How to Teach Someone to Crochet

Every time my mum saw something crocheted she said 'Look Ruby you could do that', but my imaginary to-crochet list was already too full from my ideas (that still don't get done). So 2 years ago I tried to teach mum to crochet and that didn't work out to well, so in this post I have explained what actually happened and have put together some tips for teaching someone to crochet so you don't scare them away for crocheting like I did.

Teaching mum
Ever since I started crocheting my mum has wanted to learn because of how many awesome things there were to make. In 2013(?) I tried to teach mum to crochet, I am super bad at explaining things and usually everything is explained as a thingy-ma-jig, so if you can imagine it didn't go so well. I somehow managed to teach mum the basics and all was going well.. until I tried to teach her to crochet a snowflake... Just because its easy for me doesn't mean it would be easy for her. Turns out it wasn't easy for her and my position as a crochet teacher was put on hold for a little longer.

About 1 week ago I tried again, this try was way more successful. To make crocheting
and teaching easier for both of us I chose a 12ply yarn and 6mm hook (which mum then changed to a 10mm for even easier work) instead of 8ply yarn and 4mm hook which I normally use. Last time mum made a reeaaally long chain to get the hang of it and this time we chose to do one a tad smaller.

I first taught mum a chain, then dc (UK terms) and treble. I decided the next day that I would teach her a double treble so she could do loose, flowy work. Since then mum has made around ten (chunky) scarfs for friends and we are planning to make a floor rug for her room, what I mean by 'we' is that I'll read the pattern out in plain English and mum makes it :)

I love having someone to crochet with now and mum is loving it too. I found teaching mum to crochet super fun all I need to do now it teach her the names of the stitches :D

My tips if you want to teach someone to crochet:
1. Use thick yarn and a large hook

Using bigger materials will help them see where to go and help you point things out.

2. Start with the basics

When I taught mum I started with teaching her rows (a rectangle) first, then she learnt circles before moving on to anything more complicated.

3. Be patient

Take your time and don't rush them into any projects because when learning something new you don't want to have heaps of things thrown at your face at once.

The basic stitches to teach:
Here are the basic stitches that should be taught first (in order)
1. Chain stitch
2. Double Crochet
3. Slip Stitch (or)
4. Treble

Please keep in mind that all stitch names mentioned here are in UK terms (not US).

I hope you found this helpful and that you go out and teach someone to crochet and if you have taught someone to crochet do you have any other tips? I would also love to know how were you taught to crochet.

Ruby xx