Don't Make These Beginner Crochet Mistakes {I've Made Them All!} 💛 

One of my favorite things about crochet is that you can “undo” and “redo”. A mistake doesn’t mean the whole piece is unusable. Most of the time they can’t be seen. And it’s also pretty easy to go back and fix a miscount in the previous row. And redoing projects years later when I have more skill is one of my favorite things. It’s proof that I’ve learned and grown

I think one of the most harmful mistakes I made when I started out was not having the confidence that I could do it . I really appreciate how good a job that you do to encourage all of us☺️👍🏼 Karen from Greenleaf Idaho

I would crochet for hours too and my hands paid the price! That's such a good tip because the obsession is real in the beginning!😂

4:06 as someone who’s looked at both written and video tutorials video tutorials are definitely so much easier. Yes it’s good to learn to read patterns but not everyone can read them or read them easily. That’s why video tutorials are so useful-they will always be far more accessible and you can see what it is you’re supposed to be doing as you go along (unless you’re blind, in which case you have to have the audio and yet ice to see audiobook version of patterns)

I’ve just started crocheting and am exactly the type to do it for hours and hours until my body can’t take it anymore. The last two tips were exactly what I needed to hear!

Grandmas, aunts, nuns, school teachers, friends and mentors have all played a role in keeping crochet alive for hundreds of years and should not be sold short. Their gift of sharing the craft with new generations is time honored.

💕 I have made so many mistakes I can’t remember them all. I’m well acquainted with frogging. Probably the worst mistake I made was when I was a beginner. I decided to make a blanket for my parents king size bed. I was halfway through and put it on the bed to test out how much more I had to go when I realized I had been adding a stitch at the end of each row and it was getting longer and longer at the sides. I frogged the whole thing. Weeks of work and started again. A year later mom had her blanket. Lol

My biggest mistakes were definitely not knowing single crochet in the round still has a right and wrong side- took me a year before I learned that, it's such a small change but it makes pieces look so much tidier. Also- piecing together as you go instead of waiting for everything to be done and laid out at once. & Oh my goodness I'm loving your plug for using the library to get some crochet books! I've found some amazing ones in mine (I'm very eagerly awaiting the first Pica Pau book to come in!), and the difference of clarity between these and the small scale freebies is night and day. I'm still recovering from an incredibly poorly written pattern from my mom's birthday gift 😂 Use your libraries folks! They'll help so much! 💕

💜 One of the most harmful mistakes I made was not trying new things. I got stuck in a scarf rut, and I didn’t break out of it until recently. Hello from Vancouver, Washington, and thank you for your wonderful, inspiring channel!

I've made all these mistakes and have learned the hard way to work on not making them again. One other tip I would like to add is make sure your not straining your eyes. I never needed glasses but as I got approached my 40's I noticed that I was having more and more trouble seeing my stitches. Using the right lighting and wearing the right glasses helped me with eye strain and headaches. Thank you and I love your videos!! Tracy from Houston TX.

I’m retired and have been crocheting nearly everyday for the last couple of years. My biggest mistake is Sitting to long and sitting on one butt cheek to lean toward the window light. This has caused me to get sciatic pain… so I’m learning how important it is to be mindful of my posture, and taking stretching breaks! Thank you for all your tips!

Yes this video was a long time ago but some people might be able to see this and not do what I did. The biggest mistake that I made while starting my crochetting journey was the fact that I would pick up the crochet hook and make this absolutely huge plan that I would have to finish within a few weeks. I'm talking bags, blankets, clothing. I didn't even know what I was doing! And what happens when you put so much pressure on yourself - you don't find the joy in crochetting, and thoe big plans will just fall apart. So start with something simple.

❤️ I started my crochet journey in December and was such a perfectionist that I was having trouble doing anything. I dropped that mentality recently and have gotten so much better at crocheting because of it. Sometimes, I make mistakes and can’t figure out what I did wrong, but I just keep going instead of letting it stop me completely. I have learned SO much more this way - it’s actually how I figure out what mistakes I made and how to avoid them going forward. I’ve found that making imperfect projects while I am learning is much more helpful than constantly undoing my work to try to get it perfect. And I still love the stuff I’ve made, even though I can see where I maybe missed stitches or did something wrong!

