Number 3 looks like the best bet for a cardigan. Since you’re just beginning, the first one would be difficult because that type of yarn wouldn’t show your stitches very well. Number 2 would involve more seaming, which some people don’t mind. 3 looks like it has the least amount of seaming to do, and you’ll easily be able to see each stitch as you work on it.
Hobby Lobby "I Love this Yarn" brand of acrylic yarn. Every other week it is on sale. Beautiful colors, easy to work with, economical and washes well. Agree, go in the store and feel the yarns before buying. So many brands to choose from! Clover Amour crochet hooks ❤ Available at JoAnn's with coupon. These hooks were a game changer for me. Less splitting of yarn and no snagging. Buy a single hook to try in your most used size, but I'm sure you'll want the whole set! If your yarn tension is too tight go up a hook size than what's recommended on yarn ball. Your crochet looks awesome! Keep going and practicing! Thank you so much for your videos. Bookbinding brought me to your channel years and years ago and have been following your craft journey ever since! 😊
Definitely NOT #1. Choose either 2 or 3, whichever you prefer based on your tastes and the advice of the experienced crocheters, but do not choose #1. I’m a knitter, not a crocheter, but I can tell you that you will not be able to see your stitches with that yarn. Also, you may not be able to pull out a few stitches to rework them when, say, you forgot an increase or made a single crochet a few stitches back instead of a double. That yarn looks like it will turn to velcro and stick to itself when you try to do that. I’ve had that happen with a similar yarn from another company. These warnings go for the other fluffy yarn that you were looking at early in the video. All that aside, you want to be careful of dark colors (such as navy), especially as a beginner, because the dark colors ALSO make it hard to see your stitches. Since granny squares are so open, that may not be as much of a problem for this project, but you may want to keep it in mind for the future.
May I? Go in a real, not online shop. Touch the yarns. Chose colors that you love, and make as many granny squares as you can. There is a whole universe of things you can make with a bunch of squares, you can decide later. Use a 4.5 millimetes hook, very beginner friendly. Have fun ❤
I would suggest number 3 for a beginner. The sherpa yarn is going to be hard to see the stitches- for beginner and veteran alike. I'm so excited to follow you on your crochet journey!!
The upside of “fluffy” yarn is that it’s really forgiving. If you miss a stitch or something like that it won’t show. The downside is that you make mistakes because you can’t see the stitches. I’ve crocheted with fur yarn and you just have to count stitches and feel for them.
Textile nerd here! With yarn you absolutely get what you pay for. Stay away from Red Heart yarn, it’s not good quality. A friend of mine crochets often and she uses Lion Brand a lot. Malabrigo yarn is gorgeous! If you opt for acrylic or cotton yarn, there are more and more options with recycled fibers to consider too. Berocco and Rowan are nice as well.
Once you've practiced, I would recommend not buying an expensive kit. If you look at the weight of the yarn in the kit, then you can go search for affordable lots of yarn in colors you like. I would definitely not recommend textured yarn for beginners. They are a pain for the most experienced crocheters. 😱 You are doing really great! Granny squares are a great way to start learning!!
I have been crocheting for about ten years, and with the right stitch or pattern I can even read a book while doing it. So don't give up, with practice you'll be able to watch TV! To reiterate what a number of other people have commented, I highly advise going in to a physical shop to buy your yarn. Being able to touch it makes a massive difference! The worst thing would be to spend time and money on a project only for the texture to be irritating. The other advantage is that often you will find people who able to give advice, whether it is from one of the people who work there or another customer. A place local to where I live even offers lessons (in Johannesburg, so probably a bit far to travel from America)
Pattern 3 looks great and is the most beginner friendly pattern. Would stay away from pattern 1. Working with fuzzy yarns as a beginner is difficult because its hard to see where to put your hook.
Another old school tip. Pick up or order a magazine to flip through. Find your project that way. You don't have to buy a whole kit you might not like anyway. There is a method called filet crochet too. It's a lovely boxy stitch and it's pretty for all kinds if things including window covering or trim.
I think I like the number 2 cardigan best. :) I don't crochet, but I knit, and that fleece yarn, while so soft and cozy, makes it really difficult to see your stitches. Might not be the best option for a beginner project.
honestly, go to an irl store and touch all the yarns. It helps you get a sense for what kind of yarn you'll enjoy using. It really sucks when you buy stuff and then you hate the feel of it. Also, like many others in the comments said, that fuzzy yarn won't show stitches very well so is definitely not beginner friendly
a few tips from someone who's been crocheting for just a few years and is far from an expert: -granny squares can get a bit wonky looking, but you can adjust them by tugging in both directions (gently, of course!). making a granny square blanket for my unborn nephew at the moment and after i finish a square i give it a few small adjustment tugs to make it all square-like. -you can also block your granny squares if you really want to go for even-ness (there are YT tutorials by the dozen - i've never cared about making my squares look quite so perfect/even so i've never done it, but it's an option) -yarnspirations patterns are amazing because you can access the pattern for free and don't have to buy the kit, unlike the lion brand ones, so you can find out the weight/size of the yarn and get cheaper yarn from somewhere else. that said, lion brand mandala yarn is basically my favorite yarn ever as it's relatively affordable and so soft. i have a poncho i made following one of Bag-o-Day Crochet's tutorials a year or 2 ago and it's so wonderful, warm without being too weighty and stuffy. definitely one of my favorite items i've ever made.
