learn how to crochet, but don't know exactly how and where to start? Then start with our beginner-friendly patterns, where you can easily learn and implement many basic techniques and first projects. The most important things for beginners are probably the crochet hook and wool yarn - if you have knitted before, you will recognize many movements and can get into your new hobby very quickly. When crocheting, you always pull one stitch through another already existing stitch, a thread ring or a fabric edge. The only exception is the so-called chain (stitch). Don't worry if you start off with one or two mistakes. Because in this case you can simply undo your crocheting and "repair" the corresponding spot. Crocheting is usually done from right to left, with the left hand guiding the thread. You can also get help in our forum, where many friendly CrazyPatterns users support you and are happy to answer your questions.

Help for crochet beginners

You enjoy crocheting and would you like to learn more about this relaxing and creative hobby? You may have had your first experiences like many others even in your school days and already know roughly what crocheting is all about. Then you probably won't find it difficult to get started and it won't be long before you can show your first results. You can let your imagination run wild and create for example clothes, decorative items and much more.

Basically, crocheting is a very simple hobby, in which you use a special needle to form stitches and link them together. By the way, the name "crochet" comes from the French word for “hook”, which in turn derives from the shape of the needle or rather hook at the tip of the crochet needle. Besides the desire for handicrafts you only need the mentioned needle and your favorite thread for crocheting. A few other tools are also handy, including scissors, a sewing needle and of course a fitting crochet pattern. If you don't have any experience at all, it's better to familiarize yourself with some basic terms and get to know your new hobby first.

In order for you to get started quickly, we would like to give you a few aids with which you can quickly succeed and learn the basics of crocheting:

• Video tutorials for crochet beginners
• Step by step patterns for crochet beginners
• Community forum for crochet friends
• CrazyPatterns Support
• Where can I learn to crochet?

Video tutorials for crochet beginners

As a crochet beginner, videos are an ideal first contact point for you to quickly and easily get started with the topic. With the help of our videos you can, for example, get to know the first important terms of crocheting in detail, be it the slip stitch, the chain stitch or another type of stitch. You'll also learn what the correct way to hold your hand looks like and can do it at home in peace and quiet - and if the video is too fast for you, you can simply set it to pause or rewind it a little. Even if you're left-handed, you'll find great help here, since many videos are specially tailored to you and you don't have to think mirror-inverted all the time. CrazyPatterns also has its own video channel, which you can find on YouTube. Here, we regularly provide you with new patterns, tips and tricks and helpful advice to quickly get into your hobby. Videos are also a good alternative if you don't want to spend any money or if you're not sure whether crocheting is something for you at all. You can learn the most important basics effortlessly this way and if you feel like going for it, you can still browse through our portal at your leisure. If videos are less appealing to you, you'll also find plenty of other alternatives. In addition to our crochet patterns, many of which are free, you can also rely on the help of the community, for example.

Step by step patterns for crochet beginners

With our step by step patterns for crochet beginners, you'll easily learn what's important when crocheting and will soon be able to finish your first handicrafts. No matter which project you want to tackle, thanks to the extensive guides of our community members you can follow every single step exactly and reach your goal effortlessly. Simply select one of our beginner-friendly patterns, download it to your computer, and crochet great crafts such as sweaters, hats, scarves, socks or stuffed animals. We have both decorative and practical things in store for you and regularly offer you new ideas and inspirations to put into practice. Especially interesting for you as a beginner: On CrazyPatterns you will not only find patterns for sale, but also free patterns. So, if you'd like to get a taste of crocheting without any commitment, you've come to the right place.

Many technical terms are still a mystery to you and you don’t know which crochet hooks, yarns or other materials you need so that you can start well prepared? No problem, because our patterns will tell you before you buy exactly what you need to know about the project in question and what you need in detail for the realization. During the creation process, you will also have access to extensive visual material and many tips and advice provided by the author of the pattern. And should you still encounter a problem or have a specific question, you can always use our forum, where many users of CrazyPatterns are happy to help you and support you in every way.

