Crochet is more than just a creative outlet—it’s a relaxing, rewarding hobby that’s perfect for anyone looking to unwind while making something functional and beautiful. Whether you’re a college student looking for a way to de-stress or just wanting to learn a new skill, crocheting is an excellent choice. Best of all, it’s easy to get started with simple projects like scarves or baby blankets. In this crochet guide, Saniicrochet will walk you through everything you need to know to start your crochet journey with confidence.
Saniicrochet is a small business created by a college student who discovered the art of crochet as a hobby and turned it into a passion project. We sell crochet keychains, gift boxes, handbags, and stuffed animals all handmade by Sanicrochet. Now, Saniicrochet provides custom crochet items, while inspiring others to pick up a hook and yarn to create something of their own. Whether you’re interested in crocheting for fun or eventually selling your creations, this guide will help you start your crochet journey on the right foot!
Why Crochet? The Benefits of Starting with a Simple Project
For busy college students, finding a hobby that’s both relaxing and productive is key. Crochet offers the perfect balance of creativity and mindfulness. It’s an easy way to unwind after a long day of studying or classes, and by the end of it, you’ll have something tangible to show for your efforts. Plus, the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel from completing your first project—whether it’s a scarf or a small blanket—can boost your confidence and encourage you to tackle more complex patterns.
Many beginners start with a crochet scarf or baby blanket because these projects are straightforward and forgiving. Scarves are typically just long rectangles, making them perfect for practicing basic stitches without worrying too much about shaping. Baby blankets are similarly simple, and their smaller size makes them less daunting than full-sized blankets. These projects allow you to build your skills and comfort with crocheting at a comfortable pace.
What You Need to Start Crocheting
Before diving into your first project, it’s important to gather the right materials. Don’t worry—you won’t need much to get started. Here’s a list of essentials:
- Yarn: For beginners, it’s best to start with medium-weight yarn (also known as worsted weight yarn). Look for something soft and easy to work with, like acrylic or cotton. Wool can be a bit trickier, as it tends to be sticky and hard to pull apart if you make a mistake.
- Crochet Hook: A size H-8 (5mm) crochet hook is ideal for beginners. It’s comfortable to hold and pairs well with medium-weight yarn. You can experiment with different sizes later on, but for now, this hook size is perfect for a basic scarf or baby blanket.
- Scissors: You’ll need these to trim the yarn at the end of your project. Any small, sharp pair of scissors will do.
- Tapestry Needle: This is used to weave in loose ends once you’ve finished your project. It’s not strictly necessary for beginners, but it makes your project look more polished.
Once you’ve gathered your materials, you’re ready to start crocheting!
Learning the Basic Stitches
In this crochet guide, we’ll focus on the two most essential stitches for beginners: the chain stitch and the single crochet stitch. These two stitches are the foundation of almost every crochet project, and once you’ve mastered them, you’ll be able to take on more complex patterns.
- Chain Stitch (pictured above): This is the stitch that starts nearly every project. To make a chain, simply loop the yarn over your hook and pull it through the loop on your hook. Repeat this motion to create a series of loops that form a chain.
- Single Crochet Stitch (pictured below): Once you’ve made a chain of stitches, the single crochet stitch is used to create the fabric of your project. Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook, yarn over, and pull up a loop (you should now have two loops on your hook). Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook. Congratulations, you’ve just made a single crochet stitch!
These two stitches are all you need to start a basic scarf or baby blanket. Don’t worry if your stitches don’t look perfect at first—crochet takes practice, and even experienced crocheters make mistakes. The beauty of crochet is that it’s easy to undo and redo stitches until you’re happy with the result.
Starting Your First Project: A Simple Scarf or Baby Blanket
Now that you know the basic stitches, it’s time to choose your first project. A simple scarf or baby blanket is ideal for beginners because both are straightforward and allow you to focus on getting comfortable with the rhythm of crocheting.
How to Crochet a Simple Scarf:
- Start by making a chain that’s as long as you want the width of your scarf to be. For example, you might chain 25 stitches for a medium-width scarf.
- Turn your work and begin making single crochet stitches across the entire row. When you reach the end, chain one stitch and turn your work again.
- Repeat this process until your scarf is as long as you want it to be.
- Once you’re happy with the length, tie off the yarn and weave in any loose ends with a tapestry needle.
How to Crochet a Simple Baby Blanket:
- Make a foundation chain that’s as wide as you’d like the blanket to be (a typical baby blanket might be around 100 chains).
- Follow the same process as you would for a scarf, using single crochet stitches to create rows until the blanket reaches your desired length.
- Finish by tying off the yarn and weaving in the ends.
Both of these projects will give you a solid foundation in crochet and set you up for more advanced projects in the future. Once you’ve mastered these simple items, you’ll be ready to experiment with different stitches, patterns, and even colors.
Finding Inspiration and Growing Your Skills
As you progress in your crochet journey, you’ll likely want to explore new patterns and techniques. There are endless resources online—like tutorials, pattern libraries, and crochet communities—that can help you advance your skills. But remember, every crocheter started as a beginner, and each new project is an opportunity to learn something new.
At Saniicrochet, we encourage you to keep pushing your creative boundaries. Whether you’re making items for yourself, your friends, or as gifts, the joy of crochet lies in the process and the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands. With just a hook, some yarn, and a little patience, you can make anything you set your mind to.
Ready to Learn More About Crochet?
If you’re excited to start your crochet journey, you’re in the right place! Saniicrochet offers handmade crochet items that can inspire your next project, whether it’s a cozy scarf, a custom blanket, or a stylish beanie. Plus, our blog is filled with more crochet guides and tips to help you improve your skills and discover the joy of crochet.
Click the button below to read more about our handmade items, and explore additional blog posts about our business. We can’t wait to help you on your crochet journey!