Don't Make These Beginner Crochet Mistakes {I've Made Them All!} 💛

[@renschuon4992]

One of my favorite things about crochet is that you can “undo” and “redo”. A mistake doesn’t mean the whole piece is unusable. Most of the time they can’t be seen. And it’s also pretty easy to go back and fix a miscount in the previous row. And redoing projects years later when I have more skill is one of my favorite things. It’s proof that I’ve learned and grown

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That's such a great point! Thank you so much for sharing! Every single project I make has at least one mistake in it and I doubt most people will ever be able to tell! 💗

[@YarnSociety]

I would crochet for hours too and my hands paid the price! That's such a good tip because the obsession is real in the beginning!😂

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

So real! And I still have to remind myself to Put the Project Down, Elise. 😂

[@steffen8741]

12 years later and my obsession still hasn’t left! But i always take breaks when my body tells me!!

[@YarnSociety]

@@steffen8741 Yes! That's awesome! SO good to take breaks when your body tells you, so smart!🥰🧶

[@Ellie-zz6er]

I’ve just started crocheting and am exactly the type to do it for hours and hours until my body can’t take it anymore. The last two tips were exactly what I needed to hear!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad! You need those breaks!! ❤️

[@seaturtlepoppy7679]

Did you give in the reason? I can’t stop crocheting … nothing else makes me happy.

[@dbrunner999]

Grandmas, aunts, nuns, school teachers, friends and mentors have all played a role in keeping crochet alive for hundreds of years and should not be sold short. Their gift of sharing the craft with new generations is time honored.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Couldn't agree more! 🍄

[@awilson8521]

Agreed. This video emphasizes "professionals" way too much. No need to be picky about fundamentals nor patterns. Yet it is important to know a pattern can be hard to decipher.

[@HGM13]

I learned how to crochet from my aunt and great grandma

[@annamccraw5651]

I agree. I have been crocheting 42 years since I was 10. And i have taught many people to crochet and they do it beautifully. I may not be a certified instructor but I do know what I'm talking about when it comes to crochet

[@bibiryan4]

I was taught crocheting by a lovely old nun; I am very grateful ❤

[@karensample3052]

I think one of the most harmful mistakes I made when I started out was not having the confidence that I could do it . I really appreciate how good a job that you do to encourage all of us☺️👍🏼 Karen from Greenleaf Idaho

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I didn't realize you were in Idaho! That's a hot place to live these days, isn't it? I've heard it is so beautiful! Love that you recognize your mistake about not having confidence in the beginning. 💕

[@karensample3052]

@@EliseRoseCrochet it’s a very beautiful and friendly place to live☺️ If you are ever out this way , you should stop by, I have a very sweet little guest house 🧶😊

[@5alfalfa]

Where is Greenleaf at? That is such a pretty name for a town. I live in the northern part of Idaho in the Coeur d'Alene area.

[@karensample3052]

@@5alfalfa we are just west of Boise in a small town☺️

[@docpaine2988]

My biggest mistakes were definitely not knowing single crochet in the round still has a right and wrong side- took me a year before I learned that, it's such a small change but it makes pieces look so much tidier. Also- piecing together as you go instead of waiting for everything to be done and laid out at once. & Oh my goodness I'm loving your plug for using the library to get some crochet books! I've found some amazing ones in mine (I'm very eagerly awaiting the first Pica Pau book to come in!), and the difference of clarity between these and the small scale freebies is night and day. I'm still recovering from an incredibly poorly written pattern from my mom's birthday gift 😂 Use your libraries folks! They'll help so much! 💕

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! And there are so many good pattern books at the library! ❤️

[@thebookwyrmslair6757]

​@EliseRoseCrochet our local library also has a fiber arts gathering every couple weeks - either bring in your own project or use some of the stuff in the makerspace. Great chance to meet folks, learn from others, etc.

[@sunshinesuzi5324]

I’m retired and have been crocheting nearly everyday for the last couple of years. My biggest mistake is Sitting to long and sitting on one butt cheek to lean toward the window light. This has caused me to get sciatic pain… so I’m learning how important it is to be mindful of my posture, and taking stretching breaks! Thank you for all your tips!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Really good advice! Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@minini5571]

“Recovering Perfectionist”. I felt this in my soul.🙋🏻‍♀️

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

It's such a difficult personality trait to work through. 💜

[@amandagail5798]

❤️ I started my crochet journey in December and was such a perfectionist that I was having trouble doing anything. I dropped that mentality recently and have gotten so much better at crocheting because of it. Sometimes, I make mistakes and can’t figure out what I did wrong, but I just keep going instead of letting it stop me completely. I have learned SO much more this way - it’s actually how I figure out what mistakes I made and how to avoid them going forward. I’ve found that making imperfect projects while I am learning is much more helpful than constantly undoing my work to try to get it perfect. And I still love the stuff I’ve made, even though I can see where I maybe missed stitches or did something wrong!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That's awesome!! Thank you so much for sharing how dropping that perfectionist tendency actually helped you to improve your crochet!! So great! ❤️

[@violetnewby]

💙 Certainly a perfectionist!! NOT sure I'm recovering.... At the beginning, I was taught by a 17 year old!! Single crochet, double crochet and a granny square ( working in the round, sort of). That was enough to " hook" me! I had very little yarn. And that made me do little projects. In time, I learned to read patterns, because I wanted to make doilies & lace. Thread was cheap(er) and it went a long way. Steel hooks were my favorite! (I still love and have a size 4 Hero steel hook after 47 years!!) I appreciate your advice. My input would be that every project needs to be approached with a fearless attitude. It is okay to do it boldly! Do not copycat the pattern exactly! Use a different yarn, change the stitch pattern a little - this is YOUR work, your creation! Go for it!! Last remark : some patterns, even from reputable sources, are plain old wrong. Once again, be brave!! Work it out if you can. Gulfport, Mississippi

