crocheting a sweater for the first time *as a beginner*

[@ah-pk8ue]

'I consider myself a beginner because I've only made this bag,' me, with a chunky single crochet chain: **hyperventilating noises**

[@kiwiflowers9475]

ME RN!!! hahahaha

[@serenity-ew2hu]

fr like i dont even know who to di the second layer

[@yesitsme6797]

@@serenity-ew2hu you should search how to do a single stitch crochete square(they are so easy) 👌🏽

[@serenity-ew2hu]

@@yesitsme6797 I tried. I always mess up on the second chain so I just gave up lol

[@goombasmasher7393]

Yeah me rn

[@andiedo5587]

Hi Melanie! I know that I’m commenting on this pretty late but I have some advice from a long time crocheter to a newbie! This is an INCREDIBLE first project. Mine definitely did not look like this. Newbies, this project is not difficult but super consuming. It is doable though! Cardigan is way easier than sweater bc sweater sizing can get really weird really fast. DO NOT SO A SWEATER VEST!! You’re making it WAY harder than it has to be. A cardigan shape is literally a bunch of rectangles. The shape is much more forgiving especially if your squares are a little big too big or small. I would say to do the entire sweater in either all plain colored, all granny square style (they do look different and use different techniques), or all one style of granny square (all sunflowers, all hearts, etc). That way you only have to make one type of squares for the entire project! General tips (these are some life savers, trust me!) LEARN: - magic ring/crochet in a round - increase/decrease - single crochet all the way up to treble like the back of your hand - magic knot (connecting two strands seamlessly) - the “no gaps at the beginning of the rows” method Once you learn how to do these, you can do pretty much anything (especially stuffed animals) crochet. I’ve been doing it for long enough that I can look things up on Etsy and recreate without a pattern in my head because I understand how all the shapes work. Pinterest is awesome for visual learners like me! KZbin obviously is a great sourceThe subreddit r/crochet is a great community, but don’t be intimidated by the crazy complicated projects that appear on the sub. Those people have been crocheting for years.. One last thing: gauge/tension are super important and frustrating for beginners. Gauge/tension is how tightly you hold your yarn in the non hook hand. This can drastically change the look and size of your piece, so make sure you learn the “right”/comfortable tension for you to ensure consistently across your work. Good luck everyone! I really hope that Melanie shares more projects with us, I like having a buddy when I crochet.

[@sarahmunsser704]

thank you so much for this comment, you saved me so much time and were so informative, u truly did change my learning process/how long i was learning crocheting, thank you

[@samfr4]

OMG TYSM

[@Nari_Trovi]

by no gaps at the beggining of a row what do you mean?

[@Urube23]

@@Nari_Trovi It's when you turn after finishing a row and beginning the new row. If you don't do it properly, small gaps can appear at the edges, making it look splotchy.

[@Emmacoffee8]

Thank you for your explaining!!🤍🤍

[@vibhareddy888]

i really wanna crochet a sweater now even though i have absolutely no experience

[@jl7034]

Do it!

[@laurahafner5742]

Really, just do it. I started crocheting in October and i didn’t know anything about it. Now, I have made such cute tops and cardigans. Really, just start, you can pick it up sooooo quick

[@ruthkonieczna3279]

Legit just do it I learnt how to crochet in January and I’ve made so much already 😅

[@allyzaaachua8483]

@@laurahafner5742 when you wash it does it stretch? like im afraid that will happen if ill ever make a sweater or clothings

[@jocelyn5512]

@@allyzaaachua8483 usually people hand wash them

[@gosiacal5533]

melanie’s diy skills are honestly so good, i could never

[@rayna918]

love how melanie is trying new things and challenging herself

[@samanthayacker4170]

the sweater looks SO GOOD. also, i recommend reading the books (shadow and bone trilogy and six of crows duology) before watching the show shadow and bone so it'll make more sense and be more fun to watch :)))

[@melanielocke]

adding it to my list rn!

[@zalajan5946]

@@melanielocke I really want to make this sweater but I'm a bit confused on the sleeves

[@zalajan5946]

@@melanielocke what type of crochet did you use?

[@dorotajavornicka8144]

Also the King of scrars duology :)))

[@feather221]

Zala Jan I'm also confused about that.. Did you figure it out?

