
Whether you are beginning to crochet or have been crocheting for years, there is always something to learn. I’ve put together a list of 50 crochet tips and tricks that I hope will leave you feeling excited and inspired on your crochet journey.
You’ll find ideas for organizing, tips for growing your skills, mixing fibres and learning what works best for you! Find all 50 tips and tricks below…
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50 tips and tricks to grow your crochet skills. Let’s go!
- Set up a method for organizing your crochet patterns. Knowing what you have can help you locate patterns in a pinch and even provide some inspiration when you aren’t sure what to make. There are so many ways to organize and what it looks like will be different for each person.
- You’re never too experienced for stitch markers. Even the most simple and repetitive stitch can easily get added in or forgotten. Save the time and trouble by placing a stitch marker at the end of your row throughout your project to remember exactly where the row ends.
- Don’t feel guilty about your projects. If you aren’t enjoying the process or it isn’t bringing you happiness, let me tell you that it’s okay to not finish it. Sometimes the yarn isn’t working with the stitch or the project isn’t working out the way you hoped. It’s definitely okay to step away from it and refocus on something different.
- Allow yourself opportunities to grow your skills. Try some new stitches, explore some new brands of yarn and discover new patterns.
- Never be without your crochet again by putting together a travel bag! Find a small project bag (I like zippered to keep everything contained) and stash inside a skein or two of yarn, a hook to compliment the yarn and notions like scissors, yarn needles and measuring tape. Keep in in your desk at work, in your car or near your front door to grab as you head out for the day.
- Find community connections that are creative and positive. Check out your local library or community centre for crochet circles, join some groups on Facebook or check out your local yarn shop for meet up’s. This is a great way to make creative connections, learn new things and share your love of yarn. Check out the Creative Crochet Community by Sweet Bee Crochet! We love connecting and sharing!
- Keep an empty jar next to your workspace to collect yarn tails and bits as you cut them from your project. Check this idea out here!
- Don’t compare your skills and work to other crocheters. Everyone is at a different skill and experience level and is working on their own craft. It can be easy to forget that even the most talented and well known crocheters were once beginners making adorably wonky granny squares. Stay in your lane, at your own pace and as long as you keep practicing, your skills will grow!
- Do you have a naturally tighter tension? When making your starting chain, try going up one hook size. This will make it easier to crochet your first row (don’t forget to switch back to the hook size mentioned in the pattern!)
- When snapping photos of your beautiful work, take photos of a few different angles. Close up’s showing stitch definition and a full project photo can show size. Having a photo of your project being used or worn can show the drape and real-life function. Try to make sure your photos are well lit and clear to really display the beautiful work and detail you’ve put in.
- You CAN mix weights and fibres when crocheting a scrap blanket. You’ll need to adjust the hook size and tension, but it can work and makes for an amazing textured project. Learn more here: The Colourful World of Crochet Scrap Blankets
- Pattern prep can be a helpful step. Take time to read through the pattern fully before diving in (trust me, it’s worth it). Make sure you you know whether it’s written in UK or US terms, check for alternate sizes and highlight those sections within the pattern. Go over any new stitches that might be used and make sure you have all the materials required. It will make your project go much more smoothly and you’ll feel comfortable, confident and ready to go.
- Dye lots are absolutely important to ensure the colours in your project are consistent throughout the entire piece. The colourway name might be the same between skeins but the dye lot numbers won’t match if they come from different batches. Shades might not look different on their own but once you work them together into a project, it could end up being quite noticeable. Dye lot information can be found on the labels of most yarn. Learn more about dye lots here.
- One of the first projects that beginners try is a classic granny square. It’s perfect for learning the basic stitches, practicing tension, learning about colour changes and stitch placements: How To Crochet A Granny Square
- Tassels can be a fun addition to your crochet projects. Learn how to make them here: Tassel Tutorial
- If you find your edges to be a little uneven, sometimes the project will allow you to skip your turning chain. Instead of chaining 1 or 2 at the end of your row before turning, simply turn and jump into the first stitch of the next row.
