Help me figure out a very specific beginner crochet project?
October 14, 2019 8:02 AM
I want to make a very lightweight, simple, crocheted "neck-warmer" (I'm not really sure what to call it); I'm a complete newb at crochet and need a pretty easy pattern / instructions. Help?
I need something to keep my neck warm inside the house during winter when my top doesn't have a high enough neck. Here's the lovely inspiration, from elizard's twitter, but it's almost certainly too advanced for me now (maybe later, once I've learned a bit more).
This looks more like my speed, but I don't see a way to buy the pattern (probably geo-blocked). Maybe I could figure out that one on my own, just by learning the shell stitch?
Here are the issues:
What I don't know is exactly the type / weight of yarn to buy (maybe "light fingering"?) or what size crochet hook (I'm in the EU) ... and then of course what to do with them.
I can look up the basic stitches I'll need on Youtube to follow a written pattern if I can find the right design, but if there's a video how-to, that would be a cherry on top. Any ideas?
I need something to keep my neck warm inside the house during winter when my top doesn't have a high enough neck. Here's the lovely inspiration, from elizard's twitter, but it's almost certainly too advanced for me now (maybe later, once I've learned a bit more).
This looks more like my speed, but I don't see a way to buy the pattern (probably geo-blocked). Maybe I could figure out that one on my own, just by learning the shell stitch?
Here are the issues:
- most things I'm finding are much bulkier, longer, heavier than what I want. Or some cowl patterns I've seen that seem about the right weight look pretty, but hang too low, so not so much covering my neck. I don't want a long length.
- Absolutely must be cotton soft / non-scratchy, not like a "woolen" scarf. And I don't want or need great warmth from it; it's just subbing for a higher neckline on my top.
- I don't really know what to search for, either for the item I want to make, or type of yarn, or maybe style (?) I want. Like "crochet scarf" and similar predictably comes back with long, heavy things for outdoors and cold weather.
- Also? I don't know how to crochet.
What I don't know is exactly the type / weight of yarn to buy (maybe "light fingering"?) or what size crochet hook (I'm in the EU) ... and then of course what to do with them.
I can look up the basic stitches I'll need on Youtube to follow a written pattern if I can find the right design, but if there's a video how-to, that would be a cherry on top. Any ideas?
Have you checked Ravelry? They have a decent search function that will allow you to choose crochet, easy difficulty, thinner yarn. It can be intimidating for beginners, but they do have great resources for all levels. If you need help, feel free to memail.
Search for cowls, some of them will be less snug than what you're looking for, but the good news is making a cowl shorter is pretty easy - as long as it's stretchy enough you can get it over your head, all you need is fewer stitches. The yarn weight (thickness) you're probably looking for is 'sock' 'fingering' or 'DK'. You can sub out any wool yarn for cotton or silk bamboo pretty easily, but keep in mind that those yarns might 'split' more easily, and might be more difficult to work with as a beginner. Getting yarn and then rubbing it against your neck to see how it feels is socially acceptable.
Here's one I found just on a quick google search - it's less lacy than your examples, but could be fun.
posted by dinty_moore at 8:14 AM on October 14, 2019
Search for cowls, some of them will be less snug than what you're looking for, but the good news is making a cowl shorter is pretty easy - as long as it's stretchy enough you can get it over your head, all you need is fewer stitches. The yarn weight (thickness) you're probably looking for is 'sock' 'fingering' or 'DK'. You can sub out any wool yarn for cotton or silk bamboo pretty easily, but keep in mind that those yarns might 'split' more easily, and might be more difficult to work with as a beginner. Getting yarn and then rubbing it against your neck to see how it feels is socially acceptable.
Here's one I found just on a quick google search - it's less lacy than your examples, but could be fun.
posted by dinty_moore at 8:14 AM on October 14, 2019
I think the reason there's no pattern on the thing you linked is because she did it with no pattern - it's just a short shell stitch scarf with a button holding it closed. So if you wanted to replicate it you would just go as wide as you want with shell stitch (although the stitch she uses doesn't seem to be the most common version of shell stitch - any lacy stitch would do, though) and then stop crocheting when it got as long as you want (which you can test by trying it on!).