[@mandyvianen3001]

Crocheting is really addicting YES

[@isthatachicken]

"we're kinda just eyeballing it" me with everything i crochet🤭

[@xsaugex2844]

am i the only one who doesnt count stitches? bc i feel like i am. i count when im doing eyelets or straps/chain but like other than that fuck it

[@isthatachicken]

@@xsaugex2844 i can only tell how big something has to be by cms or inches or meters but never by counting the stitches because I just zoooom

[@noodle-]

@@xsaugex2844 I don’t count stitches even when I try to and it’s not the right number I’m just like who tf cares

[@yourfavoritgremlin]

Omg sameeeee

[@princessdoesthings]

@@xsaugex2844 i don't count either omggg

[@evatang4429]

this crochet sweater is ADORABLEEEEE

[@gabbyaguinaldo6415]

melanie really said my life will be everyones pinterest boards

[@janenguyen5702]

this is the most chaotic sweater crocheting video ever and I'm here for it

[@beahallberg7822]

This is REALLY cute, I got here from my recommendations! The only thing that bugged me (and that is hopefully helpful and not just annoying tips from strangers.... I didn't see any comments about it yet!) is how you hold the yarn. It looks so slow, and you might end up hurting your hands and wrists if you don't hold the yarn in a good way to get both tension and speed right. Also, it's very common to crochet a lot harder in the beginning and then loosening up and the other way around. You'll get there (to the even squares, that is) and also blocking helps! Lord, now this is becoming a novel of a comment. Love the sweater, and it turned out GREAT!

[@marakilsdonk8777]

Girl, you did soo well. I'm impressed!! I've been crocheting for around 15 years now (I'm 19 so the majority of my life) and it honestly felt like I was crocheting with my best friend for the first time (my friends don't crochet). You are so relatable and everything you said about crocheting is so true. I always start a new project in the middle of the night and it's addicting. Pleaseeee make more crochet video's. I absolutely loved this video!!!!

[@jessy3038]

you started crocheting at 4??? that's so cool

[@marakilsdonk8777]

@@jessy3038 yeah my grandma taught me! So nice cause I remember her teaching me, sweetest thing :)

[@katherinehaney9430]

Melanie, you are awesome. I have so enjoyed watching your journey into sweater land. Your video reminded me of the first sweater I made (50 +) years ago. Trial and error are what makes up our lives. I love your story and your sweater. It is GREAT to see a younger generation working on an old craft. Keep it up. Continue to pass it on. Thanks for the laughs.

[@soleil5059]

Can we just talk about Melanie's cute little giggle in the beginning of the video and whenever she's excited! I love it!! She starts talking about books and just gives that little giggle and you just know how excited she is! So much love, your videos are absolutely inspiration and so amazing!

[@ShatteredRippleBooks]

It looks really cute. I'm actually in the middle of crocheting squares for my first patchwork sweater. I found your video super encouraging.

[@gabbycaseau7071]

WE HOLD TENSION THE SAME!!!! I haven’t seen anyone else hold tension in the middle of their pointer and middle finger like that besides myself... so TWINZZ

[@aprilskelter]

I’ve been procrastinating for so long but this video gave me so much joy and inspiration to finish the patchwork top/blouse that i’ve been wanting to do for quite some time. Thank you so much 🫶

[@angelcalumba1887]

Yesss I’m so obsessed with Melanie’s diys like we love such a creative/artistic queen 🥰❤️

[@xx_memonote]

watching your whole process made me smile and laugh as I saw the hurdles you went through cause I definitely have gone through similar struggles while crocheting clothing! This was such a fun video to watch :D

[@lauren_zab]

Ok but in the thumbnail (havent watched yet) it turned out soooo cute!

[@niamhsheedy8106]

I made the Harry cardigan last summer and I literally binged all of new girl and 5 season of doctor who

[@alexdalettuce9596]

I’ve made a cardigan throughout these last few weeks and I’ve binged trough 7 seasons of grey’s anatomy, but now I can’t watch it without crocheting lmao. The cardigan didn’t turn out that great tho lol

[@niamhsheedy8106]

@@alexdalettuce9596 i made mine over a year ago now and i think i wore it once lmao, its a fun project but i literally do not even like it but hey it was a fun thing to do

[@jazmynlizbeth483]

I hand knit a “Harry Styles” (JW Anderson) cardigan in the spring and it was absolute hell to put together.

[@Ava_5411]

How many squares was yours I found a tutorial with 51! Which is fine however I can't do measurements and Im a lot smaller then the person so I just wondered?