“Recovering Perfectionist”. I felt this in my soul.🙋🏻‍♀️

I grew up in OK and grandmas taught young girls how to crochet. But my grandma didn’t crochet, so I thought that ship had sailed. At age 35, I went by a new yarn shop in town in NM and I screeched to a halt when I saw the sign, “Learn to Crochet!” I pulled in, signed up, and learned pretty quickly. That was 47 years ago and I have enjoyed crocheting ever since. I regularly help beginners get started and others with their learning. Sooo happy that sign changed my life!

Hi, I learn to crochet over 15 years from friend and self taught on learning to read crochet patterns. I would go to library to find books to learn different stitches and practice them.The best advice for beginners is to practice and it ok to make mistakes is normal. I look back on my first projects when I was a beginners and how I have improved over the years. Once you feel comfortable on learning how to hold the crochet hook and yarn...it will be easier. Also it in mind speed shouldn't be important .. everyone is different..just relax and enjoy making your project. I would frog my work if I didn't like how it looks ...this would drive my mom crazy. I was learning on how to make a flower be instead it turn out looking like cabbage...lol 😆

Hi alise, I love the advise you gave, I am crocheting for a good few years and I've made loads of mistakes 🙄😂 but two of the most fundamental for me are first, I'm left handed so I learned to hold the working yarn in the same hand as the hook, after watching your video I am going to try and resolve this issue by practicing more with the yarn in my right hand the second mistake is more costly to my health, I developed asthma a few years ago and I got a few asthma attacks while crocheting I thought it was the fibers but it turned out that I was concentrating so much and stooping I was forgetting to breathe right 🙈🙈 I am more aware of my posture and breathing now I can tell you 🤓🤓🤓

"I made them all!" 💖 thank you for your tips and tricks how to release the neck and back pain, I have them all the time. Love to crochet from Germany

Hi.. I am Sandy, and I am from Cincinnati… I urn 80 on September 11th… Just recently discovered your channel, and u live it. Your energy, and positive approach to passing on your knowledge are so refreshing. My biggest mistakes have always been bad posture, and not taking good breaks, Those mistakes has caused me a lot of pain… Oh yes… Be Hooked is an excellent teacher… I have .learned so much from her. ❤

This speaks to me because I am this type of perfectionist and my son has inherited it from me. I spend so much time in our homeschool trying to help him through this. I explain it like you have to fail in order to perfect. That you won't get to the final goal if you're too afraid to make mistakes along the way. But then, I am always putting off starting something because I'm just as uncomfortable with that part, lol. 💜

Hi from Ontario Canada. Yes I have over used my arm learning to crochet. Once I started I could not stop I was hooked. I take days of breaks now it was very painful. Thanks for the tips. I will learn how to read a pattern during my breaks.💞

💙 Certainly a perfectionist!! NOT sure I'm recovering.... At the beginning, I was taught by a 17 year old!! Single crochet, double crochet and a granny square ( working in the round, sort of). That was enough to " hook" me! I had very little yarn. And that made me do little projects. In time, I learned to read patterns, because I wanted to make doilies & lace. Thread was cheap(er) and it went a long way. Steel hooks were my favorite! (I still love and have a size 4 Hero steel hook after 47 years!!) I appreciate your advice. My input would be that every project needs to be approached with a fearless attitude. It is okay to do it boldly! Do not copycat the pattern exactly! Use a different yarn, change the stitch pattern a little - this is YOUR work, your creation! Go for it!! Last remark : some patterns, even from reputable sources, are plain old wrong. Once again, be brave!! Work it out if you can. Gulfport, Mississippi

Thank you the great tips!. I know I need the reminders to take breaks before my body tells me. By then, I'm wishing I hadn't lost myself in crochet. I'm a grandma so I don't bounce back like I did when I was younger. I have learned I do better if I don't crochet every day but I still lose track of time when I get going. I need to set a timer or something. I have heard you on other videos speaking about the importance of posture while we crochet. Now, when I find myself slumping, I hear your voice in my head telling me to sit up . Thank you for all you do .