Also yes, Ravelry! The search function linked above only works for logged-in users.
posted by mskyle at 8:17 AM on October 14, 2019
Also yes, Ravelry! The search function linked above only works for logged-in users.
posted by mskyle at 8:17 AM on October 14, 2019
I also say that Ravelry, and then searching for crocheted fingering-weight cowls is your answer, and I also think that you shouldn't be intimidated by any crochet pattern. Once you know the very basic stitches, chain, slip, single, half-double, double, and triple, everything else is just following directions to string them together. Knitting is harder to learn, but crocheting, once you've got the very basics down, everything else is simple.
posted by LizardBreath at 8:27 AM on October 14, 2019
posted by LizardBreath at 8:27 AM on October 14, 2019
But for a beginner, I would stick with wool, which can be very soft and light in an open stitch. (You might look at patterns meant for laceweight, if even the fingering patterns look too heavy.) It's a little stretchier and less slippery than any other fiber, and it makes it much easier to work with. Cotton and silk and bamboo are all frustrating.
posted by LizardBreath at 8:31 AM on October 14, 2019
posted by LizardBreath at 8:31 AM on October 14, 2019
I would strongly advise that if you've never crocheted before that you not start with yarn that's a lighter gauge than worsted, because it can be very hard to see the structure of your stitches, and that's key to making lacy patterns look like a pattern and not kind of loosey-goosey. If you're already familiar with using lighter weights of yarn when knitting then give it a try, but it seems like you aren't. If I were you I'd buy a cheap ball of worsted weight acrylic yarn in a bright light color (might I suggest hot pink) and a 5mm crochet hook to practice with for a while first.
Notably, I navigated through to the Ravelry page for your inspiration pattern and it's done with light fingering yarn and is knit, not crochet. So you might think about learning to knit instead? I can't stand it myself but I recognize that I'm an outlier in this. If you're trying crochet and it's just not clicking, consider giving knit a go, or vice versa.
I think that a lot of the crochet tutorials available on Moogly Crafts are very good. Here's three cowl patterns that are free and that would be easily adjustable and/or good practice: Oh My Cowl (good for learning shells), Chevron Lace Infinity Scarf (if you did this all in one color it would be like your inspiration pattern but turned sideways), Summer Lace Cowl (looks very simple, good for learning to count stitches).
Anyway, my actual cowl recommendation: The Edie Cowl. I've made like five of them usually as gifts, for me it works up in an afternoon, you only need to know like three crochet stitches, it's easily adjustable by just doing a couple more or less rounds on each side, and it's suggested to use sport/sock weight yarn which isn't fingering lightness but is remarkably different to worsted without being invisible.
Feel free to poke me on Discord (Mizufae#9553) to ask questions, I really like talking about crochet with people and helping folks who are new to it.
posted by Mizu at 8:34 AM on October 14, 2019
Notably, I navigated through to the Ravelry page for your inspiration pattern and it's done with light fingering yarn and is knit, not crochet. So you might think about learning to knit instead? I can't stand it myself but I recognize that I'm an outlier in this. If you're trying crochet and it's just not clicking, consider giving knit a go, or vice versa.
I think that a lot of the crochet tutorials available on Moogly Crafts are very good. Here's three cowl patterns that are free and that would be easily adjustable and/or good practice: Oh My Cowl (good for learning shells), Chevron Lace Infinity Scarf (if you did this all in one color it would be like your inspiration pattern but turned sideways), Summer Lace Cowl (looks very simple, good for learning to count stitches).
Anyway, my actual cowl recommendation: The Edie Cowl. I've made like five of them usually as gifts, for me it works up in an afternoon, you only need to know like three crochet stitches, it's easily adjustable by just doing a couple more or less rounds on each side, and it's suggested to use sport/sock weight yarn which isn't fingering lightness but is remarkably different to worsted without being invisible.
Feel free to poke me on Discord (Mizufae#9553) to ask questions, I really like talking about crochet with people and helping folks who are new to it.
posted by Mizu at 8:34 AM on October 14, 2019
It's a cowl; my friend made me one just like that!
posted by DarlingBri at 9:10 AM on October 14, 2019
posted by DarlingBri at 9:10 AM on October 14, 2019
Okay some more things.
To adjust a pattern for size, you have to know how it's constructed first but then it's really easy to adjust. For cowls it's basically one of two ways: you start with a big circle that can fit around your head, and make long rows that build on top of each other, or you start with a short row the height of the cowl and go back and forth until its length equals the circumference of your desired cowl and then you sew one short end to the other.
