To crochet properly requires skill, a lot of time, and learning what works for you from your equipment to how much time you want to spend on it.
Other factors could be a specific technique that seems hard at first, a challenging type of yarn, or simply being patient and learning from your mistakes.
Crochet may seem like a challenge and you may ask yourself, ‘Is crocheting hard?’ yet you can certainly improve and get better at it.
In this guide, we will explain why crocheting may seem hard but also look at the ways you can improve.
Is Crocheting Hard?
Once you see some of the projects that can be done with crocheting and begin trying to do a few stitches, you can seem a long way away.
Sure, crocheting may be hard but that’s the case for a lot of hobbies. As long as you are dedicated to crocheting and find the time to practice and gradually improve then you can move from project to project.
Crochet can seem hard, and it can certainly seem like a challenge, yet it can also be rewarding once you finish a seemingly difficult project.
Try not to be too hard on yourself as crocheting is hard, as are many hobbies for beginners. Mistakes will happen and even those with the most attention to detail will slip up now and again.
As long as you are learning from your mistakes and still practicing on a daily basis then you should see improvement. Have some pride in your work and that you have taken on a challenge.
How To Improve Your Crocheting
While some projects can seem daunting, there are several ways to improve your crocheting. These include practicing, improving your skills, and building up your motor coordination with your muscle memory.
Practice, Practice, Practice
This is a general rule for any type of hobby as you need to dedicate your time to it to get good. Get yourself a comfortable spot, give yourself ten minutes, and crochet every day.
You may even get into the habit of leaving your crocheting kit in the same place so you can pick it up easily and get going.
Maybe create a little crochet travel kit so you can still spend ten minutes a day practicing, even when you are on vacation.
Build Up Your Motor Coordination And Muscle Memory
That daily practice should help your motor coordination and muscle memory become more accustomed to certain movements and the rhythm of crocheting.
Soon enough, you may even be able to close your eyes and be able to crochet properly. Practice each stitch that you have learned to perfect your technique.
You may even make a gauge swatch to ensure that the project is the right size and that your stitches are correct.
Loosen Up
Crocheting should be relaxing and it helps when you loosen up, specifically by keeping your stitches loose and relaxed. Of course, you can feel tense when you begin yet the more complicated stitches will seem even harder.
You may be tempted to hold your hook a little tighter yet keep those stitches loose as it’ll make it easier to insert your hook.
Choosing The Right Projects
Try not to leap into projects that prove too difficult as you may get frustrated and disheartened. Choose a project that is defined as easy when you are learning to crochet as you can take your time over it.
Analyze the pattern first and then practice those stitches you are yet to attempt.
Once you feel comfortable, get started and make sure that you feel comfortable executing it so you build your confidence for the next, more difficult project.
Challenge Yourself
Try not to make it easy on yourself, crocheting may seem like a challenge but you should challenge yourself. That could mean trying new crochet stitches, new yarn, or taking on a project that you know will take some time.
Only when you push yourself will you realize how good you are and how far you have to go.
Final Thoughts
Crocheting is a hard hobby yet with some dedication and the patience to improve your skills, you can get better and better.
Make sure that you give yourself time to learn but also gradually challenge yourself for harder projects.
Keep your attention to detail up and make sure that you learn new techniques as that can make crocheting so much easier.
As your motor coordination and muscle memory improve then you may even be able to crochet with your eyes closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is The Yarn So Important In Crocheting?
Different yarns have their own individual properties and some are better for intricate projects than others.
A worsted-weight yarn that keeps its shape and remains smooth should be ideal for beginners.
Pick a few yarns and try to find out which you prefer and then stick to them as that can prove quite comforting.
Try not to be afraid to use a different yarn as some projects may dictate which ones work best and it can be a worthwhile challenge in itself.
Should I Frog When Crocheting Or Not?
Learning to frog or not is a skill in its own right and occurs when you ‘rip-it’ out (like the sound a frog makes).
Should you have strict attention to detail then you will spot a mistake some rows back and it may nag at you.
If it does, then it should be worth frogging it and fixing the mistake rather than letting it go and having to see it on a daily basis.
Try not to feel guilty about your decision as mistakes do happen, it simply depends on how much you can let it go.
Crochet is one of the most calming and therapeutic crafts out there. It’s a simple dance of stitches, working in rounds, and forgetting the outside world as you create something beautiful.
Hi, my name is Nancy Adriane and I have been crocheting in my free time for almost 10 years.
I first picked up a hook when I was studying in college, stressed and frustrated with the pressures put on me by people around me. The workload got too much, and I desperately needed an outlet.
I tried everything – socializing, cooking, watching TV… nothing helped with the stress. I was too anxious to read a good book and quickly lost hope of keeping on track for the school year.
Enter, crochet. I fell in love as soon as I saw my holey, bobbly hat that I made on a whim. It was too loose to be warm, but I wore that hat every day the entire winter until I learned to make something of higher quality.
