Teach Someone to Crochet?

By Caissa "Cami" McClinton – 23 Comments

Well, 2012 is on its way out and 2013 will be coming in. Soon we’ll all be committing to our resolutions, as is a tradition here on Crochet Spot. I would like to suggest a goal and hope it will make it to your 2013 list: teach someone to crochet!

Teaching crochet might be easier than it seems. It’s best to have some resources ready, like the wonderful tutorials that Rachel has here on the site. If you are patient and your student is motivated, s/he will be crocheting before long. I think the trick is showing your student something that s/he would love to make.

For every person that “must make” item is different. A friend of mine had to make amigurumi. My students were loving crochet flowers. Many people feel the need to crochet for babies. Whatever the motivation, just be sure you check in with your student to help with his/her project!

Have you ever taught someone to crochet before? Do you have any teaching tips to share? Do you think you’ll give teaching a try in 2013?

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23 Comments

  1. Meridith says:

    It’s wild that you posted this because I’m actually having a “crochet day” with my friend today to teach her to crochet. Wish us luck!

  2. I’ve actually already committed to teach 3 friends – I’m looking forward to the fun time together!

  3. Cris says:

    I have already taught a few in 2012 and have 1 person asking to learn in 2013.

  4. Lane† says:

    I’ve been trying to get my mother or sisters to let me teach them how to crochet but none of them are interested, sigh… Perhaps that will be my new years resolution! 😀

    • Caissa says:

      Hm. Sometimes it’s just about finding the right motivation… Stress relief? Making gifts? Using down time? Keep trying, Lane! And if they won’t budge, maybe a friend would love to learn from you!

  5. macscrochet says:

    This is a great idea but keep in mind that teaching needs patience (lots of it) and dedication too! I love to teach crochet (that’s my job) and I fortunately do have the patience of a saint, however I have had pupils come to me that have nearly been put off learning crochet for life, due to having a bad teacher which is really sad. One pupil told me that her mother, who had wanted to teach her for years, nearly stabbed her with a crochet hook as she lost patience with her!

    • Sonja says:

      My mom had no patience with me so I went to Hudsons and took a class. That was 40 years ago. I’ve taught my granddaughter when she was six. She wanted to learn and she was a quick learner. I had great patience with her.

    • Caissa says:

      You make a good point about patience! Potential teachers: know thyself and practice peaceful crochet with LOTS of patience!! 🙂 I am glad that both your student and Sonja were able to find more patient teachers after the tough experiences!! I guess I lucked out with my teacher!!

  6. CBzzz says:

    I taught my daughter in law some basic stitches and was looking forward to teaching her more. Alas, she is so content with just doing single crochet and double crochet scarves that she doesn’t want to go any further. She loves what I make, but isn’t motivated to learn how to do anything else. (This is the hard part for the teacher! It is depressing when the student doesn’t want to bother with more). I have offered many friends to teach them. One actually came twice with several weeks apart, but just can’t seem to find time in her busy schedule to commit.

    Wish everyone success if they try.

    • Caissa says:

      I know what you mean! When someone doesn’t want to learn all of the cool stuff you can do with crochet, that can be frustrating! Here’s the thing, though-because you taught her, she’ll have crochet for her entire life! If someone knows single and double crochet, everything else can fall into place if one is motivated to learn. Who knows when that motivation will set in for your daughter? Also, maybe she’ll just be happy to continue with her simple stitches… Sometimes there is beauty in simplicity. No matter what, YOU gave her the gift of crochet! It’s a gift she obviously enjoys, so good job!

  7. Bethintx1 says:

    In addition to Rachel’s photo tutorials, You Tube is packed full of crochet tutorials. (hint hint! see my back to basics videos!) 🙂

    My purpose in starting my You Tube channel was for a friend who had a stroke. She forgot what I taught her by the time she got home, so she would go to my You Tube channel and learn the granny square.

    I hope each one would teach one this year! The crochet addiction is no fun if you have no one to share it with!

    Happy Crocheting!

    • Caissa says:

      I am touched to hear the story of your YouTube channel. What a great way to reinforce your lessons with a person of limited memory. 🙂 Yes, there are endless resources here on the web!

  8. Lynne says:

    Over Thanksgiving I taught 3 of my grandchildren how to crochet, the fourth one is a leftie and I didn’t know how to teach her.
    For Christmas they are all getting “how to crochet” books and yarn. They are so excited about this. I’m glad that the traditions are being shown from one generation to another.

  9. vanessa says:

    I had an opportunity to teach a group of young girls last year. One of them just took off she is 11years old now. Has made hats, scarfs, and even a blanket. I was amazed. You never know who’s really paying attention. Love it.

  10. Liv says:

    I taught a friend how to crochet last summer, and you’re right – finding a project that will motivate the person is key! I taught her to make a beach bag – she loved mine and so she was very motivated to make her own. I also went yarn shopping with her so I could point out the difference in weights, which yarns are easier or harder to work with, etc.

    My grandma taught me to crochet when I was 7. I’m so glad she taught me and now I think of her every time I crochet – she passed away a couple months ago and I’m so glad I can have this part of her with me.

  11. Stephanie says:

    Although I’m a few days behind in my email reading, I would definitely recommend volunteering to teach crochet to 4-Hers. There are a few hoops to jump thru so they know you have a good background check, but who wouldn’t mind that?! I’ve had a couple girls at least each year and they learn a lot including good eye/hand coordination, patience, & a chance to get their item entered in a fair for ribbons. Friendships built with these children are truely treasures. I highly commend Rachel for speaking out on this subject!

  12. Stephanie says:

    My 7yr old grand daughter has been asking me to teach her to crochet. For Christmas I got her a small kit for beginners and we had our first lesson just after Christmas. She’s motivated to learn after watching me make slippers and afghans for her and her 2yr old sister. A lot of patience will be required with her but it’s our time together that’s important.

  13. Sounds like the crochet teacher list is growing! I met a friend last night who wants me to teach her to crochet, so I’m excited! It would be great to check in here on this post to share successes!

  14. Bonne Armstong says:

    My grandmother began teaching me the art and lifestyle of crochet at the age of 6. I’ll be 29 in a couple of weeks and have begun to teach my 7 year old daughter and 8 and 10 year old sons the same craft they see me enjoy everyday

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