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12 Helpful Ways to Teach Children to Crochet

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What is better than being able to crochet for children? Being able to teach children to crochet, that’s what! Crocheting gives children a sense of accomplishment while fostering their creativity. Teaching a child crochet opens them up to so many crafting possibilities, so let’s make that easier on all of us!

 

I am no teacher. Although I did line up my stuffed animals as a child and pretend to be a teacher. Now that I have two little humans of my own (my sons aged 8 and 10) I am teaching them instead of stuffed animals and Barbie dolls.

What I love about teaching children is that they don’t see the imperfections in their work as readily as adults do. They create, they accomplish a goal and by doing so in small, measurable steps this helps to keep that momentum going. Foster that creative genius in your children, I say!

The most important thing when you teach children to crochet is to maintain that enthusiasm. It is not how well the task is performed, rather that they did it! Here are some things that helped me teach my boys.

12 Ways to Teach Children to Crochet

1. Have the child do as much of the work as possible. It may be tempting to start the chain and/or a foundation row and then hand over the work, but if the child does not know how to start a project, they won’t know how to start a new project either.

How to teach children to crochet

2. It’s okay if it’s not perfect. As a more experienced crocheter you will notice if their gauge is off and any missed stitches. If the child’s stitches are wonky – that is OKAY! They only see their completed stitch/row as an accomplishment.

Tips for teaching children to crochet

3. Use small words. As crocheters we know dozens of crochet terms. This is like a second language, after all. Remember that children do not know these terms, and can get easily overwhelmed. My 10-year old has a passion for making latch-hook rugs. He calls making a chain stitch “latching” and you know what? He knows what he’s doing so that’s what we call it – for now, anyway.

How to Teach Children to Crochet

4. Use their fingers first. Depending on the age of the child (the cut-off I’ve noticed is around age 6) it may be easier to have them start making a chain using their finger as a hook instead of an actual crochet hook.

5. Think big! Once the child can make a chain using their finger, move on to using crochet hooks, but stick to larger hooks. If you have an N hook and some chunky yarn that would be perfect! The smaller the yarn and the smaller the hook, the harder it is to see what you’re doing. Make it easier by making it bigger.

6. Master one stitch at a time. By mastering the chain stitch before moving onto single crochet or double crochet, your child is not only learning how to start a new project, they are also learning how to master tension. (even if “tension” isn’t what you’re calling it)

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7. Start small. Your child may want to start off with a large project such as a blanket or clothing for a doll etc, but try to make the first (few) projects simple and easily completed. Turn a simple chain into a bracelet, or make several chains in different colors and knot together to form a necklace! Not only are they mastering that stitch, they have a tangible finished project to show off as well.

Learning to crochet for children

When learning the single crochet, I had my 10 year old make a rectangle which we then folded in half to make a pouch! Note that I added the lining (here’s a tutorial if you need help!) and then I added the zipper (here’s a tutorial for that as well!) but he’s happy as can be with his first REAL finished project. This is now where he keeps his collection of fidget spinners.

Helpful tips when teaching children to crochet

8. Forget the rules. When teaching children to crochet don’t get caught up on the rules. Focus on making the stitches; not the hook size, stitch count or gauge. That is, until they are ready to move on to more complex patterns.

9. Start more than once. Sure, starting a project can be the most daunting task, but if you do all of the chaining, they may forget how they started in the first place. This would be a great time to make a collection of different colored chains that can be turned into that necklace we talked about earlier. They think they’re making a pretty, fun, multicolored necklace but they’re really just getting awesome at starting a new project!

10. Give praise (and be specific). Be sure to give praise and give it often. Instead of “you’re doing a great job” try praising specific things such as “I like how you’re holding your hook”!

11. Let them pick materials. (but don’t use black yarn) You’ll want to let them pick out the yarn, but guide them a bit if necessary. Use a (bulky weight) yarn color that allows the stitches to be SEEN. Ever worked with black yarn? It is not fun for an experienced crocheter, let alone when you’re trying to teach children to crochet.

How to Make a Yarn Cake Tutorial

12. Hold the yarn. In the beginning, my 8 year old got frustrated when he held the yarn himself. The working yarn was loose, making it hard for him to yarn over and then actually get that yarn through the stitch. For a short time, I held the yarn as I normally would while he manipulated the hook. After showing him how I hold my working yarn hand and how the hook should feel as he pulls the yarn through, he was able to find a way to hold the yarn that feels most comfortable to him.

Ways to teach children to crochet

What are other things you’ve found helpful as you teach children to crochet? I love to see their little faces light up as they complete each project, and I love that the younger generation is interested in such things! Better than iPads, video games and YouTube, I say. 😉

More helpful crochet tips:

How to Choose the Best Yarn Ball Winder for Your Needs
What to Do When You Forget Which Crochet Hook Size You Used
5 Reasons You Should Time Yourself While Crocheting
How to Crochet the Invisible Decrease for Amigurimi Crochet
10 Road Trip Crochet Project Ideas