I personally think you should try a blanket to learn stitches, patterns and changing colours, if you work on that you gain experience then you could try No. 2 as that has granny squares and a pattern, it may also include changing the hook to a different size. The cardigan can be your utmost goal. I will let you into a secret - when I started to crochet my niece was having a baby and I said that I would do the blanket, thinking that would be easy, the child has grown and the blanket is still in progress as I jumped too soon. I do marvel at your determination though, but go slowly or you will be turned off of the craft and it won't be relaxing but will be a chore.
Look up The Crochet Crowd here on UA-cam. Mikey has a ton of tutorials for a lot of the crochet patterns on Yarnspirations. He also has a lot of tutorials for beginners.
Like with most crafts, crochet kits are so expensive! Personally I prefer to find free patterns online (Pinterest can be a good source) and then buy my own yarn separately. It’s tricky to know how much to buy so I usually buy too much but it’s still cheaper than a kit, plus if you have whole balls left over you can probably get a refund from the shop (unless you’ve been working on the project too long haha). I tried working with fluffy yarn once but it was a nightmare because the fluff was hiding the stitches and I was just having to guess where to stick the hook through (but maybe the fleece yarn is less fluffy than what I tried). Your granny squares are looking great by the way!!!
Your tension looks terrific!! I've given up on granny squares (for the time being) I just couldn't get them not to come out wobbly lol! BTW, I was browsing Yarnspirations the other day and happened to notice that the "kit" they put together for you doesn't necessarily get you the yarn you need. I looked at the automated package, thinking, "great! I only need 4 skeins to make this". But when I looked at the pattern is was a ridiculously different quantity (something like 6 or 8 skeins). Others, I noticed only included one or two colors, when the blanket clearly was made from 3 or 4. Just make sure you look at the materials list on the actual pattern instead of relying on their website.
As someone with a decent experience in crochet, I will recommend several things: 1 avoid projects with dark yarn, you may not be able to see the stitch very well and that will take you to no so defined or perfect rounds of stitches and 2 . Avoid that chunky blanket yarn (as cardigan #1) because due it's chunkyness and fluffyness can also difficult to see the stitches very well. I will recommend do more amigurumis it will help you to perfect the single crochet technique and that can lead you to better stitches. Love from Colombia!
3 would be easiest for you as a beginner. I find it hard to work with speciality yarn like fleece. Or fringe yarns or chunky yarns. Something to think about.
i'm stuck between 2 and 3. But before you buy, wait for lion brand to go on sale, they have pretty good sales ever so often and it'll help save a couple dollars.
You’re granny square is looking really nice🥰. Number one would be a nightmare to crochet as a beginner but there are ways to help you use it like pairing the yarn with a normal non fuzzy yarn of a similar color to help tame the fuzzy yarn and help you see the stitches better but I would go with number two or three for now. If you are looking for yarn you may have some luck thrifting and also there are many different places you can shop online for yarn. I recommend bag o day crochet on UA-cam if you are looking for crochet tutorials and she also has a lot of videos on yarn in general she has videos where she buys yarn and shows you everything about what type of yarn it is and also tells you where to buy it online.
I would not recommend doing a project with very dark yarn because it's harder to see what you are doing. I one time did a sewing project using black fabric and black thread and I did not enjoy it because it was hard to see what you are doing.
I use Red Heart Super Saver most of the time because I make dolls. It’s not the softest yarn but it is very sturdy. My kids play with the dolls I crocheted for them and they are still intact, lol. Lion brand has pretty soft yarn if you wanted to make wearables. What I love about Red Heart is that it’s always on sale. Also, Clover brand crochet hooks are very good. And if you don’t already have it, I recommend the clover metal darning needles to sew your crochet pieces together. You’re doing great with crochet and your granny square. I love seeing your crochet videos!
my recommendation is to find a local yarn store to support and go there so you can feel the yarn! Squishing the yarn in person can be helpful in finding a yarn you like, and people at the store can help you find a good weight of yarn and estimate buying enough for a project you have in mind.
