CROCHET BASICS: Hints & Tips for tension | Bella Coco

[@luckysuzful]

I love the tip about doing your foundation chain with a bigger hook and then going back to the smaller hook for the rest of your work. That's where I tend to be too tight and then it messes everything up. I'm new to crochet so this video was very helpful to me. Thanks!

[@niniksetiawan6034]

I just started crocheting today, spent an hour trying to figure it out. Your videos are fabulous! Very helpful! Will definitely watch everything and try everything

[@tarageer7754]

I LOVE your channel. I’m very new to crochet(about 2 months in) but your tutorials have gotten me very far so far. You’re a very very effective instructor! I love that you give UK and US stitch names because I’m in the US and would not have known the difference otherwise. And finally, you have a very lovely voice and way of presenting things. It makes it more like a story than a lesson. Thank you for your posts and your help!

[@bellacococrochet]

Thank you so much and you're very welcome :)

[@mikefoster2565]

I've been crocheting 10 years now and thought 'Back to basics' and found this lovely video to encourage me. Thank you, Sarah-Jane, for your wonderful tuition. These tips are great!

[@bellacococrochet]

You are very welcome :)

[@lorrainebrown3281]

Thank you so much for the last tip, that was exactly the issue I have alot. It's either to right to pull thru our to big. I can't believe such a little tip such as that has made such a difference in the way my crocheting looks. Thank you very much

[@bellacococrochet]

You are very welcome :)

[@chrisarlington1792]

Very good video! I've been crocheting since 14 NIW I'm 70 . Ive forgotten a lot when I stopped because if wrist pain. I'm just getting back into it due to COVID LOCKDOWNS and your tips were an excellent reminder. Thankyou dear.

[@bellacococrochet]

Thank you and you are very welcome :)

[@bethmegansmith4642]

Thank you for your left handed videos I am left hander and find your videos so helpful only started crochet 4 days age. Making progress but dropping stiches hahahahaha big learning curve from needle felting on and off for 6 years. thank you xxx

[@bellacococrochet]

You're very welcome :)

[@heaven33uk]

Only just starting out with crochet and have found your tutorials to be the most helpful and the easiest to follow, brilliant thank you!😁x

[@rameshidle]

hea33uk ll

[@francissmith6286]

Well thanks you should me a better videos and other people how to hold my yarn better since I'm a beginner and crocheting I'm going to try what you just showed me my name is Francis Smith beginner and crocheted

[@aashnagundawar4692]

same

[@nicolearntz7809]

Yes! I really struggle with tension, specifically on my foundation chains and finger cramping. Going to try your tips. Thank you for all the great info.

[@helencatherine3539]

Thankyou!! ❤️ I've literally only just started to learn how to crochet 2 days ago and I'm struggling with holding the yarn but your video has helped me out so much! I can't thank you enough for this tutorial ❤️

[@veryloonylynne]

As so many before me have said...I am new to crochet and after searching MANY channels.. your videos / tutorials are by way the best. Thank you so much.

[@bellacococrochet]

You're very welcome 😀

[@Cre8tiveWoman]

I have been crocheting for over 20 years and this video has been extremely helpful as I can see a lot of things I have been doing "wrong". Thanks so much for sharing!

[@carylmccarley6765]

I love all the Utube Crochet learning about Crocheting, all the Different Stitches etc. These are the Best videos to learn off of. Thanks To all the Video Makers and Uribe. This is the BEST WAY TO LEARN. 😁💗

[@krissiet4718]

THANK YOU!! I have watched a few beginner videos & no one has mentioned this. The correct tention is what I am struggling with. Today is my FIRST day trying from KZbin videos. I subscribed to yours & want to thank YOU again for taking the time to explain this! I look forward to watching more of your videos 👍😄

[@pootle2768]

Thank you so much! I've been crocheting for a while now (you taught me how to!) and with certain yarns my tension goes to pot. I will make yarn cakes with everything now! xx

[@jenniferwalker7276]

Thank you for these great tips and all the left-handed tutorials! You are a great teacher!

[@bellacococrochet]

You are very welcome :)

[@ajames4262]

Thanks Sarah! The tips are very helpful. You are a great teacher and I learn very well as you know how to explain things in great detail!!!!

[@barbaraarnold5793]

Thank you, This video just saved me a lot of time and improved my crochet 80%. great video!

