While many people consider crochet an old school craft crochet it has become ever more popular today. While you may remember only your grandmother (and her friends) crocheting today people of all ages and both sexes are crocheting. Some of the major benefits of crochet are:
- It is easy to learn. Crochet is comprised of several basic stitches and once you learn these you are well on your way to being able to do several different types of projects. Best of all crocheting does not require extensive experience or a high level of crafting skills in order to master it.
- The equipment you need is simple and affordable. You can begin crocheting with just a few basic needles (or even one) and a skein of yarn. Crochet needles are affordable and easy to find at most craft stores. Yarn comes in a variety of colors, sizes and types today and is also quite affordable. This makes crocheting a much more affordable hobby to take up then many other crafts.
- You can crochet virtually anywhere. An avid crafter will often tuck their latest project in a purse or bag and when they find themselves with a few minutes will whip out their project and work on it. Since crochet is virtually mess free and easily transported you can practice your craft while in transit somewhere, waiting in the doctor’s office or anywhere else where you find yourself with a few minutes. Since crochet does not require a large space (like scrap booking, painting or jewelry making) it has become the craft of choice for many beginning crafters
- There is no end to the type of project you can make. Crochet can be used in numerous ways. Obviously crocheting alone can create some beautiful projects but it can be used in conjunction with other crafts such as: beading, sewing and even painting.
Now that you know what you can make with crochet here are some ideas to get you started:
- Afghans and scarves-The most obvious projects to make with crochet are afghan blankets and scarves. One of the major benefits to this type of project is that they are generally fairly simple and allow the beginning crafter to master some basic techniques before moving on to more complicated projects. In case you think that you will be stuck with a boring mono-color blanket or scarf be sure and check out the hundreds of patterns for these items that can be as detailed or as simple as you want them to be.
- Sweaters, jackets and other wearable items-Once you have mastered the crocheting of blankets and scarves you can move on to more complicated items. There are many patterns for items that can be worn. Sweaters, jackets and even dresses can be fully crocheted. Keep in mind that you will need to understand how to fit these garments as well as being able to crochet them.
- Toys and other objects-You do not have to limit your crocheting to only items that can be worn. You can use your crocheting skills to make toys (this works especially for babies who need soft toys with no rough edges). In addition there are other patterns for tablecloths, placemats, table runners, candle holders and even Easter baskets. There are patterns for decorative items like holiday decorations, curtains and even stuffed animals. For the especially daring you can find patterns for items that you would never dream could be crocheted like swimming suits, wedding dresses and lingerie. The important thing to remember when crocheting is that if you can dream it there is probably a crochet pattern to make it.