How to Crochet short courses

Crochet short courses for Beginners and Improvers

I am running my popular How to Crochet short courses for beginners and improvers. Let me tell you about them.

When do How to Crochet courses take place?

Each short course lasts for three classes. The classes will take place from 19:00–21:00 on Tuesdays during October and November 2021.

When you book a short course, you can choose the dates for each of your classes. Select three of the possible dates to book one course (either beginners or improvers). After you book, I shall email you to find out if you are a beginner or an improver. Select six dates if you would like to book both courses. At the moment, there is a limit of three places in each class.

If you find you cannot attend one, you might be able to change to another. If you did the course for beginners a while ago, you might be able to book a refresher class before you start the improvers’ course. And if you would like an extra session, that may also be possible.

People in a class may all be beginners or improvers or a mixture of both. Beginners enjoy seeing what someone with a little more experience can do, whereas improvers benefit from seeing how far they have progressed in a few classes. And improvers who did not learn with me pick up tips about the techniques I teach to beginners.

Where is the Being Knitterly Studio?

The Being Knitterly Studio is based in Loughborough, Leicestershire. I shall send you full details and directions after you have booked.

Why should you come to these crochet short courses?

Maybe you have never tried to crochet, or you have used books or videos, or you prefer to learn with a tutor. Maybe, you can make a traditional granny square but are not sure what to try next. The most important thing is that you want to learn. You will have a lot of fun trying different things in each class and learning with others.

I’ll also provide delicious biscuits and hot drinks.

How will you learn?

I shall demonstrate each stitch, both to groups and individuals. The first few times that you crochet a stitch, I shall talk you through the process as you do it. I shall demonstrate as many times as necessary, let you practise, and show you how to adjust your fingers so that you find crocheting easier. You will leave with a handout giving instructions for each stitch. Practise makes perfect, so doing some crochet between each class will help too.

What will you learn if you’re a beginner?

You will learn to:

• Choose the right hook for yarn.
• Hold the hook and yarn. 
• Make a foundation chain, slip stitch, double and treble crochet stitches. 
• Make a traditional granny square. 
• Join granny squares and add a simple border.
• As well as understand basic crochet instructions.

In the first class, you will learn how to hold the crochet hook and yarn whilst you practise making double crochet stitches. It is not easy for a beginner – gradually, your fingers will cooperate, and you will be crocheting! Then, you will start a new sample by crocheting a foundation chain and working double crochet stitches into the chain. Beginners usually find this fiddly, but it will be easier because you have already learnt to do double crochet. You will practice making foundation chains and double crochet stitches for homework.

In the second class, you will learn the treble crochet stitch. You will pick up this new stitch quicker because you learnt to hold the hook and yarn last week. Then you will use chain and treble crochet stitches to make your first granny square. As you do so, you will learn some abbreviations used for crochet instructions and symbols used in crochet charts. You will make more granny squares for homework ready for your next class.

In the final class, you will join your granny squares together and add a simple border. You finish this course knowing how to make and join granny squares, so you can now use granny squares for projects such as cushion covers, bags, scarves, and throws.

“Absolutely loved doing these classes. From a complete beginner to being able to do Granny Squares!”

Clare

What will you learn if you’re an improver?

You’ll learn to:

• Change colour.
• Make variations of the traditional granny square.
• Croccthet circles and tubes.
• Make different types of petals.
• As well as follow written instructions and crochet charts.

In the first class, you’ll learn some new motifs based on granny squares. These are made using chain and treble crIn the first class, you will learn some variations of the traditional granny square. You make them using chain and treble crochet stitches. You have lots of practice following patterns with both written and charted instructions. And because you will already appreciate the versatility of granny squares, you will be able to start new projects using these new square motifs when you leave.

In the second class, you will learn how to crochet circles and tubes. These are the basis of many crochet projects such as mats, circular cushions, containers, and even shawls. Again there are no new stitches – you are using what you know in different ways. You will make a coaster and a small container. You will leave knowing how to adapt the patterns to make different sizes. And they make great presents!

In the final class, you will learn some different ways to make flower petals. There is only one new stitch to learn, the half treble, but you will be combining the stitches you know in different ways. You will be amazed at how much better you are at reading crochet instructions. You will leave the improvers crochet course ready to try out other patterns.

“The best part was my growing confidence in pattern reading so I can go away and try new patterns myself!”

Jess