5 Helpful Resources For People Who Crochet
Whether you want to make warm scarves, useful household items, or adorable plush figures, crochet can be a fun & relaxing hobby. And with helpful resources like the ones listed here providing everything from quick tips to patterns and supplies, you'll have no shortage of ideas for new projects. Beginners and experienced crafters alike are sure to find something that piques their interest. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
Useful Crochet Resources
| Name | Creator(s) |
|---|---|
| All About Ami | Stephanie Lau |
| The Llamas | Maria Elisa Galeazzo & Laura Galeazzo |
| Knitty City | Pearl Chin |
| Look At What I Made | Dedri Uys |
| Woolly Wormhead OÜ | Woolly Wormhead |
The History & Origins Of Crochet
5 Basic Crochet Stitches
- Chain stitch
- Single crochet stitch
- Half-double crochet stitch
- Double crochet stitch
- Slip stitch
What's The Difference Between Crochet & Knitting?
Knitting and crochet are both methods of creating textiles, usually out of yarn. While they appear quite similar to many, they are not the same thing. The most visible difference between the two crafts is that crochet uses a single hook while knitting uses a pair of needles. While there are several different styles of crochet, most of them finish each stitch before moving onto the next, while knitting keeps an entire row open at once. Crochet is a better technique for cylindrical patters, which are difficult to accomplish with knitting and require special equipment. Knitting can be done by machines, but most crochet stitches must be done by hand.
A Look Inside Knitty City
In Depth
If you find yourself in need of a therapeutic hobby, crochet might be just what the doctor ordered. Here, in no particular order, are several resources you'll want to check out whether you are making your first baby blanket, or you're looking to add a new stitch to your repertoire.
Up first, in the #1 spot, we have All About Ami. In 2011, Stephanie Lau began this blog to document her yarn-based hobbies. The title of Lau's blog refers to "amigurumi," the Japanese art of knitted and crocheted stuffed animals. Her work has been featured in various magazines, such as Simply Crochet.
In addition to amigurumi, Lau designs wearable and household items, such as cardigans and grocery bags. Lau includes step-by-step pictures along with detailed descriptions of her process. Beginners and experts alike can find helpful resources on her website. She posts her original crochet patterns for free, as well as original knit designs.
She posts her original crochet patterns for free, as well as original knit designs.
#2 on our list is The Llamas, a blog and Etsy shop run by twins Maria Elisa and Laura Galeazzo. On their blog, the Galeazzo sisters celebrate DIY projects, interior design, crafts, and other creative pursuits. They share crochet patterns, such as cat-shaped coasters and a chunky infinity scarf.
In addition to patterns, this blog has both written and video tutorials. The sisters also share sewing patterns, downloadable freebies, and more. They are located in Milan, and their tutorials are available in both English and Italian. On their Etsy shop, they sell hand-sewn textiles, bags, and accessories.
Coming in at #3, we have Knitty City, located in New York City. Founded in 2006, this shop offers a variety of yarns, needles, and more. In addition, the store is also home to a comprehensive and up-to-date collection of art books and magazines, and hosts regular book signings.
Founded in 2006, this shop offers a variety of yarns, needles, and more.
Founder Pearl Chin envisioned the shop as a community gathering place. The store offers classes to students at every level, including a weekly children's class. Yarn crafters can attend events, or receive guidance and advice on their projects. Both knitting and crochet patterns are available on the Knitty City website.
In the #4 spot, we have Look At What I Made. In 2011, Dedri Uys founded this blog to share her love of crafting and baking. Over the years, the blog's focus turned to crochet, and Uys has published several books on this topic. She posts free patterns and tutorials on her website.
Uys has hosted several crochet-along events, including one for her most popular pattern, Sophie's Universe, which was later documented in a book. Her easy-to-follow patterns empower beginner crocheters, showing that it's possible to create something beautiful and complex at any skill level. She is based in London.
Uys has hosted several crochet-along events, including one for her most popular pattern, Sophie's Universe, which was later documented in a book.
And finally, #5 on our list is Woolly Wormhead, a self-described "hat architect." Wormhead creates inventive designs for everything from beanies to berets. She provides straightforward visual tutorials for knitting and crochet techniques. The Woolly Hat Society is free to join, and provides members with access to patterns, discounts, and advice.
Wormhead writes her patterns using Open Source software, and self-publishes her books as PDFs to ensure that her work is accessible to as many people as possible. She takes great care to make sure every piece of information is clear and concise, and she also provides support on Ravelry.
