Welcome to My Hook Nook
All you need to join in is a hook and some yarn...

Welcome to my Hook Nook. This site is being created for anyone that either wants to learn how to crochet or wants to experiment with new crochet techniques or styles.

My name is Deb and this is my site.  I have been crocheting for many decades now and my goal is to share my love of crocheting with others.  If you want to give crocheting a go, this is the place to.

As the site grows I will add step by step instructions on basic crochet stitches, crochet terms and how to read a crochet pattern or chart.  I will also keep you up to date with what I am working on and share any new ideas or techniques that I come across.

YouTube is also a great resource for anyone who is looking for visual instructions or new crochet ideas. If you do find something that you feel would benefit the other visitors to this site, I would encourage you to share it with us. 

Learn How to Crochet - Starting with a few Essentials...

Crochet is a delightful art form that combines creativity and craftsmanship, allowing anyone to create beautiful and functional items using just a hook and some yarn.

Whether you're looking to make cozy blankets, fashionable accessories, or intricate lacework, learning to crochet can be a rewarding experience. This guide will take you step-by-step through the processes to help you learn how to crochet, including essential tools, basic stitches, techniques for improvement, and project ideas to inspire your creativity.

1. Gathering Your Supplies

Before diving into crochet, you'll need to gather a few essential supplies:

• Crochet Hooks: These come in various sizes, typically made of aluminum, plastic, or wood. As a beginner, start with a medium-sized hook (size H/8 or 5mm) as it's easier to handle.
• Yarn: Choose a yarn that is soft and easy to work with. Acrylic yarn is a great choice for beginners due to its affordability and availability in a wide range of colors. Look for a worsted weight yarn, as it’s neither too thick nor too thin, making it manageable for beginners.
• Scissors: A pair of sharp scissors will be necessary for cutting your yarn.
• Tapestry Needle: This large-eyed needle is used for weaving in the ends of your yarn after completing a project.
• Measuring Tape: Useful for projects that require specific dimensions.

2. Understanding Basic Stitches

Crochet relies on a few fundamental stitches that form the basis for most patterns. Here are the essential stitches you should learn how to crochet first:

• Slip Knot: This is the starting point for any crochet project. It creates a loop that can easily be adjusted.
• Chain Stitch (ch): The foundation of most crochet projects, the chain stitch is created by pulling a loop of yarn through the slip knot and repeating this process.
• Single Crochet (sc): This is a basic stitch that creates a tight fabric. It involves inserting the hook into a stitch, pulling up a loop, and completing the stitch by drawing the yarn through two loops on the hook.
• Double Crochet (dc): This stitch is taller than single crochet and adds texture and openness to your work. It requires yarn over before inserting the hook into the stitch.
• Half Double Crochet (hdc): This stitch is a hybrid between single and double crochet, providing a nice balance of height and density.

My Story...

I love working with yarn…

I guess you could say that I am a frustrated creative. And my medium of choice is yarn. I knit, crochet, do felting and spin my own wool.

My craft room is full of the leftovers from experimenting with other craft forms (like resin, sewing, machine embroidery, sublimation and making stickers using a Silhouette Cameo). Still, it seems I always go back to yarn crafts – in one form or another!

If I can’t find the wool I want in the right colour, I will dye it. I love working with natural fibres but will work with synthetics if need be.

My usual choice of yarn for amigurumi is cotton, usually in 4 ply but I occasionally will use heavier cottons depending on the project I am working on.

For blankets and larger toys I sometimes use acrylics, especially if it is being made for a small child.  Most of the young mothers in my family prefer crocheted items that can be throw into a washing machine and dryer when the inevitable happens.

Amigurumi - Crochet figures, dolls, teddies and much more...

Amigurumi is a Japanese term that translates to "crocheted or knitted stuffed toy".  

... a compound of the Japanese words 編み ami, meaning "crocheted or knitted", and 包み kurumi, literally "wrapping", as in 縫い包み nuigurumi "(sewn) stuffed doll".

Courtesy of Wikapedia.

Usually when people talk about making amigurumi figures, they mean small figures made using fine yarns with a small hook.  

However larger items like plushies also fit within the definition. Most amigurumi or plushie patterns use very few stitches, mainly single crochet and half double crochet (American patterns).  You will also need to know how to work a magic ring and how to increase and decrease. 

The pattern will use increases and decreases to create basic shaping with more detailed shaping being done using sculpting techniques with a wool (sewing needle) and matching thread.