5 Crochet Hacks That Actually Work & That I Use All The Time!

[@mlmcrthr]

I've been crocheting for over 70 years, but the alternative turning chain is a real eye opener. Thank you!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

That's awesome! It's such a handy technique, so I'm glad to share it with others.

[@milabulic]

I agree. 50 years crocheting and that was a game changer.

[@amandastypul4399]

Yes! Love this tip.

[@lanajantz2240]

Yepper! Yippee! Great news!

[@mariadeguadalupecerchiross9851]

I am in the same boat this young girls and boys crocheting today are really smart!!

[@shymaiden7813]

OMG THAT TURNING CHAIN IS A LIFE SAVER, MY EDGES FINALLY LOOK GOOD

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Yay!!! It was an absolute game changer for me too, so I love hearing that it's helping others as much as it helped me!

[@Ririn_Sama0517]

It's amazing to see how many elders are learning new things on crochet, which is great since they are all so talented already ! I'm 19 this year and I love to crochet, always wanting to learn new stuff, and it calms me down when I'm doing arts and crochet because I'm always feeling this anxiety. People find me weird sometimes, cause they think crocheting are mostly done by more elder people... They do find some of my work cute tho. But they would still judge. Dad is taking me to buy new yarn today :D I'm making a new cardigan for my grandma ! She loves the colour red and I wanted to attach a rose on top :D It's not going to be perfect tho...I'm just worried she wouldn't like it :(

[@CraftersAutonomous]

It's so fun sharing new tips and tricks! I say it's never too late to learn something new. 😄 Crochet is one of my favorite ways to relax too! Try not to let what other people think get to you. Trends come and go, and what people find weird one day is the big craze the next day. So if you enjoy crochet, embrace it! You're not the only younger person who crochets, and it might just be that the people who think it's weird are secretly just jealous. Some people will always find a reason to judge others, so don't focus on what they think. Focus on how crocheting does good! Crochet helps with your anxiety, and you're able to make gifts for other people and bring them joy! And I'm sure your grandma will love the cardigan you're making for her. My projects include mistakes all the time and don't always turn out perfect. But in the end, they bring me joy because they're one of a kind, beautiful pieces. I'm sure your grandma will appreciate the time and effort you put into making her cardigan!

[@nancy9478]

My daughter is 19 and loves to crochet, and she loves to sew too. Don't bother with others opinions, just enjoy your hobby. Xo

[@krazymammaw3040]

It's going to beautiful

[@spring.on.neptune]

Im also a teenager and i really love to crochet, i recently got introduced to the world of granny squares and im learning a lot, so im glad we can be on this journey together! Happy crocheting!

[@Traumawomen]

My goodness if my granddaughter made me something I would love every little stitch. You are a real sweetheart thinking of your grandma.

[@fiona2617]

The "tricky yarn" hack was so helpful! I had some really lovely black yarn that I just found totally impossible to work with because the definition in the stitches was non existent. I ended up working it with a really beautiful colorful rainbow yarn and it was so much easier and it looked so pretty!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I bet the darker yarn made the rainbow colors really pop!

[@grandmalovesmebest]

That's a great idea for any yarn you can't feel, or see! I love black garments but can't see well enough to use black yarn. I used some glow-in-the-dark yarn and my project came out amazing. Thanks for all the tips. I hate turning chains!

[@kaykenaga5675]

Me too!

[@maryannquinn1889]

@@CraftersAutonomous adding a color to dark yarn is a life saver for my old eyes (74yo) I’ve been making twisted head bands and have black left over from another project I can now use!!

[@jeanniegray2183]

That is called Blacklight or Black Light and is so pretty with rainbow or confetti multicolored, or variegated yarn. Substitute white, or solid color for a different effect, matching or contrasting the variegated.🎉

[@amieehemenway3667]

I'm 60 years old & my beautiful grandma starting teaching me how to crochet at tye age of 4 (believe it or not!) I caught on fairly quick & I started with a lap blanket. I was so proud to give it to my mom! She was astounded! Thx gma...rest your soyl...I truly miss your ❤ & understanding. You were a wonderfu teacher!!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

What precious memories. Thanks for sharing!

