Starting My First Crochet Hoodie *regrets*

[@One-Lion]

If you think it feels heavy now, it's going to get even heavier. Weigh what you have crocheted now and multiply it by 3 to 3.5 and you have approximately what the finished sweater will weigh. You can crochet covers for sofa cushions from the orange yarn. My recommendation for your crochet hoodie: 1. buy the yarn that the recipe says (so you don't have to change the recipe) 2. crochet a sample to see if it is the right size crochet hook you are using.

[@aat10Kyoko]

agree. this will weigh a ton! can wear it to a trip for the winter.

[@avantgauche]

I think you should keep going if it's too heavy you can always unpick it and turn it into a very cozy blanket

[@eyejay404]

I would definitely recommend diving into TL Yarn Crafts’ content. She will teach you everything you need to know. Finding the right yarn for your project, and meeting gauge, are two of the most important things especially when making a garment. I can’t wait to see how you grow and flourish as a crocheter 💞

[@creativitybytrisha6819]

The thing with "hook size suggestions" is they are just a suggestion. Typically a pattern has a size gauge so you can measure and see how many stitches you are supposed to have in a specific size. Your fabric looks like it would make a lovely blanket. If you want to keep using it for the sweater I would suggest a larger hook size because your texture looks like the stitches are much tighter than the pattern fabric which will make it much heavier than intended.

[@creativitybytrisha6819]

As far as blocking goes - wet blocking is typically for animal fibers. For acrylics you would heat block it with an iron that does NOT touch the fabric at all

[@cindydolezal2980]

When starting out it best to use the exact size yarn and hooks in the pattern. Its difficult to adjust to different sizes until you are more experienced.

[@Professor-Rad]

I used acrylic to make a loose-stitched cardigan (also my first sweater) and it was so much heavier than I expected! Something you could do to see if you want to keep going is to check the weight of the yarn on the label and multiply by the skeins you'll be using. The yarn you're using is 8.8oz per skein, so if you use 10 skeins, the sweater will be made of 5.5 pounds of yarn. And acrylic is very warm. In contrast, 11 skeins of the Hometown yarn would be about 3.4 lbs of yarn. Also, your stitches look so nice! 🤩

[@LunaSeaDream]

You're learning lessons by doing, which can be great, so don't get too frustrated. Personally, I wouldn't continue with this yarn for the coat for the same reasons mentioned by others. It's going to be really heavy, the dye lots aren't going to match when you buy more, etc. You mentioned a rug... Maybe make a cute, cozy bedside rug (go down a hook size to make the stitches a bit tighter for a successful rug). Or, your sweet pup might enjoy a cozy blanket. Watch for sales, and buy the right quantity of the suggested size yarn. I'm with you: touching the yarn is great, but there are some companies who sell online for amazing prices. Hobbi is based in Denmark (I think), and has ALWAYS surprised me with their quality, prices, and shipping speed. You might find better selection options through them. And you can check reviews to see what others have to say about texture. Also, I've never needed to wet block an acrylic project. That's usually for garments made with natural fibers, or lacey patterns where you need to block the stitches out to define them. If you're unhappy with the fit of the finished project, you can always block it a bit to get closer to the desired size, but it shouldn't be necessary with a bulky coat. Alsoalso, as you progress, don't automatically discount wool. If you get to the point where you've joined Raveley and are looking at traditional sweater patterns, find your Local Yarn Store (not craft store). You'll find that there's an amazing selection of yarn made from superwash wool that is INCREDIBLY soft. Many also use longer staple length fibers so you have less issues with pilling on your final garment. You'll also discover a wealth of knowledge from the employees, who are usually avid fiber people themselves. Best of luck!

[@asya.p.n]

I think that yarn is too heavy for a hoodie too. 😅 I always make sure I have a half size up and one size up hooks for my projects, just in case. Sometimes that half size up in hook will make the project a little softer. But I also tend to make my stitches a bit tight.

[@Miastrong930]

Yarn colors are made by dye lots. In order to have a successful garment all the skeins for any one color need to be the same dye lot. If you are making a granny square Afghan you can mix dye lots because you are not making one continuous piece of the same color.This happened bro me with my first knitting project. I was just a kid and bought some yarn with my allowance. By the time I had money to buy more yarn it was a different dye lot. Sadly I never finished my project because the color was off. It wasn’t until years later that i learned about dye lots. You have a few choices. You can try to see if anyone on the internet has the same dye lot and purchase it from them. You can make a home project such as a throw pillow. Or you can make a nice bed for your sweet dog. He will love it because after spending time making it he will be able to smell you on it even if you wash it. Hope this helps. I know that I answered a question you didn’t ask. After my disappointment as a kid, I would hate to hate to see someone have the same experience.