[@suewright1299]

Thanks so very much for making the tension part far clearer for me Sarah-Jayne, I've been battling with this for months but just couldn't get it right. Thank Heaven I saw your post on FB earlier, it's amazing the difference I've made in just a few minutes! Very many thanks indeed xx

[@nathalieC250]

Great advice to up the size of the crochet hook for the foundation chain! Thank you. It has solved my problem.

[@Dragonking1984]

Thank you for this and other videos of your's that have helped me a lot. The advice here helped me with this problem. I didn't get a yarn bowl (couldn't find one) but i did find something like it. A yarn dispenser from yarn valet and it has worked very well for me. The next thing i am going to get is a yarn winder. My family is often impressed and proud of me. And when they asked were i learned how to do it i point to your's and other's videos, tutorials etc.

[@harriet-rosewoodhams9625]

I started 3 days ago thanks to Covid-19 and I love it! I have be practising non stop. My tension is worse at the foundation row. Also when I get into the flow, I lose the odd stitch as I struggle to judge that first 'V' in a row. Practice makes perfect! Thank you for your great videos xx

[@bellacococrochet]

You're very welcome and just remember that crochet is practice and patience :)

[@harriet-rosewoodhams9625]

@@bellacococrochet I have surprised myself how time flies by! Today I have followed your hexagon tutorial and solid granny square tutorial which are great too! I just need to read a pattern, as the videos make it so much easier, however reading a pattern is a real challenge I find :) x

[@helenmarshall3799]

Discovered your channel just yesterday and already you have really helped this beginner. Your teaching is excellent. Thank you so much.

[@bellacococrochet]

You are very welcome :)

[@jennymcfadden329]

Beginner crocheter here, I found these tips very helpful, especially the last one! This is something that I have been struggling with.

[@bellacococrochet]

I'm glad it was helpful :)

[@sarahb7283]

Thank you Sarah Jayne I found the tension tips and little tutorial very helpful. Xx

[@rebeccagonsalez5811]

Your so graceful when giving ur explanation. Thank you so much for your time.

[@bellacococrochet]

You are very welcome :)

[@anitatilley7619]

thank you so much for all the videos. I am just beginning to learn and you have helped so much. My mother has passed, she would be so proud of me thanks to you! God bless you! Anita from North Carolina.... U.S.

[@krissiet4718]

Anita Tilley I'm just beginning today & also from NC 😄

[@anitatilley7619]

Hi Krissie. Great to meet you. I hope you have a wonderful time with it like I have. I made 30 Christmas gifts for my family this year. And now working on things for myself. Videos are the best way to learn for me.... Im still learning so much! Keep in touch. Have a great day😆

[@purple_latte1441]

Omg this has been so helpful for me to improve! I'm still very new to crochet and it's a hobby I don't want to give up on. Thank you! :)

[@bellacococrochet]

You are very welcome :)

[@catherinemurphy1304]

Extremely helpful information for crochet tension control. Thank you!

[@bellacococrochet]

You're welcome :)

[@incanada83]

I'm with Lorraine Brown on that one. Thank you soooo VERY much Bella Coco for your tutorial(s) . ALL of them! They're awesome and you are a lovely Lady teacher.💐💐💐💐 I actually crocheted few different flowers thanks to you and subscribed long ago, but that tension on a yarn was my nemesis which still creeps up when working with different yarns, but I'm doing much better then ever before🙂

[@bellacococrochet]

You are very welcome :)

[@RichardElms1]

I am so glad I discovered you, thanks for all the lovely ideas. Mari xxx

[@CoffeeBear44]

I started crocheting just a week ago and I LOVE all of your videos. You have made it seem far more simple than many other online tutorials and I am already considering venturing into more complex patterns. I love the basic granny square but I am aiming to do some solid work and stripes eventually. THANK YOU So much Sarah Jane. You are a star. These tips are great - especially the one about using a larger hook for the foundation chain and then going down a size to continue.

[@Ashleymeade16]

I love your videos! I've been binge watching them lately and just love watching your projects come together

[@oongabragettey]

Golly goodness, thread tension changed my entire crochet career. Too many years of making friendship bracelets, I guess! Because I always assumed that pulling tight would give a cleaner result. Now that I’ve loosened up, I find myself stitching much faster. Also, my project has changed immensely, so I hope I’ll be able to correct any size differentiation when I do my blocking at the end.

