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5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Crocheting

Crochet can be one of the most rewarding and relaxing hobbies-but if you’re just starting out, or even if you’ve been at it for a while, you’ve probably hit some bumps. I want to be real with you about the things I wish someone had told me when I picked up my first hook. These lessons didn’t come from tutorials or books-they came from doing, from messing up, from “failing,” and learning to keep going anyway.

So today, I’m sharing five hard-earned truths I wish I knew when I started crocheting.

1. You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Good at Crochet

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that being a “real” crocheter means your stitches are flawless, your patterns never need frogging, and your tension never changes. But let me tell you-I’ve made some truly wonky projects. Things that didn’t fit anyone, that were too tight, too loose, or just plain odd-looking.

Perfectly Imperfect

The truth is: perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. Every single “mistake” taught me something. And learning how to adapt-to fix things creatively or just roll with it-is one of the best crochet skills you can build.

Cydney over at Sweetpea Cyd's Inspirations, just posted a brand new blog post on a topic super similar to this. You can check out her BLOG POST HERE!

2. You Don’t Have to Know Everything Before You Start

When I was starting out, I thought I needed to watch every tutorial, learn all the yarn weights, and get the perfect hook set before I made anything. Spoiler alert: that mindset held me back.


You’ll learn faster by jumping in. Yes, you’ll make a few weird projects (we all do), but those “flops” will teach you more than any amount of research ever could. You don’t need to be an expert to begin. You just need to begin.

3. Buying a Yarn Stash Too Soon Can Be a Big Mistake

Early on, I convinced myself I needed a big yarn stash—like the beautiful ones I saw behind crochet YouTubers. I told myself it would save time and money, especially since I live in a rural area.

But here’s what actually happened: I bought tons of yarn I never used. I didn’t know my preferences yet—what colors I loved, what fibers worked for me, what types of projects I enjoyed. So I ended up with bargain bin deals and bright neon skeins that just weren’t “me.”

Now I always recommend waiting until you know your style before investing in a big stash. You’ll save money, space, and regret!



4. You Don’t Have to Like What Everyone Else Likes

It took me a while to realize I don’t have to love the same yarns, projects, or aesthetics as popular creators or crochet influencers. Just because someone raves about a certain yarn or pattern doesn’t mean it’s right for you.

For example, I once went all-in on a temperature blanket trend. I planned, I color-coded, I bought all the yarn-and then I barely made it past the first few rows. It just wasn’t for me.

And that’s okay. You’re spending your time, your money, and your energy. Do projects that you enjoy, not ones that feel like crochet homework.

5. Community Matters-But It Has to Be the Right Fit

One of the most beautiful parts of being a fiber artist is the community. Whether it’s in-person or online, having people to share your wins and struggles with makes a big difference.

But not every group will be right for you-and that’s okay, too. Take your time to find a space where you feel supported and inspired, not judged or pressured.

If you’ve never joined a crochet community before, try checking out:

Find your people. The ones who get excited over the same colorways and stitch patterns as you. They’re out there!

Bonus: 5 Quick Crochet Tips for Beginners

If you're just getting started with yarn, here are a few practical tips to make your journey easier:

  1. Avoid splitty yarns when learning. They can mess with your tension and drive you nuts.

  2. Use a Boye-style hook (rounded head) for fewer snags and smoother stitching.

  3. Start with DK (size 3) yarn—it's not too thick or thin and is gentle on the hands.

  4. Choose simple beginner projects, like scarves or dishcloths. Avoid complex patterns with tight deadlines!

  5. Don’t crochet gifts right away. The pressure of a deadline can take the joy out of the process.

Final Thoughts

If you’re feeling discouraged in your crochet journey, I want you to know you are not alone. We've all made strange projects, tangled skeins, and dealt with yarn regret. It’s part of the process. You are allowed to be a beginner-and your imperfect projects are helping you grow into a confident crocheter.

If you’ve been crocheting for a while, I’d love to hear from you:
What do you wish you knew when you started? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Thanks for talking yarn with me,
đź’› Shannon

Watch the Youtube video here!



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