by Kim Park

Created on: May 25, 2007   Last Updated: November 07, 2010

The best way to teach crocheting to kids is through example. I'm not saying that you should just sit there crocheting while the kids watch and do nothing, but instead you should be beside them crocheting the same things they are.

I think the best thing to start with is the simple and classic Granny Square. This pattern teaches how to chain, double crochet and depending on if you modify the pattern, it can also teach single crocheting. The other great thing about granny squaring is the endless possibilities of what you can make with them. You can make one giant granny square as a blanket, or several smaller granny squares as patches for an Afghan. I have also seen many patterns where granny squares are used to make everything from baby clothing to hats to skirts.

Just have them practice their granny squaring until they are not their crocheting is loose enough and they understand well enough to tackle larger, more complicated patterns and stitches. A great pattern to try would be a simple toque, using single or double crocheting.

I would suggest learning to Granny Square from a person, not from a pattern, because it is much easier to learn the stitches and simple basics and then apply them to learning to read patterns. It's more difficult to try and understand what is meant by DC without the experience of double crocheting.

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