The craft renaissance has been one of the most positive outcomes of lockdown, with people taking to making to alleviate loneliness, to support their community and to connect with a friendly online community. More people than ever are picking up a hook for the fi st time or rekindling an old passion.
But if you’re new to crochet, what’s the best way to pick it up? “Everyone has a different way of learning,†says Claire Montgomerie. “But I think it’s far easier to learn from another person demonstrating the techniques, whether it’s a structured course, such as the ones I teach through www.citylit.ac.uk, or sessions with a crafty friend on a Zoom chat, or a YouTube video tutorial.â€
Yarn company websites are often a source of free tutorials and videos – try www.lovecrafts.com for example – while www.insidecrochet.co.uk has a wealth of guides to different techniques.
If you’re interested in courses, those offered by www.thecrochetproject.com, run by Kat Goldin and Joanne Scrace, always come highly recommended. Their book The Learn To Crochet Project (£20) has been designed recreate a reallife class experience with four beautiful beginner accessories to make.
A great book with clear step-by-step illustrations is a handy reference guide for crocheters at all levels. Editor Sarah Moran says: “When friends want to learn to crochet I always recommend they pick up a copy of A Little Course In Crochet. It’s an older book from DK but it means you can often find it for less than £5 second-hand.â€
Designer Cassie Ward says Instagram is a great place to start. “If you’re not on there already, I recommend you join and start posting regularly, sharing your own WIPs and commenting on the work of others. Follow designers you love, post a photo and tag them when you make one of their patterns, and you’ll soon have lots of new online friends!â€
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