Top 15 Crochet Tips & Tricks

My Top 15 Tips and Tricks. Get the PDF digital download for Free when you signup for my Newsletter!
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00:00
01:06 Magic Knot
02:28 Thumb Join
03:43 Russian Join
07:46 Magic ring
09:40 Colour Change
12:06 Seamless Join
14:24 Starting Chain
16:20 Stitch Counts
18:23 Straight Edges
20:33 Locking Markers
21:24 Hook Styles
22:34 Foundation Stitches
25:38 Counting Stitches
26:25 Weigh Scale
28:02 Felting Join
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[@brendacooper8905]

Thank you so much for all the tips. I’m 69 years old. So YES you can teach an old dog new tricks! ❤️

[@joannegreen7041]

Yes! I'm 68, crocheting since I was 15yo! There are SO MANY new ways and stitches to crochet now! I've learned more in the last 6 or 8 years with KZbin than in the last 40 years!

[@yolyrom7233]

😂

[@theonlypinky]

I just turned 65 last night, and I still can't stand granny stitch. It seems that's all we had back when I was a teen!

[@pzpierce]

I’m 72 and guess what? I decided to teach myself how to crochet last month-all thanks to my KZbin “associates.” YES! Loving everything I have learned so quickly. I promised my 10yo granddaughter we would crochet together, but I had to learn first. She is right-handed (I’m not), so I learned her way. My brain has adapted perfectly. I thank all my teachers!!

[@brendacooper8905]

@@pzpierce Good luck! I know you can do it. ❤️

[@juliakupas]

Back in the day (think ‘60s!) we didn’t have great hints like these. Most of my patterns came from Family Circle. Thank you for solving several issues - especially joining and foundation stitches!

[@bonnieperkins1419]

Great. Crocheted for many years and did not know all these tricks. Especially liked foundation stitches.

[@dorisalexander1059]

I love all of those great hints yes, we needed those back in our day. I am almost 70 and you have such a calm voice to explain how to do it. I absolutely love it. Thank you so much. I’m gonna make sure I keep this site on hand.❤

[@cvmlbrown]

I’ve been crocheting for over 30 years, yet I learned SO MUCH from these tips! Thank you so much for sharing these! ❤

[@maryswann7623]

I used to crochet a lot, life happens and I didn’t for years. Coming back, I was surprised at the changes, for example, the Magic Circle and the foundation stitch. I think I finally got them down but the way you did it really makes it easier!!

[@sallyhorner58]

This was a great video. I especially liked the way you explained the foundation stitch. The Russian join also looks interesting. I think I may have to try that one!!

[@paulinekaplin6039]

I enjoyed these joining tips. Extremely useful. Thank you.

[@sheliahallmark8821]

I finally learned how to do Foundation row. Your detailed video & detailed explanation is great! Better than any other I have watched. Thank you!

[@elainekent7026]

This was a great tutorial and it has really helped me to get a better finish on my projects. Thank you so much.

[@rosemarycreollo4326]

Excellent tips! I have been crocheting for decades and love that I continue to learn new techniques. My favorite join is the magic knot, but I'm not brave enough to trim the ends! Instead, I leave them a little longer, mark the joined spot with a stitch marker (helps me keep track of # of skeins used) and then weave in each tail. I've used the Russian join, but am too lazy. I don't use much wool yarn (my son is vegan), but I'm itching to try your felted join! I love the magic ring but have never seen your double wrap method! Your method is far superior! Thank you very much for sharing these tips with us! I subscribed before starting this wordy comment.

[@mjsoffthehook]

Thank you so much!☺️

[@sofiablakey6454]

I love the Russian join because it looks so neat but you have to have a great amount of patience. You definitely are a yarn magician! 💕💕💕

[@lindaegolf833]

I always turn my work then chain 1 and do my first stitch. It makes the edge very straight. Thanks for the great tips. Have a wonderful day.

[@KatarinaS.]

Do you turn left to right or right to left?

[@lindaegolf833]

@@KatarinaS. right to left

[@lifeofchasingdreams]

My favorite is using a stitch marker... I hate taking the time to use them, and some fall out and so on.. but, I use them because they also hold the stitch open!!! I spend more time fighting getting my hook in that stitch than I would if i was just using a stitch marker!!

