Back to Basics Crochet: holding the hook, yarn tension, slip knot

[blueparrotsayswhat]

 I like the videos very much, they're really helpful. I like that you show different techniques for each step. I just wanted to ask a question for clarification: The slipknot doesn't count as the first loop in the chain, right? I mean, you don't count "1" until you do another stitch?

[Bethintx1]

@blueparrotsayswhat If you pull the slip knot closed it does not count as a stitch. But if you keep it loose, and you plan on working into the slip stitch, then count it.

[TheKitskits]

Oh thank goodness! I've been to so many tutorials already and I keep getting confused thank you so much for this!

[1991lauratjeuh]

Thanx for this video, I already can crochet but I felt like I was holding my yarn wrong. And now I have a better way. :)

[Ld9327]

Thank You so much :) It's sooo good :D

[miabeanxo]

thank you so much for this!! youre the best crochet teacher i've found online! you break it down and explain it so easily :-)

[QuadSuit]

Slip knots: Like tying your shoe without the base, and with only one ear. Got it :3

[TheEquestrianForever]

oops sorry for saying that twice the first time it wouldnt load so i clicked send again.sorry

[Bethintx1]

@TheEquestrianForever No problem I just removed one of them! I'm glad you are learning!

[TheEquestrianForever]

@Bethintx1 Thanks.Its really funny cause right as I was learning the different ways of holding the hook (I liked yours best) and tying the slip knot I lost my hook.I later on found it in a plastic bag sitting on my counter.:) really happy I got it back but didnt know how it happened maybe someone picked it up and placed it there?I have no clue but I got it back and thats what matters.:)

[TheEquestrianForever]

Thanks to you now I will actually crochet and feel like im accomplishing something instead of sitting in front of my xbox all day

[TheEquestrianForever]

I have a crochet set that i've been wanting to use for a very long time with this set of videos ill be able to stay on track and learn from the best!!thanks so much

[youknowUcan]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you so much. I have forgotten how to crochet and you have started me again with your clear instructions. I am saving all of them in my favourites. Thanks again. laura

[nadaibrahim77]

Holding thin yans or threads is what causing me a problem, it keeps slipping out of my hand. I will try your way of holding the yarn and hope I will get good results. Thanks :))

[Bethintx1]

@nadaibrahim77 My way is not the only way. So use whatever works for you.

[AngelicGraffiti]

Thank you so much for this video! I've been crocheting for years without any real lessons and found out the other day I'm doing it all wrong. It still works, but I was wrapping my yarn the opposite direction and holding it differently. Once I get used to this way I think I'll be able to crochet so much faster.

[xPersianDime]

Thank you! Your videos are super - I really do appreciate the time you've spent trying to teach us mere crochet amateurs how to do it right ;)

[TTuakoi1]

Is it better to start with a bigger hook? Or does it really matter?

[Bethintx1]

@TTuakoi1 It is only better to start with a bigger hook if you tend to make your chain stitch tighter than your other crochet. I do not start with a bigger hook, because my tension is the same as my other crochet.

[nayomi17]

If I used one of the other slip knot methods that you showed, would that knot count as my first chain or do I count after that? :)

[Bethintx1]

@nayomi17 If you make the knot tight, do not count it as a stitch. If you make it as loose as a chain stitch, then you can count it as a chain.

[yayad1nonly]

thanks for your uploads, i've taken on crocheting and so far its going steady and better every day I practice, your videos are a big help

[ArcanicEight888]

I love Slipknot.

[yayad1nonly]

@ArcanicEight888 haha me too

[hallyupiano]

Thanks for making it HD this time the other video was kind of confusing because it was a little fuzzy.

[megaloo302]

This was SOOO HELPFUL! Thank you so much! Favorited!

[fluffu125]

I love your teaching methods and your full explanations. YOu also have a lovely calm voice, which I find is just right for us frustrated beginners, Sarah

[TurgidRemorse]

You spent around 2 mins just telling us HOW TO HOLD A HOOK? We are not THAT stupid.

[Bethintx1]

@TurgidRemorse Sorry to disappoint you, but some people are confused and want to know this. If it's not for you, them move on! Do not insult my students by calling them stupid! I do not see any videos on your channel. If you can do better, then, you are welcome to try.

[TurgidRemorse]

@Bethintx1 I admit I was being a tad harsh and I apologize. But I wasn't calling anyone stupid. I was actually saying we are not stupid. ;) But yes, sorry. I was flustered when I left that comment.