[@alexdalettuce9596]

@@niamhsheedy8106 Yeah, mine turned out a bit too chunky and stiff, it was my first project crocheting a piece of clothing. I’m about to start my second one tho, which is a sweater, so I’m hoping it’ll turn out better then my cardigan lmao

[@desteeknee]

I hardly ever watch people's vlogs but I genuinely enjoyed yours! I am a beginner with learning Crochet, but it felt like I was there with you and going to JoAnn's! I am so ecstatic for you and your sweater! You earned a sub from me Melanie! Keep it up with this content! 💛

[@ari6263]

Melanie, you have really influenced me to make a sweater almost exactly like this. I don’t know if I would really consider myself a beginner anymore, I started crocheting quite a bit ago. I am so excited to start this project! I’m getting almost the exact same colors and everything Honestly though, I’ve had to had watched this video like 50 in the past month like you did such a great job and you have inspired me deeply I probably just wrote this for you to not even see this lol😢

[@apryllte6140]

Hello! I'm from the Philippines, and this is my first visit to your channel. I had a desire to learn how to crochet but didn't know where to begin. I came into your video by coincidence and was blown away by your crocheting skills. You remind me of Nicole Laeno; both of you are stunning and one-of-a-kind! Thank you for being an inspiration to me!

[@Camila1010]

I agree about crocheting at night can get very addicting, I've done it a lot of times, staying up until 5 am, I don't know if I recommend it because you progress a lot but sleep less

[@willowowen7655]

could you do a video showing how you crochet and how you find the patterns, I LOVE the sunflower one!

[@bobo-rp5lw]

Omg !! I just started crocheting and I always am watching new girl! Idk but I find that crazy

[@StarshineLegacyFan]

You are the first person I have seen in a KZbin video who holds the hook and yarn exactly how I do it. I don’t feel so alone now. I am glad someone crochets like me. I thought I was doing it “wrong” or something because I am a lefty. 😅

[@ashya172]

When I make anything patchwork I do the square connect in rows so add the next colour after the first square so there is less sewing and they are all the same size.

[@crittercre8r]

If you find that you aren't wearing it you can rip the squares apart and sew them together again. You can take the extra squares out of the sleeves and add them to the length of the body and then put ribbing back on.

[@cherubzbaby]

this deserves so much more views! i havent watched ur vids in over a year now ngl bUT THIS IS SO MOTIVATIONAL TO GET ME ON W MY CLOTHES ALTERATIONS DIY AHH I LOVE HOW UR SWETAER TURNED OUT!!!

[@melanielocke]

AWEE TYSM I LOVE U AND APPRECIATE IT SO MUCH

[@zoeyterry948]

You are very talented and I can agree that crochet is extremely addicting so I feel you girl

[@maddieee777]

Hi Melanie! I just want to say that seeing a beginner create this amazing project is so inspiring because I have only crocheted 3 things and they were 2 squishies and a pineapple (supposed to be another squishy but messed up), I really have wanted to make a sweater so this is inspiring and seeing a beginner succeed makes it less scary.

[@karina_hernandez5372]

Now this is the definition of hard work pays off and she stayed through it I could never

[@littlelostgirlinneverland]

I stumbled across your video when researching crochet. I'm an avid/average knitter, but only knew the basics of crochet and wanted to give it a shot. 😊 Your video definitely inspired me to start my own project, so I'm currently making squares to eventually join up into a cardigan or a sweater, I can't decide which. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year! 🎄

[@brilliantlightphoto]

I'm so obsessed with this sweater, I'd wear it every day! you did amazing!! I'm going to crochet a sweater too so looking at inspo

[@stary.serowy2083]

i love your energy pls, when I crochet i have so many mental braekdowns in proces

[@katlynsanford2939]

omg stop, this is the cutest thing I've ever seen

[@lillidean8374]

Shadow an Bone is awesome. I’ve been crocheting for 51 years it’s great that you’ve picked it up.

[@bellablenkle]

ahh it looks so cute !! im just about to start my first sweater and im so nervous but also like- really excited. all i've made has been bags so far as well!

[@amyusesyoutube]

THAT LOOKS SO GOOD ON YOU OMGGG i think i’m gonna start crocheting a sweater THIS IS A SIGN

[@celainefarr7472]

NEVERTHELESS SHE PERSISTED ‼‼

[@victoriama5523]

I SWEAR MELANIE IS SO TALENTED IN EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE

[@cynthiacazares4807]

OMG you are so cute. My bff learn from a book and it took one whole afternoon for her to teach me to make one granny square. Yes it was back in the dark ages before KZbin. I loved the sweater. Keep crocheting. The best stuff will always be what you create from your imagination.

