First Steps as a Beginner in Handicrafts

Dear users, dear authors,
how and where do you start if you’re a beginner who’s never done any crafts before but would like to learn?
Let me know.

Hi Josefa,

I remember exactly how I got started back then.

In 2012, Aldi had a crochet kit for a drawstring bag.
The colors really
caught my eye, and I thought it would be perfect for the kids.
At first, I just picked up one kit. Once I’d mastered the basic stitches
, the bag was finished in no time.
So I had to get a second kit—after all, I do have two kids.

Then I browsed the internet and came across amigurumi.
I bought a great book on the subject and ordered some yarn.

It worked out great right away.

And today I crochet just about everything and have enough yarn to last me the next
10 years—at least.

Best, Heike

Hi everyone!

I’m one of those people who learned to crochet, knit, and embroider from my great-aunt and grandma back when I was in kindergarten.
In general, I’d advise an adult beginner to buy yarn that’s not too thin or too thick, along with the appropriate crochet hook or knitting needles (I like to recommend size 3.5). The yarn can definitely be very inexpensive—there are plenty of great options out there—but the needles, especially for knitting, shouldn’t be the absolute cheapest ones. When choosing circular needles or another type with a cable, it’s best to feel along the needle to see if the transition between the needle and the cable “snags” anywhere. With a crochet hook, you should also feel the tip to check for any rough spots.
And then—depending on whether you prefer one or the other—you should either get a book on the basics or watch videos online.
And just get started!
Either you’ll find joy in it, or it won’t be fun.
If it’s fun, success will follow; if it’s not fun, you should look for another type of craft and, if necessary, try it again later to see if it’s more enjoyable.
After all, only something that’s fun is relaxing and offers the prospect of “success.”

Younger children can start with cross-stitch embroidery or a knitting dolly and a loom. Older children can also be introduced to crocheting and knitting.

Especially when it comes to crocheting, you shouldn’t necessarily start with black or very dark yarn. It’s always very hard to make out the individual stitches with those colors. The same goes for colorful, mottled yarn. So you should use a solid-colored yarn in a medium shade.
Back then, I brushed up on my skills using videos and books.
I still use videos often today whenever something isn’t clear to me.

Start with smaller projects—that way, it won’t be so frustrating if you make a mistake here and there. But basically, just go for it! Just like Heike, who wanted to crochet a bag as her first project and succeeded—I’m sure many others can do the same. Don’t be afraid—just follow the pattern. Before you know it, it’ll “click.”