I really really wanted to make a checkered hat, and attempting to knit my own pattern took too long so I learnt crochet last summer instead. I also agree with the tips below!
If you want to make the same hat this is it, and it is definitely beginner-friendly, tried and tested.
May 1, 2024
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...and go from there. I didn't pick up crochet for years despite having the tools, because I never really wanted to wear any of the patterns I saw. Then I learnt you could crochet hats, bralettes and ridiculous, fun vegetable shaped cushions. So last year I finally moved past the chains. Youtube has a lot of beginner friendly patterns!
Jun 2, 2024
Soooo until I made this scarf I freehanded EVERYTHING bc patterns seemed too difficult to read and I felt like I wouldn’t be able to adjust them without knowing The Rules. This scarf is super tiny and quick so it doesn’t feel like a daunting investment.
There’s also a bunch of YouTube videos on simple open knit sweater/tops that could be helpful to following along on.
getting comfortable freehand knitting made me more confident when approaching patterns when I decided to do that but I know for other people it can be the other way around ! One free hand tip I have is to get some circular needles that more or less correspond to the circumference of your belly and knit from bottom to top a tank top by experimenting with increases, decreases, and splitting the shirt at the armpits and finagling some straps.
Apr 29, 2024
Crochet (US terms):
- that curly haired adhd woman on the social media said instead of making a scarf for a first project, make a plushie/amigurumi bc it’s only single crochet and will bring you more joy than a basic ass scarf. i agree. but if you’re going to do this as a first project, then specifically find a pattern that is single-color, no-sew, and does not use magic rings.
- instead of chain3 to start a row of double crochet, learn how to do a stacked single crochet. it looks better and is easier to slip stitch into.
- if you want garment textures similar to knit fabric, try: linen stitch, yarn-over slip stitch into back loop only (i think this ends up looking really similar to brioche knit), or tunisian crochet.
Knit:
- if you are knitting ribbing, i recommend the stretchy tubular cast on and the sewn tubular bind off. these are tedious af, but the finish is beautiful and looks like a folded over edge without any folding over. it‘s a good way of elevating the look and feel of your projects, and guarantees stretchiness 👍
- throwing stitches vs. picking up stitches: if you are right-handed and knitting continental then pick up your stitches. if you are right-handed and knitting English then throw your stitches. this applies to both knitting and purling, and will ensure that your stitches lay flat and are not twisted!! if your stitches are twisted, they may look more inconsistent in size when the project is finished and will be less likely to keep its shape.
- the most popular first project tends to be a garter stitch scarf because it orients you to knit stitch and knit stitch only. but if you’re getting into knitting for garment making, then you should orient yourself to purl stitch just as much. just my opinion tho. there are a lot of dishcloth patterns that i think would make great first projects.
Mar 22, 2025
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it's totally cool to age and society still isn't equipped to deal with that.
Mar 27, 2024
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Sometimes you try your best and everything seems to hit the fan no matter how much you try, so you take that raincheck and take yourself out for a day.
Nov 27, 2024
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This is what I call it hahahah made by mums everywhere but the greased up version is sold along stalls in Mumbai. Two regular slices of white bread, buttered, and the middle filling is cream cheese with red onions, coriander/cilantro, tomatoes and some minced chillis. All veggies chopped mini cube size so they blend with the cheese. Toasted crispy.
Apr 3, 2024