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Love that attitude, Violet! Be fearless!! 💕

[@benitaleahy8367]

Hi alise, I love the advise you gave, I am crocheting for a good few years and I've made loads of mistakes 🙄😂 but two of the most fundamental for me are first, I'm left handed so I learned to hold the working yarn in the same hand as the hook, after watching your video I am going to try and resolve this issue by practicing more with the yarn in my right hand the second mistake is more costly to my health, I developed asthma a few years ago and I got a few asthma attacks while crocheting I thought it was the fibers but it turned out that I was concentrating so much and stooping I was forgetting to breathe right 🙈🙈 I am more aware of my posture and breathing now I can tell you 🤓🤓🤓

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I can imagine that it's tough when you're left handed! Two of my four kids are also left handed! The Bhooked videos have left handed tutorials as well! And thank you for the reminder to breathe!!! So important!! 💨💨💨

[@sharimuhamad5905]

"I made them all!" 💖 thank you for your tips and tricks how to release the neck and back pain, I have them all the time. Love to crochet from Germany

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! ❤

[@gardenia77]

This speaks to me because I am this type of perfectionist and my son has inherited it from me. I spend so much time in our homeschool trying to help him through this. I explain it like you have to fail in order to perfect. That you won't get to the final goal if you're too afraid to make mistakes along the way. But then, I am always putting off starting something because I'm just as uncomfortable with that part, lol. 💜

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I totally understand! It's something I'm always working against! Thanks for sharing! ❤️🧶❤️🧶

[@kingdollop-head743]

I’m a perfectionist crochet beginner too, and for me, it helps to think of it like it will show me my progress. If I make a mistake that is hard to correct when I notice it, I let it be. That way, I will always be able to look back at old pieces and see how far I’ve come! Just like with learning to draw. It’s really motivating to see something you made a month ago and remake it now, and see how much you’ve improved

[@camillefoote5678]

So happy to hear your comments about patterns. So many young designers make up their own way of writing a crochet pattern, patterns they charge $$ for. And add so many instructions with each step it's nearly impossible to find the actual pattern. I offered to test a pattern, no resemblance to actual crochet instructions. I couldn't figure most out, took one step I did understand, wrote it in proper crochet terms and syntax. I thought that was the help she was looking for. I was told in no uncertain terms she likes the way she writes patterns. And she intended to sell it. I sent it back to her. Even if I liked it, no way could I follow her instructions. For a pattern I did want to make, different designer, I had to rewrite for my own use in order to follow. Adding all those copious instructions fosters new crocheters to not learn terms or how to read patterns.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Oh goodness. That sounds very frustrating. I'm a big advocate for well written patterns. ❤️

[@crazydaisylou]

Hi. I crocheted for about 15 years. I stopped crocheting about 5 years ago and I'm just trying getting back into it. I am so rusty at it (my tension is terrible.) This was a great refresher for me to make sure I'm doing things I used to do, and it was awesome to be able to get some recommendations to go to so I can try to fix issues that may come up. Thank you for the video. For the free patterns, something I always did was not only look them over and make sure I can read them, but I would also mentally visualize making the pattern while I was reading it, before I started. I learned that some of them I could read, but not visualize. If I couldn't visualize it, then it was either too hard for me to make or it wasn't written well, so I'd never be able to do it. Just a personal thing. Thanks again for the video.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That's great that you're getting back into crochet! 🧶🧶🧶

[@preetipath]

🧡 for the perfectionist in me that beat myself for my beginner mistakes. I'm from Portland, Oregon. One of my early mistakes were not to weave my ends properly and the projects had a messy look to them.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That's a great perspective! We shouldn't beat ourselves up for making mistakes, especially when we are beginners. And thank you for that tip!! 💗

[@char8059]

The wrong side of my earliest crochet projects had knots all over the place! I was self-taught and obviously didn't learn how to add new yarn or weave in ends properly. I just tied knots and went on my merry in way! Lol Talk about messy!

[@pamhutchinson8832]

Hi, I’m just starting out with crochet. I’m 64 but hoping you’re never too old to start! I live in Sheffield,England,UK. I’ve subscribed to your channel, and am looking forward to making a start!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That is awesome!! You are never too old to start and now that I'm getting close to 50, the sixties don't sound old at all to me! ❤

[@lynnw3231]

I love this video. It is encouraging me to learn to read a pattern. I have been hesitant to purchase a pattern in fear I can’t read it and have wasted my money. I have ventured out but have mostly relied upon the video. Thank you from Virginia.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

There are a ton of free crochet patterns on reputable sites. That way you could practice reading without spending the money. Also library books are excellent for this reason as well! Good luck!! You can do it!! 🙌

[@agataolejarczyk1496]

One mistake I kept doing was being over confident. For example: not watching videos like yours, or not listening to video tutorial fully. Somehow I thought just because I knew how to do treble crochet, what BLO means, etc, made me a pro. That was mistake. My sister bought me an online amigurumi course. Yes, I know how to increase or do invisible decrease, etc. but I still learnt so much. Now, I'm sitting, making reversible octopus and watching variety of videos on crocheting. I am yet to find one that didn't teach me something you. Great video, I'm subscribing right now 🥰 (I'm Polish but I live in Slovakia now).

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey! And I totally agree and learn something new every day too! ✨

[@susanfleming1209]

Thank you the great tips!. I know I need the reminders to take breaks before my body tells me. By then, I'm wishing I hadn't lost myself in crochet. I'm a grandma so I don't bounce back like I did when I was younger. I have learned I do better if I don't crochet every day but I still lose track of time when I get going. I need to set a timer or something. I have heard you on other videos speaking about the importance of posture while we crochet. Now, when I find myself slumping, I hear your voice in my head telling me to sit up . Thank you for all you do .