As a long-time crocheter, I'm so happy to see you so excited about crochet! I specialize in lace, so I might not be able to help you with the yarn situation. I've always found mercerized cotton thread the easiest to work with, even though it can be thin. I cannot, for the life of me, crochet with regular thick yarn, so don't get discouraged if you sometimes dislike how the yarn behaves. I agree with others that it's good to find a yarn store and go in-person to just look at the yarn (and touch it, if the owner/store staff allows you to), learn what kinds are soft, which ones split and which ones are spun tightly enough they're easy to crochet with, etc. If you want to look for new patterns to use your yarn up or learn to do something new with your rapidly improving granny square skills, Raverly has a decent pattern library with loads of filtering options. You can filter for pattern attributes like instructions that specifically include charts or photo tutorials. Many of the patterns are free and will recommend you the best types and amounts of yarn for the project, if you don't want to be limited to just kits. But I'm pretty sure at least a dozen people already recommended the site to you. I also love free patterns and resources on the Drops Design website, although I think their yarn is a bit too fancy (and pricy) for a beginner. The patterns are decently written and usually include both charts and video instructions (and they're written in a bunch of languages, including all the different versions of English crochet terminology variants). Below each pattern there are links to a ton of resources to further your knowledge. I wish you all the best in your crochet journey. It surely is addicting, just one more round, just one more round... :)
There are a lot of resources for free crochet patterns. And like others have mentioned, you can see in the pattern the weight of yarn, then find colors you like-ON SALE. I am making a granny square cardigan and I bought the yarn when it was half price. (I waited forever for a sale). Also pay attention to ads from craft stores, Joann's, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby ALWAYS have some sort of coupon out. Good luck with this fun new hobby, just be careful because it gets addicting. Then you're like me, crocheting a cardigan when it's over 100° outside...🤣
#3! Check out Art Resource Center in Tempe. I've scored amazing yarn at Resourceful Santa Fe in NM. Yarnspiration patters are free! Stick with same weight of yarn that pattern recommends. Have fun!
Congrats on teaching yourself to crochet 😊😊😊 My only advice about kits, if you see one you like from a yarn brand, like Lion, write down the supplies and go to your local JoAnns or Michaels wduring a salr when youve gotcoupons. It will be less expensive AND you can see and feel the yarn in person. PS Lion brand wool ease is nice and easy to work with.
I chose the sherpa coat before watching the video based solely on looks. That said, I absolutely adore granny squares! (I have been knitting, crocheting, spinning and weaving for over 30 years)
Apart from the comments saying that #1 is not a good idea, here is another thought of #1, from a fashion sense, I think the garment will make anyone look big because it’s fluffy and baggy, I try to stay away from them. Also I think #3 looks better than #2. The 2 pieces of college you created are beautiful, maybe you want to pursue further in that direction, just my thoughts.
Look I understand you want to do something usable but your only a beginner! My advice is continue practicing the stitches with granny squares and become more experienced. So far you seem to have only used one stitch type, there are dozens. Making cardigans, or larger projects in clothing need some experience to master, your trying to jump in at the deep end before you've learned to dog paddle! Make a blanket or scarf out of grannies, you can even join then up into small or large bags. Grannies can make good dish cloths or dust wipes, if you make small squares they can be place mats for cups or you can make table runners with grannies. Granny squares can become all sorts of useful items around the home. Practice the different stitches until you are knowledgeable and more proficient, then branch out to advanced clothing and garments. I learned crochet as a child and this is the way I was taught, I made tea towels, table runners, scarves, blankets and began to make dolls clothes in my teens. I have crocheted for over 40 years. 😊
Number three is very easy, it was the first wearable I made! I have since made another. Check UA-cam for Hexigon cardigan, lots of tutorials, and I too am a visual learner. Good luck,keep us posted on your progress ❤
I started with cotton and acrílico yarn and then tried to use 70% acrilic and 30% other material and it was the best because it was soft and the final project is very warm and a bit heavy. But the best way is to keep using diferent fibers and thickness and also using bigger hook sizes for the same yarn makes a biiiiiig difference! Hope it helps. Also a beguiner here 😂 Also cardigan 1 velvet yarn size 10mm and hook size 10 or bigger should work nicely I made a scarf and it helps to hide any mistakes 😂
I have a friend who has been crocheting for over 50 years. Her favorite yard is Red Heart. It is readily available and not expensive. Give that a try maybe? I don’t crochet; I prefer knitting. 🙂
I'd start with the 2nd one. I love the sherpa onetoo, but it could be deceptively difficult for a beginner, it's great yarn but hard to really see your stitches just due to it's nature. Really easy to get lost. Have fun!!!
If you just keep going around on the one square and not make multiple squares that you then join together, one trick to keep the square blocked (i.e. straight edges) is to flip it over each time you go around so that you stich in the opposite way around. I wish I'd known this before I made a blanket because my blanket is not perfectly square the larger it gets.
2 or 3 for the cardigan, not 1. it looks fluffy and cute but that yarn is gonna be challenging to work with. i personally like the look of 2 the best but I would definitely balk at that price! I think its a fair price but still, Im a cheapskate. If yarspirations sells just patterns you could use either 3 or 2 and visit a yarn store yourself to pick out your colors and be able to feel the yarn and make sure you like it. It probably wont make a huge difference in price but it might be easier to spend the money when you can see the yarn in person to confirm you like it. Just be sure to buy the same type and size yarn that the pattern recommends and do a gauge swatch to make sure the sizing is right.
Red heart was about all that was available when I was young maybe quality has gone down but it was fine then. When they are a bit out if shape block them by pinning them into shape on your ironing board. Then put a cloth over them and steam press them. When they dry they will be fine. Like a sewist pressing the garment seams as they go. Old timer here.