I just finished watching your video about crocheting mistakes and it was really a wakeup call for me. Some of them really hit home and I realized that I do crochet/knit too long. I am from Northern Maine and I have knit lots and lots of wool socks. I have been knitting and crocheting for about 70 years. I am78

I taught myself to crochet. It was a long road but now I can make anything I want to

Hi. I crocheted for about 15 years. I stopped crocheting about 5 years ago and I'm just trying getting back into it. I am so rusty at it (my tension is terrible.) This was a great refresher for me to make sure I'm doing things I used to do, and it was awesome to be able to get some recommendations to go to so I can try to fix issues that may come up. Thank you for the video. For the free patterns, something I always did was not only look them over and make sure I can read them, but I would also mentally visualize making the pattern while I was reading it, before I started. I learned that some of them I could read, but not visualize. If I couldn't visualize it, then it was either too hard for me to make or it wasn't written well, so I'd never be able to do it. Just a personal thing. Thanks again for the video.

One mistake I kept doing was being over confident. For example: not watching videos like yours, or not listening to video tutorial fully. Somehow I thought just because I knew how to do treble crochet, what BLO means, etc, made me a pro. That was mistake. My sister bought me an online amigurumi course. Yes, I know how to increase or do invisible decrease, etc. but I still learnt so much. Now, I'm sitting, making reversible octopus and watching variety of videos on crocheting. I am yet to find one that didn't teach me something you. Great video, I'm subscribing right now 🥰 (I'm Polish but I live in Slovakia now).

Not to promote any single supplier, but I started crocheting with a Woobles kit. It walked me through, step by step, with videos BUT also taught how to read a pattern. So I learned everything at a good pace, and can now read a pattern. I find it also helps to read the pattern steps out loud, decoding into words. Crocheting in Omaha, Nebraska!

Great advice, I've been crocheting for years and I still forget sometimes to take breaks and stretch, good reminder. Thanks. 💜

I love, love, love your videos. I always have take aways to help me. Your list of must have books is so helpful. I find all kinds of little tricks and accessory patterns to help me to expand the dolls and animals I love to make.

My mistakes in the first few hours have been “laugh until your sides hurt” mistakes - like total train wrecks. Learning how to weld was easier. 😂. I’ll be going over to my mom’s place tomorrow for private lessons. I’m 53, she’s in her 70’s and has done fabric/fiber crafts since the 1950’s when it was an essential skill for women. Most of your tips on taking breaks and posture is something I learned as a kid when I started learning how to play viola (I’m still playing). Warming up is important. I take breaks from viola practice at least every hour by doing something else, like laundry, or anything else that uses the big muscles while standing/walking rather than smaller muscles while sitting.

🧡 for the perfectionist in me that beat myself for my beginner mistakes. I'm from Portland, Oregon. One of my early mistakes were not to weave my ends properly and the projects had a messy look to them.

Love all the reminders,,,,, especially the exercise techniques.have a wonderful day……❤️❤️❤️

Knitter here. Solid yes to the 'learn to read patterns' - it's liberating!

my biggest mistake is, looking at all the beautiful items that fellow crafters have made, and thinking ohhh i think i can do that, and overthink myself out of even attempting. however looking at some of the videos that you've mentioned have helped 100%.... Baby stepps and we will get there! I would really like a step by step on the beautiful bunnies you are making plllleeaassseeeeeeeeee

One of my biggest mistakes was not using a good hook. It really does make a huge difference. Also, investing in better yarn is important, too. Fortunately I have a great yarn store about fifteen minutes from my house and they carry Noro yarns. all the Borocco Vintage, and so many more that you just can't get in crafts stores. I feel blessed because I literally have three good yarn stores, several Michael's, JoAnn's, and Hobby Lobby stores all within thirty minutes of where I live, so I have access to tons of great yarn without having to order it online. I was just at Silk Road Textiles yesterday for some Borocco Vintage for an amigurumi project. :)

Yeah I did that last one. I got so frustrated with not having time to crochet that I did it for hours. Took a long time before the pain was lessened. Thanks for the help! Pinon Hills, CA

My introduction to crocheting dtart when I wanted to learn how so I sent away for a Grannny Square kit from New York. I had never even crocheted a single stitch before. Needless to say, it arrived with 10 colors of yarn and a hook with an instruction pamphlet. This was 44 years ago before Internet and visual tutorials. I did make it. I am proud of it, inspire of the amazing variety of the size of my squares due to the amazing variety of tension I used. I had to make 12 squares of 12 different color combinations.😂 I wanted to learn because my sweet mother in law had a classic black border granny square afghan that I loved. I live in Jacksonville, Oregon.