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

It is so hard to stop when you're in the zone!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@sh.ssh.s6130]

I learned how to crochet during this pandemic having never held a crochet hook. I learned it entirely through KZbin tutorials and made almost all the mistakes in this video. I learnt through trial and error. Through perseverance I would say I was pretty skilled now. I only wish I had this advice 2 years ago.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That's so wonderful! 💜

[@BonnieCodrey-mz9vu]

I just finished watching your video about crocheting mistakes and it was really a wakeup call for me. Some of them really hit home and I realized that I do crochet/knit too long. I am from Northern Maine and I have knit lots and lots of wool socks. I have been knitting and crocheting for about 70 years. I am78

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Wow!!! That's amazing!! Thanks for watching!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@martyvadala5724]

Love all the reminders,,,,, especially the exercise techniques.have a wonderful day……❤️❤️❤️

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you!! Hope you have a wonderful day too! 💜

[@mr.momoironezakeco.2955]

Hola, I am a single mommy👱🏼‍♀️ of a beautiful 3 year old baby girl 👧🏻 (she has Down Syndrome) and we are from California I am a novice to crochet 🧶 I never thought 💭 I would even think 🤔 Of doing this. For year I would always walk away when I would see a book 📕 or magazine on knitting or crochet 🧶 & then I just gave into it, I think it was a sign I wish I would have started before I had my little one but I a, so excited on this new adventure and later making her cute dolls & Animals & sweaters I can go on. Thank you, thank you for making a channel on this you are an inspiration 🥰 blessings

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That's wonderful! So glad you have found crochet. I'm also a mom of an adult son with special needs. Having this creative outlet has been the best thing for me! Do you know Maria from Maria's Blue Crayon (on Instagram)? She is a crochet designer with a son with Down Syndrome! 💙💙💙

[@janatunegova750]

Hi everyone, it took me forever not to frog everything right away :D There are many forgiving patterns where you can hide or correct your mistake, for example in the next row. Don´t be too hard on yourself, keep learnig and having fun in the first place :D ❤

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Great tips!! Thanks so much for sharing! 💕

[@toninj71]

💙

[@madmommy]

Not to promote any single supplier, but I started crocheting with a Woobles kit. It walked me through, step by step, with videos BUT also taught how to read a pattern. So I learned everything at a good pace, and can now read a pattern. I find it also helps to read the pattern steps out loud, decoding into words. Crocheting in Omaha, Nebraska!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That's awesome! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@Zoeybeau_1]

💜 Thanks for this I needed to hear this, still a beginner.. I'm watching a video while reading a pattern, & I'm making some hot stonking wonky things but I'm having fun. Thanks..I'm in Northern Ireland.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Lol!!! Good for you!!! 👏👏👏

[@saraa654]

Thank you for this. I sometimes think I'm not a good crocheter because it's not perfect. Your right perfection holds you back.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

We all make mistakes, it's how we push through them that makes us good crocheters! Keep going!! 👏👏👏

[@char8059]

I think two of my biggest mistakes were getting really tense while crocheting for too long at each crochet "marathon" and, worst of all, being one of the most die-hard perfectionists in Texas, where I taught myself to crochet! Luckily (sort of) there was no internet or KZbin at that time (gasp!), so I learned to crochet by myself, reading patterns. I scoured Kmart for pamphlets and Leisure Arts booklets and taught myself to crochet using "steel hooks and thread", not even yarn! Believe me, that took dedication, but that's what everyone crocheted with "back then"! As you've no doubt surmised, I've been crocheting for quite some time; not quite since the reign of the dinosaur, but close! Lol! However, I LOVE the internet and KZbin for visual instruction and I'm still learning something new nearly every day. My crochet is prettier and neater from following tips and tricks being taught by qualified instructors. The three you named, Toni from TL Yarn Crafts, Brittany from B.Hooked Crochet and Knitting, and Sigoni from Sigoni Macaroni are three of my "very favorite" instructors! They're so talented and are such excellent instructors! And, then one lucky day I found Elise from LePetitSaint Crochet, the Amigurumi expert and fantastic instructor in all things crochet! Thank you so much, Elise, for being such a down-to-earth, natural instructor that we all can relate to, feel comfortable with and wish we lived close enough to be friends with and meet for lunch, or to crochet! Your enthusiasm is so contagious and your passion for crochet and knitting really encourages us to keep at it and not give up when something is a little difficult. Ok, 'nuff said.... This is too long! But just know that I thank you for all the hard work you do in posting your awesome videos and for being so very, very encouraging!! You are really greatly appreciated! Charlotte from Phoenix, AZ 🌵🌄🏜️🦕🦖

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Awww! Thank you so very much!! Love your sense of humor and thank you for sharing your experience!! 💗💗💗

[@sunflowertrashcan]

I am so thankful I found this video. I set my yarn down and I’m going to take a break for a couple of days. I’m in physical therapy for an ankle injury and took up crochet as an activity for while I was off my feet. Now I find myself WANTING to crochet constantly but I can feel it building up in those muscles. I stopped and did the stretches with you. Thank you for sharing those! And the insight about being picky about resources feels really encouraging too. Thank you so much for this!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad you found the information helpful! 💗

[@RottenSkeletonBoy]

My biggest mistake was comparing myself to professionals and doubting i could ever make something that looks good.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing. I once heard we should never compare our beginning to someone else's middle. They were beginners once too. I hope you are feeling more confident and believe in yourself. 💕

[@sallybyrne9577]

Hi from Canada. I definitely agree....about the resting. I crochet everyday...sometimes for hours at a time....and if I don't get up and stretch....well....I can get very sore. I need to stretch out my arms and neck...like you said in your video, but also my legs and butt....if I sit too long. Very informative video. Love your little craft room, it's gorgeous, with all your projects displayed.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you so much! Yes, stretching those legs and rear end are super helpful too!! 💛

[@CraftyVegan]