You should also look at the yards in the yarn for the kits and how many skeins it requires for the pattern and go grab your own colors and brands and see what the pattern costs or see if you can find a UA-cam video on it and you can create it cheaper than the kits if you use a cheaper yarn, so don't think you have to buy as a kit or use that specific yarn for the project 😊
Practice square is looking very good! Other things to consider as a beginner (apart from yarn type-when first learning it helps to use yarn that has good stitch definition; as has been said, trying to work with black yarn or that sherpa without some experience will only end in tears) that can make a huge difference in how well you do : 1. How you hold your hook, pencil grip vs knife grip (what you are doing); each crocheter will tend to find one way works better than the other for them. And 2. Shape of the hook: straight (Susan Bates) vs. tapered (Boye and Clover) is as big a deal as your grip-I cannot for the life of me crochet with a tapered hook. You probably, eventually, will settle into a tension method that works for you, but don't sweat it if you can't-I've been crocheting for years, garments to amigurumi, bulky yarn to crochet thread and holding on to the working yarn is still my biggest annoyance. But it looks like you are on the right track! (scary title of the next video notwithstanding)
PS: If you haven't already, be sure to check out the blogs and video channels for the designers of those patterns; both provide lots of help, especially with their sweaters.
You’re granny squares are looking fabulous! For a cardigan, I’d pick #2. As others have said, textured yarn can be a bit tricky to see stitches, but with enough practice you can totally work with it - just count your stitches :) Also, instead of opting for a kit, I would note the yarn type & quantity, then check out local stores & buy when there’s a good sale. I’m likely in the minority, but I like Red Heart yarn (just not the super saver) for basic projects. I like Patons & Lion Brand as well, so I pick the brand and type based on my project. For wearables, I tend to use indie brands picked up at my local yarn shop, that way I can see what passes the “squish” test (texture, softness, etc.) & get advice if I need it.
Reasons for choosing #1 - single color and type of yarn make this a good first crocheted garment. Also, the style will never go out of style and can be worn with a variety of outfits whereas granny square garments have a limited fashion life. The sherpa style yarn shouldn't have a fuzz issue, but possibly may "worm". I'm not sure how to describe that term, but you can google it. Although "worming" may be more of a problem when KNITTING with this type of yarn.....so there's that.
Hi there, Thanks so much for sharing your journey with making granny squares, this is something that I've been wanting to learn also but haven't done this yet, but would love to so that I can try to make a jumper and cardigan incorporating this method. I went onto the Lion Brand website after watching this in your video and was really hoping to find the brown cardigan that had the panel down the back and also had the hood made out of granny squares, but couldn't see it, so if you could let me know what you typed into the search bar I would be so grateful! One thing I did notice was that most of the patterns I clicked on said that they offered a free download for the pattern, so I'd be inclined to do that instead and then go to a physical yarn store when they're running a sale, and then you can immerse yourself in the joy of looking at the yarn in person, so much better! I find so often that the yarn looks quite different in the store and the colours are different from what you see online so I think it's always better to view it in person. So I'd be doing it that way and I think you could save a lot by just downloading the free pattern and then buying the yarn separately on sale, that way you can customise it more also. Enjoy your journey, and if you can share what page you found that brown granny square cardigan on that would be great! Thanks 🙂
What do you dislike about the yarn you're using? That would help with making recommendations. For a project idea, there's granny square cardigans that are cute af too, and super easy to make!
@@SeaLemonDIY Try checking out the TL Yarn Crafts channel for some good/thorough yarn reviews. That's one of the things she assesses for when testing yarns.
Number 3 looks like the best bet for a cardigan. Since you’re just beginning, the first one would be difficult because that type of yarn wouldn’t show your stitches very well. Number 2 would involve more seaming, which some people don’t mind. 3 looks like it has the least amount of seaming to do, and you’ll easily be able to see each stitch as you work on it.
Hobby Lobby "I Love this Yarn" brand of acrylic yarn. Every other week it is on sale. Beautiful colors, easy to work with, economical and washes well. Agree, go in the store and feel the yarns before buying. So many brands to choose from!
Clover Amour crochet hooks ❤ Available at JoAnn's with coupon. These hooks were a game changer for me. Less splitting of yarn and no snagging. Buy a single hook to try in your most used size, but I'm sure you'll want the whole set! If your yarn tension is too tight go up a hook size than what's recommended on yarn ball. Your crochet looks awesome! Keep going and practicing!
Thank you so much for your videos. Bookbinding brought me to your channel years and years ago and have been following your craft journey ever since! 😊
Congratulations! Well done! Your stitches really improved.
Definitely NOT #1. Choose either 2 or 3, whichever you prefer based on your tastes and the advice of the experienced crocheters, but do not choose #1. I’m a knitter, not a crocheter, but I can tell you that you will not be able to see your stitches with that yarn. Also, you may not be able to pull out a few stitches to rework them when, say, you forgot an increase or made a single crochet a few stitches back instead of a double. That yarn looks like it will turn to velcro and stick to itself when you try to do that. I’ve had that happen with a similar yarn from another company. These warnings go for the other fluffy yarn that you were looking at early in the video.
