How do I get started?

Getting to grips with crocheting wire.

With most wires, you can start with a slipknot as usual – position it at least 2in from the end of the wire, to give you some excess wire for adding the fastenings. With a thicker wire, you might need a different starting method, such as making a loop around the hook and then twisting the two ends of wire together a couple of times.

Now you can start making chains. Unlike yarn, wire is very firm and has its own tension, so you’ll struggle to wrap the wire around the fingers of your non-hook hand. It’s easier just to use your left hand to keep a gentle tension on the wire, while your right hand holds the hook and the chain length you’re making. To do this, make your slipknot and then work as follows:

Step 1 Move the hook so that the wire wraps around it, just as you would with yarn. Try to keep the new loop of wire close to the working loop.

Step 2 Pull the wire through the working loop, then pull the new working loop so it sits next to the chain you just made.

Step 3 Use the fingers of your left hand to press the chain you just made so it lies flat with the previous chain loop.

Step 4 You’ll see how this pressing action also forms a bend in the wire that ‘sets’ the loop around the hook, which means it will stay put while you work the next chain loop.

Simply repeat Steps 1- 4 to make more chains. Remember you’re aiming to make even, rounded chains so keep practising until your action is fairly consistent – you don’t need to be perfect though!