Want to know what I wish I’d known before I started crocheting nearly 18 years ago?! Well grab a cuppa, because it’s a long one as I am sharing all my top crochet tips with you right now! Whether you’re just beginning your crochet journey or you’re a seasoned hooker, there’s something here for everyone. Let me know which tip is your favourite!

Happy crocheting!

Choose the right yarn for your project: Always check the pattern and match the yarn weight and type it recommends. The wrong yarn can turn a dream project into a bit of a nightmare!

Find your hook holding style: Pencil grip? Knife grip? Something totally unique? There’s no right or wrong, just what feels comfortable for you! Aching hands after 5 mins of crocheting, are not the vibe you’re going for…

Master the basics: Chain stitch, single crochet and double crochet – these are your crochet fundamentals. Practicing with granny squares or simple stripes is a great way to build your confidence.

Use stitch markers, especially for amigurumi. Trust me… nobody wants a lopsided teddy with one arm bigger than the other… unless that’s what you’re going for of course!

Swatches are your best friend (for clothes!): They help make sure you’re finished item actually fits and looks good. Try things on as you go, so you can tweak along the way, this is much better than finishing a whole cardigan only to realise something is quite right and that long cardigan is now a cropped version!

“Start with simple items”.. or don’t! Honestly, after you’ve got the basics down, pick something that excites you! Just know that it might not be perfect and that’s ok! After granny squares, my first proper project was a Hello Kitty plushie… Ambitious? Yes. Regretful? Not one bit!

Read the pattern all the way through first: I know this is hard (I’m guilty too), but it saves so much frustration. Check you recognise all the stitches before diving in.

Use online tutorials: YouTube is a goldmine! There are so many amazing creators out there once you find someone you click with, learning becomes so much easier!

Tension matters! Try to keep your stitches even. Experiment with how you hold your yarn, there’s no wrong way. I hold mine almost in a fist, which some people think is a bit weird, but it works for me!

Practice, practice, practice and when you think you have done enough, practice some more! That’s how the magic happens.

Take regular breaks! Crocheting can be tough on the hands, arms, shoulders neck and back. Stretch, move around, and give your body some love every 45 minutes or so.

Get comfy! Good posture is key. A supportive chair and a comfy setup will save you from aches later on.

Light it up! Good lighting helps avoid eye strain. I swear by my neck light in the winter, it’s also perfect for cross stitch and bedtime reading!

Play with yarns and colours. Mix textures, clash colours, and experiment. Crochet is meant to be fun, let that creativity run wild!

Mistakes will happen and that’s ok! They’re part of learning and are usually easy to fix. Don’t fear the frog!

Keep track of your rows or pattern repeats. Apps, pen and paper, whatever works! Losing count is a fast track to frustration.

Take good care of your crochet hooks and yarn. Store them properly to keep them in good condition and so they don’t mysteriously vanish… speaking of which, where is my 4mm hook….?

Find your crochet community! Join a group in person or online, follow fellow crocheters , get commenting, ask for help and share tips and ideas. It’s so much better when we’re all together!

You can’t keep everything you make (sad, I know!) Consider donating to charity or to a local hospital. Feeling confident? You could even sell your makes, just remember toys or anything with play value must be UKCA tested.

Slow down and enjoy it! Our lives get busy, crocheting is the perfect way to unwind at the end of the day. There’s no rush, just enjoy the process

Weave in those ends! Doesn’t matter when, just do it! Future you will be grateful!

Count those stitches, there’s nothing worse than having to frog a row because you missed a stitch or somehow added in some sneaky stitches!