- When learning new stitches, try practicing on a solid colour yarn. While striped and variegated can look very beautiful, it can sometimes make the stitches hard to see.
- There is no right or wrong way to hold a crochet hook. There are two common ways that people hold their hook: a knife grip and a pencil grip. Hold your hook in the way that is most comfortable to you!
- Keep your yarn labels for reference. It can be easy to discard or misplace labels which can be a problem if you’re looking for that information later. If you wind your skeins into a cake, you can tuck the label in the centre for safe keeping. If you prefer to wind your yarn into a ball, use a hole puncher in the corner of the label and tie it to the end of the ball. Read more about saving yarn labels here: Yarn Labels
- Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of designing a crochet pattern? I’ve put together a blog post sharing my own method of pattern writing and what the process is like for me. There are many steps that I complete before it gets shared with you! Learn about my process here: Behind The Scenes of Designing A Crochet Pattern
- Do you find your crochet projects (especially ones worked in rows) sometimes get smaller or larger? This most often has to do with accidental increases and decreases. It’s very easy to do, especially when the rows are long and repetitive, but a simple trick is counting your stitches. Using a stitch marker to mark the end of your rows can also be helpful in knowing where to place the final stitch. Learn more here: Accidental Increases and Accidental Decreases
- Next time you’re at the local dollar store, grab a package of hair clips! They’re an inexpensive way to secure the outer tails of your yarn balls and cakes after winding. Check this idea out here: Securing Yarn Tails
- There are TONS of different types of crochet hooks. From the materials used to make them, to the shape, design, length, hook style, etc. What works for you all comes down to personal preference and what makes your hands happy when crocheting. I have a growing collecting of hooks which I enjoy using. Some of my personal favourites are the streamline wood hooks (affiliate link) from Furls Crochet. I also really love the Radiant hooks (affiliate link) and Caspian hooks (affiliate link) from WeCrochet.
- When frogging (pulling the yarn out from a project), wind as you go avoid a big pile of yarn at the end.
- Typically, crochet patterns are written in either US or UK terms. It’s always important to check the notes of the pattern to determine which terms are being used. A singe crochet in US terms is DC in UK terms which can definitely change the outcome of a project. Find my handy stitch conversion chart here.
- When crocheting, it’s a good idea to put your ball/skein/cake of yarn into a basket or container to keep it from rolling and flopping around. I like using a basket and yarn bowl.
- If you print your patterns but like to make notes, place the print-out inside a page protector. You can then make notes or mark important sections using a dry erase marker.
- Washcloths, coasters and face scrubbies are a fantastic way to practice and learn new crochet stitches. Not only do you get to grow your skills but you end up with practical and useful projects when you’re done!
- Think outside the box and try some new colour combos. It can be really easy to get in a comfortable zone with particular tones and favourite shades. You would be surprised to find out how different and refreshing a project can be when it’s made in different colours! Let your creativity burst through with experimenting!
- Speaking of trying new things, don’t forget to explore new yarn too! There are so many different types of fibres, weights and brands. Learning about the difference and how they all work up can be beneficial! Once in awhile, toss a new skein into your yarn and see what you can crochet with it. You might discover a new favourite!
- An unexpected tool that has been helpful to me is a lint shaver! Heavily used and washed crochet items like blankets, cardigans, etc. sometimes will start to ball and pill. Gently use a lint shaver over the affected areas to give a little tidy and refresh. I use this one: Knit Picks Lint Shaver (affiliate link)
- If you’re just starting out on your crochet journey, focus on the basics. Start with chains and then move up to adding single crochet stitches…then half double crochet….then double crochet. All stitches are rooted in the basics and once you get comfortable and familiar with those, you will feel comfortable trying more advanced stitches and techniques.
- Did you know that your local library can be a wonderful resource for crochet? My local library system has tons of popular crochet magazines available digitally to read. They also have a great selection of books containing patterns and tutorials. All free!
- Get to know the different types of yarn weights and how they can be used within projects. Learn about yarn weights here.
- If you’re crocheting and someone compliments you on your knitting, be polite about it. Not everyone knows the difference because they haven’t learned it. Be gentle and kind with your response. It could ignite a spark of interest for them and perhaps they’ll try crocheting and be interested to learn some new skills!