💚 I learned that the best way to erase mistakes was to throw my finished project in the washing machine! And as far as free patterns, I use Ravelry exclusively and only start patterns that have pictures with them. 99% of the time they’ve been worked through and evaluated and even the new ones tend to have notes in the comments like “row 5 should read ch2 not c2” or some such… My brain literally can’t process charts though.. I can do patterns and videos, even translate UK terminology to US terminology, but those charts… I just can’t. They’re too busy for my brain to handle.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you so much for sharing that! Ravelry is such an amazing resource!! And charts can be very difficult, I agree. I like seeing it written out, but I do know some people like charts better! 🧶🧶🧶

[@Miriam-rf4xv]

Knitter here. Solid yes to the 'learn to read patterns' - it's liberating!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Yes! A whole world will open up to you! 🧶🧶🧶

[@Grillerich]

Hello from Germany, just found your channel and am working my way through. So full of inspiration and encouragement. We all learned crochet anf knitting in primary school, us girls usually already had picked up a bit befor from our mums aunts and grandmas... the boys would take their projects home to have said grandmas do it for them.... they always ended up with the most beutiful finished stuff 😊

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Lol!! That is funny about the boys having their moms and grandmas finish their projects for them! 🤣🤣🤣

[@momgib2000]

As a left-handed person I wish I had learned to crochet right-handed! I recently learned how to knit and I learned right-handed. I figured it was going to be "hard" at first using either hand. So why not learn the way most everyone else learns. It is so much easier to learn right handed... most of the tutorials and patterns are geared towards right-handed. When crocheting as a lefty I have to reverse everything in my head and it can get confusing sometimes :)

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

My daughter is also left handed and she learned to crochet right handed for the very reasons you share. It's just easier all the way around. ❤️

[@kathrynphelps9771]

Bella coco has lots of left hand tutorials on KZbin

[@jbmsr42]

I grew up in OK and grandmas taught young girls how to crochet. But my grandma didn’t crochet, so I thought that ship had sailed. At age 35, I went by a new yarn shop in town in NM and I screeched to a halt when I saw the sign, “Learn to Crochet!” I pulled in, signed up, and learned pretty quickly. That was 47 years ago and I have enjoyed crocheting ever since. I regularly help beginners get started and others with their learning. Sooo happy that sign changed my life!

[@MsIniquity]

When I was twelve years old my aunt Sarah taught me to crochet, I didn’t realize until many years later how lucky I was that she also had taught me to read patterns too. I couldn’t even imagine crocheting without knowing how to read patterns, it seems like it would be so limiting in the crochet experience.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That was a true gift. So many people learn from video tutorials these days but don't learn how to read a pattern. I get those messages a lot on Instagram. It really is limiting. 💛

[@kateworkman921]

See, I don't understand this. To me, people who only go off of patterns are the ones limiting themselves. I freehand everything I make, so whatever I think up, I decide on size, color, type of yarn, and I create. Sure, it can be a bit more time consuming if things aren't working out the way I want it to at first, but I get there in the end (and have a book to write down the steps I took if I ever want to recreate it.) But always going off patterns? It seems incredibly limiting to me because let's say I wanted to make a dragon that was two feet tall and three feet long. Okay, now I'd have to search for a pattern that's approximately that size. But what if I can't find one? Oh, maybe this one is good enough, I'd just have to use thicker yarn and a larger hook. Thicker yarn is usually more expensive, and you get less of it. And then, oh, it's not a free pattern. Okay, you have to pay anywhere between $3 and $15 to get said pattern, (heck, more if it's in a book with a bunch of others.) Then have the annoyance of carting a book or a print out with you if you're working on the project outside the house. Or, if you have it as a picture or file on your phone, you have to have a place where you can comfortably view your phone while you crochet, but constantly be touching the phone so that the screen doesn't go black. I'm not saying at all that patterns aren't useful to people. I don't doubt that they are, and I'm not knocking those who use them. I just don't understand why anyone would say that not using them/not knowing how to read them would be limiting.

[@brendablum9387]

@@kateworkman921 I read patterns, learn from and watch videos, but also ‘wing it’ and do my own thing!! I change hook size and yarn, adjust stitch numbers as I like and sometimes completely change a pattern. Usually the pattern is just a starting point for my imagination to kick into gear!! There’s nothing wrong with reading a pattern or watching a video - but some people aren’t able to ‘do their own thing’ and expand from there. But if a person can both read and watch, it will expand their knowledge of what they can do.

[@kateworkman921]

@@brendablum9387 See, that, I can totally get behind. That's why I love freehanding everything I make. I can just create as I please because my imagination is the starting point.

[@yvettevasquez8430]

A very different comment: thank you for being inclusive in your videos. I see the effort to include folks of color. Our humanity is a rainbow of beauty. Nice to see it in unexpected places.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Awww, thank you. Crocheting and knitting is for everyone and I want that to be represented in my videos when I can! ❤️❤️❤️

[@angiemcdermid4845]

Excellent. I am a long time knitter who has enjoyed the comfort of crocheting blankets during lockdown. These tips are also true for knitting. Daily yoga is my best protection. Love from the Fraser Valley, BC, Canada

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I also love doing yoga, but don't do it as often as I need to! Thanks for sharing! 🌻

[@leahj139]

Oh dear. I am a prime example of many of the first things you said. I don't read patterns. But then I don't follow along on videos either. I look at the end product and deconstruct it in my mind to make an internal pattern. I usually "feel my way" through a project. I'm sure I'm making everyone shudder. The thing is I enjoy working this way and have no plans to change. I crochet to relax and express my creativity, As long as I am achieving that, I'm not going to worry.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing your process! You may not be reading a pattern, but you essentially are reading the actual finished object! That's pretty cool! ❤️

[@runeshadowbeth]