Oh dear. I am a prime example of many of the first things you said. I don't read patterns. But then I don't follow along on videos either. I look at the end product and deconstruct it in my mind to make an internal pattern. I usually "feel my way" through a project. I'm sure I'm making everyone shudder. The thing is I enjoy working this way and have no plans to change. I crochet to relax and express my creativity, As long as I am achieving that, I'm not going to worry.

Thank you for these tips! I just found your channel and I started crocheting a month ago to have an outlet for that fidgety anxiety angst. I am so excited seeing all the possibilities for creativity. I am going to look into library book options now. Hello from Seattle Washington!

I love this video. It is encouraging me to learn to read a pattern. I have been hesitant to purchase a pattern in fear I can’t read it and have wasted my money. I have ventured out but have mostly relied upon the video. Thank you from Virginia.

Several years ago I did the same thing you did - except with knitting. If I was sitting - I was knitting! I had a podcast and a small business dying yarn and making project bags. My hands had enough and I had to quit knitting! I mourned it! I stopped my business and the podcast. Now I have started knitting and crocheting again but I’m still struggling with wanting to do it all the time - especially since I’ve been sick and stuck on the couch anyway. Great reminders not to overdo it and risk loosing this beloved art! 💗-your Kingsport TN friend!😘

I learned how to crochet during this pandemic having never held a crochet hook. I learned it entirely through RU-vid tutorials and made almost all the mistakes in this video. I learnt through trial and error. Through perseverance I would say I was pretty skilled now. I only wish I had this advice 2 years ago.

I think two of my biggest mistakes were getting really tense while crocheting for too long at each crochet "marathon" and, worst of all, being one of the most die-hard perfectionists in Texas, where I taught myself to crochet! Luckily (sort of) there was no internet or RU-vid at that time (gasp!), so I learned to crochet by myself, reading patterns. I scoured Kmart for pamphlets and Leisure Arts booklets and taught myself to crochet using "steel hooks and thread", not even yarn! Believe me, that took dedication, but that's what everyone crocheted with "back then"! As you've no doubt surmised, I've been crocheting for quite some time; not quite since the reign of the dinosaur, but close! Lol! However, I LOVE the internet and RU-vid for visual instruction and I'm still learning something new nearly every day. My crochet is prettier and neater from following tips and tricks being taught by qualified instructors. The three you named, Toni from TL Yarn Crafts, Brittany from B.Hooked Crochet and Knitting, and Sigoni from Sigoni Macaroni are three of my "very favorite" instructors! They're so talented and are such excellent instructors! And, then one lucky day I found Elise from LePetitSaint Crochet, the Amigurumi expert and fantastic instructor in all things crochet! Thank you so much, Elise, for being such a down-to-earth, natural instructor that we all can relate to, feel comfortable with and wish we lived close enough to be friends with and meet for lunch, or to crochet! Your enthusiasm is so contagious and your passion for crochet and knitting really encourages us to keep at it and not give up when something is a little difficult. Ok, 'nuff said.... This is too long! But just know that I thank you for all the hard work you do in posting your awesome videos and for being so very, very encouraging!! You are really greatly appreciated! Charlotte from Phoenix, AZ 🌵🌄🏜️🦕🦖

So happy to hear your comments about patterns. So many young designers make up their own way of writing a crochet pattern, patterns they charge $$ for. And add so many instructions with each step it's nearly impossible to find the actual pattern. I offered to test a pattern, no resemblance to actual crochet instructions. I couldn't figure most out, took one step I did understand, wrote it in proper crochet terms and syntax. I thought that was the help she was looking for. I was told in no uncertain terms she likes the way she writes patterns. And she intended to sell it. I sent it back to her. Even if I liked it, no way could I follow her instructions. For a pattern I did want to make, different designer, I had to rewrite for my own use in order to follow. Adding all those copious instructions fosters new crocheters to not learn terms or how to read patterns.