[@TheSkully123]

I found these to be helpful. I've been crocheting for a very long time now and your tutorials have helped me to learn.

[@kaylynnsoper1935]

Very excited to try these out! These sound like very good tips especially in relation to what I've been doing wrong. Thank you!

[@jillstevens-jf5zt]

I am a beginner and really found video on tension helpful thanks 👍

[@keithhoward4059]

Thank You. That yarn bowl thing is cool whoever designed it was a thinker . Nice tutorial. A lot people hold their work yarn and hook different.

[@DEniseCHAVEZ7]

I'm showing my daughters 10 and 9 and my niece 9 how to crochet. I'm going to show them this video. Thanks!

[@alinalingard7236]

I love your videos, I’m a beginner and they really help me understand what I’m trying to do. Thank You ❤

[@bellacococrochet]

You are very welcome :)

[@eileenshea9564]

Thank you for all your videos. You are a pleasure to watch and listen to. Even though I keep my hands clean, I think they sweat just a bit because my yarn won't pull through my fingers no matter how I wrap the yarn. I've tried many different wraps. I end up pinching the yarn with my little finger. I saw a video where a woman suggested wearing thin plain white gloves and this helped her with the sweaty finger problem. I've made some beautiful items so I know my tension is OK but I would like to be able to wrap the yarn as my fingers cramp. 💐🙋‍♀️

[@bellacococrochet]

You're welcome 🙂 Have you tried crocheting with different types of yarn? Cotton yarn is very smooth and you may find it easier to pull through than an acrylic, for example. Is it possible that you're pulling the yarn a little too tightly if it's making your fingers cramp?

[@marionsense4381]

Thanks a lot for this video. The last tip was made for me, it’s exactly what I’m doing. I actually often struggle to get the hook through the loops, which confirms that I didn’t pull enough yarn... thanks!

[@bellacococrochet]

You're very welcome 😀

[@nathaliepopova8751]

Hello, Sarah Jayne! Thank you for the tips! I am starting now to crochet with you! Thanks for your lessons and tutorials! ♥️🌹🤗🙂

[@bellacococrochet]

You are very welcome :)

[@lindazbranek3436]

i loved the tips. i do do some of the "nots" , i hold my yarn all differently. Maybe i need to try wrapping it around my little finger, not sure. Thanks Bella.

[@mirandapearl146]

Can you pleassseee do a crochet mermaid tail afghan/blanket I really want to try it but your tutorials are the only ones I can easily follow!

[@tammyd.furman4099]

Thank for your tips. I have had several surgeries on my wrists and hands and I have loved to crochet prior to the surgeries. I think tension has been difficult to maintain . Thank you for your tips and your tutorials. 😊

[@bellacococrochet]

You are so welcome :)

[@barbarasudek9063]

Still a beginner. Made the tension guide, tried a chain and single crochet and nearly fell over. Were those my stitches? They looked beautiful! Can’t wait to try a pattern. Thanks so much for the tip.

[@UserUser-oc4lk]

You're verry good teacher. Thank you! Greets from Macedonia.

[@lisaspinenotes7930]

Hello, ALL Very Good Tips! I am a beginner crocheter 1.5 years this June. Thank you! Sincerely, Lisa

[@kerri-annewall3034]

Thank you so much, you’ve reminded me how my mum showed me when I first started crotcheting about 35 years ago, I’ve just been getting by but now I’m going to re-train myself 😁

[@bellacococrochet]

You're very welcome 🙂

[@stephaniebatchelor8314]

Oh wow how this video helped me. I have been trying different ways because I needed a new way my way was to tight. I'm self taught and still learning a lot. My hold was copied from another lady who I saw when I first started. Thank you so much!

[@bellacococrochet]

You're very welcome and remember that crochet is practice and patience so the more you keep trying the easier it will get :)

[@TheeCharmLife]

Thank you so much for this!! I am teaching myself how to crochet and this was so helpful!!!

[@arlenaburless2990]

Just started watching your videos and I love them very helpful.

[@yombehm4098]

Thank you for the tips. This is really helpful to beginners like myself.

[@kadence_11shorts]

Thanks for these tips. am.seriously considering investing in a yarn cake maker oh and also a yarn holder.

