by Fayme Harper

Created on: May 25, 2007   Last Updated: December 24, 2011

I learned to crochet when I was very young and sitting at my mother's side. She taught me the chain stitch. Unfortunately, that's all she taught me, and I must have made five miles of chain before I realized there had to be more to it.
When you teach a child, I recommend tying some string to a door knob and teaching them the concept of finger crocheting. That is, pulling one loop through another with their fingers. You can save it to use as a Christmas tree garland or to hang greeting cards from.

Once they are good at that, get them a crochet hook. Remember that hooks are sized from small to large, a G being smaller than a J. Get the fattest hook you can find for their small hands. Kitchen string makes a good cord to start with.
Here I have to disagree with some of the other articles. I think a granny square is a poor choice for a beginner. Too many stitches and corners to deal with. Also, ombre (multicolored yarn) makes it easier to see stitches, not harder.

Teach them to do the chain stitch with the yarn/string you picked for them. Don't forget to show them how to wrap the string around their fingers to balance the tension. Help them fix mistakes. Keep the sessions short (20 minutes) so they don't get frustrated and give up. Now, after they are good at chains, show them single crochet. (Abbreviated SC). Squares are nice but I prefer teaching circles. Why? Because a circle has no corners to turn, no back and forth. You just go around and around and around. They only need to learn single crochet and a simple increase (2 single crochets in one space). The circle can be used for a coaster, a hot pad, a washcloth, a doily, or a circular tablecloth. If they get pretty good, show them how to change colors so they can do stripes.

If you take two circles and overcast the edges together, you can make a flying disk. If you put stuffing in the middle of the 2 circles, you can make a cat toy or a pillow. If you gather the edges of one circle, you can make a pouch. Once the kids are good at circles they can even make hats. It doesn't take long to figure out how many stitches to add to keep the circle flat or to shape it for a skullie or a beanie. Smaller circles can be used for doll-house rugs or doll blankets or doll hats.

If you keep the projects quick and fun, they will learn to love crochet.

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