All that aside, you want to be careful of dark colors (such as navy), especially as a beginner, because the dark colors ALSO make it hard to see your stitches. Since granny squares are so open, that may not be as much of a problem for this project, but you may want to keep it in mind for the future.
May I? Go in a real, not online shop. Touch the yarns. Chose colors that you love, and make as many granny squares as you can. There is a whole universe of things you can make with a bunch of squares, you can decide later. Use a 4.5 millimetes hook, very beginner friendly. Have fun ❤
I would suggest number 3 for a beginner. The sherpa yarn is going to be hard to see the stitches- for beginner and veteran alike. I'm so excited to follow you on your crochet journey!!
i totally agree a smooth cotton or acrylic DK yarn is best for beginers
The upside of “fluffy” yarn is that it’s really forgiving. If you miss a stitch or something like that it won’t show.
The downside is that you make mistakes because you can’t see the stitches. I’ve crocheted with fur yarn and you just have to count stitches and feel for them.
Textile nerd here! With yarn you absolutely get what you pay for. Stay away from Red Heart yarn, it’s not good quality. A friend of mine crochets often and she uses Lion Brand a lot. Malabrigo yarn is gorgeous! If you opt for acrylic or cotton yarn, there are more and more options with recycled fibers to consider too. Berocco and Rowan are nice as well.
Thanks for the tips!
omg I don't see enough people talking about how bad Red Heart is, it's such a waste of money
@@ceciliadueppen It and Sugar & Cream are awful. I hate that they’re what’s easily available.
Once you've practiced, I would recommend not buying an expensive kit. If you look at the weight of the yarn in the kit, then you can go search for affordable lots of yarn in colors you like.
I would definitely not recommend textured yarn for beginners. They are a pain for the most experienced crocheters. 😱
You are doing really great! Granny squares are a great way to start learning!!
I have been crocheting for about ten years, and with the right stitch or pattern I can even read a book while doing it. So don't give up, with practice you'll be able to watch TV!
To reiterate what a number of other people have commented, I highly advise going in to a physical shop to buy your yarn. Being able to touch it makes a massive difference! The worst thing would be to spend time and money on a project only for the texture to be irritating. The other advantage is that often you will find people who able to give advice, whether it is from one of the people who work there or another customer. A place local to where I live even offers lessons (in Johannesburg, so probably a bit far to travel from America)
Pattern 3 looks great and is the most beginner friendly pattern. Would stay away from pattern 1. Working with fuzzy yarns as a beginner is difficult because its hard to see where to put your hook.
Another old school tip. Pick up or order a magazine to flip through. Find your project that way. You don't have to buy a whole kit you might not like anyway. There is a method called filet crochet too. It's a lovely boxy stitch and it's pretty for all kinds if things including window covering or trim.
Try Yarnspirations, all their thousands of patterns are free and you can sort based on a variety of factors to find the perfect patterns!
I think I like the number 2 cardigan best. :) I don't crochet, but I knit, and that fleece yarn, while so soft and cozy, makes it really difficult to see your stitches. Might not be the best option for a beginner project.
honestly, go to an irl store and touch all the yarns. It helps you get a sense for what kind of yarn you'll enjoy using. It really sucks when you buy stuff and then you hate the feel of it. Also, like many others in the comments said, that fuzzy yarn won't show stitches very well so is definitely not beginner friendly
Thank you for the mention 😀❤️- cardigan number 2 is divine 😍😍😍😍
a few tips from someone who's been crocheting for just a few years and is far from an expert:
-granny squares can get a bit wonky looking, but you can adjust them by tugging in both directions (gently, of course!). making a granny square blanket for my unborn nephew at the moment and after i finish a square i give it a few small adjustment tugs to make it all square-like.
-you can also block your granny squares if you really want to go for even-ness (there are YT tutorials by the dozen - i've never cared about making my squares look quite so perfect/even so i've never done it, but it's an option)
-yarnspirations patterns are amazing because you can access the pattern for free and don't have to buy the kit, unlike the lion brand ones, so you can find out the weight/size of the yarn and get cheaper yarn from somewhere else. that said, lion brand mandala yarn is basically my favorite yarn ever as it's relatively affordable and so soft. i have a poncho i made following one of Bag-o-Day Crochet's tutorials a year or 2 ago and it's so wonderful, warm without being too weighty and stuffy. definitely one of my favorite items i've ever made.
I personally think you should try a blanket to learn stitches, patterns and changing colours, if you work on that you gain experience then you could try No. 2 as that has granny squares and a pattern, it may also include changing the hook to a different size. The cardigan can be your utmost goal. I will let you into a secret - when I started to crochet my niece was having a baby and I said that I would do the blanket, thinking that would be easy, the child has grown and the blanket is still in progress as I jumped too soon. I do marvel at your determination though, but go slowly or you will be turned off of the craft and it won't be relaxing but will be a chore.
I love #1 but I think the yarn would be hard to work with so I’m going to say #2. It’s so unique and very cute!
Look up The Crochet Crowd here on UA-cam. Mikey has a ton of tutorials for a lot of the crochet patterns on Yarnspirations. He also has a lot of tutorials for beginners.