[@kellyayre9503]

By me finding bella my husband hates me 🤣🤣🤷🏽‍♀️ sorry not sorry by finding your videos you've helped massively with my anxiety ❤

[@bellacococrochet]

I'm so glad that they have been of help to you :)

[@melindacooper2566]

Thanks.....the way you wind your yarn around your fingers works for me...hoping this helps my tension so much.

[@bellacococrochet]

You’re very welcome 😊

[@teencykizmitt9955]

I use a bowl I got in 1975 from a Tupperware party..It fits all size of yarn Balls..( I make my yarn into Balls hand rolled..Loved the video on tips, Even after almost 50yrs of crocheting I can use tips!!!🤓🧶🧶🧶

[@bellacococrochet]

Thank you and I think we can always use tips, I am glad that they were of use to you :)

[@savagesav098]

Definitely should’ve watched this before trying to crochet

[@marybodonovan]

Great tips! I’m an absolute beginner. This is probably totally illegal, but the only way I could get my starting chain right, was to set it up on a knitting needle and then continue with a crochet hook! I’m an experienced knitter!

[@bellacococrochet]

If it works for you why not :)

[@marybodonovan]

Bella Coco your tutorials are the BEST! I love them

[@marybodonovan]

Your tutorials are great!! There are quite a few good ones out there, but I really like yours😃

[@pennyblea2705]

Thanks for the great tips as they helped me I'm a beginner, and enjoy crocheting. ..

[@suesmith6721]

Thank you! Really useful tips. My work is always neater when I've made yarn cakes. Now I know why! :-)

[@alison7630]

Thanks for the informative video, it was very helpful.I'm a beginner and left handed! Love the left handed tutorials. As a left hander, would like some tips on how to follow a simple pattern grid :)

[@lorrainebrown3281]

I'm a lefty also and it seems in everything regarding crafts the tutorials are all for right handed people which makes my work come out somewhat sloppy looking at times.

[@melindacooper2566]

Thank you I know this is going to improve the quality of my work no end....thank you

[@bellacococrochet]

You're very welcome :)

[@khalu234]

The last one was helpul for me. I am a beginner and I sometimes hold the yarn too lose and exactly what you showed happens to me, the stitch too loose. I wish you would make a video on how to find the end stitches, I have a hard time with that, I end up guessing and my worked ends are always a mess and un even. Thank you for your videos!!

[@Pixi6s]

Thanks for the last tip especially! Everyone always talks about how to hold the yarn but but I really (after 9 years of practice) I needed the tip on how to loosen the stitch by pulling up. Also, knowing that it was expected to pull out more yarn and not have it flow from the ball was good to know. With a yarn cake in that yarn dish do you still need to stop and pull out more yarn? It appeared to flow out pretty freely.

[@maryrichardson2368]

This was very helpful. I hate having to make multiply pieces like granny squares to attach cause me pieces almost never turn out the same size. I don't think I have an established tension so I will focus more on how I am holding my yarn. Thank you

[@jackiehall4034]

Thank you, great tips, your tutorials are fantastic & helping me alot 😊

[@sussankochu]

Thank you for your valuable tips that made my day

[@bellacococrochet]

You're very welcome 😀

[@neigeinbishkek]

Just what I needed ! Thank you for this great video

[@michaelaj88]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! I've just started teaching myself how to crochet and I've almost mastered the basic granny square but I couldn't work out why my work looked a bit uneven and not very neat. I now see it was all a matter of tension, like pretty much ever beginner ever! Thanks again :)

[@oongabragettey]

My life-changer hack was rolling each skein into a center-pull ball. Fantastic if you’re a cat owner, because now you won’t have a bouncing ball of unwinding yarn bopping all over the floor enticing the kitties. 😅

[@sammartin6807]

Really helpful thankyou so much. I was making all of these mistakes . Not anymore :)

[@bellacococrochet]

You're very welcome :)

[@oliviamiller3729]

Thank you for another great tutorial!

[@carmellawright3574]

Hello Bella, Thank you for your video it really help a lot. My tension is always to tight and I have to keep doing it over until I get it right. So now I know what I am doing wrong. Take Care and God Bless

[@sarahgarrett8242]

This video was very helpful. Now I understand why my stitches are consistent. Thank you very much. Do you have a video on how to learn to count stitches?

[@thecawleywitch_crochet]

this was a really good video. found tip number five really helpful.