Hola, I am a single mommy👱🏼‍♀️ of a beautiful 3 year old baby girl 👧🏻 (she has Down Syndrome) and we are from California I am a novice to crochet 🧶 I never thought 💭 I would even think 🤔 Of doing this. For year I would always walk away when I would see a book 📕 or magazine on knitting or crochet 🧶 & then I just gave into it, I think it was a sign I wish I would have started before I had my little one but I a, so excited on this new adventure and later making her cute dolls & Animals & sweaters I can go on. Thank you, thank you for making a channel on this you are an inspiration 🥰 blessings

I'm just getting ceritify to be a crochet teacher and this are amazing tips. I tthe one that I have done the most is not stracing and take a long break like to 30 mins, usually I got drink water and get back to my seat. Thanks for this video is really cool. I'm form Puerto Rico but I live now in Texas.

Thank you so much for this video Elise! I have definitely made several mistakes when crocheting, including being guilty of not having crochet breaks 😂😶 You said it - mistakes are how you learn, and it is really important that we recognise this as crafters! ❤🤩 Xx

I love the reminder to take breaks and stretch. Had I been more diligent about it in the past I wouldn't be experiencing the pain I do now. I'm living in the Dallas, Texas area currently.

Yes! I ended up starting to learn crochet through library books❣Sooo happy that I did🥰

💜 Thanks for this I needed to hear this, still a beginner.. I'm watching a video while reading a pattern, & I'm making some hot stonking wonky things but I'm having fun. Thanks..I'm in Northern Ireland.

Hi everyone, it took me forever not to frog everything right away :D There are many forgiving patterns where you can hide or correct your mistake, for example in the next row. Don´t be too hard on yourself, keep learnig and having fun in the first place :D ❤

I'm from Florida. You gave excellent advice. I suffer from a debilitating muscle disorder called Distonia. It gradually get worse over time and has caused me to retire early and now not able to work because of muscle spasm pain and restrictive movements. You are RIGHT. YOU MUST TAKE BREAKS. It's necessary to move A LOT. Crocheting to much for to long HURTS if you don't take lots of breaks and stretch a lot too. I suffer for days if I crochet to long at a time. I love the craft but the craft doesn't love me back if I do it wrong. Love Ya Elise! I enjoy every RU-vid episode. Keep doing those dolls. I want to see more of them with crocheted outfits and their tips and tricks.

Thank you for this. I sometimes think I'm not a good crocheter because it's not perfect. Your right perfection holds you back.

💚 I learned that the best way to erase mistakes was to throw my finished project in the washing machine! And as far as free patterns, I use Ravelry exclusively and only start patterns that have pictures with them. 99% of the time they’ve been worked through and evaluated and even the new ones tend to have notes in the comments like “row 5 should read ch2 not c2” or some such… My brain literally can’t process charts though.. I can do patterns and videos, even translate UK terminology to US terminology, but those charts… I just can’t. They’re too busy for my brain to handle.

Karen from Pa . My biggest problem is keeping a accurate count. I may start counting each tow , but to move along so I do a few rows and wala I made a mistake . So I pull it out and fix the mistake. Then are times when thought I counted , but I didn't. Love you. Bought the books you recommended. But have not used them.

I am so thankful I found this video. I set my yarn down and I’m going to take a break for a couple of days. I’m in physical therapy for an ankle injury and took up crochet as an activity for while I was off my feet. Now I find myself WANTING to crochet constantly but I can feel it building up in those muscles. I stopped and did the stretches with you. Thank you for sharing those! And the insight about being picky about resources feels really encouraging too. Thank you so much for this!

Hi, I’m just starting out with crochet. I’m 64 but hoping you’re never too old to start! I live in Sheffield,England,UK. I’ve subscribed to your channel, and am looking forward to making a start!

Hi Alise - I just want to say thank you for your videos. I love them. I taught myself how to crochet over 50+ years ago, but it was from books! We had no videos or RU-vid back in those days!! 🤣. Because I’m left handed, there was no one around who could teach me and no left-handed books - so I would hold the reverse side of the page up to the light and read it ‘backwards’!! So I had to learn to read patterns right away!! 🤪. Most of the things we made “back then” were afghans, doilies, or tablecloths - not like the variety there is now. Thanks again for your great videos! 😊 By the way - I’m from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. 🇨🇦

My biggest mistake was comparing myself to professionals and doubting i could ever make something that looks good.