[@QChord4Fun]

I do believe it because I don't recall learning to crochet, seems I just always have. But it was before I started school.

[@kittykittybangbang9367]

Hack #1 0:53 Hack #2 2:46 Hack #3 6:15 Hack #4 13:03 Hack #5 16:18

[@annhoney3628]

I think 11:40 too

[@ketesahtrudeau2440]

I love the cleaner starting row and the alternative turning stitch! The alternative turning stitch was what finally made me go from a noob to a novice who feels like she could make a scarf with straight edges!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Yes, I love to hear these "break through" stories! I just wish I'd known this trick when I was learning. I've got some early projects with very wonky edges 😂

[@rebeccagrider7359]

I’ve been crocheting for 40 years and never seen some of these hacks. I love the foundation less beginning. Wow!!! Thanks

[@CraftersAutonomous]

You're very welcome. Glad it was helpful!

[@susanstaller1701]

I've been crocheting for over 50 years and I really enjoyed all 5 tips and tricks. I think my favorite is joining in the round. Your trick on no turning chain is brilliant also and I do something similar called a chainless beginning DC. It's almost like yours but it calls for a YO before going through for first st. The end result, I think, looks more like a DC and is the same width as a regular DC. Thanks for all your tips. I most definitely will keep you on the top of my subscription list.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

That's so awesome you've been crocheting for so long! I think I've seen the chainless beginning dc, but never got around to trying it. I'll have to look into that. Thanks so much for watching and supporting my channel!

[@abbynormal4740]

Thanks for sharing your tips and demonstrating them so clearly. Although the other hacks are part of my SOP, your tip about using 2 strands and alternating colors for gingham/buffalo stitch work was a new one to me. 😀 I've been crocheting a long time too (48 years off and on) but didn't start learning all the great hacks & tips until I had to retire several years ago for health reasons, and started binge watching crafts & crochet videos and classes online. All the years I was working myself (almost literally) to death, I never noticed what a vast wealth of crafting info and instruction was readily available🤯, and finding it provided a new lease on life after the old one fell apart. 😀 Like susan staller, I find the chainless beginning DC mimics a regular DC well. Depending on the yarn, project and stitch pattern, sometimes it works better to do a variation of the chainless beginning DC, do a turn/SC/ch1, use your stacked SC method or something else similar. I like to experiment on the practice/gauge swatch to find what works best for each project. Two of my favorite go-to hacks are securing the live loop with a stitch marker whenever I remove the crochet hook or am done stitching for the day, and the knotless starting chain (no slip knots needed!)😄

[@marcellespeake4272]

Many years ago I was in a store buying yarn and saw a lady who had brought in her afghan to match yarn to buy more. It was beautiful. I asked the pattern and basically, she held 3 strands of same color yarn and did single crochet. It was simple and elegant. Have since done it myself. A bonus to this: bulky yarn is fluffy and soft, but it can break easier than regular yarn. Using three strands held together, stress is spread out between the three and less likely to break. If it does break it is easier and less noticable to repair.😊

[@corgilover2319]

I've never seen the alternative turning chain before. This was great! Your stitch tutorials are so clear.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

It's such a great little trick!

[@deeanncrown9248]

I love the suggestion of adding regular yarn to the "difficult " yarn to add visibility. Thanks!

[@isuckzr]

I love to use 3 strands with variegated yarn, which gives it a lovely tweedy look.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Great tip! I love the dimension variegated yarn adds when working with multiple strands.

[@grandmalovesmebest]

I did this hat w 3 strands of green,grey,and cream. Somehow, the cream made a ridge over the entire hat. It was ever so pretty and if i had TRIED to do that i wouldnt have known how. The best thing about crochet is the wonderful surprises when you pick up yarn and a hook and just start!

[@barbarawest1205]

It's a tie between the foundationless start and the alternative turning chain. I love it that you pull un so tight that we can really see where your hook is being inserted. Yours is about the 5th or 6th I've watched (not counting your longer video) demonstrating the alt turning chain and it's the first one where I was certain I didn't need to start with a single chain and understood where the hook goes when you start the first link and then the second one.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Glad I was able to help it make sense for you! It makes me so happy when I'm able to help others. Thanks for watching!