[@mysticbatstudio3152]

I think you might have better luck and be happier with the overall project if you go get the smaller yarn. You might even be able to use the Q hook with a smaller bulky yarn. If you dont like the yarn the pattern reccomends, you can go see it in store and walk around with it to compare it to things you like. If the structure/feel/size of the yarn is similar enough it should work pretty well! You could for sure use the yarn you have to make something smaller like a scarf or cowl.

[@academycute101]

Just in case you didn't know, Wool-Ease is only 20% wool and 80% acrylic. You likely wouldn't even feel the wool. Also, if you want to learn more about yarn content and how to read labels( and what everything means) the TL Yarn Crafts blog/ KZbin channel is really great!

[@j4lfred]

You are a can-do kind of person Sea Lemon! I love that you are not afraid to try new things ❤ In your video, you used thicker yarn with a smaller hook. That will produce quite a dense fabric, as you have experienced. Similarly, thinner yarn with a larger hook will produce a drapier and airier fabric. Don't give up! Do some experimenting. And yes, tool acquisition is part of the hobby...you can't get away from it 😂

[@deeRex56786]

Crochet garments as a rule are rather heavy. Knitted garments are a lot lighter as they generally use less yarn. Also in my opinion it’s best to steer away from acrylic yarn for garments as it will pill where ever there is friction. Some wools will also pill. The only yarns that don’t are 100%cotton/bamboo/rayon from bamboo and blends of those specific fibres i.e. a cotton bamboo blend. Acrylic yarn doesn’t really need to be blocked and in most cases will resist blocking. If you do block it, steam blocking is really the only thing that works, blocking is more for wool/alpaca/animal fibres and for more open stitches like lace work to get them to sit in the proper shape. Bulky yarn is deceptive, you’d think you’d need less of it to make something, but you usually need more. I’d avoid going bulkier than a pattern is made for with garments as the seams get extra bulky, especially around the arms which can be uncomfortable, and the pattern has been designed with a specific weight in mind and hopefully accounts for that in the construction.

[@ShainaMakesStuff]

I’m a little coo-coo about my scissors. I have separate ones for fabric, felt and yarn - and of course paper scissors. So I understand purchasing small scissors for your yarn.

[@gulserocak]

The burnt orange yarn is too heavy for a jacket and since you’ve already used half of what you got it’s better to turn that into a sweet little blanket for the handsome gentleman in the background 😻

[@gulserocak]

Ohh so sorry.. Kona is a lady 😻

[@TheSuzberry]

Take out what you’ve done, get a larger hook and make a gage swatch (it can double as the hood later). Use the swatch to adjust your sizing (maybe you can just use instructions for a smaller size). This is when you can redo without regret. You want to make a fabric you will enjoy wearing. Otherwise you’ll waste your time.

[@teacheraprilrogers]

I am a 20 plus year knitter and I do crochet some.. i also teach knitting and crochet. Id you think it is really heavy jow rhen itnis only foing to get heavier as you asd to the piece. I would suggest going back and getting the right yarn. Or look online at Hobii or Hershners, or another knline yarn store. They have great prices and loysnof choices. Do not get anything that says craft yarn, rhat will be rough and nit for makihg a garmet. My suggestion is to just make a lap blabket from the supwr thick yarn and get a a yarn that will make the hoodie the right weight. You are doing a great job crocheting..

[@BW2Color.Stephanie]

Make it into a throw blanket. And go with the other option for your sweater. 😊

[@Marqaisa]