Like with most crafts, crochet kits are so expensive! Personally I prefer to find free patterns online (Pinterest can be a good source) and then buy my own yarn separately. It’s tricky to know how much to buy so I usually buy too much but it’s still cheaper than a kit, plus if you have whole balls left over you can probably get a refund from the shop (unless you’ve been working on the project too long haha). I tried working with fluffy yarn once but it was a nightmare because the fluff was hiding the stitches and I was just having to guess where to stick the hook through (but maybe the fleece yarn is less fluffy than what I tried). Your granny squares are looking great by the way!!!
Your tension looks terrific!! I've given up on granny squares (for the time being) I just couldn't get them not to come out wobbly lol! BTW, I was browsing Yarnspirations the other day and happened to notice that the "kit" they put together for you doesn't necessarily get you the yarn you need. I looked at the automated package, thinking, "great! I only need 4 skeins to make this". But when I looked at the pattern is was a ridiculously different quantity (something like 6 or 8 skeins). Others, I noticed only included one or two colors, when the blanket clearly was made from 3 or 4. Just make sure you look at the materials list on the actual pattern instead of relying on their website.
As someone with a decent experience in crochet, I will recommend several things: 1 avoid projects with dark yarn, you may not be able to see the stitch very well and that will take you to no so defined or perfect rounds of stitches and 2 . Avoid that chunky blanket yarn (as cardigan #1) because due it's chunkyness and fluffyness can also difficult to see the stitches very well. I will recommend do more amigurumis it will help you to perfect the single crochet technique and that can lead you to better stitches. Love from Colombia!
3 would be easiest for you as a beginner. I find it hard to work with speciality yarn like fleece. Or fringe yarns or chunky yarns. Something to think about.
i'm stuck between 2 and 3. But before you buy, wait for lion brand to go on sale, they have pretty good sales ever so often and it'll help save a couple dollars.
You’re granny square is looking really nice🥰. Number one would be a nightmare to crochet as a beginner but there are ways to help you use it like pairing the yarn with a normal non fuzzy yarn of a similar color to help tame the fuzzy yarn and help you see the stitches better but I would go with number two or three for now. If you are looking for yarn you may have some luck thrifting and also there are many different places you can shop online for yarn. I recommend bag o day crochet on UA-cam if you are looking for crochet tutorials and she also has a lot of videos on yarn in general she has videos where she buys yarn and shows you everything about what type of yarn it is and also tells you where to buy it online.
I would not recommend doing a project with very dark yarn because it's harder to see what you are doing. I one time did a sewing project using black fabric and black thread and I did not enjoy it because it was hard to see what you are doing.
I use Red Heart Super Saver most of the time because I make dolls. It’s not the softest yarn but it is very sturdy. My kids play with the dolls I crocheted for them and they are still intact, lol. Lion brand has pretty soft yarn if you wanted to make wearables. What I love about Red Heart is that it’s always on sale. Also, Clover brand crochet hooks are very good. And if you don’t already have it, I recommend the clover metal darning needles to sew your crochet pieces together. You’re doing great with crochet and your granny square. I love seeing your crochet videos!
you might also want to find a local stitch and bitch group near you I'm part of a local queer one
Once you know what you are doing and know more about yarn you can buy outside of kits that should make it cheaper.
I love to crochet my granddaughter refuses to learn breaks my heart
my recommendation is to find a local yarn store to support and go there so you can feel the yarn! Squishing the yarn in person can be helpful in finding a yarn you like, and people at the store can help you find a good weight of yarn and estimate buying enough for a project you have in mind.
I agree with everyone else saying to avoid the chenille yarn because you can't see your stitches!
I don’t know anything about crochet but I never would have guessed those were the prices!! 😮😮 The second cardigan is definitely my favourite 😊
The postcards look fantastic!
As a long-time crocheter, I'm so happy to see you so excited about crochet! I specialize in lace, so I might not be able to help you with the yarn situation. I've always found mercerized cotton thread the easiest to work with, even though it can be thin. I cannot, for the life of me, crochet with regular thick yarn, so don't get discouraged if you sometimes dislike how the yarn behaves.
I agree with others that it's good to find a yarn store and go in-person to just look at the yarn (and touch it, if the owner/store staff allows you to), learn what kinds are soft, which ones split and which ones are spun tightly enough they're easy to crochet with, etc.
If you want to look for new patterns to use your yarn up or learn to do something new with your rapidly improving granny square skills, Raverly has a decent pattern library with loads of filtering options. You can filter for pattern attributes like instructions that specifically include charts or photo tutorials. Many of the patterns are free and will recommend you the best types and amounts of yarn for the project, if you don't want to be limited to just kits. But I'm pretty sure at least a dozen people already recommended the site to you.
I also love free patterns and resources on the Drops Design website, although I think their yarn is a bit too fancy (and pricy) for a beginner. The patterns are decently written and usually include both charts and video instructions (and they're written in a bunch of languages, including all the different versions of English crochet terminology variants). Below each pattern there are links to a ton of resources to further your knowledge.