[@wolfbeam3915]

I love working with multiple strands together. Something about it is just more fun! I intend to try out the turning stitch, I've not seen that before!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I think that is one of the beauties of crochet- there's always something new to try, and usually it turns out quite fun!

[@citizendame9098]

👍

[@nunezkim]

I have been crochetting for over 50 years. Alternate turning chain is a game changer!

[@judycolella5554]

Like many others here, the alternative turning chain completely made my day - and will make my finished projects look so much better - a million thanks!

[@shanam9]

I love the last two I hate chaining just starting a row it always shows I also love how you had your slip stitch I still don't get the foundation row I'll work on it

[@heatherfarage491]

I think my favorite is the one where you do the chainless turning. I specialize in textured blankets, so this will come in REALLY handy

[@echeloncubbins2803]

Do you have a link or images of finished blankets you've made? Curious if you do commissions as well.

[@virginiahofer9311]

I liked them all but I especially liked the alternative turning chain. Thanks a lot.

[@lesleehunter3799]

The foundationless start is a great tip. Also working with the homespun yarn makes sense. At least twice I've bought several skeins of yarn to make a project and end up donating the yarn to a thrift shop because I can't get it to look nice for my project. Thanks for your tips - they all make sense!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@nikolemason1137]

The foundation stitches are going to save my life on all of my blankets. Thank you so much for this video

[@sheilamayfield9587]

Thanks. I love all the hacks but my favorite is the turning chain.

[@betzmiller5342]

I love the doubling or tripling up yarn....what a great idea for making regular yarn chunky. And using traditional yarn with ' difficult ' yarn!!!

[@oldmomma56]

Thanks so much for showing me technique s for making projects easier and neater going forward!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

You are so welcome!

[@saraallen9095]

I’m really excited to use the alternative turning chain hack!!! I actually just used the back loop of the chain stitch hack when learning a new stitch: the Moss stitch! So I really liked learning that I can use that for everything too!!! Thank you very much!!!

[@dawnvega383]

Great way to finish off with out knowing where it stops!

[@debrajahnke5904]

When I make my baskets, I do a row of front loop only single crochet when I start the sides. Makes it more stable and it stands better. I rarely use fuzzy type yarn but when I do I feel for the next stitch as I go so I know where to put the stitch. I think it was Crystal from Bag or Day showed one time in a video to do a turn just chain one turn and start by doing a dc in the first loops. I have been doing it that way since then but I like this way also have to try this. Thank you for the great tips.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I do that sometimes too! I like that it creates a nice ridge so the bottom edge is clearly defined. Thanks for watching!

[@carolwhite9332]

I've been crocheting for over 50 years and have never seen any of these hacks before. Loved them all, but my favorite is working with difficult yarn. In the past I've ended up donating it. Thank you so much!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

You're very welcome! So glad these ideas were helpful.

[@SayLeeLee]

The Alternative Turning Chain is AWESOME! Such a lovely edge. Why did we ever do it any other way?? 😅 Thank you. Finally after 40 years of crocheting I learned something completely new. It's like a side foundation chain. I'd love to know where you learned the hack. Did you create it or learn it from your grandmother or someone? I'm so curious. Thank goodness for 3am KZbin trolling and Thank You for sharing. Genius.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

It's such a game changer! My only problem with this stitch is that I didn't find it sooner 😄 I think I found it on Pinterest (probably scrolling at 3am too lol), gave it a try, and was mind blown. I've seen it in a couple different places and never figured out who originally came up with the idea, but I'm so thankful they did!

[@TammyHellier-bq9ff]

I love the one that lets you end up with straight edges instead having a s side edge. Thank you so much.

[@vickimclaughlin6935]

Thank you!! All of your ‘hacks’ are very helpful, but I LOVE the last one about the turning chain. I’m a newbie to crocheting and have made a few blankets, but always cringe when i see the gap caused by the turning chain. This will help me so much! I sure appreciate you taking the time to post these.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I'm so glad this video was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@lb476]

As with other old timers who have crocheted for years. I knew some of these 5 crochet hacks, but the turning chain hack was a useful tool for me. Unfortunately the arthritis hands makes crocheting difficult to make multiple skeins of yarn, but I love the thought of using up my boxes of old yarn. Thank you for teaching this old granny new tricks.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

It's never too late to learn something new! So glad you enjoyed these ideas.