[@conniewest3413]

I've been crocheting for 50yrs and I love learning new things! Thank you for showing me your techniques!

[@mjsoffthehook]

Wonderful!

[@lottiecarryer5709]

Thank you for showing these tips for crochet. They are great!

[@mariakristinahawl1640]

Great tips, all in one video. Fiddly things aren't so much as when your nails are shorter. Those with longer nails usually have a few extra hangups. The magic ring method you showed is one of the best on youtube...

[@GloriaHopf]

Thank you MJ That's a goldmine of information

[@doreenbecker8671]

Thanks for all the great tips. It’s nice to be able to have it all in one location.😊

[@mickeyk3856]

I've been crocheting seen I was 8 I'm now well over 60. I must say THANK YOU for these tips. Some I didn't know but happy I do now. So you see you can teach an old dog new tricks.😉

[@charlottehyatt9601]

Your method of doing the magic ring/circle is so much better than the others I have seen. And I understand what to do with the bottom stands to make it tight!

[@totallyspies01]

i had no idea that you could get rid of the hole from starting with a magic circle

[@2010redshift]

Well, you ain't seen a lot have you man.

[@bxw2721]

Never knew there are so many ways to tie and join yarns together. Many thanks for sharing so patiently and clearly.

[@dpdiva7216]

Thank you for these hacks ! I sometimes have trouble keeping my edges straight when crocheting blankets even though I have been crocheting for over 15 years. Using stitch markers makes more sense. I will use this method from now on.

[@theastewart6721]

Hi MJ. Great video! My favorite join is what we call the “Spit Splice”, the felted one you showed at the end. I wish it would work on all fibers. The other one I would use is the Russian Join. The others are great too but I’m leery of knots. I also love using the back bump for the starting chain but would definitely do the foundation stitches as a first choice. I just had to chain 302 stitches so I used stitch markers to keep track. Thanks for all these great tips!💕

[@mjsoffthehook]

Awesome! Your welcome:)

[@theastewart6721]

😊😊

[@deniseflaherty372]

Brilliant… thank you… I am a very basic crocheter and have learned some great tips from this podcast.

[@dakshapatel7037]

I tried crochet a while ago n then was busy with family so left n now can't wait again to try it soon all the tips u have taught!

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much MJ, I really really enjoyed watching you show us all these useful and helpful tips and tricks. I found this very very useful and I’ve subscribed and given you a thumb’s up too. Please stay safe and well too

[@mjsoffthehook]

Glad it was helpful!

[@annbray3917]

Love how you joined the felting yarn. Never seen this very cleaver tip!! Thx a lot

[@mnmssss21]

These tips and tricks are great to learn and I’m definitely going to use afew in my everyday crocheting from now on. Thank you so very much. They are going to come in hands.

[@nathanquinn2856]

Omg thank you ,I have been crocheting for years and I'm left handed.I have been trying to learn how to fsc,focus, watched multiple videos but yours is the one that I got it.Thank you

[@Schatzie301]

I’ve been crocheting all my life (and I’m 85) but have never seen some of these tips. A great video. Thanks very much.

[@mjsoffthehook]

Amazing! Thank you!

[@JsMomma7]

Thank you for telling us how to get rid of that darn hole when you join in the round... I love the crochet tips videos.

[@Monica0978]

I’ve learned so much from this video. Now I’m wondering about the early Afghans I made for people and if the knots have come apart.😂🤦🏼‍♀️ I especially love how simple you made the magic circle. This video will be great for teaching my young granddaughter who wants to learn how to crochet. Thank you!

[@mjsoffthehook]

Thank you! Here's another video to get your granddaughter started. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnTPcqtpn9h2fM0

[@louisesanto]

Great tips! I learned a couple new ones. Thanks so much.

[@florab6970]

Great video, MJ! Very helpful even for long time crocheters.

[@SueSA2009]

You just gave me a tip without even saying anything, I bought 2 hoocks storage bags ( makeup brushes bag and pencil case) I couldn't figure out how to store my many hooks neatly until I saw your bag, by storing them next to each other hook up, hook down way. Thank you for the great tutorial as well. Using inline hooks is very helpful in tight stitches and especially getting into the back hump of the stitch.

