It's easy to learn how to crochet blankets a perfect cool season project!
The art of crochet has been practiced for centuries, so by sheer longevity, there's got to be something about this weaving of yarns that tens of millions of people find appealing, right up to the present day. Prior to the Industrial Age, crochet was practiced as much of necessity as for pleasure. During the Victorian era, small round and rectangular doilies of fine cotton were woven, with tiny stitches and intricate patterns, to place on the armrests of sofas, to protect the furniture. Tablecloths and runners, as well as pillowcase trims were also popular during this time. Such crochet projects remained popular in the U.S. through the 1940s. When thicker yarns became readily available, and affordable the crochet blanket craze took off in earnest.
Today, there are yarns of every description to be found in any yarn shop. Along with every shade of the rainbow, you can find multicolor skeins of yearn as well as stunning metallic threaded balls of yarn. With the choices you have, it's easy to get hooked on crochet. A crochet blanket is one of the best projects for a beginner to tackle, because it's flat, with no complicated curves, such as sleeves and armholes required for vests and sweaters. Best of all, yarn shop staff members are more than willing to teach you how to crochet after all, you'll then be buying your yarns from their shop, so it's a win-win for everyone. Yarn shops often hold group workshops, where the instructor gives one on one help with each attendee.
When you begin to learn how to crochet, it's best to choose a thicker gauge of yarn, as it's easier to manage with your crochet hook than finer yarns. Finer yarns usually require a smaller hook, while thicker yarns work better with a larger hook. This allows you to avoid fumbling fingers, struggling to weave the yarn, until you get the hang of making your stitches even and of equal tension.
The 'Granny Square' crochet blanket consists of small 4-6 inch square pieces. These little crochet squares are easy to hold and are quickly made. The Granny Square crochet blanket can be made into any size blanket, from a baby blanket to a large bedspread. Starting with a small size is a good first project. Becoming proficient with a perfectly even stitch with equal tension can be accomplished with this first project, ensuring a crochet blanket that lies perfectly flat. You're then ready to move on to a larger project.
Making each square of a single color is recommended for the beginner. Multiple colors, within a single square, requires that you change yarns as you go along. While not difficult, it's simply a matter of practicing your stitches and maintaining tension as you introduce a new color. Unlike knitting, if you become distracted in the middle of a square, it's easy to visually see just where you were when you left off, with no tedious counting of stitches.
When you make a Granny Square crochet blanket, you only need learn 3-4 types of crochet stitch: the chain stitch and single, double and possibly triple crochet stitches. If you make a mistake, or see that your tension isn't even, it's easy to undo that section and do it over. It takes just a few minutes to correct the uneven section, because it's immediately apparent to your eye.
Crochet hooks are mad of either plastic or metal and which type you use is just a matter of preference.
When all your squares are complete, your yarn shop friend can show you how to weave them together. You'll be proud of your hand made crochet blanket! BTW, crochet projects are a relaxing and therapeutic remedy for stress. Beautiful!
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