In the first method, to adjust it you would start by making more or less length in the very first row (this will be called a "starting chain"), and then more or less repeats of the pattern to get your desired height. In the second method, you might need to adjust the beginning row as well, but most likely you'll just do more or less repeats of the pattern than suggested to get the length you need before sewing your ends together.
An easy way to adjust a drapey cowl so it's big enough to get over your head but then snug around your neck is to sew a button onto it with a long shank so you can fasten the fold of the cowl stylishly at your throat. A brooch will also work well if you're a brooch kind of person.
The thing to keep in mind is that with a lighter weight yarn you'll need to do way more stitches per inch than a heavier yarn, and you'll need to use a smaller hook to do so. Fingering is about half of worsted (depending on stitch pattern and gauge etc etc etc), so if you're adjusting a pattern from worsted to fingering yarn you can expect to at least double the stitches.
About fiber types - I am very sensitive to itchy wool and have sensory processing problems particularly with texture so I would never use wool for something around my neck. I personally love bamboo blend yarns for close skin contact, they're wonderfully smooth and resilient, but can be quite pricey. But you might not be like me, in which case by all means get some fingering weight wool to work with. Remember that it will get way softer and fluffier once you've blocked your work. Also learn about superwash. Superwash means that the wool has been processed such that it will be much harder/impossible to felt. Felting is just when the fibers get super scrunched tight up to itself due to agitation and boom, felt is made - and also your stitch pattern is lost and the fabric is much stiffer, sadface. To prevent this you can use a superwash blend, and also only hand wash your cowl in cold water. Hot water and lots of agitation on an animal fiber = felt.
On blocking: Blocking is vitally important to lace patterns and a lot of crochet looks totally awful if you don't block it! Things will look like scrunchy crap and you'll be all worried and then you block it and like magic it will bloom into a beautiful butterfly. How can you learn this magic? Easy. Blocking is done as follows: Literally just get your finished piece wet, let it gently swish around in warmish water for a few minutes with a tiny drop of woolite maybe, then lift it out and wring out as much water as you can, then spread it out on a flat surface, pulling it taught and pinning it in place around the edges, and letting it air dry. This process helps relax your stitches and then as it dries it will tighten back up but all the stitches will be more regular and hold their shape wonderfully. It also gets out excess dye from the yarn. I block my projects on those foam puzzle shaped floor mats you can pick up at hardware stores, but people also do stuff like wrap a board with a couple towels. You can also just hang something to dry to block it if it's hangable and the stitch pattern isn't very open.
posted by Mizu at 9:11 AM on October 14, 2019
To adjust a pattern for size, you have to know how it's constructed first but then it's really easy to adjust. For cowls it's basically one of two ways: you start with a big circle that can fit around your head, and make long rows that build on top of each other, or you start with a short row the height of the cowl and go back and forth until its length equals the circumference of your desired cowl and then you sew one short end to the other.
In the first method, to adjust it you would start by making more or less length in the very first row (this will be called a "starting chain"), and then more or less repeats of the pattern to get your desired height. In the second method, you might need to adjust the beginning row as well, but most likely you'll just do more or less repeats of the pattern than suggested to get the length you need before sewing your ends together.
An easy way to adjust a drapey cowl so it's big enough to get over your head but then snug around your neck is to sew a button onto it with a long shank so you can fasten the fold of the cowl stylishly at your throat. A brooch will also work well if you're a brooch kind of person.
The thing to keep in mind is that with a lighter weight yarn you'll need to do way more stitches per inch than a heavier yarn, and you'll need to use a smaller hook to do so. Fingering is about half of worsted (depending on stitch pattern and gauge etc etc etc), so if you're adjusting a pattern from worsted to fingering yarn you can expect to at least double the stitches.
About fiber types - I am very sensitive to itchy wool and have sensory processing problems particularly with texture so I would never use wool for something around my neck. I personally love bamboo blend yarns for close skin contact, they're wonderfully smooth and resilient, but can be quite pricey. But you might not be like me, in which case by all means get some fingering weight wool to work with. Remember that it will get way softer and fluffier once you've blocked your work. Also learn about superwash. Superwash means that the wool has been processed such that it will be much harder/impossible to felt. Felting is just when the fibers get super scrunched tight up to itself due to agitation and boom, felt is made - and also your stitch pattern is lost and the fabric is much stiffer, sadface. To prevent this you can use a superwash blend, and also only hand wash your cowl in cold water. Hot water and lots of agitation on an animal fiber = felt.
