Like everything else in life, crochet is a learning journey. And while every learning journey is unique to each individual, there are layers within that journey that are true for everyone. Some of us will reach the milestones more quickly than others, some more slowly, but with the right support and tools we can all move forward.

Where we’re at in a journey will also impact our confidence. And how we react and respond to that confidence determines if we continue moving forward or if we stay stuck where we’re currently at. Some people are happy getting to a level that is comfortable for them and will be happy and content to stay there. Others, like me, will almost always be looking for ways to learn and improve.

Understanding yourself is important. When you understand yourself you can decide what is your next step forward. Or maybe you’ll take a step back or a step sideways. All are valid choices. And all have their place. And just because you opt to take a step backwards or sideways does not mean you can’t choose to take that step forwards in future.

So how does all that apply to crochet?

When you first start learning to crochet there is usually some excitement and often frustrations. You get excited because you’re learning something new and you can see your creations come to life. Sometimes we don’t learn as quickly as we would like so we end up frustrated. Your experience of excitement or frustration, coupled with how that makes you feel, will determine whether you keep learning or if you decide that crochet is not for you. If you’re someone that gives up with frustration you’re unlikely to continue. If you’re someone that thrives on the excitement but then gets bored easily they you might find yourself giving up when you’re not challenged. We’re all different and we all respond and move forward differently.

Which one are you?

As we start to learn in crochet you begin by following. You need someone to guide you through the stitch, the project, the yarn you choose. This might be videos on YouTube, a friend or relative that is on call to help you. Maybe it’s a facebook group or other community that you can call upon. Over time you start to understand more of what you’re doing, you’re able to start correcting your mistakes yourself and you rely less and less on the help from others.

When you start a new project, you usually start by copying the exact design that was provided to you. You need to see how it all comes together before you can make any of your own changes. Similar to cooking a recipe for the first time. You begin by following it as written and over time, each time you make it you start doing something different. You might decide to add in a different spice, switch out one vegetable for another or try a different method for cooking it. That all comes from feeling more confident. You’ve practiced it, understand it and now you are making choices to change it.

The same applies to crochet. You might make a beanie once. It turned out a little small so the next time you make some adjustments to make it bigger. You might choose a thicker yarn and follow the same instructions to end up with a bigger one. Or maybe you use the same yarn as before and experiment with adding in some extra stitches. Your end result the second time round will influence what you decide next time. Or maybe you just give up after the first one and decide that beanie isn’t for you.

The more you experiment, the more you learn to trust yourself and the less doubt you’ll have when you start out in a new stitch, new yarn or new project. With each project you start and finish the more you learn to trust yourself and the more adventurous you’re likely to get. Your confidence grows and your love of the craft will grow,

Where are you currently sitting? Are you still needing to call on someone for help as you seek to understand? Or have you moved to understanding and starting to try something new? Are you someone that is still copying everything and accepting the final result? Or are you starting to experiment with what you’ve been making so that you can get it closer to what you really intended? Do you trust yourself? Or are you still doubting that you’re ever going to understand?

It is also quite normal to cycle through these stages continuously, especially if you’re someone that likes to keep learning and keep challenging yourself.

This brings me to the Hooked on Crochet Club. I have deliberately designed everything in this club to support the crocheter that loves to keep learning, loves to keep challenging themselves, loves to keep trying something new to see if they like it or not.

If you find yourself frequently uninspired or bored with their crochet but wishing that you crocheted more often, then I encourage you to come and join us. We’re a community that is likeminded and will support you in your crochet journey. We all love to crochet and we all love to learn something new, so you’ll be among friends!

Or if you’re tired of feeling frustrated at not progressing, we’re here to support you! If you want more confidence to take on new learnings, we’re here to support you!

Seona x