- While yarn substitution can be acceptable for many projects, using the right fibre is extremely important. For example, washcloths are most commonly made in cotton yarn because it absorbs water better than acrylic. They can be placed in the washer and dryer for easy cleaning. Cotton yarn is also used for teapot cozies and mug cozies because acrylic carries the risk of melting. Swapping out yarn brands and yarn lines is pretty common because not all brands are widely available or accessible but keeping the fibre content the same as the pattern is definitely important. Looking for suggestions on yarn substitutions? Check out Yarn Sub
- Weaving the ends of your projects as you go can save you time and frustration at the end. If you have many colour changes throughout a pattern, that can be a lot of finnicky details to finish at the end of a project. Weaving or crocheting over them in as you go means once your project is done, you don’t have to worry about going back to hide all those little ends.
- Not every project needs a border. Sometimes a border can really help to add a finishing touch to your projects but it’s not always required or needed.
- Most crochet projects are made in “rounds” or “rows”. Rounds mean that the pattern is worked around in a circular shape (usually in the same direction but not always). Items like baskets, hats, mittens, amigurumi, etc. Rows are when you are crocheting flat along a line that involves turning your work to continue the next row. Scarves, blankets, panels, etc. are all examples of row based projects.
- Crochet patterns can be written in a variety of ways. Traditionally, charts were used with symbols representing certain stitches. As the crochet community has grown, so has the way patterns are written. You can find patterns that are graphs, traditional charts, written instructions and even video tutorials. You might find one method preferable over another. It’s all about what works best for you.
- While Hoth is an ice planet in Star Wars, it means “Hot Of The Hook” in the crochet world. Learn more fun crochet slang here.
- Have you reached a level of comfort with the basic stitches? Try these beautiful stitch variations in your next project: 10 Fun Crochet Stitches To Try.
- If you like to put pom-poms on your crochet toques and beanies, consider making them removeable so they don’t get ruined if the hat needs to be washed. Buttons, snaps, or a simple tie underneath the top of the hat are all great options!
- There’s often a divide in the crochet community about whether to pull your yarn from inside the centre or the outside. Guess what? It doesn’t really matter. It can be tricky to find the centre pull because there’s a chance of pulling out a big clump of mess with it. However, pulling your yarn from the outside often means your yarn might end up flipping and flopping around as you use. If you want to use your yarn right away without winding it and you find the centre pull (or outer tail) easier….go for it!
- Often when we crochet, we are looking down for long periods of time which might make your neck or shoulders a little sore. Breaks are important and remember to seek advice from a health care professional if you find this to be a continuing issue.
- Motifs can be fun little projects that teach new techniques and can offer a way to personalize other projects like blankets, bags and throw pillows. I’ve crocheted motifs with embroidery thread and stitched them onto clothing for a fun and unique accent.
- When gifting or selling your handmade projects, make sure to include a label with important care information. State the fibre used and the washing instructions that were included in the original yarn label. This will let people know how to properly care for the item you crocheted.
- When learning to crochet, worsted weight (#4) acrylic yarn is always a simple and practical choice for practicing. It’s a common and popular yarn that comes in a variety of colours and is used within many beginner projects. I enjoy working with WeCrochet Brava (affiliate link)
- If you’re crocheting with darker shades of yarn, make sure you have good lighting. Dark yarn can make it difficult to see the placement of the stitches. A bright light can help to increase stitch count accuracy and proper placement.
- Have you tried crocheting with two strands of yarn? Combining two different colours from separate skeins and crocheting them together at the same time can make for some fun colourful projects! Keep in mind this method does increase the thickness and density of a project.

And there you are! 50 tips, tricks and ideas to help you on your own crochet journey. Did any of these stick out to you? I’d love to hear which ones you loved learning about! Let me know in the comments or head over to the Contact page to see all the ways we can connect.
Did you know I have a wonderful collection of free crochet patterns? Many of them are geared to beginners with simple stitch repetitions and tutorials:
Happy Crocheting!