On blocking: Blocking is vitally important to lace patterns and a lot of crochet looks totally awful if you don't block it! Things will look like scrunchy crap and you'll be all worried and then you block it and like magic it will bloom into a beautiful butterfly. How can you learn this magic? Easy. Blocking is done as follows: Literally just get your finished piece wet, let it gently swish around in warmish water for a few minutes with a tiny drop of woolite maybe, then lift it out and wring out as much water as you can, then spread it out on a flat surface, pulling it taught and pinning it in place around the edges, and letting it air dry. This process helps relax your stitches and then as it dries it will tighten back up but all the stitches will be more regular and hold their shape wonderfully. It also gets out excess dye from the yarn. I block my projects on those foam puzzle shaped floor mats you can pick up at hardware stores, but people also do stuff like wrap a board with a couple towels. You can also just hang something to dry to block it if it's hangable and the stitch pattern isn't very open.
posted by Mizu at 9:11 AM on October 14, 2019
Marly Bird on YouTube has a zillion crochet tutorials and patterns, and many of them are geared toward beginners.
Easy Beginner Knit Super Simple Rib and Lace Scarf Cowl
Here's her playlist of beginner videos about making a chain, how to do single crochet, etc.
posted by Triumphant Muzak at 9:15 AM on October 14, 2019
Easy Beginner Knit Super Simple Rib and Lace Scarf Cowl
Here's her playlist of beginner videos about making a chain, how to do single crochet, etc.
posted by Triumphant Muzak at 9:15 AM on October 14, 2019
Here's the lovely inspiration, from elizard's twitter, but it's almost certainly too advanced for me now (maybe later, once I've learned a bit more).
Just a note that this piece is knitted, not crochet and it's knitted in laceweight yarn which is super fine, almost like thread.
Knitted pieces will have a different drape than crochet pieces and laceweight will look much different (fine, light lacy) than larger thick yarn. The fiber (wool, cotton silk, etc), the yarn weight, the medium (knitting vs crochet) and the stitches chosen will all determine the look of the final piece.
posted by See you tomorrow, saguaro at 9:34 AM on October 14, 2019
Just a note that this piece is knitted, not crochet and it's knitted in laceweight yarn which is super fine, almost like thread.
Knitted pieces will have a different drape than crochet pieces and laceweight will look much different (fine, light lacy) than larger thick yarn. The fiber (wool, cotton silk, etc), the yarn weight, the medium (knitting vs crochet) and the stitches chosen will all determine the look of the final piece.
posted by See you tomorrow, saguaro at 9:34 AM on October 14, 2019
Thanks for pointing out that elizard's piece is knitted. That's how newb I am. I do want something I can crochet.
And Mizu, I'm absolutely like you with sensory issues related to clothing and fabrics. I didn't even know that "light fingering" was wool; it looked like cotton to me in elizard's image! The bamboo blend yarn sounds like the sort of thing I want.
posted by taz at 9:38 AM on October 14, 2019
And Mizu, I'm absolutely like you with sensory issues related to clothing and fabrics. I didn't even know that "light fingering" was wool; it looked like cotton to me in elizard's image! The bamboo blend yarn sounds like the sort of thing I want.
posted by taz at 9:38 AM on October 14, 2019
If at all possible, touch the yarn before you buy it (might not be possible where you are, but if you can, do so). Depending on how a yarn is processed, the same fiber content can feel very differently. There are acrylic yarns that feel really nice and are fairly easy for newbs to work with (though less stretch than wool). There are also wool/cotton blends that are softer than wool by itself and easier to work with than cotton that my sensitive skin friends swear by. Alpaca is likely to be a soft, fuzzy lie that is going to be too warm for what you want anyway.