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21 Comments

  1. I would appreciate any advice to a righty to teach a lefty! My almost 7 year old is very interested in learning but I don’t want to frustrate her!
  2. My granddaughter who is almost 10wants me to show her how to crochet. She did pretty well making a chain. She's made lanyards and diamond art projects but showing her how to crochet has become a challenge. She's left-handed and I'm clueless how to help her. Any suggestions? Thank you for your help.
  3. I used to crochet (about ten years ago) and found it fascinating, but I had learned from printed directions and was never sure if I was doing it correctly. I'm right-handed. I found it very hard to hold the yarn out in my left hand at an angle. I tried that, but I never quite "got" it, so my crochet was more of a downward catching at the yarn with my needle right hand and the left hand not doing much of anything. I made very small projects but was never able to make anything large that required a lot of stitches. Today, at age 82, I went to a handiwork class to introduce a friend to the ladies in my retirement home (about 15) who meet weekly to knit, crochet, round-loom knit, etc. I thought I would pass the time by crocheting a door pull. Much to my surprise, I had forgotten some basic things about crochet. I could do a chain and a first row but got confused about whether to add a turning loop to turn onto a new row and whether to go under two stitches or one stitch. I was trying to do single crochet. i wish I had started crochet as a youngster and had you as my teacher!!
  4. This makes me feel a little weird. I learned to crochet before I was five. I also have never used my fingers to crochet. I've always had a hook. I only heard of using your fingers a few years ago when my friend mentioned it. My Niece is five and asking. I had planned to let her choose from my short patterns, which are all super simple. Would it be wrong to teach her like I was taught?
  5. You’re article is a very interesting read. I am a beginner crocheter myself. I tried it for the first time a few day ago. I started the chain by fingers then tried to hold the crochet needle and yarn the normal advised way but found it really hard! I knit well but have never tried crochet before. In the end i held the yarn with my right hand fingers, along with the needle. Like knitting i guess. I’m left handed in some things (writing, chopsticks etc) but right handed in others (knitting, scissors etc) So my question is, will i still be able to crochet well by holding the yarn in my right hand along with the needle. Ive managed it on a basic stitch, although it's a bit scruffy, or will i need to force myself to hold it like others do? I want to learn so i can teach one of my grandchildren.
    1. Hi Lindsay! Ultimately, there is no right or wrong way to hold your hook and yarn...personally, I don't think I have ever seen anyone hold hook and yarn with the same hand, but as long as the stitches are being made, you do whatever feels most comfortable and natural for you. And as a side note, I think all beginners stitches probably look a bit scruffy when learning...time and practice will help with that! =)
  6. I am a grandma who lives in a different state from our 9 year old granddaughter, several states away from one another. And since the coronavirus pandemic hit we have not even been able to visit them! I am looking for a craft project to stay connected w/her by virtual means. Her parents think she would enjoy learning to knit or sew from me, because they know I do those things. I thought crochet might be easier to begin with as that’s what I found easier than knitting when I began doing yarn projects. I am wondering if you think it would be possible for me to teach her to crochet without actually being physically with her, but using FaceTime & the tips you offer here to keep it simple & be encouraging, etc.? I like the idea of beginning by finger crochet & the chain bracelets & necklaces. I assume you would suggest something not so large as chunky yarn for those? Are there directions for finger crochet available? I suppose I just need to get out some yarn & try it myself? Any tips for these questions I have would be much appreciated! Especially doing this via virtual means! Thanks, Grandma Susie
  7. I was happy to read that it's acceptable - maybe even advisable - for a child to begin making chain stitches with their fingers! I spent an afternoon teaching my 11-year-old granddaughter, who lives 100 miles from me, to make chain stitches. (She'd asked me to teach her to crochet for many months). The entire time, she had trouble holding the yarn in her left hand, and using the crochet hook with her right hand. She complained that it was hard, and I was baffled, but very patient. I encouraged her to keep trying, and told her it would begin to feel less awkward after practicing a little. To my surprise, she texted me while I was driving home, to say that she'd made several chain bracelets for friends, her babysitter, etc., but didn't know how to finish off the chain! I was able to describe this to her, while she tried it, and she was very pleased! Two weeks later, I visited again, and planned to move to a slip stitch, and maybe single crochet. I was shocked that she'd been yarning over, but then pulling the yarn off the hook with the fingers of her left hand! We tried using the crochet hook again, but she still finds it difficult and awkward. I noticed that some of her frustration may be from keeping the hook horizontal, not having enough tension on the yarn with her left hand, and then the yarn falls off the hook. So, I showed her how I "roll" or turn the hook slightly in my right hand, so I've literally "hooked" the yarn with crochet hook, and it's a lot less likely to fall off. She tried it, but with little success. Do you have any suggestions for things I could suggest that might help her get more comfortable with holding the yarn in her left hand more appropriately, and anything she could do to get more comfortable with using the crochet hook? I thought of suggesting that she use it to "grab" or pull other items, but don't want to confuse her. She's very bright, athletic, and a talented singer, so I'm a little surprised that this seems so difficult for her! If I encourage her, she'll go on a website to watch examples, but I don't see her often enough to help daily or weekly. Any help will be appreciated!
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  12. I just decided to start teaching my grandsons (3 ,& 6) to Crochet. I was happy to find ,& read your post. I had gotten P hooks but didn't think about finger crocheting the chain. Thanks. Linda
  13. Planning on teaching 6yo grandchild to crochet. The several chains idea is great, think I can use them to embellish a tee shirt for her. Thanks so much.
  14. Thank you for these amazing tips! I've been trying to teach both my girls to crochet (10 and 6) and have been struggling. Of course we've been using DK yarn and 4mm hooks! I'm going to try again with larger hooks and chunky wool. I love your idea for chain necklaces and bracelets too as that is one project I know my 6 year old will embrace. :-)
  15. These are some really good tips. I have a granddaughter who just turned five and I was contemplating trying to teach her how to crochet but was hesitant as she doesn't have a real long attention span. When my children were her age, I showed them how to do a chain stitch and gave them a ball of red Redheart yarn and they made a "garland" for the Christmas tree. (Still have their garlands!) But my granddaughter's interest would peter out pretty quickly doing one long, long garland. However, a "necklace" or three might be right up her alley! Thanks!
      1. I did this with my 10 year old niece and we even added a bead onto the "necklace" every so often. She had a really cute necklace when it was over and it kept her interested for longer.