It dawned on me that the thing I blog least about is the thing I do most. So in an attempt to set that right I thought I’d do a post on my crochet classes.
We started running a Beginners’ Crochet Class in October 2016 and have completed the 13th this morning. Number 14 is already booked up to start 17th February.
I can’t say the classes are routine; every group is very different and I’ve met some remarkable women over the 16 months. It makes getting up early(ish) on a Saturday morning worth while.
The setting for the classes is very important, the Wool Haven is a cosy yarn shop and Frances, Sandra & Eleanor all make their customers welcome. To be honest there have been a few non-class days when I’ve felt like hightailing it up there (with a crochet project) just for the atmosphere.
And the yarn, they have lovely yarn as my ever-increasing stash can attest. It’s all so squishable.
Ahem. back to the class.
There is a layout for the 4 week classes. Working with a small group of 6 or 7 allows some degree of flexibility, hopefully enabling everyone to go at their own pace. Some things get moved forward or back depending on how people get on.
Basic plan
- Week 1
- Brief introduction to different types of crochet and equipment
- Foundation chains
- Double crochet
- Then depending how fast people pick it up, half trebles and treble crochet
- This week’s pattern: dishcloth
- Week 2
- This week’s pattern: hats
- Half-treble
- Working in back loops
- Joining using double crochet.
- Week 3
- This week’s pattern: granny squares
- Magic loop/ring
- Treble crochet
- Changing colours
- Week 4
- This week’s pattern: no sew cotton bag
- Decreasing/Increasing
- Curlie-cues
- Going over areas that anyone isn’t confident with
- Advice on projects anyone wants to start
Over the past year the small handout I originally provided has expanded thanks to a friend who patiently took photos while I crocheted. There’s a lot of YouTube videos out there (of varying quality) showing people how to crochet but my brain works better with step by step photographs.
I’ve learnt a lot during these classes, having to think about what I do and hopefully not pass on too many bad habits.
I think the main points for those taking up crochets are:
- The first row is a nightmare – for EVERYONE.
- I hate the first row but once you get past it everything gets better
- The better the knitter you are, the harder you are on yourself learning to crochet
- Crochet is different, you need to un-learn some habits
- You will struggle until you get the hand that feeds the yarn right.
- This is often the reason people’s tension is too tight
- Start off loose, it is more important to learn how to do the stitch correctly, speed & tension will improve in time with practice
- Practice
- Little and often is best
- If you get stressed, STOP
And finally, there are no* new mistakes any error you might make someone has already done it.
*Some have made a good attempt ?