[@debbu3167]

Very good tips. The felting join is great. Thank you.

[@christinahaskell5059]

Thank you for explaining the seamless join! I have heard others reference it but never actually talk out what they are doing. It sure does make the finished edge look so much more polished.

[@TwistedArtdesigns]

You are “The Yarn Whisperer” 💚

[@jackimayo5650]

Great tutorial. It was worth watching. Thanks for all your expertise.

[@dorismitchell5937]

The thumb join is my favorite way to join yarn 🧶 and I really liked how you demonstrated it .

[@jennybarksdale233]

Thank you sooo much for the easiest magic ring I've ever done!!! Great Tip!!!

[@kimhr1069]

Wow! I just found your channel and subscribed after just the first 2 tips. I've already subscribed to your newsletter, also. You are renewing my interest in crochet and I'm anxious to watch the rest of your videos. Thank you so much!

[@mjsoffthehook]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@marlenemorris7889]

Thank you so much, that was awesome tips.i knew some but your technique was much simpler.

[@CherilynQ]

Great tips. Thanks 😊

[@angel_bonzai]

I really love how you hold your yarn! I'm trying to find alternative way to hold it and not use the finger out method... Do you have a video in showing us how you hold it and achieve tension? Thank you for such an education video

[@mjsoffthehook]

Yes, check out this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnTPcqtpn9h2fM0

[@traciperdue]

Thanks so much for the tips they’ll definitely come in handy!!! Have a great night!!!

[@sandragingerich3976]

Now I can say I have learned 15 new crochet tips. Thank you 😊

[@4speedchevy]

Good tips! In future videos I would suggest using yarn colors that are not such close colors. More contrast makes it much easier to see.

[@lynnehutchinson17]

I was thinking the same thing. The blue and green are beautiful but pretty similar.

[@annbehan1431]

Great tips, especially the foundation row.

[@tkpetrik9456]

Once again I have learned sooooo much from your tutorial. Thank You MJ

[@adriennejelley]

Thank you, thank you. I have learnt some great tips x

[@janicegrima6593]

Thanks for showing how it's done.

[@lindaallen4288]

Thank you for these helpful hints,you explain things really well❤

[@bethhasilo1536]

This was a fabulous video for all stages of Crocheters skills. Very well explained & covers a wide range of fixes for crochet challenges. I just found you this morning & will Like & Subscribe so I can follow you. Thank-you. 🧶🤩

[@mjsoffthehook]

Thank you!

[@beverlyfrances3179]

I have always done the back hump I like the look and adding the yarns together

[@helenwhyman3531]

this is amazing1 I have been crocheting for a while, certain tips in this video will help me a great deal. Thank you!

[@kathytaylor4728]

I really enjoyed your video! It was very understandable and the photography was excellent. Thank you

[@mjsoffthehook]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kiamurray8776]

Thanks so much MJ for sharing these tips & tricks! Neve knew there were so many ways to join yarn! LOL

[@anthony32105]

Thank you that was so much help. New crocheter.

[@mjsoffthehook]

Glad it was helpful!

[@carolscrazycrochetmore5093]

Great tips!! I finally can do the magic ring. Thanks so much for taking the time to make this video. 😊💚😊💚

[@jeanetteDK]

that magic ring its just the easy way ever thanks !!!!

[@debbieroberts1276]

Wow, thanks so much for the wonderful tips and tricks.

[@jennyallan8794]

Thank you for sharing ! I'm new to crochet and find your tips really helpful especially the first stitch after chain one etc at the beginning of the row , I tend to go in the 2nd stitch thinking it's the 1st stitch , many thanks....... I've subscribed and thumbs-up xx

[@ruthsasu6067]

Thank you, thank you for these tips! Very helpful! 🥰💕

[@pronn9786]

Thank you so much for sharing.... these very useful tips and tricks.. 👍😍

[@sharronmorris523]

Thank you for the great tips.

[@rumi6i6i]

Thank you for the good lesson.