Weight/thinness of yarn doesn't have anything to do with fiber content - animal fibers might be fuzzier (depending on how they're processed), but you can still get thin fuzzy yarn or thick artificial/plant yarn.
posted by dinty_moore at 9:46 AM on October 14, 2019
Weight/thinness of yarn doesn't have anything to do with fiber content - animal fibers might be fuzzier (depending on how they're processed), but you can still get thin fuzzy yarn or thick artificial/plant yarn.
posted by dinty_moore at 9:46 AM on October 14, 2019
I would go about this the other way around: Buy the yarn first, so you're sure that your yarn is soft enough and not scratchy, then use Ravelry to find a matching pattern for the yarn weight you purchased. The weight should be on the label, and they also say what size needles to use for both crochet and knit (so make sure you check the right one!).
Keep in mind that the needle size is one factor in how big/small each stitch is, and you can usually go up/down a size when using a pattern to adjust how big/small the resulting project is going to be. So my suggestion is, if you have friends who crochet, maybe borrow needles and do some test swatches with the pattern you like until you know what needle works best for your project. My very first knit project I blindly followed the pattern and needle sizes, and the hat was so big no one in my family could wear it!
Have fun :)
posted by tinydancer at 10:00 AM on October 14, 2019
Keep in mind that the needle size is one factor in how big/small each stitch is, and you can usually go up/down a size when using a pattern to adjust how big/small the resulting project is going to be. So my suggestion is, if you have friends who crochet, maybe borrow needles and do some test swatches with the pattern you like until you know what needle works best for your project. My very first knit project I blindly followed the pattern and needle sizes, and the hat was so big no one in my family could wear it!
Have fun :)
posted by tinydancer at 10:00 AM on October 14, 2019
tinydancer has it!!
Also, may I suggest that a local yarn store is definitely going to be a good place for you to start? They are usually extremely customer service oriented and ready to help you out. I suggest going to such a place, feeling a bunch of yarn, then asking them to help guide you in searching for a pattern once you've found a yarn you like. It may seem intimidating to walk in and be like "hello! total newbie!" but they will be THRILLED to help and you will learn so much more feeling different kinds of yarn and speaking with an expert than if you try to figure this one out online!
posted by branca at 10:19 AM on October 14, 2019
Also, may I suggest that a local yarn store is definitely going to be a good place for you to start? They are usually extremely customer service oriented and ready to help you out. I suggest going to such a place, feeling a bunch of yarn, then asking them to help guide you in searching for a pattern once you've found a yarn you like. It may seem intimidating to walk in and be like "hello! total newbie!" but they will be THRILLED to help and you will learn so much more feeling different kinds of yarn and speaking with an expert than if you try to figure this one out online!
posted by branca at 10:19 AM on October 14, 2019
I didn't even know that "light fingering" was wool; it looked like cotton to me in elizard's image!
"Light fingering" (or "laceweight" or "sportweight" or "DK") just means how thick the yarn is, not what fiber it's made of. I'm going to bring up Ravelry again, but if you sign yourself up for an account, you'll see if you do an advanced pattern search that it gives you a list of options for the weight of the yarn. The inspiration pattern you linked is for either heavy laceweight or light fingering -- anything heavier than fingering will come out very different. But you can get any weight yarn in any fiber.
And branca is right that this is a good problem to walk into a yarn store with -- they should be friendly and helpful.
posted by LizardBreath at 10:32 AM on October 14, 2019
"Light fingering" (or "laceweight" or "sportweight" or "DK") just means how thick the yarn is, not what fiber it's made of. I'm going to bring up Ravelry again, but if you sign yourself up for an account, you'll see if you do an advanced pattern search that it gives you a list of options for the weight of the yarn. The inspiration pattern you linked is for either heavy laceweight or light fingering -- anything heavier than fingering will come out very different. But you can get any weight yarn in any fiber.
And branca is right that this is a good problem to walk into a yarn store with -- they should be friendly and helpful.
posted by LizardBreath at 10:32 AM on October 14, 2019
Worth clarifying: yarn weight and fiber type are different things, so a "light fingering" weight yarn might be made of wool or cotton or acrylic or even glow-in-the-dark vinyl. More on different fiber options.
posted by asperity at 10:32 AM on October 14, 2019
posted by asperity at 10:32 AM on October 14, 2019
Just off the first page of Ravelry crochet cowls, Lavender Kisses and Copenhagen may be close to the effect you want and fairly easy. I personally started with the Mushin, which is very easy to tweak for size.
