A Beginner's Guide to _____

In my storybook I mention several kinds of crafts, mostly weaving in the stories. While learning to weave on a loom can take a while and may involve expensive supplies, there are other kinds of crafts I list that can be learned on things bought from a general store.

The store clerk is working on crocheting a blanket when the teenager walks in. Crochet involves the use of a hook to weaves loops of yarn together into something, whether a blanket, scarf, or whatever the person wants (many of us like to call ourselves “hookers”). A quick search online can find many tutorials, but one that I recommend for learning the very basic is from Instructables. Videos are usually best when someone is first learning, because you can see how the yarn is supposed to move.

The store clerk also mentions knitting while talking to the teen. Knitting involves two needles; if crochet can be considered tying knots in yarn, knitting is weaving the yarn together. Knitted items are generally thinner than crocheted ones. Knitting requires a little more concentration because there are two needles, but can work a little faster than crochet. Like crochet, videos are best when learning how to knit, but WikiHow has a good page for learning the basics, as does Lion Brand.

The store clerk also mentions cross stitch when asking the teen what kind of crafting their grandmother does. Cross-stitch is a form of sewing; it involves making X-shaped stitches in a tiled pattern to form a picture. It’s become popular as a means of expressing views as of late. Unlike the other two, one doesn’t need to watch a video to get a good idea of how to do certain techniques. Stitched Modern has a good starting page explaining some of the basics, such as chart reading. Kits can be bought online or at department stores: they’ll contain everything that’s needed to make something, including the hoop, fabric, and embroidery thread.