Wool Haven Classes

 I originally wrote this post in 2018 so it’s well overdue an update.

We started running a Beginners’ Crochet Class at The Wool Haven in October 2016. Counting those and the occasional intermediate classes there’s been almost 50 groups through the door. That surprised me when I added it up especially considering the Covid shutdowns. 

The classes are far from routine, each group is different and I’ve met some remarkable women over the years. It makes getting up early(ish) on a Saturday morning worth while, crocheting as a group doesn’t really feel like work.

The location for the classes is very important, the Wool Haven a cosy yarn shop and customers feel 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.

Marie has continued bringing in different yarns to try and the temptation to buy armfuls each time I visit has never lessened.

Ahem. Back to the class.

There is a basic layout for the 4 week classes, however working with a small group allows me some degree of flexibility, so that everyone can go at their own pace. Some things get moved forward or back depending on how people get on.

My aim is to give those taking part a good base to start from so that the have the confidence and ability to look at patterns and break them down into do-able chunks.

Basic plan

• Week 1
  • Brief introduction to different types of crochet and equipment
  • Foundation chains
  • Double crochet
  • Then for those that are comfortable, half treble crochet
  • Focussing on holding hook and yarn correctly
  • This week’s pattern: dishcloth
• Week 2
  • This week’s pattern: hats
  • Half-treble
  • Focussing on counting stitches and keeping straight
• Week 3
  • This week’s pattern: granny squares
  • Finishing previous week’s hat, joining using slip stitch or double crochet
  • Treble crochet
  • Starting working rounds, magic loop
  • Changing colours each round
• Week 4
  • This week’s pattern: no sew cotton bag
  • Further practice with magic loop
  • Decreasing/Increasing
  • Colour changing within rows
  • 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 I find my brain works better with step by step photographs.

I think the main points for those taking up crochet 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’ve need to un-learn some habits
• You will struggle until your (usually left) hand that feeds the yarn is 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 attempts