I did learn to crochet in my teenage years. But only a little bit. Then, time passes by. Years later i met a woman who taught me again how to crochet. So, for me this was the really start for my crochet-journey. She taught me crocheting with her skills and english patterns. My first pattern was a little voodoo-doll. Later I realized, that this was a really good start. I live in germany. Thanks to my friend, I now have more access to patterns, than I would have had, if I had learned to crochet by my mother.

Hello from Germany, just found your channel and am working my way through. So full of inspiration and encouragement. We all learned crochet anf knitting in primary school, us girls usually already had picked up a bit befor from our mums aunts and grandmas... the boys would take their projects home to have said grandmas do it for them.... they always ended up with the most beutiful finished stuff 😊

I have to keep reminding myself to take breaks especially when I’m in the groove. 😣 I’m also a perfectionist. Currently working on the Mushroom Fairy from SedefBay and I put the legs on backwards! 🤦🏻‍♂️ have to learn to move on…I’m hoping her skirt will kinda disguise the mistake Thanks for the tips! 👍

Super helpful tips!! One of my biggest mistakes was crocheting way too fast and sometimes rushing my projects. Whilst I always love seeing the finished project, I was stressing myself out to get the project complete and not really relaxing - it is super important to relax, take your time and enjoy making your projects. Since I realised this, I have noticed how much I love the process and rhythm of crocheting and knitting as much as the end product. 😊🧶

You Rock, Your amazing and THANK YOU for this video!! ❤🖤❤

Two extra tips from yours truly for those who are trying to wean off video tutorials (as a visual learner myself) - find a written pattern with a video but only refer to it if you're confused, or make a row and then watch how the row was supposed to be made so you don't have to frog like crazy because you're on row 17 and made a mistake on row 3. For the second tip, if you want to go off of video tutorial, actually write down what you'll be doing. Basically, make a written pattern by yourself; it will get you used to abbreviations (because nobody wants to write _single crochet_ eight billion times) and how the patterns are structured, and frankly, sometimes I see a written pattern and have to reformat it before I can work with it so it will come in handy. For the fundamentals, I'd like to also recommend Bella Coco; she has great, well done, well lit, slow tutorials on the starting chain, single, half double and double crochet, and I believe a granny square and magic circle/ring. She also has tutorials for both right and left handed crocheters, and explains the difference between American and British terminology. The break and posture points are real. Seriously, take care of yourself, and make sure your room is well-lit. And one thing I am surprised didn't come up - learn the 'upgrade' techniques early on. Do a magic ring instead of 'chain 4, join, crochet into the gap' so you can close it properly, look into the chainless half-double and double crochets to eliminate annoying budging and gaps when starting a new row, look up invisible finish so your edge is nice and crisp and learn foundation stitches - for the love of everything, save yourself the frustration of widening rows because your initial chain was too tight. I frogged so many wearables because they were 10cm wider than they were supposed to be and it hurts to this day. Also join us on Reddit at r/Crochet.

The break is so important. What I do is watch something while I crochet so I’m naturally taking short breaks when the tv catches my attention. And then I take breaks after every episode.

I love this video, Elise! I've been crocheting for years, but no matter what I do, the treble crochet has a sloppy top. Any ideas?! 😻 ❤️💖 I'm in the SW Chicago suburbs, where we just had another snowstorm.

As a left-handed person I wish I had learned to crochet right-handed! I recently learned how to knit and I learned right-handed. I figured it was going to be "hard" at first using either hand. So why not learn the way most everyone else learns. It is so much easier to learn right handed... most of the tutorials and patterns are geared towards right-handed. When crocheting as a lefty I have to reverse everything in my head and it can get confusing sometimes :)

A very different comment: thank you for being inclusive in your videos. I see the effort to include folks of color. Our humanity is a rainbow of beauty. Nice to see it in unexpected places.

I learned to crochet from a book way before the internet so I learned to read patterns and graphs early on. I finally found videos about crochet a few years ago and I've learned a lot of things I didn't know. I see comments too when someone says they don't read patterns. I like tutorials but I also love to have a written version at hand to fall back on. Thank you Elise, great video and I'm one of those that needs to take your advice and stop to stretch every now and then. God bless

When I was twelve years old my aunt Sarah taught me to crochet, I didn’t realize until many years later how lucky I was that she also had taught me to read patterns too. I couldn’t even imagine crocheting without knowing how to read patterns, it seems like it would be so limiting in the crochet experience.