[@lilysdreamworld6386]

This sweater is so cute omg. I'm in love with his wow

[@robyntaurusbeatz703]

You are absolutely adorable and your sweater is adorable too!! My daughter just picked up crocheting and she is frustrated with the fact that that the piece she is doing seems to shrink more Everytime she adds to it so she's already talking about quiting so I'm watching videos to try and help her. I want her to be as determined as you are because quitting gets us nowhere far right. I think you can inspire her. Thank you!!

[@lemmieruth]

So proud of you I know that it takes time to crotchet a sweater especially cause I am currently crotcheting a sweater❤

[@anabellequeen1788]

Is it just me or the rough sketch she drew in ten minutes will take me 2 hours to do you are so talented Melanie❤‍🔥

[@chariskyritsi5]

If that was actually the first sweater you have made you are a talenttt

[@nobodyishere32]

I obsessed with crocheting I tried a couple years ago, never finished what I was making but now I want to try again but I can’t find my hook and I have about 3 laying around somewhere TwT

[@lisazamarripa1709]

Lol

[@carlygerber7758]

I love how she is so optomistic when starting and then slowly starts not wanting to do it *ME EVEYTIME I START A PROJECT*

[@Obby004]

Can confirm that New Girl is a good show to watch while crocheting. It’s what I’ve recently been obsessed with.

[@Mooshrambo]

I'm making a sweater (or cardigan, haven't decided yet) right now. I've been working on it since the beginning of the year and it's my first project as a new crocheter. I was just planning on making the same square over and over in different colors, laying them on the floor, laying on top of the patter to see if it will fit, and then put it together. Haha. You have more planning than I do. I hope I can finish by the end of the year and that it looks good.

[@elizabethcox5678]

I'm currently trying to learn to crochet and I can't wait til I can make my own sweater!

[@AshleighBole]

You should get the other end of the yarn (inside the middle of the ball) So that it doesn't roll around. you'll find it easier to work with. So put both fingers in either end and grab onto the middle of the ball, you should find it eventually.

[@silverlining5097]

This is amazing!!!! I’m a seasoned crotchet girl and you absolutely nailed it. You should be so proud of yourself. Subscribed to see your journey. Love from 🇬🇧 UK x

[@tashmiyahasan]

It just made me so happy when she said it was done!

[@knottheendcrochet]

Wow! You were all over the place.😄 All that energy.😯 Crocheting is the perfect craft for you. It calms me down and distracts me . You are a Beginner and was able to do a 3 color square, put a rib on and stitch all that together, no pattern or guide?😲 Fascinating! It actually had the form of the sweater you shower us. Great job.😂

[@honeyedits2091]

melanies creativity is amazing ✨

[@georgiakelly4968]

I love the music in the sped up bits

[@Miriam-kn2uv]

NEW GIRL IS THE BEST

[@kterhune100]

SSOOO you inspired me to make a patchwork sweater! I have only made a scarf and I jumped full, head long into it! I am at 39 squares so far (2 days in) and I had to run out after work to get more yarn! I am actually making 2 not just one, a pull over sweater and a cardigan... so yeah, I'll be slowly loosing my sanity in Oregon hahahaha

[@sarahsargent5902]

you did such a great job! it helps inspire me to work on difficult projects like this as a beginner crocheter as well!

[@marsenalyn4564]

this was really encouraging because it shows that its possible for a beginner like me to make a sweater. Love the sweater by the way!

[@livbarberr]

I'm obsessed with this video. I'm trying to make the sweater!!! I'm so excited!!

[@miriya7413]

pls tell me how u did it cuz i want to make it too🥰

[@livbarberr]

@@miriya7413 I learnt to crochet during lockdown last year so this was super easy to make you just need to crochet a square and measure it on you to see how many squares you will need in each direction for the torso and the sleeves. Then you make all the squares (it takes a really long time, I think it took me 3 or 4 weeks) then you just connect them!

[@yourfavoritgremlin]

I'm crocheting my first sweater/ cardigan as a beginner 😂 you did great It's so amazing I love it 🤩

[@barbaramartin6716]

Excellent! So stinking cute! I'm a grandma and I've been crocheting hats scarfs and blankets for a long time. But, just in the last couple of years I have been making sweaters. They get easier. The first one I made I put the sleeve on inside out 😣😏 I left it. Who cares ? Just keep going and don't worry too much. Have fun

[@bernro3333]

I think it came out beautiful! Sweaters are a lot of work to crochet, but soooo incredibly satisfying when they’re done!

[@madisonsparkman7734]

This video is quite inspiring and I can't wait to try my own sweater!

