Crocheting is a stress free pass time that is not hard to learn, it’s not boring, does not cost much to get started and brings joy and fulfillment to anyone. The projects that you create with crochet make wonderful gifts for those around you.

Crochet is such a versatile kind of needlework allowing you to create an abundant assortment of projects; however, before you take on the task of learning how to crochet it is important to keep in mind certain points.

1. Gain knowledge of the different needle sizes and how they are important when it comes to the type of yarn you’ll be using. The needle needs to be the correct size for the thickness of your yarn in order for you to accomplish better results.

2. It’s important to choose your yarn carefully. Since dark colors are not very easy to see you should always start with a light color. Also, avoid wool and chenille.

3. Test your yarn to make sure it is strong enough. Rub a string of it between your thumb and your index finger and if it frays a lot, don’t use it. Do the same with several types of yarn to understand what I’m talking about.

4. The three main stitches in crocheting are the chain, the single crochet and the double crochet. As soon as you master making these stitches, you can actually begin your first project.

5.As you choose your very first project, focus on one that requires thick yarn and a large hook. It should also have simple stitches and be easy to follow.

6. Select a simple and easy project to follow. A scarf, a coaster or a small pillow case can be a good start. You always start easy so you won’t get frustrated and disappointed.

7. Before you choose more difficult projects, complete several simple ones. It’s best to establish a strong sense of what crocheting is all about rather than embarking on projects you’re not ready for.

Crocheting instructions are easy to understand and follow. To learn how to crochet takes very little money and the projects you can create are just amazing. Just like with anything else, you need to practice, practice, practice. So relax, enjoy and express your creativity with this fun and easy to learn hobby called crochet.

I am currently in love with free crochet flower patterns as a fun and thrifty way to decorate, embellish and make homemade gifts. Crochet flowers can adorn felted bags, complete kitchen dishcloths and become pretty brooches or lasting bouquets with a bit of florist wire. With scrap yarn from my stash, a few hours to spare and my favorite free crochet flower patterns, I can make colorful home accents in the form of my favorite crochet flowers.

Thought cut flowers are the traditional token of love, celebration and amends, crochet flowers are far superior. What is the appeal of watching cut flowers brown and inevitably die on the counter? Cut flowers are lovely while they last, but they never last for long. Throughout the years, friends have shown off their fresh cut flower bouquets sent by significant others, while I have demanded not to be given such bouquets. Crochet flowers, especially homemade crochet flowers, make much better gifts.

The benefits of crochet flowers extend far beyond pretty embellishments and thrifty gifts. As an alternative to cut flowers, crochet flowers may be better for the environment. The vast majority of the 6.5 billion worth of cut flower stems and bouquets sold in America each year are imported. Up to 80% of cut flowers in American come from South America, especially Columbia and Ecuador. Cut flowers must be refrigerated the entire journey, up to 10 days, from South American to Miami and to the rest of America. Unlike crochet flowers, cut flowers have a huge carbon footprint, with emissions from production, transportation, distribution and constant refrigeration.

Hardly requiring extensive transportation, crochet flowers can be made inside the home with free crochet flower patterns or purchased from a local crafter. Crochet lovers can purchase yarn for crochet flowers from local craft stores or ideally from independent yarn spinners. Etsy provides a good resource for finding yarn spinners near you. Many big-name yarn manufacturers also produce environmentally friendly yarns made from sustainable resources such as bamboo, soy silk and hemp. These yarns are also a good choice when trying to reduce your personal carbon footprint.

Unlike cut flowers, crochet flowers do not require dangerous chemicals for their production. Pesticides, fertilizers and other chemical agents are used extensively in the production of cut-flowers imported to the U.S., almost 80% of which come from Columbia or Ecuador. In fact, flower greenhouses in these countries use chemicals deemed too toxic for use within the U.S. or E.U, such as infamous DDT. According to a 2007 study from the International Labor Rights Fund, more than 66 percent of Ecuadorian and Colombian flower workers suffer from work-related health problems stemming from prolonged exposure to toxic pesticides and fungicides.

Cut flowers are hardly an innocent gesture of love and appreciation, unless they happen to come from your own garden. Instead of cut-flower bouquets, people can make crochet flower bouquets to give as gifts or decorate their own homes. Crochet flowers satisfy the need for color, but are guilt-free. With free crochet flower patterns and a touch of craftiness, crochet flowers can save you loads of money too. Ill be making a cheerful bouquet of Daisies for my kitchen.