😯

Oh my gosh….I never had words for it but yes I am a perfectionist…..I’ve frogged a lot of work to just fix one stitch on a mistake that a friend of mine used to say”a blind man on a galloping horse” wouldn’t see. She used to crack me up…a blind man wouldn’t see it anyway. Lately though I could add the recovering to perfectionist because if the mistake could only be detected by someone who crocheted, I’d let it go…its hand crafted when alls said and done…but…there’s always a but….if it a special for a special person, it’s like the song says, “it has to be perfect” ❤ by the way I’m from Liverpool in the UK. Back to watching the rest of the video. Bye 💁🏼‍♀️

Taking a break is so important. I too have learned the hard way by sitting hour after hour crocheting without stretching. I am just now getting over a severe case of Sciatica caused by sitting with poor posture and not making sure that I was stretching and keeping my body in shape and flexible. It's no fun for sure and the recovery takes weeks.

Visual learner: take pattern instructions one line at a time. Use your power of visualizing to picture and start practicing on a sample yarn swatch. Referring to the abbreviation key and memorizing those (which I’m still working on) is also a direct visual reference because you can SEE the words on the page.

Couldn’t agree more about being careful who shows you to crochet. I don’t even know where I picked it up, but the way I do my granny squares is very different from a lot of others I’ve seen and I cannot understand how to do variations of them.

💙♥️💜😂 my biggest mistake when I learned to crochet (and knit) was skipping gauge swatching. I just wanted to dive on and ended up frustrated when my hats or mitts were too big/ small. Now I change my view of swatching thinking of it as a test drive of my yarn and part of journey. I’ve turned a lot of swatches into cat toys.

My problem is siting hunched over with a sore neck and head. In the beginning I did not pay attention to my stitch count and would have an off-kilter looking project that I would tear out and redo. There were projects that I didn't correct, but I keep them in my home...in a room...where no one else goes. Thank you for the advice on resting and stretching. I'm Cecilia and I'm from Michigan, but living in Ohio and chomping at the bit to get back to MI. Thanks for everything Elise!

From the foothills of the Smokey Mountains. I've been crocheting for 50+ years and left-handed as well. Was taught by looking and counting stitches on finished piece of work. I knew there were patterns and even purchased them and struggled through and completed the projects. My crocheting reading of patterns has greatly improved since I've been watching RU-vid, but it still slow compared to my reading skills of knitting patterns. I've taught people both crocheting and knitting, but always include the stitch symbols and always include a very simple pattern to start their reading pattern future. The funny thing now is that I'm so used to learning from right-handed crocheter and reversing the stitch(s) in my head, that when I watched a left-handed video that I laughed because it was so strange.

Thank you for making this video. I'm still relatively new to crochet and had no idea about the lasting damage you can get from not taking breaks. Super helpful about the perfectionist thing as well!

Thank you for this video. I liked the idea of where a pattern comes from especially if it’s meant to be worn. That is absolutely true. I know what you mean about taking breaks. I’ve been crocheting for many, many years and I still make mistakes. Anyway I loved your advice and yes, I’m a recovering perfectionist 🧡🧡🧡🧡

This just came on my feed. I have been crocheting for a little while. I started laughing when you talked about relying on video tutorials. I never use patterns because some steps seem unclear to me and I give up. This video is wonderful with great tips. I never thought about holding my needle differently. Oh. And yes Toni with TL Yarn craft is wonderful. She is the reason why I love tunisian 😁. I am saving this. Super useful! Thank you!

My mom introduced me to crocheting. As I got more experience I was able to figure different patterns and stitches. You learn by making mistakes. You can take a break and pick it up later. I am from Massachusetts.