I'm still learning how to do basic stitches in crochet, but I'm a sort of advanced beginner in knitting and have only done small projects so far (dishcloths, ear warmers etc) but let me impart some advice regarding yarn that I have learned: when embarking on a big project like this hoodie buy the recommended size of yarn that the designer has for the project and do a swatch with the recommended hook and see if you got gauge. Gauge is very important when it comes to making things we wear. And since the designer called for yarn lighter than you picked up then you might feel, when its complete, that its not as heavy. Later on as you learn more about yarn (as I am still doing. It's an ongoing process for all of us yarnies) you'll learn what you can and can't substitute. If you are having problems with finding the yarn the designer recommended, you might reach out to them and see if they can give you some alternatives. If you're on ravelry and you like a project there is a tab where you can see what other yarn brands were used in this project. Also you can look on the comments to see if there are anything you might want to know regarding the pattern. As for the yarn you got (love the burnt orange color by the way) you can frog it and make it into something else like a lap blanket. Look up that yarn on ravelry or the manufacturers website to see if they have patterns for it that you could do. JoAnn's has TONS of sales on yarn throughout the year plus you can use coupons like crazy there or online. I like their selection as opposed to say Michael's and I tend to buy online because they're really quick about getting the order out. If you're unsure about doing the hoodie right now until you can get the yarn on sale then maybe put it in timeout but continue to check the yarn sales at Joannls when the yarn you want goes on sale then snatch up the required amount (you might want to add one more ball just to be on the safe side. You don't want to play yarn chicken with the yarn hoping you have enough to finish the project) and get free shipping to boot and get maybe 20% more off of regular or sale price. LIke I said, Joann's have yarn sales A LOT throughout the year.

[@cris_possible]

I think the hometown yarn was a better option for the hoodie, the orange yarn looks heavy and working with it should be difficult. You can always reuse the orange yarn on something else, like a blanket. You can more or less getaway with using a bigger or smaller hook, but personally i prefer sticking to what the pattern says when I work with it for the first time. I think you should block all the works you do that are to be worn, because yarn stretches with time.

[@Miastrong930]

I didn’t say anything about the weight of this yarn. I noticed that when you put it on your head it doesn’t really drape the way a hoody should drape on your head. The corners on the back stick out even though the yarn is heavy. So the answer is: this yarn is not suitable for garments. Sometimes the label for a yarn tells you directly or indirectly what is the best use for the yarn. By indirectly I mean there might b a simple pattern on the label. If the pattern is for an afghan then that is probably the best use for the yarn. This is a synthetic yarn. Synthetics have come a long way. In some cases they are washable and therefore easier to care for. A good friend of mine had a yarn store. I spent thousand of hours there teaching knitting and crochet, selling, learning about yarns and buying yarns. Some yarns from Europe are sold buy weight rather than yards. For example, if you want to buy a merino wool worsted yarn for a sweater you buy it based on the size and length of the garment and does it have sleeves and so on. There would be no way that someone would by 5 pounds of yarn for a simple cardigan sweater. Another way to look at it is this. When you go to the doctor and they weigh you with your clothes and shoes on they usually take 3 pounds off to allow for what you are wearing. I was skeptical about this so I experimented at home with different shoes and clothes. It turns out that about 3 pounds is close enough. So if you buy yarn for a garment and the shopping bag weighs more than a 5 lbs bag of sugar something is wrong unless you are making a double knit heavy winter coat. This becomes a bit more tricky with synthetics because some of them are very light weight. It makes sense that if you are making a garment and it starts to feel heavy in your hands and on your lap your are not going to want to walk around in it. Shawls exist because afghans are too heavy and so on.

[@aQuayQuay]

I would like to point out that using a larger hook than recommended will usually give your piece "more holes" and thus, an airier, lighter feel. Same goes for the type of stitch-- the closer the stitches are, the tighter woven the fabric will be (ex. using sc versus dc). However, even as an intermediate crocheter as myself, I have a hard time calculating the amount of stitches I would need in comparison to the original pattern, and I don't recommend trying this method to a beginner. That being said, there are so many artists out there who have done whatever they wanted and found a way to work it out. If you think my latter description fits you better, who am I to tell you what you can and cannot do. Even so, that yarn was unfortunately too big and dense and had very little yardage for your project, and it's a shame that there were only 4 skeins left. As most people have suggested, try the Lionbrand yarn, and if you don't mind waiting, you might be able to check their online store for other colorways that speak to you. Make sure to calculate the yardage you need and always round up because you don't want to run into the problem of buying yarn at a later date and buying into a different dye lot... I learned that the hard way lol Good luck and happy crocheting!!

[@blackstarblues9055]

You could alway use that bulky yarn for a dog pillow/blanket that's easy to transport or keep in the car.

[@jirafstudio]

Online stores include Knit Picks and Webs. Good prices and nice yarn. Because you live in a warm climate, consider bamboo yarn. Cotton is nice but it does not stretch so your hands and arms get tired. As mentioned by others, don't cross off wool or wool blends. Alpaca is lovely but pricey, usually.