💜 I have been crocheting for nearly 60 years now, yes, learned from my grandmother, but she taught me to read patterns and I took off from there. When I am learning new stitches, such as linked double crochet or herringbone HDC, I love to practice my tension with a dish cloth. I don't like wasted time or yarn, and this size gives me a good amount of practice while producing something useful. I have trouble with video tutorials and only use them to see new stitches clearly or to see how a technique new to me works. When I was preparing to make my first C2C graph pattern in quite some time, with 6 colors, I watched several videos about yarn bobbins, until I found the technique that worked best for me. For my tension practice, I crocheted a solid color dish cloth. Then I found a C2C pattern that had two colors, and I added an initial, so I could make a dish cloth with 3 colors. And finally, I was ready to tackle the wall hanging for my daughter's 40th birthday last year. My daughter liked the dishcloth with her initial on a coffee cup so much she took it to work and used it as a mat. I wasn't happy because the initial was a tad off center... but that's where I practiced letting go of perfectionism. I enjoy finding free patterns online but am cautious. I am a speed reader and normally, read through a pattern before I print or download it. I recommend blog hops, especially when you can get a paid pattern free for a 24-hour period. I like seeing the testers' versions of the projects. I also look for an email address or way to reach the designer in case I run into problems. One thing I don't understand is why people wait until the very end of a project to weave in ends. Once I get a project well underway, I weave in my starting end, unless it is to be used for seaming later. When I change skeins or colors, I work a few rows to be sure I don't need to frog it, then I go back and finish weaving in the ends. I understand it's great to experiment, but it's also okay to accept your own preferences. I heard a lot about inline hooks from Susan Bates but when I tried one, it just didn't work for me. The more I tried to persevere, the more frustrated I became. Hello from Columbus, Ohio.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you!!!! You have so many wonderful tips!!!! I love the idea of practicing on a dishcloth! ❤

[@runeshadowbeth]

@@EliseRoseCrochet Thank you for your kind words. I loved your tips and mine just came to mind while watching your video. I didn't mean to run on and on. It's funny about the dish cloths. My daughter never has enough and gets excited when I have more for her, but then she says they are too pretty to get dirty and stained, so she has them on various tables and bureaus as decor items. 🙄 One of these days; I may make her a stitch sampler table runner or two and she can use the dish cloths in the kitchen.

[@jenniferdaniel1794]

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Oh interesting! Thanks for sharing! 💙

[@shirleygranado4477]

Writing from Frisco, Texas - Reading through the pattern notes and the entire pattern steps before beginning can save so much time/effort. So many times not understanding what the pattern is trying to achieve causes mistakes.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Oh my goodness!! Yes!! Thank you for sharing that tip!! 💗💗💗

[@Brineytoes]

❤❤❤ From sewing perfectionist to legally blind who now accepts “good enough”. Its OK. I’m good with that because I will be creating again. I have a huge need to do that. I bought the Clover Amore hook set and good yarn, but I have yet to begin a project. I mastered the magic circle, though! I am determined to re-learn from the best, like you! Thank you! I’m from Ocala, but will be moving to St. Pete soon.

[@wisedakotabear2784]

My mistakes is my count. I start off good then I'm off a stitch. Very frustrating and can't complete my programs cause I start over again and again. Love your advise. Thank you.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That is frustrating!!! Ugh. I feel your pain!! 💗

[@mariafortunato8015]

I am from Stow, Ohio and I really have been enjoying your videos as I crochet my favorite basic stitch, hdc.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That's wonderful!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@micheledelacruz4301]

Good morning have a wonderful and blessed weekend friends. Sending happy thoughts from sunny southern California.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Good morning! Thank you! My husband is in your neck of the woods for work this weekend! 🌞

[@janematthews6579]

Hi Elise, I'm from a small town in Texas called Alvarado. You are simply a delight to listen to whenever I knit, crochet, and sew. The worst mistake I make is spending too much time trying to choose just the right pattern. Although, I actually am pretty productive, I do fall into the trap of indecisiveness because there is just sooooo much beautiful crocheting to view on the internet and it becomes very difficult to commit to starting a project. Anyway, it helps to hear your view on not being afraid to make mistakes. Thanks for that. J

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I totally get that problem! I fall into that mindset as well because there are just so many things I could make that it's hard to choose one to commit to! 💛

[@vidhyahemmady948]

Loved your tutorial. Very practical approach to doing anything, repeatedly. I learnt crochet and tatting from my grandmother when I was 10 and now I am 61. She taught me to enjoy my work. Thanks to her. Forwarding your video to my niece who is new to crocheting and am sure this will help her a lot. Loads of love to you from India.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

How wonderful to have learned so much from your grandmother! And thank you for your kind words! Hope your niece enjoys the video as well! 🧶🧶🧶

[@alfiesflower8218]

Hello, I am from London, England. Reading through some of the comments, I can identify with quite a few of them, but the main one is no confidence, I don’t know why, but I really lose my confidence in myself when I crochet. I can knit and I’ve taught myself to know the difference between American and English terms, but I still lack that confidence. I loved your video and all your creations behind you are beautiful, really cute. Have a lovely day. Keep safe and be lucky me lovely 💞💞💞

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I actually feel that way about knitting! Although I can knit, I still don't have as much confidence and question myself! I totally get it! 💙

[@christinekrusky8110]

I'm a knitaholic but crochet blankets and love your helpful ideas and helping me refresh my crochet skills. Your suggestions are good for both the knitting and crocheting worlds. Thankyou

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You are so welcome! ❤️❤️❤️

[@carlytasmith5754]

Posture, a comfortable chair & good lighting also helps🧶

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Yes! Thank you for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@catherinegrigsby3727]