[@chastityhartman932]

Awesome learning different ways

[@catherinefleming3112]

Thanks for the fantastic tips. 👍

[@ragabs2394]

Lots of great information for me. Very informative and impressive! Thank you!

[@ce292]

best video ever thank you so much for sharing

[@sandragingerich3976]

Super super helpful. Thank you ❤

[@tracytoombs7132]

Wow I’ve subscribed! This has helped me so much! Thankyou x

[@haleytyrrell9609]

MJ, I love this video. Great tips. I had a pattern request for you. I love your scrubbies and have made several of them. I had another spa idea for you. Could you design a soap saver that is crocheted in the round and has a drawstring? They are a great way to use up all your leftover pieces of soap. You can put a bar of soap in it, close it up, get it wet and scrub your body with it. Keep up the great work. :)

[@mjsoffthehook]

I love that idea!

[@haleytyrrell9609]

Can you please design a few of them? I would love to see soap savers on your channel, and some more spa items in general. I love the round scrubbies you designed. :)

[@judycannioto6602]

Thanks!

[@mjsoffthehook]

Thank you so much Judy!

[@zeezaza8770]

Hi from singapore.Thank you for share.

[@patmuddle4956]

Thanks so much for your sharing 💕

[@comfortcreekranch4948]

Lots of great tips, thank you!

[@laurareese3389]

Holy cow!!! I can now do a magic circle. THANK YOU

[@darasnyder976]

You are so awesome - THANK YOU!!!!

[@dianelefever3608]

Wow!!!! Your music is great

[@NetNana06]

Very good video. You make it look easy. Thank you for the great tips!

[@andreaeyzaguirre6208]

Really good tips! Tyvm for sharing ❤️

[@reale699]

I have tons of projects, never wrote down info. Yes good tip , we all think we will remember

[@lolayancey3626]

Thank you for these wonderful tips!

[@magaliblein3527]

Those tips are very usefull. Tks a lot! ❤

[@zoelynn4835]

Excited to try the Russian join. I have a feeling that may be the best for silkier yarns. And thank you for using water on the felted join. The last person I watched make that join used saliva, made me gag.

[@sonjastarr1364]

Spit is always hanxy though. And free.

[@sonjastarr1364]

* handy

[@catzkeet4860]

Actually it works better with spit. The enzymes in spit makes the ends felt together faster and easier.

[@maryswann7623]

😂

[@sreykhmert3039]

I like the first one🙂 Thank you for sharing

[@ketoroar1491]

Amazing video, thank you so much x

[@MrsGump]

If I have a few WIPs on the go, I add a locking stitch marker or small safety pin to the last stitch & add a wee strip of paper (maybe 1cm wide x 3cm long) write on it which hook I'm using (ie: knitpro zing blue 4.5mm) so if I don't get back to it for ages not only has my work not unravelled but I know which hook I was using!

[@tinamck7505]

Very helpful! Thank you ❤

[@dragonfly2934]

Very good thanks,I wish I new this years ago 🤩⭐️🤩⭐️🤩💐🌹♥️🤗🙏

[@beverleybingham2207]

Thank you.. such good tips

[@kelliewakeford3278]

Brilliant tutorial thank you

[@vanessamccarthy7807]

You are a really good teacher.

[@mjsoffthehook]

Thank you so much!

[@EJCollins]

Thanks so much for your overview! I am always trying to perfect my work. Often I am not happy with the outcome, having to rework the stitch, especially joining yarn, better side seems etc.. This was very helpful to review variables & new technique hacks. Much appreciated! ❣️

[@jddr555]

Since I learned the very first knot that you made to join two yarns together I've been doing mine like that the only difference is I don't cut the ends but I crochet them in and then cut them later.

[@Marysiewert]

amazing ideas

[@goldieramirez5121]

Thank you very much for this!

[@marshagoolsbee389]

Great tips!

[@zevrxn]

in addition to using a stitch marker at the beginning of each row, i also use row counters and for large pieces, every 5 or 10 rows (depends on how big it is) i will do a row where i count every stitch as i crochet to check that i didn't skip a stitch anywhere in the middle, that way if i find out i skipped a stitch i only have to check the last few rows to find it.