Art of Crochet by Teresa - How to Crochet 101 - CHAIN

[bamboora9]

i cant get it maybe my crochet thing is too small how big should it be?

[SWEETGYPSY]

Great help thank you so much.

[chemistryizcool]

Very helpful thank u!

[Pinkgreen190]

This was very helpful. Thanks!

[qriouskat1]

Teresa, I am just getting back into crocheting after many years. My mother inlaw showed me an easy aftgan pattern, one row @ a time and beautiful when done. Very simple to do for a beginner and I can't remember it. Can you help me?

Your vids will be very helpful once I get going...I just love that you put them on here..Thanks..Kat

[ALTOjazzerTESS]

Thanks for posting this! (:

I can never remember how to start the chain but after that, I could do the rest with my eyes closed! xP

[tjw1963]

@ALTOjazzerTESS You are welcome

[tulipsun21]

Thanks so much!

[missmarylouh]

Awesome video!!! FYI I'm 9 years old and after watching this video once, I can crochet like a pro!!!

[GabyEscol]

Hi, i was just wondering for a beginner what size of hook should I use and how thick should my yarn be? Thaaanks so much for the videos! You're trulyy amazing!:)

[tjw1963]

@GabyEscol I suggest a size 5.5mm hook and 4 ply yarn.

[Tsunada1]

I appreciate this videos soooo much I crocheted my first like 20 chain stitches following this video I crocheted every spare piece of yar that I could find I am sooo happy thatnk you for sharing

[tjw1963]

@Tsunada1 You are welcome.

[Semicarbazide]

Thanks for making this video! It helped me to start my touque (first time crocheting)! You'll find the video in your messages.

[khowla22]

you make it look so easy thank you

[RichardThomasJones]

Ok I am a novice who used to crochet when I was younger and now every time I attempt to do a chain it ends up going down the short string any help???GRRR

[tjw1963]

@RichardThomasJones I sent you a video for attaching a slip knot which may help you so you are not working with the short end.

[smurfynezz]

thank you!!! i just started crochet again, i forgot . in just one year i forget . thanks :D im left handed , but i started with my right :P 

[tjw1963]

@smurfynezz You are welcome. I do have lefty tutorials posted.

[Nickskates96]

i do this with my hands

[princess4eva1193]

Thank you soo much! With the help of ur videos i kno i will be able to make my own hats and socks in no time! u were so helpful :)

[tjw1963]

@princess4eva1193 Thank you.

[maxie1133]

i wathched this vidoe when i was 7

[MelissaJR3]

thank you, you were amazing! i finally have remembered how to crochet again! thanks :) x

[tjw1963]

@MelissaJR3 You are welcome. :)

[knitterwanabe]

Teresa, please demonstrate and explain, in a YouTube video preferably, how you hold your yarn and crochet hook.  How do you keep the tension? Thank you. E

[tjw1963]

@knitterwanabe I have two videos explaining how I hold my work. I will send you the link.

[heleni0]

I've learnt something! I've learnt something! It doesn't look very pretty but the important thing is that I understood it :P

[tjw1963]

@heleni0 You are correct. Right now you have the understanding in how to do the technique. That is more important right now. The neatness will come along with practice. You will find that many of your stitches may not look right. Just keep practicing and before you know it, they will all be the same.

[CiaraChangTMtv]

Great Stitch(:

[kalikitten9]

Teresa you are the only one I have learned a doggone thing from! Thank you!

[tjw1963]

@kalikitten9 You are welcome. I appreciate the comment.

[AznDevil1019]

this is so easy everbodies else is so fast and blury

[tjw1963]

@AznDevil1019 Thank you.

[Zerogreelynn]

oh my gosh

Thank You for actually Slowing it down and doing a close up in your videos.

it helps way more than any one elses demonstrations

[minischnauzergirl]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!! You have the ONLY crocheting video that is followable!!! Thnx sooooooo much! :)

[tjw1963]

@minischnauzergirl You are welcome, I appreciate the comment. :)

[jlc33300]

Thank you so much, I may have watched about 10 other 'how to crochet' videos and this one actually worked for me, the slow motion bit came in just as I needed it to, you're awesome! TYVM!

[tjw1963]

@jlc33300 Thank you for the comment. :)

[sp00kyfish]

Thank you very much! So many "how to crochet" videos are so hard to follow but you make it very easy. Thanks! :)

[tjw1963]

@sp00kyfish I appreciate the comment, thank you. :)

[jlc33300]

@sp00kyfish OMG the same thing for me!

[Cinta7476]

hi, i had just sub yr channel. hope i could learn how to crochet frm this. Me so excited.hee....

[vanguardgirl007]

this is sooooooooooooooooooooooooo much more help than other videos!!! Thank you!

