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Donna Wilkins

A crochet course for the complete beginner.

If you have always wanted to learn to crochet, then my beginners course is perfect for you.

Let me help you start your crochet journey by explaining what the basic terminology means and walking you through four basic stitches.

We will then look at a very basic pattern and work through how to make a mug cosy as your first project.

I love teaching crochet and teach it regularly across the UK.  I love the mindful aspects that crochet can bring, to help us switch off from the busy world and also create some beautiful and fun projects.

Read more

A crochet course for the complete beginner.

If you have always wanted to learn to crochet, then my beginners course is perfect for you.

Let me help you start your crochet journey by explaining what the basic terminology means and walking you through four basic stitches.

We will then look at a very basic pattern and work through how to make a mug cosy as your first project.

I love teaching crochet and teach it regularly across the UK.  I love the mindful aspects that crochet can bring, to help us switch off from the busy world and also create some beautiful and fun projects.

Discover your 'crojo' with me.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to understand crochet terminology
  • How to hold your hook and yarn
  • How to create four basic crochet stitches
  • How to read a basic pattern
  • How to create a mug cosy

Syllabus

Knowledge of what equipment is needed and the basic crochet terminology
Introduction to Crochet for Beginners
What Equipment you will need.
Crochet terminology
Read more

This lesson will demonstrate how to put a slip knot on your hook and how to crochet the chain stitch

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores fundamental crochet techniques, which provides a solid foundation for more complex projects
Teaches how to read basic patterns, which is essential for progressing beyond simple projects
Develops skills to create a mug cozy, which offers a practical and satisfying first project
Introduces basic crochet terminology, which is crucial for understanding instructions and patterns

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Reviews summary

Foundation in crochet for beginners

According to learners, this course is a highly effective starting point for anyone looking to learn crochet. Many found the instructions on basic stitches like chain, single crochet, half-double crochet, and double crochet to be crystal clear and easy to follow. The instructor's calm and patient teaching style is frequently mentioned as a major strength, making the learning process enjoyable and accessible. The inclusion of a basic project like the mug cosy is seen as a great way to apply new skills immediately. While strictly focused on the fundamentals, most students felt it delivered exactly what was promised, though a few wished for more projects to practice on after mastering the basics.
Foundation only, no advanced topics.
"This course is absolutely for complete beginners, covers just the essentials."
"Don't expect to make complex items, it's truly just the very basics."
"Perfect if you know nothing, but you'll need another course to advance."
"As the title says, it's for complete beginners and sticks to that scope."
Helps decode common pattern language.
"Understanding the basic crochet terms was much easier after this course."
"The section on terminology was very helpful before starting the pattern."
"Explained what all those abbreviations mean clearly."
"Finally feel like I can start to read a basic pattern."
Applying skills with a simple item.
