Crochet

Initial thoughts: I thought it was very interesting and looked like a very stress relieving hobby. I thought it was very interesting how many things you can create with crochet. I liked the idea of crocheting because you are able to create products that you can use on a daily basis. I crocheted a hot cup sleeve.

How to make:

Step 1: Start by creating a slip knot

Step 2: Insert your hook into the loop of the slip knot and tighten your yarn so that the hoop is not loose.

Step 3: Hold the slip knot in place and start on the foundation chain. Take your hook and wrap the yarn underneath the hook.

Step 4: After you wrap the yarn around the hook, pull your hook through the loop that was created by the slip knot. This makes one stitch I have added visuals here if you are confused :)

Step 5: Repeat 20 times in order to make 20 stitches.

Step 6: Skip the first stitch and find the second stitch. You only do this step for the foundation chain.

Step 7: Insert your hook into the second stitch. Yarn over and pull through that chain to create two loops. Once you have two loops, yarn over once more and pull through both of the loops. After completing this step you have successfully made a single crochet!

Step 8: Repeat this for all 20 stitches.

Step 9: To start the next line, yarn over and pull through to create a chain.

Step 10: Turn your work to the opposite direction and insert your hook into both of the loops on the first chain.

Step 11: Pull through both of the loops and yarn over. Once you have done this you should see two loops. Yarn over once more and pull through both loops. You should now see one loop on the hook.

Step 12: Continue step 11 for all 20 stitches and for several rows. You can crochet as many rows as you want, it will just make your hot cup sleeve longer. I crocheted 10 rows.

Step 13: Once you have crocheted all your rows, you are going to then yarn in the ends. To do this, yarn over and pull through completely. After you yarn in the ends, attach the two sides together.

Step 14: Congrats! You have successfully made a hot cup sleeve for your favorite warm drinks!

Review: Crocheting was very fun and relaxing, but it was a bit difficult in the beginning. Once I read all the tips in the crocheting book and watched a tutorial, I got the hang of it. By the end, I was crocheting a lot faster and I could multitask while doing it. It does take some practice to get the hang of it, but once you do it is so much fun! It would be easier if you had prior knowledge about crocheting, but it is not necessary to learn how to crochet. I would recommend crocheting to others because it's such a relaxing activity.