[@kywire._]

I love a thick spool-knit yarn like what you bought for this sweater.... but not for sweaters :~) It's great for baskets, bags, rugs, and other things that need to be strong. Don't give up!!! I started out by thrifting yarns to figure out what I like and don't like while also cutting costs, though it can require a bit more creativity to make something large with mismatched random yarn balls, lol. Your stitches look good though and once you get your yarn choice settled it's gonna finish up nicely!

[@craft_addict_can]

i'd suggest setting aside the orange yarn (or search a project that uses that yarn in the quantity you have on Ravelry) and try again with a yarn and hook as close to the ones in the pattern as possible, particularly if you aren't doing a swatch to test. Hooks are cheap and last 'forever', so buying one above and below the recommended size (if you don't have them) isn't a waste if you'll use them later. I wish you all the luck. crochet can be a very interesting and flexible way to make things.

[@bonniemyers6926]

Doing a sample/swatch to see what happens with stitches. Weight. So you can be sure of hook, etc before putting it in project. So your adjustments are accurate. At least while your learning, some stitches take a lot of time and yarn. Yarn isn’t inexpensive as it used to be

[@madebylora]

Worth checking if that yarn is still available (possible that it was in clearance because it’s discontinued). I love the colour and the look of it! And I gotta say I LOVE your thumbnail pic haha

[@aQuayQuay]

This would be so sad because I would love to try it sometime now that I've seen it! It looks so cosy and I would make a lapghan out of it :')

[@werelemur1138]

JoAnn and Michael's have sales pretty regularly, so if you wait a few weeks you can probably get the right size of yarn and hook. The big yarn might make a good dog bed or mat?

[@TwilightStorm]

You could probably make a great couple of couch pillows out of those 4 skeins too, using panels you can connect pretty easily. Check out crochet stitch patterns that use Front, and back, post stitches make great textures, and are pretty easy. That yarn might make a pretty awesome basket too, now that you have more experience? Anyway, good luck! ❤

[@annieo54]

Hi Jennifer, I’ve had a wonderment with that burnt orange wool.. It looks like it was crocheted into an i- cord, and I wondered if it could be undone and then held 2 strands together to crochet? In my brain, loosely thinking, it would probably give you the yardage you need and the right weight..I know it would be a bit of work frogging it like that, but it IS a beautiful colour.. my advice for you would be don’t listen to the nay-sayers..you’re incredibly gifted and I know that if you look at things and think about it long enough your incredible mind will solve the problem and you’ll find a way to make it work.. I say that with confidence because I’ve followed your early work with binding books, and was awe-inspired by how you put things together, think of this as just another expression of your art.. Crochet work usually doesn’t need wet blocked, esp acrylic, washing it will automatically do that for you..if you find an area too tight, you can wet block the area to stretch it out a bit, but I’ve not had much success with it permanently..I hope that helps…

[@lbrowning2543]

I was going to say that looks like rug yarn when you said it feels like a rug on your head. It would make a cute rug for your kitchen or bathroom. Eleven skeins sounds like a lot but Mama in a Stitch I’ve found has good advice for garments to get good drape or coverage or whatever garments need to be to look and work as clothes.

[@deborahbloom4624]

The orange yarn looks like it would make a great mat of some sort. Or a cover for a pillow.

[@mimijester]

One concern I do have about you needing to go out to buy more yarn is the dye lots numbers not being the same. Some yarns have a batch number that associates when all the yarn was dyed, so you can guarantee that the color is all the same. By neeeding to go out and buy more, you might have some yarn that is a slightly different color even though the color name is the same and from the same brand. May not be bad, but something to be aware of.

[@emwiththefreckles]

When you use a smaller hook than on the label of your yarn your stitches are more compact and that’s going to make a heavier, stiffer, fabric. If I were you I’d frog what you’ve done so far and use the orange yarn for something fun like a bag or some cushions and then get the other yarn for your hoodie

[@prholub]

Yes, I would go ahead and buy the other yarn but you could use this heavier yarn to make some sort of blanket.

[@himynameishelen]

You could easily turn the panel you're already working on into a blanket or pillows; I think it's likely you'd find it a bit too chunky when wearing it.

[@MammaMia]

I get that sometimes wool is itchy but you can definitely find someone comfortable wool yarns, especially if the wool is marketed specifically for clothes. Unless you have an allergy I wouldn't rule it out entirely, especially if youre making a jacket. Wool can still keep you warm when it's gotten rained on while acrylic doesn't

[@yuvalbaruch8896]

Personally, I would use this yarn for something else. You are a beginner, you can do a lot of projects in the future, so it doesn't hurts very much. About blocking, I personally don't block things I crochet for myself, because it's doesn't really necessary and it will get wet again in the laundry. Good luck, I hope you will find something that works for you ❤

[@stitchwithbritt5922]

Don’t stress about the hoodie if you feel like the hoodie isn’t working out how you hoped there is nothing wrong with stopping. There is no point continuing to make something that doesn’t give you joy. That yarn is from lion brand they might have more colors to choose from on thier website.

