The Woobles Beginner Guide: Learn to Crochet with Ease

Crochet is a wonderful craft that allows you to create unique items, from cozy blankets to charming stuffed animals. There’s a special feeling that comes from making something with your own two hands, and crochet provides an avenue to unleash your creativity. Before you can develop your “crojo” (your crochet mojo), you'll first need to learn the basics. This guide covers everything you need to get started with crochet, from the materials you’ll need to the basic techniques and stitches that’ll get your works of art going. Crochet is a process of creating fabric by connecting loops of yarn, thread, or other material using a crochet hook.

Essential Tools and Materials

Before you begin crocheting, you’ll need a few tools and materials:

Crochet Hook: Crochet hooks come in many sizes, but for beginners, it’s recommended to start with a larger hook.
Yarn: There are lots of different types and sizes of yarn. The Woobles recommends their Easy Peasy yarn. Their beginner kits come with this specially made yarn because it’s designed to be impossible to split, making it easy peasy to work with!
Tapestry Needle: Used for weaving in the ends of your yarn to give your finished project a neat and polished look.
Scissors: For cutting the yarn.
Pattern: If you’re just learning stitches and not sure what you want to make, you might not need a pattern yet. But using a pattern can be helpful with getting used to using all the different stitches together.

Crochet in the Round vs. Crochet in Rows

There are two main types of crochet projects: crochet in the round or crochet in rows.

Crochet in the Round: Crochet that’s worked in the round is typically used to create 3D items like hats, balls, or amigurumi (aka crocheted stuffed figures, aka The Woobles!). There are two main ways to start crocheting in the round: using what’s called a magic loop, which is what you’ll find started for you in all of our Woobles beginner kits, or by using what’s called a foundation chain. Using a magic loop is our preferred way of working in the round because it guarantees no holes.
Crochet in Rows: Crochet that’s worked in rows is typically used to create flat pieces like blankets, scarves, or washcloths. To start crocheting in rows, you'll need to create a foundation chain. Once you have your foundation chain, you’ll turn your work and then start crocheting your way back into the chain.

Holding the Hook and Yarn

You have your materials, but now what? The next step is learning how to hold them. How you hold your hook and yarn determines the size and consistency of your stitches. It’s important to hold your crochet hook and yarn the way that feels right to you. There are a few different ways to hold a crochet hook, but the two most common are the pencil grip and the overhand grip. Remember that there’s no right answer, just whatever works for you.

There’s lots of different ways to hold yarn, and again, there’s no one right way to do it. Hold the yarn in your left hand (if you're right-handed) and wrap it around your pinky finger. Then thread the yarn over your index finger. Then, hold the yarn between your thumb and middle finger. Hold your yarn whichever way is most comfy for you. And don’t worry, left-handed friends! We didn’t forget about you!

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Getting Started: Magic Loop vs. Foundation Chain

A magic loop is an adjustable ring that can be used to start crocheting in the round. The magic loop goes by many names, including magic ring, magic circle, adjustable ring, or adjustable loop. If you see any of these names on your pattern, you’ll know it means to create a magic loop. The magic loop can sometimes be difficult to get started, so let’s break this magic trick down. Turn your left palm so it faces you, then hold the yarn you’re going to be crocheting with, known as the working yarn, in your right hand. Loop the yarn tail around your left hand’s pinky. Where that cross is, hold the yarn with your left thumb. With the hook in front of the working yarn, bring the hook down and behind the working yarn with the tip of the hook still facing you. Pull the yarn through the loop on your hook.

But what if you just can’t get that pesky magic loop to work? No worries! That’s when you’ll use a foundation chain. Remember, though, that a foundation chain will leave a hole in the middle when working in the round.

Instead of working with a magic loop, you’ll always start with a foundation chain to crochet in rows, but there are a few special things you have to do to get going on your second and third rows. Let’s go through your first few rows. Make a loop with the end of your yarn on top of the working yarn. With your other hand, pull the yarn tail until a knot forms. You’ve now made a slip knot, which is the first piece of a foundation chain. While holding onto the yarn tail near the base of the knot, yarn over and pull the working yarn through the slip knot. Once you reach the end of the chain, chain one more. Here’s what your foundation chain will look like!