Community forum for crochet friends

Exchange ideas with other crochet enthusiasts, show your latest works or find answers to your most urgent questions. The CrazyPatterns Community forum has all this and more in store for you. In order to use our forum, you have to register and log in first. This will give you the opportunity to get in touch with other users of the community. Depending on what you are looking for, you can either view all posts in the forum and simply go on a little journey of discovery, or you can use our various filters. For example, you can limit your search to crochet only, but you can also search for other forms of needlework, such as knitting or sewing. Or are you perhaps interested in certain patterns that you would like to find quickly and easily? Then simply select the respective tab in the forum, such as our bestsellers, the latest patterns on the site, recommendations from other users or discounted and free patterns. If you're interested, the forum will also take you to the gallery where our members present their latest creations and share them with the community, but it doesn't always have to be about the hobby - you can just drop in on the forum to chat or find help if you have any problems on the site.

CrazyPatterns Support

Do you have any problems, questions or any other specific request? We will be happy to help you, be it via the contact form or through our extensive FAQ area. Before you send us an email with a question that you might have to wait a few days for, it's best to first visit our help section. There, we have explained for all CrazyPatterns members in great detail how our platform works and what you can do and discover. You want to download crochet patterns, but don't know how? Or would you like to provide patterns for other members yourself, but don't really know how to upload them? We will answer these and other questions in detail and with lots of explanatory pictures for you. However, the other members can usually help you as well, so if you have any questions you can simply create a thread or see if someone else has already asked the same question.

Where can I learn to crochet?

You can learn to crochet in many different ways, especially since the introduction to this hobby is very beginner-friendly and you will have the first results in your hands after a short time. Video tutorials are particularly useful for crocheting your first stitches and understanding how to hold the needles or what you need to know about the many different stitches. They show you clearly which step is next, and you can follow exactly what you have to do. You can also pause or rewind a video at any time, so you can easily work at your own pace. However, there isn't a video for every conceivable hand movement or pattern, so you may have to resort to alternatives. In our crochet patterns, for example, you'll find step-by-step illustrated projects that also show and explain each step in detail. If you still can't get any further, please ask for advice in our forum - many of our users will be happy to help you with their expertise.

Why crochet a gauge?

A so-called gauge is the start of every pattern, because it tells you right at the beginning how many stitches and rows make up a certain area. This information is so important because all other measurements are based on it. So, in order to get the right size later, you have to stick to the required stitch density. This, in turn, depends on the yarn type, needle size, pattern and your individual way of working, so before you start your handicraft you should crochet such a stitch sample (gauge). Based on this, you can adapt your own technique so that the correct stitch density is obtained. To check whether the stitch density of your sample is correct, you can use a sample of at least 10 centimeters square. Place the sample flat on the table and measure 10 cm with a ruler or tape measure. Mark the start and end points with pins and then count the stitches between these points. Do the same again vertically to count the rows. If the gauge matches the specifications in the instructions, you can get started - if not, you have to correct a few points first. Depending on the sample, it may be enough to use a thicker or thinner needle or crochet more rows or stitches. Do you still have questions about the gauge? Then have a look at our blog, in which we have covered the topic in detail as well.

What is a slip stitch?

Slip stitches are an integral part of crocheting, it is a type of stitch that always comes at the end of a handicraft project. You will encounter the slip stitch in many crochet projects, so it makes sense to practice it a little before you really get started. Basically, you create a slip stitch by stitching your crochet hook into the stitch, picking up the thread and pulling it through the loop already lying on the needle. Repeat this process until they form a kind of border on your crochet work.

Slip stitches form the lowest stitches when crocheting and are usually used to close rounds. However, you can also use them to crochet very ornamental decorative edges or to connect several pieces of crochet to them. For a better understanding, watch a video or take a look at an illustrated guide, then you will be able to use the slip stitch yourself in no time.

What do I need for crocheting?

If you want to start crocheting, you will need a few important things. First of all you should get some crochet hooks ready, but suitable yarns are also an important part of your crochet work. You can easily follow the recommendations in our crochet instructions so that you know exactly what you need for your desired project in advance. Other than that, the correct posture and threading are especially important, which you will however learn easily by yourself over the course of time - as is so often the case, practice makes perfect.

Apart from that, a little prior knowledge is not wrong, depending on exactly what you have in mind. But don't worry, crocheting is a very easy hobby to learn, so even an absolute beginner will find a quick start. If you still want to know a few useful basics beforehand, just read a little about the topics chain stitch, single (UK: double) crochet and double (UK: treble) crochet. Our community in the CrazyPatterns forum will be happy to help you.

