I see this question a lot, or I have seen, "I am a beginner and have bought a kit but I can't read the pattern."
Let's start with where you should begin as a beginner crocheter:
First of all, let's focus on the stitches. Look at your kit and see what the first stitch on the kit is.
Most kits I buy start with a chain. But the very first stitch you need to learn is a slip stitch. The slip stitch sets up your crochet project. For all stitches, simply search in YouTube using the kit stitch name. For example - type into YouTube - ch crochet stitch. Ch= Chain.
I looked up all my stitches using the kit's name, ie. ch and YouTube found the correct crochet stitch. Find a video that works for you.
Then repeat this stitch for as long as possible. Best to practice using one yarn colour and not the kit's yarn. Because practicing on the kit yarn, you will find you will run out of yarn if it is not used for the project.
Now you are comfortable using the chain stitch. Try the next kit stitch listed. It's normally an sc = single crochet stitch.
Practice this stitch against the chain stitch. Plus practice doing an sc stitch all the way down the chain and turn it around, do one chain stitch and then back up using a sc stitch.
These two stitches are my main stitches. I use them to create blankets and scarves and even book marks. If you learn these two stitches, you can master a lot of projects.
There are more stitches of course, different ones used for beanies and clothing and different ones used for amigurumi. Just keep using that yarn to create different stitches and practice them before you use a kit or make anything.
You might also want to learn how to create a magic ring. You can view my blog post here with step by step instructions on how to create a magic ring.
Now with your kit, you need to look at the hook size and yarn. I always use a 5mm hook size. This means, the yarn in the kit is too small for the project I am going to crochet. So I buy my own yarn copying the colours as best as possible to the kit picture. Most kits I have bought provide a 3mm or 3.5mm hook. I have tried a few times and I just find the 5mm hook works best for me. It seems harder to use a smaller hook.
If you have more questions about beginner crochet, you should read my crochet book for beginners filled with tips, knowledge and advice. Find out more about my book here.
Kits are great, I have heaps! I never use anything in the kit except for the pattern. Because I love my own larger hook, my yarn which isn't limited if I run out and not finish the project and my own stuffing, because its all there. Patterns are what you need, if you have all your crocheting resources.
Don't be afraid of free patterns. I have found I had more successful projects using a free pattern rather than a paid pattern. Check out what I made last year. and if the pattern was paid or free. For free patterns just google what you are looking for. Example type into Google: Unicorn free crochet pattern.
Also check out my crocheting fails from last year. Just as inspiration that even an intermediate crocheter still gets it wrong sometimes and sometimes its the pattern.
Most importantly, don't give up. Crocheting is hard at the beginning because it is foreign to your fingers, but it just takes practice to feel better. I also have crocheting digital trackers that you can buy from Etsy and print and complete. Check out my Etsy store here.
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