Avoiding beginner mistakes

Since I’m still a beginner at crocheting, I’ve often made typical beginner mistakes in my projects.

I’ve already learned from some of them and would like to share my tips.

I’d love it if the pros here could also share a few tips on how to avoid typical beginner mistakes in crocheting.

• Taking on projects that are too big or complicated: Especially as a beginner, it’s better to start with small, simple projects to see quick results and get some practice.
• Crocheting too tightly: It’s better to use a hook that’s at least two sizes larger than what’s indicated on the label.
• Crocheting too many or too few stitches in a row (especially when crocheting in straight rows, e.g., a scarf): Tie a piece of yarn or attach a stitch marker with a carabiner to, for example, every 10th stitch, and use it to count the stitches in each row
• Can’t find the beginning when crocheting in the round (e.g., a circular scarf): Tie a piece of yarn or attach a stitch marker to the first stitch of the round. Reattach it accordingly at the start of each new round.
• Failing to weave in the end of the yarn: The end of the yarn should be woven in; otherwise, the knot will stick out like a “bump.” Additionally, the end of the yarn can come loose and cause unraveling of the crocheted piece.
  

These are the mistakes I made right at the beginning. Feel free to add to the list :-)

Thanks for the lovely post; I’ve added you under points A and H in the “Materials + Techniques from A–Z” thread.

Hi everyone!

A few small tips from me for beginners:
- Not every pattern (whether free or paid) is good enough for a beginner to manage, even if it is actually a very simple product. So if you just can't get anywhere with the pattern, it doesn't necessarily have to be because of your own skill level, but perhaps because the pattern simply isn't explained well enough for a beginner (and sometimes not even for pros...). Reviews from others often help you determine in advance whether a pattern is suitable for someone or not (which is why it's also so important to leave reviews - with explanatory text... that way customers and authors can see whether something should be improved).
- Make gauge swatches! That way, you can quickly tell whether the crochet piece will fit and whether you are getting along well with the yarn and hook size.
- Watch videos if something is unclear! Often, stitch types only really become clear to a beginner that way.
- If you really can't get the hang of it: contact the author (many include contact details in their patterns, but you should definitely be able to find contact details in the shop's legal notice). In most cases, help can be given quickly and easily.
- Small projects to start with, but don't get "stuck" on them - as the challenge (slowly) grows, so do your skills!
- Use good wool/good yarn (it should feel comfortable in your hands while you work) and good hooks in various sizes! Only then is relaxed and enjoyable crocheting possible.
- Take your time and don't rush. Just because a pattern may say: "easy project, crochet this or that within (my hypothetical time estimate!!!) 30 minutes" does NOT mean it has to be finished within 30 minutes! And if it takes 3 hours (again, a hypothetical time estimate from me!!!), that's just as good and okay! What matters is the fun and the result, and the time factor is only of very minor importance!

Well, that's all I can think of right now ;)

Best wishes - Nina

Hi ZwergnaseBaer,

thank you so much for your tips. Great—I hadn’t even thought of that.

I usually go by the reviews as well; a crochet diagram with a legend but no further explanations, for example, is still way too difficult for me.

As for the crochet hooks, I’ve unfortunately tried quite a few until I finally bought almost all the Addi Swing hooks. I’m finally happy with them because their curved shape means my hands don’t cramp up anymore.
This isn’t meant to be an ad for Addi—I just want to share my experience.

I’d consider myself an experienced beginner, and I think that when tackling large projects, you should start with a small piece using simple stitches and thicker yarn, since that way you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment more quickly.