I wish you all the best in your crochet journey. It surely is addicting, just one more round, just one more round... :)
In addition to Ravelry, Yarnspirations has exclusively high quality free patterns, and their sorting system is a bit easier to use than Ravelry's
There are a lot of resources for free crochet patterns. And like others have mentioned, you can see in the pattern the weight of yarn, then find colors you like-ON SALE. I am making a granny square cardigan and I bought the yarn when it was half price. (I waited forever for a sale). Also pay attention to ads from craft stores, Joann's, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby ALWAYS have some sort of coupon out. Good luck with this fun new hobby, just be careful because it gets addicting. Then you're like me, crocheting a cardigan when it's over 100° outside...🤣
#3! Check out Art Resource Center in Tempe. I've scored amazing yarn at Resourceful Santa Fe in NM. Yarnspiration patters are free! Stick with same weight of yarn that pattern recommends. Have fun!
Congrats on teaching yourself to crochet 😊😊😊 My only advice about kits, if you see one you like from a yarn brand, like Lion, write down the supplies and go to your local JoAnns or Michaels wduring a salr when youve gotcoupons. It will be less expensive AND you can see and feel the yarn in person.
PS Lion brand wool ease is nice and easy to work with.
You are doing great. You might want to try Bag-o-day crochet. Chrystal has hundreds of stitch samples for blankets. I love her UA-cam channel
I chose the sherpa coat before watching the video based solely on looks. That said, I absolutely adore granny squares! (I have been knitting, crocheting, spinning and weaving for over 30 years)
3! It’s the style of a Hexagon cardigan which is so easy for a beginner! It’s just a 6 sized granny square!!
This is the only thing Crochet that comes out correctly!😊 I enjoy making granny squares
Apart from the comments saying that #1 is not a good idea, here is another thought of #1, from a fashion sense, I think the garment will make anyone look big because it’s fluffy and baggy, I try to stay away from them. Also I think #3 looks better than #2. The 2 pieces of college you created are beautiful, maybe you want to pursue further in that direction, just my thoughts.
Look I understand you want to do something usable but your only a beginner! My advice is continue practicing the stitches with granny squares and become more experienced. So far you seem to have only used one stitch type, there are dozens. Making cardigans, or larger projects in clothing need some experience to master, your trying to jump in at the deep end before you've learned to dog paddle! Make a blanket or scarf out of grannies, you can even join then up into small or large bags. Grannies can make good dish cloths or dust wipes, if you make small squares they can be place mats for cups or you can make table runners with grannies. Granny squares can become all sorts of useful items around the home. Practice the different stitches until you are knowledgeable and more proficient, then branch out to advanced clothing and garments. I learned crochet as a child and this is the way I was taught, I made tea towels, table runners, scarves, blankets and began to make dolls clothes in my teens. I have crocheted for over 40 years. 😊
Number three is very easy, it was the first wearable I made! I have since made another. Check UA-cam for Hexigon cardigan, lots of tutorials, and I too am a visual learner. Good luck,keep us posted on your progress ❤
I started with cotton and acrílico yarn and then tried to use 70% acrilic and 30% other material and it was the best because it was soft and the final project is very warm and a bit heavy. But the best way is to keep using diferent fibers and thickness and also using bigger hook sizes for the same yarn makes a biiiiiig difference! Hope it helps. Also a beguiner here 😂
Also cardigan 1 velvet yarn size 10mm and hook size 10 or bigger should work nicely I made a scarf and it helps to hide any mistakes 😂
I have a friend who has been crocheting for over 50 years. Her favorite yard is Red Heart. It is readily available and not expensive. Give that a try maybe? I don’t crochet; I prefer knitting. 🙂
Yarn Bernat, Lion Brand. For kits look at Annie's, Mary Maxim, Herrschner's are good for kits and ideas.
I'd start with the 2nd one. I love the sherpa onetoo, but it could be deceptively difficult for a beginner, it's great yarn but hard to really see your stitches just due to it's nature. Really easy to get lost.
Have fun!!!
If you just keep going around on the one square and not make multiple squares that you then join together, one trick to keep the square blocked (i.e. straight edges) is to flip it over each time you go around so that you stich in the opposite way around. I wish I'd known this before I made a blanket because my blanket is not perfectly square the larger it gets.
Weirdly no one ever tought how to make these. Godmother tough bunch of other, complicated and quite ancient things, but not this. Wanna try.
2 or 3 for the cardigan, not 1. it looks fluffy and cute but that yarn is gonna be challenging to work with. i personally like the look of 2 the best but I would definitely balk at that price! I think its a fair price but still, Im a cheapskate. If yarspirations sells just patterns you could use either 3 or 2 and visit a yarn store yourself to pick out your colors and be able to feel the yarn and make sure you like it. It probably wont make a huge difference in price but it might be easier to spend the money when you can see the yarn in person to confirm you like it. Just be sure to buy the same type and size yarn that the pattern recommends and do a gauge swatch to make sure the sizing is right.