Basic Crochet Stitches

So you know how to hold the yarn and the crochet hook. And you know how to get your project started. Time for the real fun to start! Let’s learn our stitches! Although there are many different types of crochet stitches, we’ll walk you through how to make some of the most common ones. All these steps may get a little confusing, and here at The Woobles, we’ve found that a lot of people learn best by watching rather than reading. These stitches (just like all our Woobles kits) are in US terms.

The Slip Stitch: This is the simplest of all the stitches and is typically used to join rounds or to move to a new area in your work. Yarn over and pull the loop through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
The Single Crochet: This is a basic stitch that you’ll find in many different crochet projects, particularly in our beginner Woobles kits. Yarn over and pull the yarn through. Yarn over again and pull the yarn through both loops on your hook.
The Half Double Crochet: This stitch is a little bit taller than the single crochet. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the stitch. Yarn over and pull the yarn through all three loops.
The Double Crochet: This is the tallest of the basic stitches. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the stitch. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the remaining two stitches.
The Increase Stitch: Whether you’re starting with a magic ring or a foundation chain, when crocheting in the round, you’re going to need to use increase stitches to make your project bigger. To make an increase stitch, you’re essentially doing two stitches in the next stitch. Yarn over and pull the yarn through. Yarn over and pull the yarn through both loops on your hook. Repeat Steps 2 and 3, but instead of working in the next stitch, you’ll insert your hook into the same one you just single crocheted into.
The Decrease Stitch: The decrease stitch is the opposite of an increase stitch and is another common stitch when working in the round. Instead of doing two stitches in one, you’ll be combining two stitches to make your crochet project smaller. Pull the yarn through the stitch. Pull the yarn through the stitch. Yarn over, and pull the yarn through all three loops. Just like with the increase stitch, there’s also a way to make your decrease stitches less visible.
The Chain Stitch: The chain stitch is similar to the foundation chain, except that there’s no slip knot at the start. You’ll often use a chain stitch to increase the height of the next row, to leave gaps in your work, or make parts of a toy, such as a doll’s hair or a squid’s tentacles. Pull the yarn through the loop on your hook.

Understanding Crochet Patterns

When you see your first crochet pattern, you might feel a little overwhelmed. What do all these letters mean? Before you start worrying that you’re missing part of the instructions, you should know that most patterns won’t spell out all those stitches you just learned. They use abbreviations. Don’t OMG just yet though! Most pattern-makers will include a key. Once you know how to read a pattern, you'll be able to make all kinds of different projects. A pattern will tell you what to do for each round or row.

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From our handy-dandy chart, we know that sc means single crochet. This one may seem a little tricky at first, but it just means that you should do whatever is inside the [brackets] a total of six (x 6) times.. So you’d do a single crochet in one hole, followed by an increase in the next hole. Just like the one above, the x 6 only affects what’s in the brackets.

Crochet Project Ideas for Beginners

Amigurumi: Amigurumi, or crocheted plushies, always put a smile on our faces, which is why we have so many beginner kits to choose from. Whether you want to make a fun-loving fox or a perky penguin, you’ll find detailed instructions and all the materials you’ll need to learn to crochet in a Woobles kit. Amigurumi may seem intimidating, but not with The Woobles! When you choose to make a Wooble as your first crochet project, you’ll get a crash course on tons of skills, plus step-by-step video tutorials that’ll help you master those new talents. Plus, it’s super motivating to see your new little friend come to life. And we’ll let you in a little secret - uneven stitches are more forgiving when you crochet in the round rather than in rows.
Flowers: Want flowers that’ll last forever? Learning to crochet flowers as a beginner is a great way to add some splashes of color to your home or gift friends and family.
Coasters: Crocheting a coaster means making something both beautiful and functional.
Scarves: Scarves are a great project for beginners because many only require basic stitches.
Bags: Crocheting a reusable grocery bag is both eco-friendly and fun! Working on a bag helps you practice your stitches, and you can even learn how to create a mesh-like pattern.
Hats: Hats are another great project for beginners. You can start by crocheting a flat piece and then seaming it up the back.