"Making the mug cosy was a really satisfying first project."
"Loved having a tangible item to create right away."
"The project helped reinforce the stitches I learned."
"Finishing the mug cosy boosted my confidence to try more."
Patient, friendly, and easy to learn from.
"The instructor has such a calm and encouraging demeanor, making it a joy to learn."
"Her teaching style made me feel like I could really do it."
"Loved the instructor's enthusiasm and patience throughout the lessons."
"She explained everything in a very approachable and friendly way."
Perfect speed for absolute novices.
"The course moves at a perfect pace for someone who's never crocheted before."
"Didn't feel rushed at all, which was great for learning something new."
"The step-by-step approach made it very manageable for a complete beginner like me."
"Ideal speed for absorbing the information without feeling overwhelmed."
Clear instruction for core techniques.
"I finally understand how to make the basic stitches! The videos were very clear."
"Learning the chain, sc, hdc, and dc was broken down perfectly for a total beginner."
"Each stitch was demonstrated slowly and from multiple angles, which helped a lot."
"The explanations for the four basic stitches were so easy to follow."
Learners wanted extra practice items.
"The mug cosy was great, but I wish there were a couple more small patterns included."
"Once I got the hang of it, I wanted more things to make!"
"A second simple project would have been a nice addition for practice."
"The course is good, but could use just one or two more project examples."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Crochet for Complete Beginners with these activities:
Crochet Stitch Dictionary
Familiarize yourself with a wide range of crochet stitches to prepare for more advanced projects.
Show steps
  • Browse the stitch dictionary.
  • Select 3-5 stitches to practice.
  • Practice each stitch until comfortable.
Review Basic Yarn Types
Understand the different types of yarn available to make informed choices for your projects.
Browse courses on Textiles
Show steps
  • Research common yarn types online.
  • Note the properties of each type.
  • Consider which yarns are best for beginners.
Practice Basic Stitches
Reinforce your understanding of the four basic crochet stitches covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Crochet rows of chain stitches.
  • Practice single crochet stitch.
  • Practice half double crochet stitch.
  • Practice double crochet stitch.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Explore Online Crochet Tutorials
Refine your crochet skills by following online tutorials for specific techniques or projects.
Show steps
  • Search for crochet tutorials on YouTube.
  • Select a tutorial that covers a topic of interest.
  • Follow along with the tutorial, pausing as needed.
  • Practice the technique until comfortable.
Crochet a Simple Scarf
Apply your newly learned skills to create a practical and rewarding project.
Show steps
  • Choose a yarn and hook size.
  • Select a simple stitch pattern.
  • Crochet the scarf to your desired length.
  • Finish the ends neatly.
Create a Stitch Guide
Solidify your knowledge by creating a visual guide to the basic crochet stitches.
Show steps
  • Crochet samples of each stitch.
  • Photograph each stitch clearly.
  • Write a brief description of each stitch.
  • Compile the photos and descriptions into a guide.
Crochet Pattern Book
Explore different crochet patterns to expand your skills and creativity.
Show steps
  • Browse through the pattern book.
  • Choose a pattern that interests you.
  • Gather the necessary materials.
  • Follow the pattern instructions carefully.

