Is Crocheting the Right Hobby for You?

Saying that crocheting is easy enough that a child can do it isn't that far from the truth. Most crocheters learn the trade in their tender youth, as I did at age 8 or so from my Grandmother. But crocheting isn't for everyone, although anyone can do it. Here are some things to consider if you are thinking of picking up this handy craft.

Time

Just like any type of craft that involves a stitch-by-stitch construction, crocheting takes a lot of time, even for experienced folks. If you just had a surgery on your body and are bedridden, this is a good hobby to feel productive while recovering. It is also good for those that like to unwind in a fruitful manner. It can be very relaxing to just hook away will watching TV or listening to music; it requires some attention, but can be done while talking to others on the phone as well.

Rewards

The rewards of crocheting are generally in the finished product. To know that you created something out of a ball of yarn that can be worn, played with, or used in the kitchen is its own reward. Of course, if you don't like the delay of gratification, than this craft may not be for you. Even simple projects can take an hour to complete, but the end result is worth it. Crocheted items make great gifts if you have the time and not the money. You can make a beautiful doll dress for that little girl on your list that she'll love, or a set of matching potholders for your favorite cook. It's reward enough for the receiver to be impressed that you spent the time on them.

Personalizing

Crochet patterns often come with suggested colors to make the exact product you see on the pamphlet cover. However, if you don't like the color (which you often won't) you have the freedom of choosing something else just by taking a scan at your local craft store yarns. It's easy to make matching items because you are choosing the construction materials. My grandmother made us all personalized stockings that had our names and the year of our birth, with a cute little snowman on the front. These are treasured items that bring memories to our holiday decorating. You can match socks to your outfits or gloves and scarves. Does your daughter like pink? You can make her a set of pink stuffed animals for low cost, but endearing memories. You can even combine crocheting with beading and make great one-of-a-kind jewelry. There is no end to the possibilities.

Try it out

Of course the best way to find out if it is for you is to try it out. Go to your local craft store and purchase a beginner's crochet book (usually $7-15) and get a crochet hook in size F or G. These crochet hooks are standard size and are easy for beginners. You should get a light colored yarn ball in 4 ply worsted weight because light colored yarns are easier to work with as you can see your stitches better. Don't be afraid at the strange abbreviations that make up each pattern, learning to crochet is a also a process of learning the dialect, which is easier than it appears. I wouldn't suggest you try to crochet a large project to begin with. Potholders are usually the best beginning project and take less than 2 hours to complete. The first stitches you try to make will seem awkward. Learning to hold the hook takes a little time and practice. But don't give up if it seems like a foreign trade to you. At least give it three honest efforts, (i.e. over the course of a few days) and than decide if it is worth it for you. If you find that it is just not for you, that's okay, at least you didn't spend that much money on the effort. But save your equipment, and maybe at a later time in your life you'll pick it up again.

Nevertheless, if you are the type to stick through the tough times, you'll love the results.