Red heart was about all that was available when I was young maybe quality has gone down but it was fine then. When they are a bit out if shape block them by pinning them into shape on your ironing board. Then put a cloth over them and steam press them. When they dry they will be fine. Like a sewist pressing the garment seams as they go. Old timer here.
You can also try holding your hook differently it might make you crochet faster ❤
I really like number 2. If I were looking for a new project, that would be it.
I have a couple of granny square afghans. Is there a way to upcycle these into cardigans or purses?
UA-cam channels for you to try is Fiber flux, and bag o day crochet
The 2nd one is sooooo cute but omg the 1st one I agree looks soooooo amazingly cozy looking! I would do the 2nd one I think it would look great on ya!
Jayda Institch will show you how to change colors without covering like you do. she is a good teacher and so is crochet with Claire.
You should also look at the yards in the yarn for the kits and how many skeins it requires for the pattern and go grab your own colors and brands and see what the pattern costs or see if you can find a UA-cam video on it and you can create it cheaper than the kits if you use a cheaper yarn, so don't think you have to buy as a kit or use that specific yarn for the project 😊
I wouldnt start with a fuzzy yarn like #1. They are harder to see stitches
This is so exciting! I love crochet. Welcome to the club!
Coat #1 gets my vote. Next would be #2.
#3 is definitely more beginner friendly
Practice square is looking very good! Other things to consider as a beginner (apart from yarn type-when first learning it helps to use yarn that has good stitch definition; as has been said, trying to work with black yarn or that sherpa without some experience will only end in tears) that can make a huge difference in how well you do : 1. How you hold your hook, pencil grip vs knife grip (what you are doing); each crocheter will tend to find one way works better than the other for them. And 2. Shape of the hook: straight (Susan Bates) vs. tapered (Boye and Clover) is as big a deal as your grip-I cannot for the life of me crochet with a tapered hook. You probably, eventually, will settle into a tension method that works for you, but don't sweat it if you can't-I've been crocheting for years, garments to amigurumi, bulky yarn to crochet thread and holding on to the working yarn is still my biggest annoyance. But it looks like you are on the right track! (scary title of the next video notwithstanding)
PS: If you haven't already, be sure to check out the blogs and video channels for the designers of those patterns; both provide lots of help, especially with their sweaters.
You’re granny squares are looking fabulous!
For a cardigan, I’d pick #2. As others have said, textured yarn can be a bit tricky to see stitches, but with enough practice you can totally work with it - just count your stitches :) Also, instead of opting for a kit, I would note the yarn type & quantity, then check out local stores & buy when there’s a good sale.
I’m likely in the minority, but I like Red Heart yarn (just not the super saver) for basic projects. I like Patons & Lion Brand as well, so I pick the brand and type based on my project. For wearables, I tend to use indie brands picked up at my local yarn shop, that way I can see what passes the “squish” test (texture, softness, etc.) & get advice if I need it.
Crochet Crochet Crochet
Red heart Super saver
Reasons for choosing #1 - single color and type of yarn make this a good first crocheted garment. Also, the style will never go out of style and can be worn with a variety of outfits whereas granny square garments have a limited fashion life. The sherpa style yarn shouldn't have a fuzz issue, but possibly may "worm". I'm not sure how to describe that term, but you can google it. Although "worming" may be more of a problem when KNITTING with this type of yarn.....so there's that.
Hi there,
Thanks so much for sharing your journey with making granny squares, this is something that I've been wanting to learn also but haven't done this yet, but would love to so that I can try to make a jumper and cardigan incorporating this method.
I went onto the Lion Brand website after watching this in your video and was really hoping to find the brown cardigan that had the panel down the back and also had the hood made out of granny squares, but couldn't see it, so if you could let me know what you typed into the search bar I would be so grateful!
One thing I did notice was that most of the patterns I clicked on said that they offered a free download for the pattern, so I'd be inclined to do that instead and then go to a physical yarn store when they're running a sale, and then you can immerse yourself in the joy of looking at the yarn in person, so much better!
I find so often that the yarn looks quite different in the store and the colours are different from what you see online so I think it's always better to view it in person.
So I'd be doing it that way and I think you could save a lot by just downloading the free pattern and then buying the yarn separately on sale, that way you can customise it more also.
Enjoy your journey, and if you can share what page you found that brown granny square cardigan on that would be great! Thanks 🙂
I searched "granny square cardigan" but also here's the link :) www.lionbrand.com/products/crochet-kit-revival-granny-square-cardigan
number 2 looks cool
Hi Kona!!!
Cool 😀
Yarn
The granny square is my favorite. There are so many different styles
#2!
What do you dislike about the yarn you're using? That would help with making recommendations.
For a project idea, there's granny square cardigans that are cute af too, and super easy to make!
The yarn I was using keeps unraveling or splitting (correct term?) so individual threads come undone and get caught on my hook.
@@SeaLemonDIY Try checking out the TL Yarn Crafts channel for some good/thorough yarn reviews. That's one of the things she assesses for when testing yarns.
@@SeaLemonDIYma'am you are so beautiful at this age❤❤
I love number 2! So unique 👍
Beautiful 😍