Resources for Learning Crochet

You have so many options for resources to learn how to crochet, but here are a few of our favorites. The Woobles has tons of beginner kits to choose from, so why choose at all? With our Easy Peasy Beginner Bundle, you’ll get four of our best-selling beginner Woobles. The Woobles kits not only give you access to video tutorials with step-by-step instructions but also unlimited support from The Woobles team.

There are a ton of tutorials available online and in books that can help you learn how to crochet. Our tutorials, which are for both right-handed and left-handed crocheters, come in a variety of formats, including video, pictures, and written instructions, but we find that video is one of the best ways to learn to crochet as a beginner. Many crochet books contain fun patterns with thorough directions, and there are plenty of crochet books for beginners. Whether you're a beginner or have been crocheting for a long time, our upcoming book, Crochet Amigurumi for Every Occasion, will have you making creatures and critters that your loved ones will adore.

Why Choose The Woobles?

The Woobles makes crocheting so easy to learn because each kit comes with all the things you need, from the right tools to easy-to-navigate tutorials. The Woobles breaks down the basics so you never feel overwhelmed. Their tutorials are designed for beginners, so even if you’ve never picked up a crochet hook before, you can come away from a Woobles kit ready to tackle your next project. Plus, one of the biggest frustrations for newcomers doesn’t exist in a Woobles kit - splitting yarn. Splitting yarn can cause a hopeful crocheter to feel like they’ll never be able to learn stitches, but with their Easy Peasy yarn, it’s impossible for your yarn to fray. You can practice your stitches without the hassle of yarn that just doesn’t want to cooperate. And although you’ll be learning on your own time, you’ll never be all by yourself. You’ll have the help of your fellow Wooblers, as well as their eager-to-assist support team.

The Woobles kits are great for newbies and long-time crocheters alike. Many Wooblers’ very first crochet projects were their beginner kits, from Tanya the Tiger to Jojo the Rabbit. No matter how you learn best, the Woobles has got you covered with step-by-step tutorials and their support team ready to answer your questions. Plus, you can only find their Easy Peasy yarn in their kits, which is specially-designed to be impossible to split (because splitting yarn is just no fun). And they’re always dropping new kits with new friends to meet.

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The Woobles Beginner Crochet Kit: A Closer Look

The Woobles Beginners Crochet Kit featuring Fred the Dinosaur is designed for those who are just starting out. It’s not just any crochet kit; it’s tailored specifically for beginners.

Easy Peasy Yarn: The yarn included is specially made for beginners.
Step-by-Step Video Tutorials: The kit includes video tutorials that are easy to follow.
Complete Package: You receive a pre-started crochet piece, stuffing, plastic eyes, a yarn needle, and a crochet hook.

Many users have praised the kit for its ease of use and the quality of materials. If you’re looking to dive into the world of crochet, The Woobles Beginners Crochet Kit with Easy Peasy Yarn is a fantastic choice. It’s not just about making a cute dinosaur; it’s about learning a new skill that can lead to endless creative possibilities. Whether you’re crafting for yourself or as a gift, this kit is sure to bring joy and satisfaction.

Common Questions About Learning Crochet

Are The Woobles kits good for complete beginners? Absolutely! Their kits are made specifically for complete beginners. Over 500,000 people have learned crochet with The Woobles, and you can be next! Just follow the step-by-step video tutorials that come with each kit. Their beginner kits also come pre-started to get you over the first hump.
Is there a specific age that is best for learning crochet? It’s the answer we all dread - it depends. Kids as young as 8 have successfully made toys with The Woobles kits! But here's some questions to help you decide: how much do they dabble in arts and crafts already? How much hand-eye coordination do they have? How well do they follow video instructions? Can they focus on an activity for at least 30 minutes?
Are there left-handed instructions? Every beginner kit comes with both right- and left-handed step-by-step guides, plus all of their tutorial videos are available for both righties and lefties.
How long does it take to complete a beginner project? For total newbies, anywhere between 3-8 hours. But once you get the hang of crochet, less than an hour!

Overcoming Challenges

Find yourself in an unbelievably unique situation? Never fear, there's a video here! Your kit comes with videos that teach you how to fix common mistakes.

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