Cathy from Kansas! My biggest frustration was learning how to make a granny square. Took me years. Then, I found out how to start and end in a corner instead. Game Changer! Some patterns are not written well, even in published books. I thought it was me and I would get so frustrated. Don't limit yourself. I currently have a person I was, who speaks another language, but I love seeing her creativity in small projects, things I wouldn't have thought to do.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That's wonderful!! When there's a will there's a way!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@juliewholohan2850]

Hi, Julie from Tasmania, Australia. As a beginner I found this very helpful.Thank you.🙏

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad!!! 🐨🐨🐨

[@carlytasmith5754]

You are so right about free online patterns. It’s also good to read thru the pattern to make sure you can understand it🧶

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Absolutely!! Reading through a pattern has saved me a few headaches! 🧶🧶🧶

[@donnamartinez1341]

💜 Thank you I needed to hear that. Perfectionist thats me. I learned to crochet back when I was a kid but I was not very good at this craft so I let it go for a really long time. But I just recently decided to give it a shot and I'm doing way better than I ever had in the past and boy am I surprised by this. Thanks so much for this video (and all your videos) it has been a great help. I am working on not being such a perfectionist in my crochet journey and I will say its working. I love your youtube channel and your patterns oh and because of you I am now hooked on learning Amigurumi. I would never have considered to learn this but your information and videos have totally changed that for me. Thank you so much! 😊🧶

[@rynkapp]

Thanks for the tips! Especially taking breaks and ergonomics. Very valuable

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Glad it was helpful! 🧶🧶🧶

[@cloudynookcrochet]

Thank you for mentioning about taking breaks and not crocheting everyday. The problem I have are dried, cracked fingertips. I live in California. Have a nice weekend. 🌤☀️🌦

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Ouch!! I wonder what is causing that. Do you use a lot of wool? Maybe you have a wool allergy? Hope it's better now! 💕

[@kimu830]

I live in the Midwest where winter and frequent washing is hard on my hands. My dermatologist recommended Aveeno Eczema Therapy lotion with colloidal oatmeal. I use it daily and it has helped a lot. Also neosporin or aquaphor and bandaids on cracked fingers overnight and rubber gloves when doing dishes.

[@angelaolson38]

My mom introduced me to crocheting. As I got more experience I was able to figure different patterns and stitches. You learn by making mistakes. You can take a break and pick it up later. I am from Massachusetts.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Couldn't agree more! Mistakes are the best teachers! 🧶🧶🧶

[@needleandhomestead]

💙♥️💜😂 my biggest mistake when I learned to crochet (and knit) was skipping gauge swatching. I just wanted to dive on and ended up frustrated when my hats or mitts were too big/ small. Now I change my view of swatching thinking of it as a test drive of my yarn and part of journey. I’ve turned a lot of swatches into cat toys.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That's such a good point! I am one of those that doesn't like to do gauge swatches either, but I am working on colorwork socks and doing a gauge swatch was essential! I'm so glad I did it because I now have a sock that fits perfectly! Now I just have to knit the other one!! 😂😂😂

[@quetastrophe261]

Couldn’t agree more about being careful who shows you to crochet. I don’t even know where I picked it up, but the way I do my granny squares is very different from a lot of others I’ve seen and I cannot understand how to do variations of them.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing your experience! 🧶🧶

[@carol29carnegie]

I learned how to knit when I was 5yrs old and have been knitting for the best part of 70 years, I started crochet on whim about 6 years ago and haven’t stopped since, I enjoy both equally, I’ve made lots of different items since, at the moment I’m crocheting 2 dresses for my new great granddaughters born 6 days apart so I’m well occupied at the moment, all the best Carol from Scotland 😊

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing your journey! And congratulations on your two little granddaughters!! 💓💓

[@terribunner1034]

Well, found this a year late🤷‍♀️ love your tips. Michigan here. I was having so many neck issues that I bought a taller table with a barstool, has saved me so much pain. Thanks for the video,

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks so much for sharing what helped you!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@samanthastewart7133]

Hi great information and right now I am working on a mosaic blanket and a scrap blanket and I love your channel and your videos 📹 and you are a great teacher when it comes to crochet and knitting and I been crocheting for 9 months now

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That's wonderful!! Sounds like you've already made a ton of progress! 🧶🧶🧶

[@BeastKonoha]

The last one made me think more about my body. I noticed recently that I probably started to have some health issues with muscles and I don't want to end with some surgery on my arm or something. I'm gonna write down that excercises and try to do them, just for my body. Thank you so much for that!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad the information helped. Crocheting too long can cause a host of issues. Remedying them before they become full on injuries is the best thing you can do! Also make sure to check out the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2jbeahqndx5r8k 💛

[@raggedyroad]

Even though I started crocheting as a kid and now getting older 😁, I'm still learning new ways to do the simple things that my mom and grandma didn't know to teach me. Like seamless color changes and the magic ring etc... I have recently learned the mistake of trusting a YT content provider with a free pattern that frustrated the life out of me. Thankfully it was just a dish cloth. I had to practically rewrite the pattern to make it work. Needles to say I will be much more careful in the future. I love your channel along with a couple others. I'm from Utah in the US. I love the granny square blanket I see on the upper shelf with the grey. I would love to know the colors and yarn used to make it.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

YT is a great resource, but it can be hit or miss when looking for tutorials. The gray granny square project is actually just a table runner. I adapted the pattern from this book: amzn.to/3NfaHuD 💓 I used Paintbox Cotton DK, but I don't remember the colors but they are gray, yellow, peach and pinks. Hope that helps! 💛💛💛

[@roxycocksey]

These are all SO true and I’ve learned most of these the hard way. The part about being weary of free patterns or any patterns is especially relatable for me. I’ve bought a few patterns on Etsy that were written poorly and not specific enough. One thing that really bugs me is when a pattern says something like “stitch along every stitch in the row” but in that row will be stitches and chains and they don’t specify if the chains count as stitches or not. Ohhh that bothers me sooo much! I’ve also heard people on KZbin wrongly call variegated yarn roving yarn and I believed them for the longest time.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Mistakes can be so frustrating!! Especially if they cause you to make things incorrectly! 💙💙💙