[Maxdwolf]

Thank you for these. I had a friend show me the basics (slip knot, chain, and single crochet) some time ago. My problem now is when I get to the end and turn around. I can't seem to keep a consistent edge. I couldn't seem to find one of your vids that addressed this.

[tjw1963]

I have several tutorials written up on my crochet blog related to straight edges.

[queenbean8]

My hook is metal, and everytime i try to wind it around the hook and pull it through, it slides off! It just always unwinds. I've recently been looking into amigurumi, but this is my first time crocheting so i think i should get the basics down pat first :)

[XxxroseXmaryxxx]

Xwinteraries: You could do single crochet for the next row you cant do the chain stitch for the second row you can only do the chain stitch for the first row that might help

[TheOnlyLollypop]

Thank you :)) I still find all this very confusing but you made it a bit easier

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. Keep practicing and it will get easier and less confusing.

[xWinterAries]

how do i make chain 2 for row 1 if i'm making a bear?

[q8humanity]

Super Teacher ;)

I like your way by making the slooow Motion .. I have struggled in the beginning, but I am doing well now :)

I have a question - if you dont mind- : what is better, the tight chains or the loose ones ? because I started by making VEERRY tight ones and they were very hard to make, but when I loosen them it gets easer .. so what is the right way ?

thanks a lot :)

[tjw1963]

Thank you. It will depend on what you are making. If you are making a joined circle, a tight chain will not matter. If you are making an afghan and make a tight chain, you will end up with a V shaped afghan. The chain will keep the stitches from expanding like they are supposed to so the bottom of the afghan will be smaller and the top will start to expand.

[mindmanifestation]

Hey, I subscribed to your channel quire a long time ago, but never got around to actually starting. I finally did now and its great, looking forward to my first project. Thanks a lot for the videos, keep up the good work!!!

[bravoameliabedelia]

wene i do it my string wont go over the hook tingy

[bravoameliabedelia]

this is my first time trying this .can next time u go slower

[tjw1963]

I do empathize with being a beginner. YouTube has provided stop and reverse on the video player if you would like to see a section again.

[saleonard79]

Thankyou so much. I'm teaching myself, and your videos are very helpful.

[tjw1963]

Thank you, I appreciate the comment.

[usuaria83]

EXCELENTES TUS EXPLICASIONES!!!!!

[tjw1963]

Thank you.

[lookitsryandky]

thanks this was a huge help:)

[ChicagoCoils]

Wow! Your vid is in slow motion! That is so cool - I am a beginner - thank you.

[stephchan86]

OMG~! i love you i'm a beginner and the way you explain it and the slow motion is awesome, i thought crochet was sooo difficult but with your videos I found out it's really fun and not as difficult as I thought it was hehe thanks so much, please keep on posting your videos :)

[tjw1963]

I appreciate the comment. Happy crocheting. :)

[jaja417]

Thank you sooo much i really needed it!! all the other ones are great too.. it is a perfect video that truly helps those who want to learn.. thanks so much!

[uniquewallpaper]

I needed that. Someone who explains it patiently over and over again :)

[tjw1963]

Thank you, I appreciate the comment.

[scrpn1029]

THANK U!!!! this helped so much

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. :)

[kittykatty585]

Thank you SO much for this. I started off with this video and then ended up on the "Double Stitch" one and I am now halfway making a scarf (yeah, nooby thing, but practice makes perfect). I tried to do the heart, but then my square kept ending up looking like a round Triangle. :o I will keep trying! Thank you for your wonderfully helpful videos! :D

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. :)

[wowhelloashleigh]

this is great, but the sound goes off at 37 seconds, is there sound for the rest of the video? or just the actions? thanks for posting!

[tjw1963]

When sound goes off in any of my video's, that means there is slow motion involved. The more recent video's have a notification for slow motion.

[bae26847]

ok... i will try that!!

thank you sooo much!!!

[bae26847]

HELP!!! Everytime I try to make an afghan or just the chain, I get them too tight or to loose. What am i doing wrong?

[tjw1963]

The first thing I would ask you is if you are new to crochet? If you are, you are dealing with tension. Practicing with tension will make your stitches consistent. A little trick for the beginning chain is to crochet it loose or use a larger size crochet hook for the chain and a smaller crochet hook for the pattern stitch.

[BabzCF87]

Teresa, could you please post a video of you crocheting tall/long triangles? I want to make a bikini top & all I have is the basic chain. Everytime I build it, it looks uneven & butchered. Could you please help me? I love you tutorial videos because I can follow them with out diffuculty. I am left-handed, using a Boye needle/hook size E/4-3.50MM & my yarn is camoflauge (by redhart) if that helps. If you can, I would GREATLY appreciate it!!!! Thank you!!!!