[@annconnellan3050]

This was a great refresher on some things I knew, but forgot about. Thank you so much for your style and pace of teaching! I am so tired of hearing the barbie doll, syrupy voices that are used in so many videos or the overly explained, overly slow methods of teaching. ❤️❤️❤️

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Glad you enjoyed this video!

[@trigeminalneuralgia1]

Thank you for explaining the back 'nub;' I always hear everyone saying to do it, but I never knew exactly what it was. A huge thanks!!

[@annebanks8203]

I’m quite new a crochet. The foundationless chain definitely looks neater.

[@saraflowers3512]

I love the last one!! Can’t wait to apply that to my afghan blanket I’m planning out!

[@noa_rg]

the switching colours one is so helpful! I'm a begginer and I'm making myself a crop top but I'm using two different colours and they kind of blended in a weird way, but using that method in a "transiton row" makes it look a lot better 🤭

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Glad to help!

[@SmoothD3vil]

#1: the background music is a fantastic choice! #2: the alternative turning chain was great! #3: the tie off stitch hack BLEW my mind!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Thanks so much! It's so fun learning new techniques for crochet.

[@IDontSuckAtLifeakaJanis3975]

2:21 if you can't get this technique right away due to tension, try going up 1 hook size for the base chain and then switch to the hook you'll use for the project when beginning first single crochet row. *** I'll have to tell Ellen Gormley to add nub to her list of what back bump is called. ***

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing.

[@leesanchez8432]

Talking about naming things, I call the bump the spine. It is the firm part of the stitch that I think is like our backbones, with the two sides of the V as the pairs of lungs. This is not meant,to be gross, just a memory device. This might crack you up: I named my crochet hook parts too, thinking in terms of a bird. The working top of the hook is the head, the edge that catches thread is the beak, the hollow where the thread rests is the throat, and the slender section below the head is the neck. Works for me! I just love playing with words and concepts! Happy hooking.

[@camilledvorak7151]

This is how I start all my projects, it's more time consuming but adds a more finished edge, I'll have to remember to go up a size on my hook.

[@camilledvorak7151]

@@leesanchez8432 good memory tricks!

[@debraparker161]

I agree , I always go up one hook size on foundation chains. It makes such a difference.

[@ooohlaa13]

I am a lifetime knitter and just learning crochet and my edges are SUPER wonky even with everyone's tips, but they are getting better. At 81 I stayed away from crochet because my image was dolls with dresses that covered a roll of toilet paper??? eeew! Or super complicated lace. Back in the day crochet was not a fine art as it is today, except for lace. My mom made dresses and tablecloths and did tatting and hairpin lace and of course knit and dress/drapery making. She had her own business (a hard act to follow) and was a very impatient teacher 😹. She was a fiber Wizard! but her crochet was way over my head. I delight in your demeanor, voice and style. You are a blessing and so kind.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Never too late to learn something new! I aspire to be like you and never stop learning in life. Some of the crochet styles and projects from the 70s are fun, but some make me ask "why would anyone make that???" haha. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@dianaross3221]

I've made heavy bags using 3 strands of yarn together and I love how they turn out. I've also tried working into thr back of the foundation chain, but I've never seen the other hacks. I'm super excited to try them on my next project!!! Thank you so much!!!!!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Ooh, bags are a great idea for using multiple strands of yarn. Thanks for watching!

[@sandragriffiths9692]

Me2, I love making 3 strand bags, they are very strong and they look pretty

[@valerieatkins9994]

Me too. Fantastic 💕💕

[@zanpsimer7685]

I use all these techniques. I second these hacks for crocheters!

[@galepowell7857]

I've never seen these before but are interesting enough that I plan to try all 5. Thank you

[@cindicovert7763]

Even though I have been crocheting for over 30yrs. I have used these hacks only because I know read patterns and learned by mistake or watching videos...good job!!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I'm always amazed at just how much crochet there is to learn! Just when I think I've seen it all, I find a new method or technique that completely changes how I look at crochet.