[@Lisa_Flowers]

Wish I had heard the stretching and posture one earlier! I'm 23 and I have neck and back pains because of crocheting/knitting for too long with poor posture. Now I have to take breaks frequently because if I don't it hurts. I'm hoping some of the pains will go away, but it was definitely a hard lesson. Don't crochet or knit for too long without breaks. No matter how young or fit you are, your body WILL give out if certain muscles are overused and it will hurt!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so sorry you're experiencing pain. It's so very common for us crocheters and knitters. Hope you feel better soon! 🐰🎨🌿

[@GingerCatCrochet]

I need to learn to use patterns, you're absolutely right about that. I'm from Barnsley in the north of England.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

It's a great skill to have, then if you want to use a tutorial you can, but you will also be able to read the pattern! Thanks for sharing!! 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@juliabell2629]

Just to say I love your video. It made me smile and nod at every mistake I've made recently. ❤ I learnt how to crochet about 30 years ago when I was working in a care home. A lovely elder showed me how.😊 I crocheted a difficult project, a jumper crocheted on the diagonal with real mohair. My first and last big project. I then went on to learn how to knit but have never been as infatuated with knitting Fast forward to recently. I have picked up the beautiful crochet hook again. I have accumulated a large number of hooks and yarn throughout the years. Practiced making t-shirt, sheet yarn. I'm in love again with crochet ❤. But as you mentioned I have become a crochet 'perfectionist'. My problem is not counting the stitches and row.😒 😮!! Hence triangular shaped.😂 I also have great difficulty with watching crochet patterns. I'm from the UK and have struggled working out the UK and US crochet terms. You have given me hope again to continue and work through how to tackle crochet. Thank you.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey! Perfectionism robs us from so much joy!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@autumnhill8496]

Thank you so much! Your videos are super helpful - and also super fun to watch! Sending loads of love from Germany.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you so much! ❤️❤️❤️

[@nancyprior8984]

From Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.......Thank you for your list of harmful mistakes. Very helpfull!!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

So glad you enjoyed them! You're so welcome! 💜

[@vivianbrand4845]

I did learn to crochet in my teenage years. But only a little bit. Then, time passes by. Years later i met a woman who taught me again how to crochet. So, for me this was the really start for my crochet-journey. She taught me crocheting with her skills and english patterns. My first pattern was a little voodoo-doll. Later I realized, that this was a really good start. I live in germany. Thanks to my friend, I now have more access to patterns, than I would have had, if I had learned to crochet by my mother.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing your journey! There are so many wonderful patterns available these days!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@78EverybodysFool87]

Thank you for the tips! I specially forget about stretching, so your reminder helped quite a lot. Greetings from Argentina!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You're so welcome! Stretching and taking breaks are so important! 💗

[@karenkoutsoumbaris6308]

❤ live in Corpus Christi , Texas and I love your channel ! Thankyou from a very stiff person

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you!! ⭐️

[@knittingwithkitties]

💙 I have severe OCD and I'm using crocheting to force myself into controlling the annoying urge to keep everything perfect. And I learned that when it triggers, I stop crocheting, put it down and walk away (physically) from it and do something else for an hour or so. That is actually helping me. I make mistakes still at times but everything still turns out looking great when I'm finished. And I started to crochet for the 2nd time last July and it took me a few months to get to the point of not caring that it's not perfect. Heck my pillow cases I just made didn't even come out even and I'm fine with that. I can just even things out when I stitch them together into the actual pillow form. So glad I have at least some control over my OCD with something you'd think would be the worst thing for it.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That makes me so happy. My son also has diagnosed OCD and I know how hard it is to walk away from something when your brain is telling you to do something different. Crocheting really is a powerful force of good for our mental health. 🧶🙏🏻🧶🙏🏻

[@knittingwithkitties]

@@EliseRoseCrochet Yes it is. I noticed how much calmer my brain is when I crochet and just listen to videos during the day. I'm amazed at how much my brain doesn't keep screaming at me for anything and I truly love it and I'm slowly expanding what I do with crocheting. I even planned out things to do and even thought of making my own stitch markers for fun and making my own notebook just to jot things down like ideas I might have for a new project.

[@xmystics]

As someone who reads and watches videos it has helped me understand more of the terms, this also ties in with paid patterns. I can't just pay for a pattern when I have no money. No credit card no paid patterns. I heavily rely on those free ones, if I had money, yes I would get those paid ones too.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks so much for sharing! Another great resource is the public library. Many of them even have digital copies of books as well! ❤️❤️❤️

[@xmystics]

@@EliseRoseCrochet I have checked my local library and they don't have anything, not even from other places. When I do go out to places like Hobby Lobby, I look at their books and free patterns. Even snag them, even if I don't plan to make them. One day, I just might.

[@patpowell6684]

Oh my gosh….I never had words for it but yes I am a perfectionist…..I’ve frogged a lot of work to just fix one stitch on a mistake that a friend of mine used to say”a blind man on a galloping horse” wouldn’t see. She used to crack me up…a blind man wouldn’t see it anyway. Lately though I could add the recovering to perfectionist because if the mistake could only be detected by someone who crocheted, I’d let it go…its hand crafted when alls said and done…but…there’s always a but….if it a special for a special person, it’s like the song says, “it has to be perfect” ❤ by the way I’m from Liverpool in the UK. Back to watching the rest of the video. Bye 💁🏼‍♀️

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing! And that is a funny saying! 🧶🧶🧶

[@beckypotz6656]

💙 From Pequot Lakes Minnesota. Biggest mistake was crocheting to long at a time and not learning to read patterns. To this day I haven't master that. I can read a knitting pattern but a crochet one. Another great teacher is Mikey from Crochet Crowd. He is awesome I started with him when I first started to crochet to save ma stash or it would have been trashed.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

He is really great!!! And if you can read a knitting pattern then a crochet one will likely be a piece of cake for you!! Thanks for sharing! ❤️❤️❤️

[@beckypotz6656]

@@EliseRoseCrochet I just have to set down and learn to.