Career center

Learners who complete Crochet for Complete Beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Crafter
Crafters design and create a variety of handmade items, often selling them at craft fairs, markets, or online. The job requires creativity, manual dexterity, and business skills. This course helps you enter the world of crochet crafting. Through learning fundamental stitches and working through a simple pattern to create a mug cosy, you begin to build a foundation for creating sellable items, developing practical skills in producing handmade goods.
Textile Artist
A textile artist creates art using various fabrics, yarns, and techniques. The job of a textile artist often combines traditional craft skills with contemporary artistic expression. This course helps you begin exploring yarn manipulation and basic crochet techniques. Through learning fundamental stitches and creating a practical project like a mug cosy, you begin building a foundation in textile arts, focusing on the creation of tangible items which may be considered artwork.
DIY Blogger
DIY bloggers create and share do-it-yourself projects through their blogs, often including tutorials, photos, and videos. The job requires a blend of crafting skills, writing ability, and online presence. This course helps you create crochet-based DIY content for your blog. By mastering basic stitches and learning to read patterns, you can produce clear and informative tutorials, engaging your audience and building a following for your DIY blog. This course can give you a mug cozy project to start with.
Craft Blogger
A craft blogger shares their crafting projects, tips, and tutorials with an online audience. The job often entails creating engaging content, photographing projects, and building an online community. This course helps you create original content ideas for craft projects for your blog. By learning how to crochet basic stitches and understanding patterns, you develop skills to produce clear and informative tutorials, and, of course, this course will give you a mug cosy project for your blog.
Arts and Crafts Director
Arts and crafts directors oversee and coordinate arts and crafts programs in recreational settings such as camps, community centers, and senior centers. An arts and crafts director must be creative and organized. This course helps you design and lead crochet activities for various groups. By understanding basic crochet terminology and stitches, you can engage participants in creative and therapeutic activities, enabling them to make a mug cozy.
Etsy Shop Owner
An Etsy shop owner creates and sells handmade or vintage items through the Etsy online marketplace. The job of an Etsy shop owner requires both crafting skills and business acumen. This course may be helpful in launching a crochet-based Etsy shop. By mastering basic crochet stitches and learning to read patterns to create a mug cosy, you possess the means to design and produce items to sell, gaining practical experience in creating products for sale online.
Yarn Store Owner
Yarn store owners manage retail businesses that sell yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks, and other related supplies. The job requires you to be knowledgeable about yarn and related crafts, plus you must have excellent customer service and business management skills. You will better understand the needs of crochet beginners. By knowing crochet terminology and the basic stitches, you will be able to advise customers about their projects.
Fiber Arts Teacher
Fiber arts teachers instruct students in various fiber-based crafts, such as knitting, crochet, and weaving. The job usually involves demonstrating techniques, providing guidance, and fostering a creative environment. This course may be useful in designing beginner-level crochet lessons. By understanding crochet terminology and mastering basic stitches, you can confidently teach others, starting with the fundamental skills necessary to complete a simple project like a mug cosy.
Costume Designer
Costume designers create clothing and accessories for theatrical, film, or television productions. The job requires a blend of artistic vision, technical skills, and historical knowledge. This course may be useful in crafting small crocheted elements for costumes. Though focusing on basic stitches and a simple project, you can begin to explore the possibilities of using crochet to add texture and detail to costume pieces.
Hobby Store Associate
Hobby store associates assist customers in selecting and purchasing craft supplies and provide advice on various crafting techniques. The job involves product knowledge, customer service, and a passion for crafting. This course may be helpful in assisting customers interested in crochet. By understanding crochet terminology and basic stitches, you are better equipped to answer questions and offer guidance to beginners, encouraging them to start their own crochet projects.
Interior Decorator
Interior decorators enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of interior spaces. They select furniture, fabrics, and accessories to create cohesive and stylish environments. This course may be useful in creating small crocheted decorative items. While not a core skill, a knowledge of crochet can allow you to create unique items, such as crocheted throws or cushions, adding a personal and handcrafted touch to interior designs.
Fashion Designer
Fashion designers conceive and create clothing and accessories. The job requires artistic talent, technical skills, and a strong understanding of current trends. This course may be useful in incorporating crocheted elements into fashion designs. Learning basic stitches will help you experiment with textures and patterns, possibly integrating small crocheted accents into clothing or accessories, adding a unique handmade aspect to designer pieces.
Prop Maker
Prop makers construct or modify objects used in theatrical, film, or television productions. The job demands creativity, technical skills, and attention to detail. This course may be helpful in crafting small, soft props using crochet. By learning basic stitches and pattern reading, you can create simple crocheted items for use as props, adding a tactile and visually interesting element to the set.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. This job typically requires a master's degree. This course is about crochet, but it may be useful for therapeutic activities. Teaching crochet can help patients develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive skills. Learning basic stitches will help you understand different techniques for instructing patients.
Textile Conservator
Textile conservators work to preserve and repair historical and artistic textiles. This job usually requires a masters degree and a deep understanding of textile materials and conservation techniques. Although this course is for beginners, it may be useful for understanding the nature of textiles and how they are constructed. By learning basic crochet terminology will help you examine and treat textiles in a mindful way.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Crochet for Complete Beginners.
Comprehensive stitch dictionary, perfect for expanding your crochet knowledge beyond the basics. It provides a wide variety of stitch patterns with clear instructions and photos. It's a great reference tool to have as you progress in your crochet journey and want to explore more complex designs. This book is more valuable as additional reading and reference than as a current reference for the beginner course.
Provides a collection of beginner-friendly crochet patterns. It's a great way to practice your skills and create a variety of projects. The patterns are easy to follow and include clear instructions and photos. This book is valuable as additional reading and a source of inspiration for future projects.

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