CROCHET FOR KIDS
Inspire and teach by sharing your love of crafts with kids
For many of us, crochet isn’t just a way to pass the time and flex our creative muscles – it’s also a nostalgic treat that takes us right back to our childhood, when we picked up a hook and made that first stitch. Crochet is a skill well worth passing on to the next generation, so we spoke to a few of our favourite artists and educators to find out more.
WHERE TO BEGIN?
There is no correct answer to the question of how old a child should be when you teach them to crochet, as all children are different and their capacity for picking up new hobbies will vary. However, many educators agree that it’s better to start when they’re a little older – toddlers aren’t known for their fine motor skills, after all. “From my experience volunteering in a local primary school,” explains designer Chrissie Asbridge, “I think the older they are, the easier it is for them to hold the hook and yarn, and understand the technique.”
Designer and teacher Kate Alinari, who herself was taught by her grandmother when she was six years old, agrees. “Every kid is different, but in general I suggest you start after they turn six. You’ll know if they love learning crochet, because the more you teach the more they’ll make. Crocheting isn’t for every child though, so don’t push them. Some children just love to hang out with their friends, run and play ball, and that’s okay. If your child loves reading, drawing and crafting, it’ s more likely they’ll love crochet, too.”
Crochet prodigy Jonah Larson (now 12 years old) was just five when he picked up his first hook, having found it in a bag of craft supplies his aunt had given him. “Jonah picked the hook up and asked me what it was,” his mother Jennifer recalls. “I was familiar with crocheting because my mother enjoyed it, but I myself had never tried it. I found a YouTube tutorial on how to make a dishcloth, and left Jonah with the hook and yarn. An hour later, he had made his first project. We still have that dishcloth, and will always cherish that first piece. Jonah was so proud of his project and continued to watch more advanced tutorials. Before long he was crocheting afghans, scarfs and mittens – and a short time later, he was the one making the tutorials for others!”
BE BOLD WITH COLOUR
One great way to capture a child’s interest is by using colourful yarn, as Kate explains: “Pick up the brightest yarn you have. Or, let your child choose their favourite colour, to make the lesson more engaging.” Chrissie agrees, and takes it a step further. “Teaching crochet to children isn’t just about the technique,” she says. “You want to appeal to their imaginations and senses. Variegated rainbow yarn will call out to the child who dreams of unicorns, while a chunky yarn thick as rope will intrigue the young ninja playing survival games in the woods! Teach them a love for yarn and the fun of a crochet hook first. Plant the seeds of the craft and it will grow through the years.”
Both teachers agree that chains are the perfect place to begin. “Let them crochet metres of chains,” suggests Kate, “then think about ways to use them, such as necklaces and bracelets – ask them what they want to make. You’ll be told the funniest things, such as rainbow hair, a long necklace, or invisible capes. It’s always fun to create. I’m not sure how I made an invisible cape… but I did!”
“All ages of children love making foundation chain jewellery,” adds Chrissie. “Older children can learn granny squares quite quickly, but keep it simple – two large granny squares stitched together into a cushion will give a child a super sense of accomplishment. Simple cushions, scarves and beanies are the types of projects you want to teach, patterns that are engaging but quick to make for short attention spans.”
MIX IT UP
As Jennifer explains, variety is also key in keeping children engaged. “Jonah doesn’t have a favourite project,” she says, “though he has made hundreds of afghans. He likes to make everything. He tires of making the same project twice, and likes to experiment. He recently started making intricate doilies, and enjoys working with thread just as much as the chunky yarns he uses for his other projects. He also recently started amigurumi, and made his sister a mermaid doll and a very detailed bunny toy for Easter.”
Jonah now uses his passion to teach other kids to crochet, and says that the lessons work best when his students can leave with a finished item to feel excited about. “I start them out with making a friendship bracelet,” he explains. “I teach them how to put the yarn on the hook, and how to chain. Then, I have them make three chains in different colours, so they can braid them together for a bracelet. I’ll also bring charms along, so the other kids can personalise their bracelets. They love it, they’ll wear the bracelets and quickly make more to share with their friends. I also have an instructional DVD teaching kids how to crochet on my website, which has been really popular with schools.”
LET THE MAGIC HAPPEN
Aside from its creative benefits, crochet teaches a range of other skills that are beneficial for students in , too. “It should be part of the national curriculum!” laughs