[@jamie-louiseevans8785]

After finding out about the invisible foundation chain I just had to find out of there were other things I should know. This did not disappoint thanks so much. Especially loved the idea of bulking up yarn, to make thicker work x

[@CraftersAutonomous]

So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@leesanchez8432]

I also like the fact that using two or three strands means you get more coverage with less work and reduced time on the project.

[@mariaansari248]

The alternative turning chain is my favorite hack. I was totally immersed into watching that video and thinking that I'm going to use this hack from now on

[@sandraleyland8748]

You had me hooked with the first hack. I’ve never understood going in the back hump. Now I’m going to give it a try

[@cgregory848]

That turning chain is a game changer. It even sets up your stitches if you want to do a border. Nice.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Great point about working a border!

[@ittybittykittymama7582]

I guess you really CAN teach an old dog new tricks! Thanks for this video. I'm looking forward to exploring all of the videos you've made. Excellent and clear instructions. You're a great teacher! Thanks so much! Wood woof!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

That's awesome you learned something new with this video! Thanks for watching.

[@patriciamarini480]

I have crocheted since I was 8 , now 80 thanks !!!!! Have always hated chains now I love what you have taught me! 🤗Patricia

[@CraftersAutonomous]

That's awesome! It's never too late to learn something new. 😊

[@nancystender8041]

Definitely the alternative turning chain. Would like to see the miracle ring demonstrated please.

[@vanessaangelica9752]

I love how you hide the finishing, that was so smart

[@prodigaldaughter5978]

The alternative turning chain is a must! Also the blending is the two colors is very nice. Thank you!

[@susanbishop8858]

I liked the alternative turning chain. It makes the end look so much neater.

[@kwilliams4702]

Thanks so much for the video, the foundationless start is awesome! I really struggle keeping track of chain so I’ll definitely be using this 🙏

[@sarveale]

Beginner crocheter from the U.K. so all tips help thank you x

[@mareencope8421]

I particularly liked the invisible round ending and the no chain turn.

[@janeyrodgers9927]

I like them all really but probably the turning chain hack and foundation single crochet without chaining. Love it!!!!

[@brandybusz3867]

I liked the alternative turn. It's the only one I hadn't seen before in my 21 years of crocheting.

[@michellerichards8102]

I love hack #5: the turning chain alternative. I have always hated the way the edging looks on the traditional turning chain, especially when crocheting taller stitches, so i normally used the chain 2 method. Even though the chain two method didn’t leave gap and its appearance more closely resembled a normal stitch, resulting in a cleaner edge, it left the stitch looking thicker than the others. Your turning chain hack fixes those problems. Thank you!!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

So glad you like this hack as much as I do! I had similar frustrations with the ch 2 and was so excited when I found the alternative turning chain method too.

[@nancyshinn2037]

Yes, these ideas were new to me too and I've been crocheting for about 40 years. Your ideas are fun and interesting. Thank you! And thankk you for having normal, natural and beautiful hands without all the plastic shiney nails!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

So glad you enjoyed these ideas! Thank you for watching.

[@miaschu8175]

I like the foundationless crochet, as I dislike tight edges on garments. I like the idea of using multiple yarns to use up scraps for a thicker crochet item. Thank you.

[@rozsavaria5122]

that alt turning chain is a lifechanger! no more lumpy squares 🙏

[@pollyj4jam157]

The alternative turning I must try and the foundation chain. Thank you

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Those are some of my favorites! I love how projects turn out when I use those hacks.

[@tinahaynes175]

alternative turning chain! That no bump and no gap is priceless!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@elainewalsh9075]

I didn’t know about the fifth one before! I can’t wait to try it. The other four are great too.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

It's a total game changer!

[@elainewalsh9075]

I’ve been using #5 for a dress I’m crocheting. It has made the seam so much neater!

[@Jennifer-qc2tq]

These are awesome! Aside from the multiple strands for a thicker, chunky (and faster) project...the rest were all new to me and I've been crocheting since I was 6! One hack I love...(for round projects...I make a lot of beanies) virtually makes that seam disappear. After completing a round and slip stitch, you start the next round and then add another stitch in the same space...even if you're at the point your rounds are down to one stitch per space. You slip the second stitch under that part of the first stitch that is diagonal and then into the same hole your first stitch started. It's wonderful. Love this video...I'm about to watch it again to crochet along with you. Thank you so much.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Also, that hack for joining rounds sounds awesome! Does it create a little ridge on the inside of the project from the extra stitch? Or does it not really matter for projects like hats and such? I'll have to give this a try for sure!

