Crocheting uses a single hook instead of two needles, making it faster to learn than knitting and more portable. It creates a thicker, more textured fabric — ideal for practical homestead items like pot holders, market bags and warm garments.

Beginner — hook, yarn and basic stitches

  • Equipment: A 5mm crochet hook and a ball of medium-weight cotton or wool yarn.
  • Slip knot: How every crochet project starts. Make a loop, pull through with the hook.
  • Chain stitch (ch): The foundation. Yarn over, pull through loop. Repeat. This is the cast-on of crochet.
  • Single crochet (sc): Insert hook into chain, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over again, pull through both loops. This is the foundation of almost everything.
  • Turning chains: At the end of each row, chain 1 (for sc) and turn your work to crochet back in the other direction.
  • Counting stitches: Always count at the end of each row. Getting consistent stitch counts is the first major skill to develop.
  • First projects: A dishcloth (ch 20, single crochet until square), a pot holder (same, with thicker yarn), a simple scarf.

Novice — expand with new stitches and shapes

  • Half double crochet (hdc): Taller than sc, good for soft, drapey fabric.
  • Double crochet (dc): The most versatile stitch. Creates an open, flexible fabric. Used in granny squares, blankets and garments.
  • Granny square: The classic crochet motif. Work in the round from the centre. Join squares together to make blankets, bags and garments.
  • Working in the round: Start with a magic ring or a chain of 4 joined in a circle. Work outwards for circles, bowls, baskets and hats.
  • Slip stitch (sl st): Used for joining rounds and creating invisible seams.
  • Market bag: Ch 60, join in a circle, work in rounds of dc until desired depth, create handles with chain loops. One of the most useful homestead items you can make.

Advanced — complex projects and homestead applications

  • Tapestry crochet: Carrying two colours simultaneously to create patterns and pictures — traditional across Africa, South America and Eastern Europe.
  • Tunisian crochet: A hybrid of knitting and crochet using a long hook. Creates a dense, warm fabric ideal for blankets and garments.
  • Amigurumi: Japanese technique for crocheted stuffed toys and animals — a way to use up small amounts of leftover yarn.
  • Garments: A crocheted cardigan or wrap takes 20–30 hours but creates a garment that lasts decades if made from quality wool.
  • Homestead-specific advanced projects:
  • Chicken wire crochet covers for bowls (food storage)
  • Crocheted pot scrubbers from cotton twine
  • Plant holders and hanging baskets
  • Natural fibre rag rugs (crochet strips of old fabric)
  • Reusable cotton face cloths and soap bags