Introduction to Crochet for Absolute Beginners

Welcome and Overview

• Host: Sarah-Jayne
• Purpose: To teach absolute beginners how to crochet. Useful for those needing a refresher as well.
• Series includes everything needed to get started.

What You Will Learn

• Preparation for crocheting.
• Basic techniques: slip knot and chain stitch.

Tools Needed

1. Yarn

   • Recommended: Aran weight or DK (double knit).
   • Check yarn label for recommended crochet hook size.
     • Example: 5 mm hook (8 USA, 6 UK)

2. Crochet Hook

   • Types:
     • Aluminium hook with soft grip.
     • Acrylic hook.
     • Full aluminium hook.
     • Aluminium with plastic handle.
   • Recommendation: Start with an aluminium head for ease of use.

3. Additional Tools

   • Scissors
   • Darning needle (for tying off ends)
   • Stitch marker (helpful but not essential)

Preparing Your Yarn

• Remove yarn band; unravel some yarn.
• Work from either center or outside of yarn ball.
• Ensures correct tension.

Creating a Slip Knot

1. Wrap yarn around finger to form an X.
2. Pinch yarn and wrap the yarn ball's yarn around your finger.
3. Pull back loop over front loop to form a slip knot.

Chain Stitch Instructions

1. Insert hook into slip knot.

2. Holding the Hook

   • Knife hold or pencil hold.
   • Recommended: Knife hold.

3. Holding the Yarn

   • Wrap around little finger and pointer finger.
   • Pinch below slip knot for tension.

4. Creating the Chain

   • Yarn over (wrap yarn around hook).
   • Pull through the loop.
   • Repeat for a series of chains.

Practice and Common Mistakes

• Aim for 10 chains to start.

• Recognizing parts of the chain:

  • Top and bottom loops.
  • Back bumps.

• Common Mistakes

  • Too tight tension: Difficult to pull through.
  • Too loose tension: Chains become too loose.

Conclusion

• Practice creating chains to perfect technique.
• Next video: Learning how to double crochet.