[@margaretdombkoski4780]

Although I have been doing some of these hacks previously, my favorite is crocheting the in foundation chain using the back bump. I only learned how to do that one recently. Makes such a nice edge, especially if you have a nice chain to work the stitches into. Very nice explanations of the hacks. Will definitely use the alternative turning stitch in my hats when joining rounds;)

[@caroleanderson4020]

The way to camouflage the last stitch in a round is much appreciated. I also quite like the look of the alternative turning chain.

[@Darvit_Nu]

Great video with so many helpful crochet tips! I discovered working into the back loops when I started making afghans years ago. The difference in edges working into the sides annoyed me so much because they didn't match! The back loop method makes the beginning edge & end edge the same near little V shapes. 😌☮️💕 The alternative turning chain is absolutely a great technique to make edges straight & even. Subscribed 😇

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Yes, the different look to the edge drove me crazy too! haha It didn't occur to me to try working in the back loop of the chain until I started Tunisian crochet, and my mind was absolutely blown. Thanks so much for subbing!

[@lynette.]

Have never seen the alternative turning chain edges have always jarred on my eyes this is brilliant. Thank you.

[@lapatti]

This video will have to stay into my "crochet" play list.

[@bell6dandy564]

The last hack is MAGICAL! I just started learning to crochet a few weeks ago, by watching KZbin videos, and an currently obsessing with all things, just starting on hacks, after getting the basics started. I dont like the bumpy end when having to chain and turn, and i will DEFINITELY be using this, probably within the hour, lol, so thank you!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Awesome! I wish I had discovered this so much sooner in my crochet journey haha

[@SharmClucas]

Interesting video, forwarded to my crochet friends. I'm surprised about the first hack, that was just how I was taught, I thought people doing it the other way were being lazy because working the side of the chain is easier than working the back. I prefer a standing double crochet (I think that's what it's called?) to the alternative turning stitches, because it looks extremely similar to a normal double crochet, but it's nice to have options. I've run into situations where a standing double crochet just wasn't working due to the yarn in the project, and I hate how the chain stitches look so much that I don't ever want to use it again. It looks like the foundation stitches would work better for taller stiches too, a standing treble crochet looks a little strange with thin thread and a standing double treble just won't work. My favorite was the foundation stitches, I'd never seen them before and the less stretchy edge of a chain has bothered me in projects before, so I will definitely be using it. Thanks for the tips!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Thanks so much for sharing! Whenever I don't use the first hack now, it's always because I'm feeling lazy! 😂 But it took me many years of crocheting to figure out working in the back nub creates a nicer edge. I need to revisit the standing double crochet and compare with the alternative turning chain. But I'm never going back to turning chains, that's for sure! Thanks so much for watching, and I'm glad you enjoyed the ideas.

[@friedathompson7872]

I've started my 1st row off the foundation

[@jessicagerber1894]

Dude. Foundation row and alternative turn. Awesome. Mindshift!!! ❤️

[@lubear413]

I really love the alternative turning chain as well as the foundationless single or double crochet for a more stretching project. I have always liked working in the "bump" myself. I did it "accidentally" once and really liked the nice edging that it provides for the first row. thanks for Sharing

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I love it when accidental "mistakes" turn into something great!

[@Mischa808]

Haven't crocheted in over 35yr. This will start me anew with some very good tweaks. Very practical and good looking hack!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

That's awesome you're getting back into crocheting! Glad I could share some new ideas with you.

[@KittyMama]

Love these hacks! Even though I have crocheted for years (of course self-taught, so some bad habits were bound to happen, lol), I found the foundationless hack and the alternative turning chain very helpful. Also loved the use of multiple yarns to create a cozy scrap blanket! I would love to find out more on this, as I would like to turn my scraps into quick blankets and prayer shawls to give to charitable groups like those helping the Ukrainian refugees.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

That would be a great way to work through your yarn stash! I like to connect my scraps into a "magic yarn ball" (kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpuUp4iPoJicfcU). It would be fun to crochet a blanket using multiple magic yarn balls at once to get the yarn colors to blend together even more uniquely.