[@loripadilla669]

I admire you so much, you are so brave. Even thinking about a hoodie right now when the temps have been 115+ all this month is too much for me. The color you choose is gorgeous and what you have so far is so pretty. I wish the best on the journey and I look forward to seeing how you work it out. ❤

[@sharlenebee1539]

Jumped on early! But you now you’ve got this!!!

[@niteflitetheknitter]

As to your last question, acrylic and other synthetic yarns won't benefit from wet blocking.

[@theempath8244]

As a suggestion, I would recommend undoing what you have done as you don't want to make something that you can't finish or won't wear when you finish it. So, undo it and can you separate the yarn - a long and sufferable job, but instead of buying more you could get more by doing that and then using that to complete a lighter hoodie. I would do this myself so I am not suggesting something that I wouldn't do.

[@Rebecca-creates]

Your thumbnail is soooooo me!

[@user-ei8rb7sj6c]

Off topic but I’m a total beginner & new subscriber. I watched one of your watercolor pattern tutorials from 9 yrs ago. They are pretty and the process looks relaxing. Can you recommend which watercolor paper pad, brushes and sponge stamps I should buy to make these patterns? I have Hobby Lobby and Michael’s stores nearby. Thank you so much!

[@soniasinclair1903]

You can also find yarn easier and sometimes cheaper on line.

[@bingusdingus8239]

I feel like it would be nice to have a heavy hoodie for those really cold fall days

[@thornshar]

Stick with the heavy yarn. Heavy sweater is your exercise tool, like having extra weights on your ankles or wrists to make your muscles work harder. Then when you take it off, you will suddenly feel light and springy. By the way, I normally give really bad advice.

[@basmaal-mahdi9196]

I think you should keep going on this ,and than If you don’t like it you can make another one, but you will have experience that time 👍😁

[@kathy2539]

As I stated in my earlier email, you need to gain more experience, again learn to swim before diving in at the deep end! As an earlier comment said Lesson Learned!

[@zandeehdz1]

I think that's the pattern I just got. Now I am very interested on your experience

[@buendia1835]

Do not forget you are living in south AZ!!!

[@askedgeorgia17]

Can you untwist the yarn so you can make it less bulky. Sort of like you do with embroidery thread. I would block it and do what they call killing the yarn with a garment steamer, 🥰so it doesn’t shrink if it’s acrylic. This will help it keep its shape permanently. Google it!🥰

[@laurayoumans7119]

Make it into a market tote bag out of the rust and get something else for hoodie.

[@Calchick7]

Didyou ever make with diff yarn? Did you have trouble with pockets- mine are coming out too small for some reason and I have been crocheting 40 years

[@ShainaMakesStuff]

There really should be a size 8 for yarns - size 7 is super varied

[@jennglow4647]

Very cool 😀

[@tessvandenbrink6128]

I would definitely buy the other yarn, because this will be to heavy. You could finish it just to practice, but you will probably not wear it. So, then I think it's a waste of your time to finish this one. I really like the pattern though, so I would buy yarn that is very similar to the one they recommend and make the hoodie with that yarn :)

[@pinkbobcatt]

I personally prefer yarn from Hobby Lobby rather than Joann... I find Hobby Lobby has a bigger variety of softer, cheaper yarn that I love:)

[@heathergleiser]

It would be better to stick with what the yarn or pattern tells you to use for yarn and hook size when you’re first starting out in order to understand stuff like the stitch gauge. That way you won’t have to figure out what to do with yarn that proves unsuitable for your project.

[@SomeoneWhoCrafts]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZSyq5d3r9KnhK8 This video might help you with how to hold your yarn in your left hand so you get even tension in your projects and a more comfortable hold. Also if you watch some more of Bella Coco’s video it might help you learn as this is how I learnt to crochet

[@deborahbloom4624]

Hi Kona!

[@GabbyGaburieru]

i would save that piece for something else that isn't a wearable and restart with the right yarn

[@kaisalidstrom]

My dog has eyebrows like yours, it’s cute.

[@hifoo45]

🧶🧶🧶

[@juliepackham6669]

Omg yarn is so cheap in the u.s.