[@minniecarter9235]

This is one awesome video. Excellent for absolute beginners.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@tbowlin12188]

❤️ I definitely understand having a good posture and stretching when it comes to crocheting. I'm only 34 and have learned that hard lesson. And I am a recovering perfectionist as well. Crocheter from Indiana ❤️

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

It's a hard lesson to learn but will serve you well going forward!!! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@maygodblessyoutoo1]

Thanks for the info. I have a habit of combining different stitches to make my own designs. In this blanket I made I wanted it to look like mountains but the sky above had some sag in it. As is changed from 2 humps to straight line on top. It was saggy on the sides.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Sounds like you are a natural designer!! Mistakes are how you learn! ❤️

[@gingerwoolard931]

Thank you for the inspiration and advice. I started seriously trying to learn during the lockdown. Sigoni Macaroni was a huge help to me. It took a while to get a handle on my tension. Another big lesson was that counting stitches is far less frustrating than having to rip out multiple rows because the edges are crooked. I still have a lot to learn. I have to confess that a lot of patterns look like they're written in a different language, but I'm trying to learn because I don't want to limited. Whenever I watch one of your videos, I'm so inspired by the beautiful finished projects behind you and it makes me want to learn even more. Thanks for all you do. - Ginger from Los Angeles❤

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you so much! And Sigoni is such an amazing teacher! 💜

[@SoxyBoo]

My major problem is being a perfectionist (uurrgghh) and I always think it's due to my OCD. I need to work on that and embrace the mistakes I make. I'm currently working on a teddy plush, and I can't tell you how many times I've unravelled it. I definitely need to stop being so picky and accept that handmade products don't have to be perfect. Thank you Elise for another awesome video xx

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Yes, perfectionism is such a difficult thing to work through. I've had to adopt the mindset that done is better than perfect. Thank you so very much! 💕

[@SoxyBoo]

@@EliseRoseCrochet I will need to try that mindset... It's sooo hard and it's making my work 10 times more harder. If I don't get them fixed in a certain way, I wouldn't be able to sleep 😅💋💋

[@hrknkys]

I live in Japan. Thank you for your wonderful video.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That is amazing!!! You're so welcome! 💕

[@giselerichard2743]

Thank you for the advice! I’m from south east New Brunswick, Canada! One of my mistakes as a beginner is not taking breaks, which gave me neck and shoulder stiffness. But i am working on it! Love to crochet!❤️

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I think we have all made that mistake!! ❤️

[@jeanbarnes8948]

OMG, my neck my back my wrist. You give good advice it’s too bad I didn’t see this before I got to the point where I need therapy. I do love crocheting thanks for this video I’m going to share it

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I wish I had known about the importance of taking breaks when I first started too! 💙💙💙

[@PCSigns]

I really enjoy your videos. I'm not a new crocheter but I have certainly developed some bad habits along the way. Your videos are helping me break them. Thank you from Toronto, Canada!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You are so welcome! 🧶🧶🧶

[@sheryldye4259]

💕 I like to look at videos and wright them down to try later. I'm from Michigan. You have some very good suggestions for new ones, hope they apply them.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

So glad you like the suggestions! 💛

[@lcloudinstructor]

♥️♥️♥️ I work everyday to be a recovering perfectionist!!! 🥰

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm also a work in progress!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@lisa_vxng]

9:32 YES that's how I started to get patterns as well (not that my 11 year-old-self didnt live our local library anyway) because I was a child and those were accessible to me and they have so many pictures and glossarys to go with each step/stitch needed! go and support your local libraries people (love from germany! fun thing here is to learn all the crochet terms twice because most patterns I get/creators I now follow online are english...)

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

How interesting!! Thank you so much for sharing how you learned!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@stdwynwen]

For years I was the video crochet learner - patterns confused me (especially repeats). Then a few years ago I did a blanket from a video but they also had a free written pattern on their blog so I printed it out. So this time I actually watched the video but followed along with the pattern. Something clicked with me after that, I now have no issues following just a pattern.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That's fantastic! Such a great way to learn how to read patterns! 🧶🧶🧶

[@sherriejohnson508]

Yes I learn from my mistakes. Thank you

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You're welcome! ❤️

[@trevorsim7053]

The old guy on the block in Clayton, North Carolina. "Old?" NO! senior, matured, experienced, wise ... better for having watched many of your videos. Thank you!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks so very much! ☺️

[@micycre]

a tip for people who struggle reading crochet patterns: try finding video tutorials that have the pattern on the screen as you watch! that helped me a LOT with learning to decipher patterns!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That's a great idea!🧶🧶🧶

[@beccogiallo]

Thank you for this very interesting and useful video. Not only am I a bit of a perfectionist, but I am also impatient and want immediate results I love. Bad combo 😄. I'm in Italy.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I totally understand that combination! I have had to work on both of those personality traits as well! And Italy is one of the top countries that my husband and I want to visit!! 🍝

[@PrettyThingsFromSky]

Soft neck pillow as my under hips support ❤️❤️ and do crochet on your eye level ❤️❤️

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Great tips! Thank you for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@lorrainesantarlasci6054]

New Jersey here…I made a witch for my daughter that she used in her Halloween decorations in her gym. I swore I would never make another. The legs were not the same length, I misread the pattern and had the hardest time with the skirt. But I learned a lot and I’m over it. I just may try again.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@lucyporter1594]

You are such an inspiration I love your videos, I am a self taught beginner and I live in Australia,😂❤

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you so much! 🦘🐨🇦🇺