I'd recommend choosing your hook carefully by what feels good to hold. For me that's lightweight metal/teflon, others may prefer acrylic or wood or metal-with-handle. Don't give into the temptation to get expensive gear until you're sure you'll like this hobby.
posted by I claim sanctuary at 11:01 AM on October 14, 2019
I'd recommend choosing your hook carefully by what feels good to hold. For me that's lightweight metal/teflon, others may prefer acrylic or wood or metal-with-handle. Don't give into the temptation to get expensive gear until you're sure you'll like this hobby.
posted by I claim sanctuary at 11:01 AM on October 14, 2019
Here are a few similar patterns (to your second link):
Buttoned Shell Stitch Cowl
Shell Cowl with Buttons
Chunky Circle Cowl
posted by jrobin276 at 12:32 PM on October 14, 2019
Buttoned Shell Stitch Cowl
Shell Cowl with Buttons
Chunky Circle Cowl
posted by jrobin276 at 12:32 PM on October 14, 2019
If it were me, I'd go to a yarn store and buy a skein of cheap, thick, yarn in a light color -- white or pastel -- and a big hook (thick is easier to work with, and light colored is easier to work with). And then I'd work through the tutorial of beginner videos Triumphant Musak linked in the post with the 9:15 timestamp. Once you've done that, which shouldn't take long at all, you'll be a pretty competent crocheter -- crochet is very fast to learn.
At that point, you'll know enough to be able to read the patterns you're looking at, and you'll be able to figure out what level of complexity you feel competent for. This sort of pattern is super fast to get through once you know what you're doing at all. If you make something and decide it's not exactly what you wanted, it'll take you an afternoon to make a different one.
posted by LizardBreath at 12:46 PM on October 14, 2019
At that point, you'll know enough to be able to read the patterns you're looking at, and you'll be able to figure out what level of complexity you feel competent for. This sort of pattern is super fast to get through once you know what you're doing at all. If you make something and decide it's not exactly what you wanted, it'll take you an afternoon to make a different one.
posted by LizardBreath at 12:46 PM on October 14, 2019
One little comment: not all wool is scratchy. Merino in particular is usually very soft, and I made a scarf with a wool/silk blend (not sure what kind of wool) that I can stand to have around my neck. Nthing going to a local yarn shop (LYS), talking to them, and touching yarn - hold it to your neck and see what it feels like. Also, if you have the patience, you might want to practice/learn with some inexpensive yarn from Michaels or Joanns before you make your real piece, though the piece will feel different with different yarns.
posted by 2 cats in the yard at 5:37 PM on October 14, 2019
posted by 2 cats in the yard at 5:37 PM on October 14, 2019
This advice already given but I'll reiterate: buy some cheap thick yarn and big hook to practice with. That way you can see what you're doing as your learning to make the stitches and understand how they work, and you aren't mutilating your nicer yarn as you practice. THEN move into a light weight yarn and smaller hook to get the lace look.
The biggest barrier to a good final piece as you learn is going to be tension and controlling tension comes with practice. Don't be afraid to pull out mistakes! Every time I've taught someone how to crochet they look at me with big hurt eyes when I say "pull it out and then redo it" after they ask how to fix a mistake. But it really is the only way!
posted by wellifyouinsist at 7:18 AM on October 15, 2019
The biggest barrier to a good final piece as you learn is going to be tension and controlling tension comes with practice. Don't be afraid to pull out mistakes! Every time I've taught someone how to crochet they look at me with big hurt eyes when I say "pull it out and then redo it" after they ask how to fix a mistake. But it really is the only way!
posted by wellifyouinsist at 7:18 AM on October 15, 2019
This thread is closed to new comments.
It's free to join, and you can search for crochet (and knitting) patterns by yarn weight, what you want to make (neck warmer), hook size, whether or not it's a free pattern, and by features (like "lace" - which is what you're seeing in the first photo you posted. Although I'm a knitter and don't know the lingo for crochet.)
Here's a search I just did for "crochet" "cowl" "free" "fingering weight yarn" with 154 results.
You can also keep a list of your yarn stash on Ravelry, and then look at what other people have made with that exact yarn and colorway. There's so much more to do on Ravelry, too!
Editing to add: you can also search by "difficulty level" and you can search for "phototutorial" or "video tutorial".
posted by vitabellosi at 8:13 AM on October 14, 2019