Thank you for the inspiration and advice. I started seriously trying to learn during the lockdown. Sigoni Macaroni was a huge help to me. It took a while to get a handle on my tension. Another big lesson was that counting stitches is far less frustrating than having to rip out multiple rows because the edges are crooked. I still have a lot to learn. I have to confess that a lot of patterns look like they're written in a different language, but I'm trying to learn because I don't want to limited. Whenever I watch one of your videos, I'm so inspired by the beautiful finished projects behind you and it makes me want to learn even more. Thanks for all you do. - Ginger from Los Angeles❤

Hi! New sub and new to crochet! My main goal is to learn how to read a pattern. They scare me, so i feel like i could get stuck in a basic blanket rut very easily. I am also a recovering perfectionist. I would be so scared of making a mistake that I wouldn't even try, but at 55 I've learned that perfection doesn't exist, and what you see as not perfect, others see as a beautiful job! I dove into embroidery 2 years ago, and I discovered that I actually have a talent for it, I was just intimated by it. I love fiber arts so much, even as a child. I'm so glad that I found your channel, and thank you for sharing your knowledge. I should also mention that I'm a lefty, so finding tutorials specifically for leftys is important as well Bella Coco has been a wonderful resouce for me as a lefty. ❤❤❤

I'm a beginner from the Maldives. It's been only a couple of weeks since I started. My only source of learning is RU-vid channels. We don't have any local crochet clubs or training courses. Thank you for pointing to really useful channels and good advice for a beginner like me. 💛

Posture, a comfortable chair & good lighting also helps🧶

What an incredible video, it’s as if you have been a fly on my wall watching me make all of these mistakes. I can’t read patterns, only watch videos, get cross at mistakes and have only used free patterns. I think this video is exactly what I needed to hear to give myself permission to branch out. 🇬🇧

This video convinced me to drop the blanket pattern I've been struggling with for months that I got online. I just started learning in January and taught myself with a combo of videos and a crochet book I bought, making amigurumi because it's what I thought I'd stick with. I love hearts and granny squares too. But I really haven't cracked blankets yet. This reminded me to stay patient and if this pattern truly isn't working, move on. Maybe it isn't me!

Hi from Canada. I definitely agree....about the resting. I crochet everyday...sometimes for hours at a time....and if I don't get up and stretch....well....I can get very sore. I need to stretch out my arms and neck...like you said in your video, but also my legs and butt....if I sit too long. Very informative video. Love your little craft room, it's gorgeous, with all your projects displayed.

The old guy on the block in Clayton, North Carolina. "Old?" NO! senior, matured, experienced, wise ... better for having watched many of your videos. Thank you!

💜 Thank you I needed to hear that. Perfectionist thats me. I learned to crochet back when I was a kid but I was not very good at this craft so I let it go for a really long time. But I just recently decided to give it a shot and I'm doing way better than I ever had in the past and boy am I surprised by this. Thanks so much for this video (and all your videos) it has been a great help. I am working on not being such a perfectionist in my crochet journey and I will say its working. I love your youtube channel and your patterns oh and because of you I am now hooked on learning Amigurumi. I would never have considered to learn this but your information and videos have totally changed that for me. Thank you so much! 😊🧶

I love that you , love books and libraries.I taught myself to knit and crochet from books!

❤ Spokane, WA I love your tutorials. You are so enthusiastic. Makes it fun to watch and learn from.

I am from Stow, Ohio and I really have been enjoying your videos as I crochet my favorite basic stitch, hdc.

Hello from Mabank Texas and yes I am a recovering perfectionist. I learned how to crochet very early and had to stop because of joint pain. Then took up knitting which was easier on my hands. Now when I crochet it’s much easier on my hand to hold the crochet hook like a pencil instead of gripping it.💜

I wanted to tell you after years of frustration and not understanding crochet you finally showed me in a way how to mark my beginning/ending rows that I can understand!! I’m almost finished with the Catster and have purchased some of your other patterns. I can’t thank you enough for your videos they really help me relax my anxiety goes away while watching. I’m am trying to get a Furl 3.5 Odyssey hook however the company is out so will have to wait for restock and in the meantime keep using my Grandmother’s hook I found in her old sewing box. Thank you again. 💙

Hello, I am from London, England. Reading through some of the comments, I can identify with quite a few of them, but the main one is no confidence, I don’t know why, but I really lose my confidence in myself when I crochet. I can knit and I’ve taught myself to know the difference between American and English terms, but I still lack that confidence. I loved your video and all your creations behind you are beautiful, really cute. Have a lovely day. Keep safe and be lucky me lovely 💞💞💞