[tjw1963]

I am in the process of thinking this out in my head.  This is not something you would be wearing in the water would it. My concern is the yarn stretching out of shape. I actually have two ideas for rounded cups and triangle cups. When I get them together I will post them. When I do them, please let me know how they work.

[BabzCF87]

It would be mainly for sun-bathing but yes, I would like to be able to get into the water with it. I am more of a beach person rather than a pool person. BTW, is there a way to protect it from the damaging effects of the salt water? Would Scotch guard work?

[tjw1963]

I would be very hesitant on using a crochet bikini in water and especially salt water. I would recommend you contact the yarn company on protecting the yarn and if salt water is safe.

[21jonasfan21]

can you use metal hooks and could add me to your favs could you also make a slower vid plz thasks by by

[tjw1963]

You can use any hook that is most comfortable for you to use. Each video has a pause and reverse so you are able to rewind to an exact number to play it again.

[cherim801]

tjw1963, i keep trying to make a chain but i could make only one stitch I NEED HELP!!!!!

[tjw1963]

What are you having trouble with?

[gonimeon]

Hi Teresa, for you personally which is better aluminum hooks or the plastic ones?

Thanks

[tjw1963]

Aluminum

[gonimeon]

Hi Teresa,

I have read your blogs and saw a set of crochet hooks. I would like to have the same set as well because I dont have an idea on what kind of hooks i should have.

Are you by any chance, selling needles? And where are you based?

Finding yarn shops and hooks in Dubai is very difficult.

Thanks...

[tjw1963]

I'm sorry but I do not sell crochet hooks. I am in the United States.

[gonimeon]

Thanks for the quick reply. I used to crochet befire but didn't know what are the technical details of it, haha. I just know a few stiches and that's it.

For the yarns, I am hearing 100% cotton, acrylic, etc. what's the difference between them? and what kind of yarns are best to use for bags, hats, booties, scarfs, etc.

Thanks again

[tjw1963]

The acrylic or cotton yarns are most used. I would not say there is a best. Some yarn is 100% cotton and some are mixed blends of acrylic and cotton. Other yarns are 90% acrylic, 10% nylon. I would suggest going to your local store, looking at the label for the blends. You will also be able to feel the yarn and get an idea of what you will like.

[gonimeon]

Hi Teresa,

I would like to know what are the basic hook sizes I should have as a beginner and what kinds of yarn go with each hook.

thanks

[tjw1963]

Hook Size G-J will usually work with 4-ply yarn.

[tjw1963]

The knot on your hook does not count as a chain. If your project wants you to chain 6, you will chain 6 after you have attached the yarn to your hook.

[traywig]

All Good. I found your crochet tension video. Thanks!

[traywig]

Great Video. Thanks. I'm having trouble with maintaining a consistent tension so my chains are coming out in different sizes. Can you help ?

[damasc1988]

Oh! i want to lern that!!!

[redstripe29]

i see i'm not the only one trying to do this instead of smoking.. but no matter how hard i try i can't get anything to go on my chains correctly.... i'm getting very frustrated... thanks for the videos though, i am enjoying them very much....

[tjw1963]

I am thinking that if you are having that much trouble with your next row, your chains may be to tight. Try loosening up on your chains and see if that will help.

[skaitlin33]

I want to learn to crochet but i have a couple of questions...When your done with your chain do you just slip it off the end and knot the end? Also, do I need a certain size yarn for a certain sized hook?

[tjw1963]

Yes, you can cut your yarn when you are finished and then just pull the yarn through the loop. That alone will secure the yarn from unraveling.

You can use G-M size hooks with 4 ply yarn. B-G will work well with 3 ply yarn.

[skaitlin33]

Thank you! :D

[SeaShelly1995]

lady this is the best crochet video ever lol

[tjw1963]

Thank you very much.

[Illiad86]

excellent video...I was confused on how to get the yarn on the hook until now :) I also quit smoking and I am going to start doing this, thanks! :)

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. :)

[njochara]

i have stopped smoking and am doing this instead.

very good video thanks !!

:O)

[tjw1963]

Congratulations on quitting. You will also save yourself lots of money to buy yarn.

[sultaanabanana]

This is the FIRST video I have seen that actually showed the slipknot in detail! Awesome video.

[tjw1963]

Thank you. :)

[tjw1963]

Thank you. :)

[Ericanaysha]

I am sooo happy to have found this! I have been wanting to learn and my friend bought me some yarn and hooks and such. Your videos explain very well what to do.

[tjw1963]

Thank you. :)

[whiplash20212]

I think ur videos are great! I was taught years ago and am just getting back into it. Question though, how do I know what size needle to use. i am going to start out by making wash clothes, everyone loves those!