[MaynardAverage]

@Bethintx1 I've been knitting for a year now and now I'm learning to crochet. Your videos are very helpful and you make it clear that people can go at the speed they require. I've had so much trouble maintaining tension. I hold the yarn completely differently with knitting so it required learning a whole new habit. Thank you for this basic lesson!

[Bethintx1]

@MaynardAverage you can hold your yarn the same way you do in knitting as long as you get a good tension. My way is one way of doing it, but not the only way!

[akulche]

I dont know how to hold it till now IM just a beginner and all information is useful :)

[fluffu125]

@TurgidRemorse This is a very rude comment. You need to realise that it is important to get the fundamentals right from the beginning and I really appreciate Beth's expertise and her ability to explain all the important steps to a complete beginner. I am not stupid, I have a degree in psychology but I am a newcomer to crochet.

[TurgidRemorse]

@fluffu12 Rude? Nah, that COULDN'T be exactly why I apologized! -_- Look, I've already apologized to the video owner (and that was BEFORE I received ANY comments) when I didn't have to. Noone knows who I am. But I always want to do the right thing.

[ebonydivine1]

you are a very good teacher :)

[DaisyLil16]

what size hook did you use

[Bethintx1]

@DaisyLil16  Use this method for all hook sizes. Use the hook size that is recommended on the yarn label...In this case it's a US I/9 aka 5.5mm.

[6120rocks]

oh and im using size '6' hook what size should the yarn be?

[Bethintx1]

@6120rocks If it's a 6.00mm that is a US J/10 and you use #4 medium worsted yarn.

[6120rocks]

@Bethintx1 its not 6.00mm its actually size 6 US, 1.75 mm..

but i have another hook which is 4.00mm and my yarn is wool and its 50g 8 ply..oh when i bought the yarn, i checked the paper, and it says the size of the hook. so i bought that... :D

[Bethintx1]

@6120rocks A US 6 is a G hook or 4.5 mm. That would be used for sport weight and baby weight yarns...a 1.75 mm is a size 6 steel hook. That would be for crochet cotton or thread work. You can also use a #0 or # 1 sock weight & lace weight yarns. But I recommend that beginners use a larger hook.

[6120rocks]

@Bethintx1 imy size 6 s a steel hook,, sorry :P my other hook is what im using right now. cause its much easier for me to see wether im doing it correctly or wrong..i am trying to make a small scarf right now too :P and i also find it more easier using the large one, mine is not that large its 4.00mm.. i have two hooks actually :P one steel, and one plastic

[CaptainVickers09]

@Bethintx1

Hello, I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to make these videos, I am just starting out and I actually bought a beginners book that I can not follow, totally frustrated, I came to youtube to see if there was anything on crocheting. I am practicing chains now, thanks to you for your help :*)

[6120rocks]

Hi, what kind of yarn should we use? cotton or wool?

[IAmMisterAlex]

At 5 minutes: "I'm gonna do it fast first..."

Holy crap, you are a beast! I can't wait to be that quick and proficient! Thanks for the video; I'm actually going to Hobby Lobby this afternoon to get my first supplies! =)

[inalionsden]

i'm starting on a hat but i didn't know how to quite start and the slip knot kept confusing me but your way was super helpful. thank you so much

[Bethintx1]

@hotdog1997 I learned to "throw" English when first learned to knit . Since then I've learned Continental. (It's easier for making ribbed stitches.) When I do color work I use both! once color on my right hand the other on my left!

I do not consider myself expert enough to do instruction in knitting. There is so much I'm still learning! There are some excellent knitting instructors here on You Tube. I have some recommendations on my channel page.

[MissCasey89]

you are the best teacher ever! this has helped so much. thank you!

[ninja5411]

Great work - thanks so much !

[ladyinthewood]

Thank you, demonstration really clear and helpful.

[mr2percent]

thanks so much for this! I now hold my yarn your way, my hand doesn't cramp anymore & my speed has increased & my stitches become even! Thanks so much!!!

Amy

[maprenoops]

GREAT! thanks so much. A whole lot better than following a picture. Appreciate both the fast and slow demos.

[stephpetrella]

thank you for going back to basics! with this new camera, it makes all the difference. and i was hoping to start fresh (since i'm still a beginner) in 2010! keep it up!

[dlrespess]

You're an amazing teacher! So easy to follow!

[DRAYization]

ur great at this. TY

[finesweet01]

you are awesome ! Thank you