[@grandmalovesmebest]

I had lots of left over vanna's choice yarns bc I loved all her autumn colors. I combined them w bits and pieces of all my left overs and made a join as you go grandma's garden afghan. It was so fabulous that the first time I put it in the laundramat, it was stolen! 😣

[@YoursTrulyMrsMoores]

Working with multiple strands is so much fun! I've made a bunch of chunky granny square blankets with that technique

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I love the chunky granny square blanket idea! I bet it's so cozy.

[@melhartley8376]

Great hacks! I love these, especially the alternative turning stitch.

[@YEAHAWW13]

Foundationless beginning at no turning chain hacks are fantastic!

[@pamelahughes341]

Loved these hacks! Its been a while since I last picked up my hooks and yarn but I am now inspired! ALSO..... I must compliment you on your fingernails. I have found watching tutorials with painted fingernails to be distracting. Super long nails painted black make me wonder if they put those on just for making the video? Short clean nails look more like a "crafter" (just my opinion).

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I'll sometimes paint my nails, but I always keep them short because I grew up playing piano and got accustomed to them being short. And it's so much easier for crafting too! I'm honestly just impressed how some people are able to crochet with longer nails- I'd never be able to! 😄

[@lezliewhite6053]

@@CraftersAutonomous k

[@jackiewagner9336]

I've been crocheting since i was 9. My mom taught ne. Im now 59. I can choose just one. I loved them all !!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I'm so glad you enjoyed them all! I hope one day I can say I've crocheted as long as you have.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Just wanted to let y'all know I have two more crochet hack videos if you want to check them out! 5 MORE Crochet Hacks That Actually Work & That I Use All The Time! - kzbin.info/www/bejne/epzPnYCufaeHatU 5 Crochet Hacks I NEVER Use (And Why You Might Find Them Helpful Anyways!) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eninn6J-bNWGpM0 Also just posted the buffalo plaid pattern that I referenced during hack 3! Crochet 2 Strand Buffalo Plaid Pattern - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJy1nKyreMuEi5I

[@deborahnaughton6503]

Please call them tips you are creating fabric and hack sounds awf6

[@judithmartin6395]

I like them all. Thank you.

[@debrajohnson5453]

Too much chat not enough crochet

[@ladonnaflores308]

I love to crochet and this is very helpful. Thank you 😊

[@ladonnaflores308]

Yes the turning back is the best.. Thanks again.

[@rfresa]

I used to crochet a lot as a kid, but never learned to follow a pattern, and just figured things out on my own once my mom taught me the basics. My sister and I made so many little hats and jackets for our stuffed animals (we weren't allowed to watch TV or play videogames, so we had to entertain ourselves in other ways)! I actually figured out a few of these tricks on my own. Now I'm interested in picking up crochet again, following traditional patterns and tutorials, and it's good to have my childhood tricks confirmed!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

That's awesome you were able to figure out different ways of doing things on your own! I was similar when I first started, where someone showed me a few stitches and then I just made things up. Not everything worked haha But it's a great way to stretch those creative brain muscles. Thanks for sharing!

[@patpolubinsky8766]

I LOVE the hack making a bulky yarn out of 3 strands of worsted! Thank you!

[@virginiarichards6872]

WOW! THANKS! The alternative foundation (YAY) and the alternative turning chain (yay). Thank you again.

[@cameronhysjulien7431]

Loved every hack! Fantastic! But my favorites were NO foundational chain...”Yay!” and hack #5! Genius!!! Thank you!!!

[@rikastemmet8849]

Yes I would like to seen dat I ❤ video I in joy it thanks for the video have a good day and Night

[@tonimcguire8588]

Wow! 4 of the 5 were hacks I’d never seen. I think 2&5 are my favorite new hacks, thank you for explaining them. After more than 40 yrs I’ve learned new hacks!

[@ainaferris5918]

My favourite is the alternative turning chain hack. I have been crocheting for 60 years and did not know this one. I will be using it in the future. Thanks so much!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

You are so welcome!

