5 Common Mistakes Beginner Crocheters Make When Crafting Their First Sweater
So you have decided to try crocheting a sweater? As a designer that has been crocheting for over 8 years, I’m so excited for you!
But before you get started on your crochet journey, make sure you get the basics right. I remember spending months on my first sweater only to find it didn’t fit! Don’t do what I did. There are certain mistakes you absolutely need to avoid when crocheting. And I’m listing them below so you can avoid them.
I’ve definitely made these mistakes, and I want to help you avoid them!
Mistake #1: Choosing a design that is too difficult!
When you are just starting out, it is best to pick patterns that are simple and easy to follow, with basic stitches and easy shaping. Diving in to a complex raglan with crochet cables and very fine yarn may not be the best way to introduce yourself to a new technique. Difficult garments are great and they are a fun challenge, but maybe not for your first sweater!
My first sweater was a complex garment with shaping, different textures, colourwork and confusing construction. Needless to say, it didn’t turn out quite as I expected. 😂
You want to look for patterns that are tailored to beginners. Usually it’s best to start with a medium weight yarn such as DK (8ply) or Worsted (10ply). Using yarn that is too thin can be long, strenuous and tiring, and using yarn that is too thick can be confusing and messy.
If you need help with choosing a sweater pattern, I have the perfect resource for you. And it’s free! Just click here to get the Crochet Style Quiz with pattern recommendations.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Gauge
Swatching is one of the most important steps of crocheting, as that is what decides the fit of a sweater. As a designer, I can tell you that I use gauge to decide every measurement, stitch count, and pattern repeat. So if your gauge doesn’t match mine, your sweater won’t either.
This is a super easy problem to fix, however! A swatch is a square from which you measure how many stitches and rows are in 10 cms. So chain how many stitches the designers gauge says with the recommended needles, plus a few extra. Then you can adjust from there. If your gauge is too big, try again with a smaller hook, if too small, use a larger one until you achieve the right number of stitches.
For example, if I was making the Cobblestone Sweater, the gauge is 17sts and 12 rows with a 3.5mm hook. If I ch 21, and after completing the swatch, find that I actually only have 15sts in 10cms, I would try again with a 3mm hook, which might give me the correct gauge. It is a bit of trial and error, but definitely worth the time that it will save you in the end!
Mistake #3: Forgetting to pick the right materials
It’s natural to want to dive right in to the crocheting when making a sweater. While that’s the fun part, you need to set yourself up for success first, create the foundations so future you can enjoy the crocheting. You need to choose the right materials before you start.
Firstly, the yarn. If you have been crocheting for some time, you may (like me) have accumulated quite a stash! If you are just starting out, you may not have as much yarn. It is important to check what yarn the pattern asks for and choose something similar. Websites such as YarnSub make this super simple.
Once when I was crafting my first Summer top, I substituted DK weight yarn for fine fingering yarn. The piece firstly took FOREVER to complete because it was done in single crochet, and secondly came out wayyyy too small and didn’t sit right. I was so annoyed that I had wasted my time and resources because I forgot to pick the right yarn the first time around.
Going back to my example of the Cobblestone Sweater, it asks for a DK/8ply yarn. This is a medium weight yarn and is common for a beginner sweater. You don’t have to use the exact yarn that the pattern does, but using a similar DK weight ensures that your sweater will better match the measurements of the designer’s (remember our good old friend swatching from #2?).
Mistake #4 when crocheting: not taking breaks
Sometimes it can be easy to get caught up and crochet for hours. But doing that can have negative effects on your hands, back and neck. Not something you’d wish for when you’ve read all the health benefits of the meditative craft. Yes, crochet matters. But don’t neglect your health!
Stopping multiple times an hour and stretching out your hands and body can prevent this. You can watch a great video on crochet stretches here.
Its also important to keep well hydrated. I keep a glass of water or cup of tea (or an iced matcha latte!) by me whenever I’m crafting. And, of course, keep lots of mess free snacks handy! Some of my fav snacks are: dark chocolate, nuts, and dry fruit.
Mistake #5: Overlooking the importance of caring for your crochet sweater
When you overlook the care your knitwear needs when making your first sweater, you:
Risk it getting ruined/eaten by moths
Compromise the fit and shape of the garment
Jeopardise the professional look of your stitches
And we don’t want that, do we? So how do we make sure caring for your sweater is not overlooked? Simple. Just follow these steps/do the following.
Block the sweater when finished
Fold, don’t hang
Hand wash and dry flat
Store in a moth-free environment.
Want to learn more about caring for your knitwear? Read this blog post.
In Conclusion
Crocheting, if done well, is a fantastic hobby and great use of your time. Making something with your hands is super rewarding and one of the most amazing feelings! If you avoid these mistakes, you’ll have smooth travelling.
Need help with where to start? Still have questions? I’m Zara, a knitwear designer who loves sustainability. I’ve had my fair share of crochet ups and downs, so I know what its like to be a beginner. Get in touch via the contact page and I’d be happy to help!