• Crochet instructions
• Wool for crocheting
• Crochet hooks

Wool for crocheting

When crocheting, the use of the right wool plays a very important role. There are almost countless variations and nuances, be it thin or thick wool or the choice of material. In principle, there are standards that apply to the most common yarn thicknesses and their possible uses. Yarn can be twisted together from several threads, often it consists of two, three or four threads.

• If very fine work is to be crocheted, either two-ply yarn or fine yarn is used. It is about half as thick as three-ply yarn, which is in turn suitable for baby and children's clothing.
  Four-ply yarn is considered to be the standard thickness and is ideal for a wide variety of garments, including pullovers, jackets, hats and scarves.
  In addition to yarn, wool is also often used - by the way, wool is always referred to when it is a material of animal origin. Wool is also available in numerous different strengths. Somewhat stronger than four-ply yarn is the so-called sport yarn, which is suitable for jackets and pullovers, followed by shetland yarn, which is three times the standard thickness and is suitable for warm blankets or jackets.
  Even more warmth is provided by the use of thick sport yarn, which can be used for coarse-meshed jackets and pullovers. It corresponds to four times the standard or twice the thickness of sports wool.

Which yarn you choose depends mainly on your particular project and on what the finished crochet piece should be able to do. Since crochet yarns are made of a wide variety of materials, they all differ in terms of processing, wearing and care properties or use. They all have different advantages and disadvantages, which you should consider before starting your crochet work. If you want to create a beautiful and individual handmade piece, it is almost always worthwhile to use high-quality materials - also because you often simply see that plastic is plastic. As a rough recommendation, for example, yarns are recommended that consist of at least 50% natural materials, such as wool or cotton. By the way, you can easily see the exact composition of a yarn on the respective label. There you can find various information such as the entire length of the thread, the recommendation of a suitable needle size, care instructions for the material or the processing method. The latter means that the thread has been specially treated later on. Common are yarns with the addition "gassed", with which no single hairs stick out or "mercerized", where cotton has been treated with caustic soda and thus looks particularly silky and shiny. If you have the choice, then mercerized cotton is actually always a good decision, because it is considered to be of particularly high quality. Again, you should have the courage to test and try it out to find out which materials suit you best.

You can also use your remaining yarn and wool leftovers for many beautiful projects. For example, you can use them to make a blanket where you can really let loose. Wool scraps are also suitable for small things, such as decorative elements, small details that you can attach to other crochet pieces or quick projects such as egg warmers, mobile phone covers and the like. So don't throw away any leftovers immediately after finishing a crochet job, but keep them for the next opportunity.

Crochet needles

The selection of crochet needles is large, so it can be difficult for beginners to decide. Which needle fits which yarn, what is important when choosing and what does a good crochet hook actually have to be able to do?

In German-speaking countries, crochet hooks always have a number that describes the thickness of the hook. This value is given in millimeters, a crochet hook with the number 2, for example, would have a diameter of 2 millimeters. Attention: If you are working with English crochet patterns, you will probably have to consider other labels. When deciding which crochet hook is the right one, your wool selection usually already helps you straight away. Because there is usually a recommendation on the labels of wool and yarn. Of course, you can also dismiss this if necessary, but as a rough orientation it is very helpful at first. In addition, crochet hooks are distinguished as follows:

• Yarn crochet hooks - these are particularly fine crochet hooks that are used for all fine and thin yarns. They are suitable, for example, for crocheting lace and have a thickness of 0.6-2.5 millimeters. The hook is always made of steel for yarn crochet hooks, and most models are also offered with an additional protective cover.
• Wool crochet hooks - Wool crochet hooks are suitable for thicker yarns and wool. They start at 2.0 millimeters and end at 20.0 millimeters. They are available in a variety of designs and are based on a variety of materials. For example, the crochet hook can be made of aluminium, bamboo, metal or plastic.

Ideally, you should have a few different crochet hooks ready for your crochet project so that you are prepared for any eventuality. Also, try out some of the different crochet hooks first, as some will probably automatically fit better than others.