4 Tips for Teaching Kids to Crochet and Summer Fun #2

Hi everyone! Today I’m excited for our second summer fun round up and the guest post here is 4 tips for teaching kids to crochet. I’ve been itching to get my crochet hooks out with all the cute free patterns I’ve seen around lately… Here’s all the fun going up today!

4 Tips for Teaching Kids to Crochet – Udnderground Crafter on Nap-Time Creations

Glittery Ocean Bottle – My Mom Made That

Underwater Limbo – 365 Days of  Crafts

Red White and Blue Bark – The Chunky Chef

Pineapple Purse – Hey Let’s Make Stuff

Head over to Nap-Time Creations/Summer Fun to see all the posts in the series.

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I’m Marie from Underground Crafter and I’m excited to be part of Emily’s Nap-Time Creations Summer Fun Series! I learned to crochet from my grandma when I was 9 and it has been a really fulfilling part of my life. In this post, I’m sharing 4 tips for teaching children to crochet. Though I don’t have kids of my own, I’ve taught crochet lessons to children for several years.

Start with finger crochet

If your child is young or doesn’t have well developed fine motor skills, holding a hook properly can be really difficult. Finger crochet is a great alternative where you can teach the basic concepts of crochet without having to worry about holding the hook.

Fiber Flux has a great video tutorial on finger crochet. If you need project inspiration, here are 5 free finger crochet patterns to get you started.

• Berry Sparkles Finger Crochet Cowl by Fiber Flux (with video tutorial)
• Quick and Sassy Chain Scarf by Red Heart
• Easy Finger Crochet Friendship Bracelets by Ashley Hacksaw AKA Lil Blue Boo (with photo tutorial)
• A Twofer Scarf Pattern with Long & Ropin’ and Wild & Woven variations by Crochetverse
• Striped Finger Crochet Cowl by Creative Crochet Products

Once your child masters finger crochet, try adding a hook into the mix!

Avoid written patterns

Now, this tip may seem odd since I’ve just shared links to patterns, but when crocheting with kids, especially pre-teens, remember that written patterns generally include abbreviations. Learning to read these is like learning another language. Imagine learning a new language while also learning a new motor skill! (If you’re like me and can’t pat your head while rubbing your tummy, you’ll know this is a big challenge.)

Use patterns for project inspiration, but encourage children to make shapes of specific sizes rather than trying to read a pattern. As an example, to crochet a bag, make a rectangle twice as big as you want the finished bag to be, then fold it in half and seam two sides closed.

See the project through your child’s eyes

While adult students are often ridiculously critical of themselves, children are generally quite satisfied with “imperfect” projects. Instead of focusing on the stitch that is too big or the edge that is a bit wonky, celebrate your child’s creativity and perseverence in completing a project.

Teens tend to be more critical, so remind them that little boo boos can be fixed with blocking or by covering with a decorative button.

Remember that all the usual rules apply

I happen to think that crochet is the most awesome craft on earth, but when teaching children, keep in mind that attention spans are shorter, moter skills are less developed, and so on. Also, don’t forget to think about clean up before you even get started on a project! Having a plan for putting supplies away as soon as your child gets bored will make it easier to find and continue the project later.

I hope you enjoyed these tips! If you’re interested in teaching crochet (or other crafts) for side income, check out my new book, Make Money Teaching Crochet: Launch Your Business, Increase Your Side Income, Reach More Students. Emily, thanks for letting me visit with you and your readers today!
Here are the links to last weeks Summer FUN!

Fruit Juice Jello Lego Snacks – Nap-Time Creations

Zipper Beach Bags – Sew What Alicia

Splatter Shirts – Andrea’s Notebook on Nap-Time Creations

Cotton Candy Cookies – Sweet Jenny Belle Bakery

Tie-Dye Shirts – Craft Critique