[@ReginaFalange-zn2gk]

The yarn holder saved my life

[@marylousallette1817]

First time watching your video/channel 💐👍❣️ The larger hook for foundation is a great idea. 😳😳🤯‼️ Thank you ‼️ I always have trouble with mine and I think this tip will fix that problem ❣️❣️

[@bellacococrochet]

You're very welcome :)

[@argonwheatbelly637]

I have quite the clutch grip on the yarn, but even tension. Gauge swatches, hook changes...I do what I need to get it proportionate. After that, it's about sizing. Always block! You'd be surprised how much that helps. Might look perfect, and then after calculating gauge POST blocking, you get a different result. Play with it, and do what doesn't make you too uncomfortable while doing it.

[@monkmell]

They were very good tips Thankyou! 😊

[@bellacococrochet]

I'm glad they were helpful :)

[@cathyjohnson4434]

Thanks for the great tips. They are very helpful.

[@chandradutt8306]

Excellent tutorial very good and well explained thanks

[@bellacococrochet]

You're welcome :)

[@TeresaDavis-uk7su]

Thank you! Your videos are super helpful! :-)

[@bellacococrochet]

You are very welcome 🙂

[@jamescallan3340]

That was a very helpful tutorial n very insightful as well.

[@claricevercelhese95]

Great tips. Thank you.

[@joyswanson7648]

helpful! hopefully I'll be putting these into practice soon!!:) thanks

[@joleneblake9906]

I know my hold on my hook isn’t what is recommended but it works for me and i also know that the way I hold the string is some what what’s recommended, but i can whip up a project in no time when i have the time to.

[@dabz4z072]

yes thank you im going to give it another go at this babys cardigan

[@suzanneturley4433]

How I chuckled when I saw this post come up. I have watched it quite a few times before, but still struggle at times. Tonight I've been working on the wavy border, but found that if I put my hook into the correct stitch as shown, then it all looks very gappy, but if I put each stitch into every dc stitch, although it is a lovey shape , my work starts to buckle. At loss at to whether to 'frog' and find another border or carry on knowing 'frustratingly' that what I am doing is wrong. :(

[@bellacococrochet]

Hiya :) What blanket are you working on? Did you adda round of double crochet before doing the border? x

[@suzanneturley4433]

+Bella Coco Hi, it's not a blanket as such but I have crocheted up a chair seat cover in linen stitch. I love the finish but I did do a DC edge but am wondering if I ought to do an sc followed by dc edge before trying the wavy edge again. Many thanks, I do appreciate your help.

[@adellacastro9187]

Very great hints thanks for your video tfs

[@atiyajavaid7200]

Very informative guidelines thanks for sharing 😚

[@gloriap6168]

Yes, very helpful, thank you!! This is where my problem lies as well as that I don't crochet very consistently. That's only because of my frustration. Btw, where did you get the yarn bowl, love it?

[@vangiebarber2577]

Thank you for the tips it's very helpful.

[@bellacococrochet]

You're welcome :)

[@zukosmom3780]

This was very helpful. I kept getting caught up because my tension was too tight. Thanks

[@SKS71175]

Thanks so much for those tip., they're very simple but helpful tip.

[@bellacococrochet]

You're very welcome 🙂

[@gegehandmade]

Wow important ideas and information, thank you

[@bellacococrochet]

You're very welcome :)

[@a.jum0414]

Thank you those tips are very useful to me and im thinking now i should make yarn cakes to make crochet a lot easier. As i am 12, i have small hands so i put the yarn only just inbetween my pointer finger and middle finger. Then i tighten my fingers a tiny bit... Its just easier for me. I also make real cakes so im sure yarn cakes would be easier :)

[@maddiesmusic1123]

I'm also 12!!

[@a.jum0414]

+Crafting Star cool! We both craft too!

[@nrrdgrrl4life365]

Wow! You are stunning! It's so weird to see your face rather than just your hands (which are also lovely). I only started crocheting about a year ago but I've fallen in love with it. I've been in love with your channel and you are my favorite crochet creater. Your tutorials are so easy to follow along with & I want to thank you for such wonderful content. ♡ Love from across the pond, trisha

[@bellacococrochet]

You're very welcome and crochet is definitely addictive :)

[@gerriewalraven3525]

Thank you so much ....and thanks for you tutorials......love from Gerrie .....Holland...👍😘

[@cornflkeboy1]

Great tips! Thank you for the video.