[tjw1963]

It will depend on what size thread or yarn you are using. For example if you are using 4-ply yarn, you would use a G, H, I, J or K for 4-ply yarn. If you are using 3-ply yarn, you would use a size D, E or F crochet hook.

[whiplash20212]

Great! Thank you sooo much for the quick reply. Going now to get supplies!

[prawnsmango]

I would like to learn to crochet alongside my 10 year old. I discourage her from playing video games so this would be a good skill to learn to take the place of playing nin***do type games. What order should we be viewing your videos?

[tjw1963]

I would recommend learning some of the basic stitches. I have put together a play list that I will send you separately. You can also find it direct from my main channel page. It is the basic crochet stitches. Once you have a good idea of the basic stitches, then you can try a simple pattern like the cookie or hat.

[prawnsmango]

Thank you so very much for posting and teaching. God Bless.

[tjw1963]

Thank you. :)

[kittenstomper]

It's so nice that you post these up here for free. It costs so much to take a class and this has saved me so much time and money, I have already made a couple of projects for my family. thank you:)

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. I appreciate your comment.

[brownnbubblie]

Hi, I am in the process of showing my daughter how to crochet ( and myself for that matter). Can you please let me know what would be the best order for us to learn the stiches? Thanks

[tjw1963]

I sent you the playlist for all the basic crochet stitches.

[Addycamsmom]

I have been watching and learning with your videos, and I just want to say a huge thank you! I have lived on the east coast for about 20 years, and just moved back to the mid-west to be nearer my family. My mother started a project years ago, and it is unfinished. So, I wanted to finish it for her but I did not know how to crochet. She now has RA badly in her hands and can no longer teach, or show me how. Thanks again for helping me so it can become a family heirloom for my children!

[tjw1963]

You are welcome.

[isis416]

Sweet :D This out of a lot of different vids, was the easiest to show me how to start :D thank you very much :D!

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. :)

[llomr001]

Wow! I just did my first chain! :):):)

[tjw1963]

Write if you should need help. :)

[dmrcm]

first timer...where do i start? which is easier?

[tjw1963]

Learning the basic stitches is a good place to start. The chain is the foundation to hold the stitches. After that you can practice with some single crochet and double crochet.

[musicacentral]

thank you so much. your video was so helpful. I tried a lot of other videos on crocheting-none worked. Then I watched yours and I'm crocheting perfectly!!

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. :)

[babyangel931]

thanks for posting this... is the method the same if you are left handed???

[tjw1963]

It is the same. If you go to my main Youtube channel page you will find a playlist of video tutorials for the lefty.

[380364]

thanks

[MyriadVirtues]

Just... Thank you... lol.

[njpowell999]

I can't thank you enough for posing your videos. I took a crocheting class this week but was left not feeling confident. It is extremely helpful to crochet while watching your videos. THANKS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. :)

[Sandydahling]

I LOVE that you slowed this down enough to see the process. Thank you! I'll be checking back to learn more, especially about starting a new row.

[tjw1963]

Thank you. Post your questions and comments if you need help.

[underarock10]

I was just about to quit trying to crochet but i just happened to stumble across this video. thank you so much =)

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. Don't quit. You will be able to learn to crochet. Ask questions any time. I am here to help if you need to find a video.

[joybelle0212]

Thanks for this! I just made a chain. It's not stright looking. Any advice?

[tjw1963]

The chains are usually not straight until you start adding stitches. Keep practicing.

[Chiisainyo]

I love your videos, today i was teaching my bf to crochet and we saw this video a couple of times, he have mastered the slipknot so far, but still needs a lot of practice with the chain XD he fingerknit a scarf for me, so I know he'll learn this

[tjw1963]

That is great that he is learning to crochet.  I wish my husband was interested in crochet.

[darkfairie17]

Thank you for making these videos! They are a big help!! I have been trying to learn the different stitches for a while and now I can because of your videos!! Thanks!

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. I appreciate your comments and feedback. :)

[c1hydia2f]

This is the best video and i have been looking for a good person to teach me. Could you please make a video on how to make a purse i would really love to know, Thanks alot yout the best

[tjw1963]

Type or copy and paste these keywords in the Youtube search box "Crochet Messenger Hobo Slouch Bag tjw1963" and the video I have done will come up. This is a second one I have done. Keywords "Beanie Bag Handbag Purse tjw1963"

[stefholdener]

you are awesome, this is the best how to crochet a chain stitch video on youtube! I am trying to teach myself and I totally got it now, thanks a bunch!

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. :)

[Blkbudafly124]

I'm just getting into crochet (trying to make a hat)-thanks!! This reeeeeally helped!

[tjw1963]

Thank you.  Write if you need help. :)

[s2Shelle]

Ugh thank you! the slipknot thing helped a whole bunch :)