[@Kobisashi]

I LOVE the way you did the double crochet base stitch. So nuch more clean looking.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

So glad you liked that idea! It's one of my favorite tricks to use when crocheting, so I'm happy you found it helpful too!

[@sharinance3395]

My new favorite way to start a project where you see the finished edge as a chain! Awesome

[@donnaparcel1598]

I've been crocheting and knitting for at least 65 - 70 years (my grandma started teaching me when I was in 6th or 7th grade). I've been using the camel foundation stitch for the last 25 to 30 years - I think I may have learned it out of the old workbasket magazines. I makes the edge so much neater. l still have a couple of booklets that I bought years ago, one has about 60 crochet patterns and the other has about 60 knitting patterns. Over the years I've made numerous afghans, sweaters, baby blankets, doilies, etc. I'm still doing both and make a lot of the Christmas presents I give out.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

That's awesome! I hope I can one day say I've been crocheting for that long too!

[@eileenmcmullin3693]

I am so grateful for these hacks...and I’ve been crocheting for decades - almost five! YT obviously didn’t exist when I taught myself to crochet (and to read instructions.) I had no one to ask as to what was what and how-to books weren’t as ubiquitous as they are now. I was determined to learn how to crochet after seeing a beautiful afghan and discovering it was made by the woman of the house. I was in awe. I loved to make things with string so I thought, what the heck, I’d give it a shot. The instructions I have found here on YT and throughout the Internet have improved my technique tremendously. These tutorials have opened amazing new worlds of creation for me! I’m amazed at the level of talent with which content providers, such as you, are gifted. You explain things so simply and clearly (and without a single ‘er’ or ‘um’ I might add.) I am able to follow you easily. Thank you. Liked, shared and subscribed. As to my favorite hack - sorry to disappoint but I really love and will use them all. 😊👍👏👏👏

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I'm so glad you found these tips helpful! I can imagine it must have been harder to learn back in the day without online resources, so I have a lot of respect for your ability to learn crochet without the resources available now. A friend taught me how to crochet around 2010, and I mostly just made up simple projects or got pattern books from the library. Then around 2015 I got on Pinterest and discovered the world of online crochet tips, tutorials, and inspiration. It's so fun seeing the incredible things others are crocheting! As far as no "er" or "um", that's thanks to video editing software. There'd be a lot of those if it weren't for editing! 😅 Thanks so much for sharing, and I'm so glad to have you as a follower!

[@eileenmcmullin3693]

@@CraftersAutonomous Oh! Forgot all about Pinterest…I’m going to see if I can make head or tails of it. If I can master it, I imagine it will be a wonderful resource. I’ve just dabbled (barely) to date but if it will inspire and help my crochet, I’ll be all over it. Thanks again 😊👍

[@CraftersAutonomous]

There's a lot of great resources on there! Pinterest has been changing a good bit over the last year, and I'm not a fan of some of the changes, but it is a great place to store a bunch of crochet ideas to easily find later on.

[@JadePrivett]

I’m so happy that I’m able to watch handy videos like this so early into my practice! I only started this week but I’m already learning so much!❤

[@hollyguthrie6943]

I’m loving your idea of using two colors to make a blend between two solid colors. My wheels are turning for how to use this with my next afghan.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

It's so fun to play around with! If you want to see a more in depth tutorial on how I used two strands to make buffalo plaid, I've got a video here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJy1nKyreMuEi5I

[@PatriciaMcLennan-dg7me]

My favorite hack from this video was the joining in the round. I really liked all of your suggestions.

[@catherinescott1261]

I liked the alternative to chain stitching and the ending of the stitch. But all of them are very helpful. Thank you.

[@taracanning7015]

I have been crocheting 40 years, the turning chain is amazing. It also helps with keeping the stitch count.

[@dayrosedesigns6286]

I learned to crochet when I was about 8 yrs old. I learned the basics. Over the years I have learned a lot and a ton of new stitches. I really like the hack of hiding the not and the way to turn with out a chain stitches.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

It's so fun learning new crochet techniques! Glad you enjoyed the ideas. Thanks for watching!