Crochet is an ancient yet beautiful technique that anyone can learn quickly and easily and use to make wonderful items such as blankets, handbags, hats, socks, and scarves.
To begin this craft, it is simpler to learn a hat at the basic level because it is quick to make and has simple stitches that allow one to learn this craft more simply.
Beautiful articles and patterns are particularly encouraging for novices since they may see actual results in the shape of patterns and articles.
Hats are an excellent place to start because they are the greatest way to learn stitches and patterns that play a significant part in the basis of any object.
It’s very appealing to be able to provide handcrafted or personalized items to loved ones as a mark of their love and care.
Basics Of Crochet
Crochet is mostly done with a hook, which is a basic instrument used to continue stitches began with a knot made of yarn. At the basic level, choose a solid color yarn with a light shade that makes it simpler to read any design or define stitch definition.
Once you’ve finished with the yarn and hook, you’ll need to move on to the basic pattern to begin a project like a hat. Hooks come in a variety of sizes that are labeled with letters, making it simple to select the correct hook. For the best results, use the hook size specified on the yarn label.
Size of Hat
To begin, it’s critical to determine the size of the hat to be created, which can be simple if one uses a general guideline for size selection or measures the head for exact measurement with a measuring tape. There are two measurement terms. The Circumference and Height are measured from the top of the head to the back of the head and from the ear to the top of the head, respectively.
Yarn Selection
To begin learning the craft of crochet, choose a solid yarn in a light tone and a basic textured yarn that is easy to define stitches with. For novices, a pattern with high flexibility but not too much fluffiness is ideal for learning the trade of crocheting.
Hook Selection
Crochet hook size is determined by yarn size; for example, an H/8 metal hook size is required for 4 ply yarn. As a beginner, hook size H/8 is perfect since it can be coupled with any size of the yarn and is extremely pleasant to grasp the hook at this level. In general, there are two methods for holding a hook: the Knife Hold and the Pencil Hold.
Tie Your Slipknot
Slipknot is the beginning of a pattern in crocheting as a knot that holds the yarn to the needle. To make a knot, place the yarn on top of your index finger and the tail end in your palm. Wrap yarn around the index finger behind the first stitch. Tuck it through the center of a huge loop from the pattern’s center. Using a hook, make a new little loop and tighten it by pulling the tail end of the yarn.
Also Read: How to Crochet for Beginners
Foundation Chain
The foundation chain is the initial row of designs you choose to construct on your crocheted product. First, hold the tail end of the crocheting so that there is adequate room at the end. Wrap yarn around your crochet hook and pull backward with a hook to make your foundation chain.
Slip Stitch
To finish your foundation row, do a slip stitch that joins the end to the chain you started with. To make a single stitch, insert the end of your hook through the center of the first stitch. When mastering the technique of crocheting, it is necessary to count the stitches in your chosen pattern. There are two simple ways to designate your starting point: wrap a strand around your first stitch and place a bobby pin over your stitch. It will be easy to tell where you have finished your row and where the next row of stitches begins while crocheting.
Crochet In Round
At the novice level, you must build your basic chain into a cap around crochet. It’s similar to crocheting a little circle for the base of your hat. As you continue, pull the hook through in a spiral pattern and begin a second row adjacent to the first row. Do not shift the direction of your crocheting at any time; instead, ensure that you remain in spiral form.
Double Stitch
While crocheting in the second row of your hat, use a double stitch to join fresh rows of stitches in the spiral in the center, resulting in many rows in circles. To do a double stitch, begin with a single loop on your hook and then pass the hook through the loop next to it that is attached with a spiral form. Wrap the yarn around the hook and pull it through the loops. You should finish up with a single stitch on the hook.
Pattern Alter
To expand the width of the hat, modify the stitch pattern after the base round. Each row should begin with a double stitch, followed by a single stitch, and so on until the required height of the hat is reached.
Stitch Count
As you begin crocheting your hat, you will see that the first few rows are simple, but as you go, you will need to count stitches in your design as well. Single stitches count for one and double stitches count for two; these stitches must be repeated alternately.
To finish your hat, add rows of single stitches and continue with single stitches from row eight onward. It will not increase the width of the hat, but it will help to improve the height of the hat, giving it a more elegant shape. To give your hat a completed look, tie a slipknot to prevent stitches from slipping and weave back stray ends.
Also Read: Best Crochet Hooks for Beginners