[@laurenkcole]

"idk apparently I think I'm invincible now" literally me after I successfully crocheted a little pumpkin 🤣 now I wanna make full on clothes all of a sudden lmao

[@naoisemarie]

Well done! That sweater looks fab. I'm in the middle of crocheting a granny square bucket hat and I can't wait to finish it.

[@abigailmolander51]

This was such a fun video to watch ☺️☺️❤️❤️ Also your outro is one of my favorites of the KZbinrs I watch 💯💜

[@AcrophobicPixie]

You did such a great job on it! As a bit of a suggestion, leave longer ends for your weaving in. If they are long enough, you can even use them for some of the sewing up, therefore saving some yarn.

[@katherinemoulton6055]

A show I would recommend is "The Lying Game", literally awesome. P.S. sweater looks absolutely great!!

[@aliciaramirez9553]

Yess Gilmore Girls I love that show!!! Your sweater came out amazing!!!

[@kenzcanuel1]

OK THAT BAG IS SO CUTE I LOVE THE COLORS

[@fatmadomngos1154]

I’m so excited for this🤍

[@nanabanana9988]

one day i was just like, "hey i wanna learn how to crochet", so here i am observing if this is in my capability of handling things

[@haify]

omg i loveeeeee this sweater !!!! this makes me really wanna crochet again 🥺 well done !! 💞

[@lisachavez1352]

I think it's adorbs! And you are too! So cute! Love how you edit also!

[@jesswittsss]

does anyone know the pattern for the bag she made? i really love it and would like to make one of my own :))

[@courtneyhicks822]

I crocheted a tank top while watching this lol and it’s my first price but I struggled so much with making squares as well 🥲

[@YasmineSDJ]

this is basically me thinking that I could finish an amigurumi rat for my partner in like two days, so I could definitely make two, and then taking almost a week to finish and in the end giving up on sewing the eyes altogether bc it just looked wrong lol i feel this video, but congrats on persevering!!

[@snickersluvsu2]

I was so intimidated by making a sweater but I really want to make one. I'm definitely going to try this!! Thanks for sharing!

[@daychild_]

youre so right abt finishing an entire show while crocheting i watched 2 whole seasons of total drama while crocheting a beret 😭😭😭 i even rewatched bad and crazy bc i ran out of shows to watch

[@evatang4429]

ahhh we live for the diy videossssss!!

[@dwightankle8376]

I crochet to I've made a sweater bag hat scarf and right I have to work on a baby blanket for a baby shower (I think you did great ) fun fact for my first sweater I didn't measure it i dis use patterns either

[@michellescrochetcove9378]

the sweater turned out super cute and I kinda wanna make my own now! was the sweater comfortable to wear? and if it wasn't what materials do u think the yarn should've been made of to make it softer/more comfortable? thank you!!

[@caroline-lb2rk]

hi!! it's been 7 months so don't know if it's helpful now lol but acrylic yarn is more of a common and cheaper yarn that people use. but wool yarn is something a lot of people like to use when making things like cardigans because it's better quality and more comfortable (but can be itchy depending on the type)! also wool yarn is more expensive than acrylic yarn!

[@madimartin3470]

girl you are so pretty!

[@lanndonnnn]

I haven't even started watching but ik ima leave smarter😂

[@mog-gyveroneill2500]

wow!!! I had my doubts, lol, BUT, blimey girl, you did a GREAT job!! It looks fabulous!!

[@mog-gyveroneill2500]

I'm 60 next year, and been crocheting since I was 8, but believe me, It was a long time til I had anything looking that good!

[@danielleforde4648]

Definitely do more of these loved the crochet vlog watching all the way in England 😊

[@kristen5715]

I know this is late and I saw one other person comment this but next time if your squares are a little bit funky in size try blocking them! Blocking makes your pieces hold their shape and size much better, it’s totally worth looking into :)

[@chesneycoleen3627]

ok seriously everytime I see something on pinterest then a few weeks later Melanie makes a vid about it! it’s so aesthetic and nice! please make a tutorial on simple crocheting it looks super fun!!

[@coco328i]

Lol! You are just too adorable. It is very unique and beautiful sweater. Thank you for sharing.

[@yanascribbles7573]

me sitting here crocheting another cardigan watching you make all the mistakes I did when I just started out: its perfect T-T

[@isthatachicken]

Okay the end product was adorable💛🤗

[@Rhia479]

I would suggest a smaller crocheting hook. It'll help with making your stitches smaller and neater, especially for the patterned stuff like the sunburst

[@zlynnnn1937]

This has given me the motivation to start a sweater- thanks lol