9 Steps To Take Your Crochet To The Next Level
PROFILE
Hi! I’m Bing. I am a fine jewelry designer living in Melbourne, Australia. My making journey started when I was 12. Crochet, knitting, sewing, embroidery, wire and bead work, carving, drawing…
Making is a big part of my life. Not only it provides a sense of achievement but also a process of discovery. Working with metals is fascinating. But working with threads provides me a different arena to play with soft constructions. I constantly study how to apply colors to projects; how to present texture; how to improve durability; how to feel good when touch…so to discover the true beauty of pure thread art. Another challenge I wish to conquer is how to simplify the process. There are always better ways to make! Here I am, to share and to learn alongside you.
crochet basics mini series #3
If you are considering to sell your crochet items but unsure about whether your work is good enough, then read on…
Crochet really isn’t something hard to learn. If you are a natural maker, you should consider to capitalize your skill as a great source of income. Are you good enough to stand out from the competition? A preliminary way to make a self-assessment is to compare your work with other makers’. Having in mind what your level is, this article is written to help closing the gap you have and be confident to win the game! Follow these steps you will be rewarded with amazing realistic flowers to surprise everyone, including yourself!
How to crochet more realistic?
1. Choose your best flower to crochet
You don’t have to limit yourself to simple flowers which are unappealing to you. Choose the ones you are passionate about and can’t wait to make. This will give you so much power to learn actively and to encourage you till the end. Don’t let the layers of a flower deter you. It’s not always as intimidating as it seemed. But if you happen to like daisies, make daisies!
2. Decide how big your crochet flower is
The finished size plus the number of petals will indicate the weight of your yarn choice. If your flower has many layers of petals and you like it to be small, you will need to choose thin threads to achieve a realistic outcome. Also consider the availability of other required yarns of the same weight. It is a big NO to combine thin and thick threads in the same part of the flower. My course “Crochet Threads Selection” teaches how to work out what and how much threads needed for certain sized flowers.
3. Draw simple diagrams of your flower
If you find it hard to draw, a good way to help is to download some free sketches of the flowers of your choice. If you can draw, draw (otherwise print) the parts in real sizes. These will be your templates for making. Put some serious thoughts into this. Even consider to research the anatomy of your flower if possible. Taking this extra step also helps to eliminate non-essential parts. Crocheted work can never be as thin as in reality. You are not expected to reproduce every detail.
4. Build your own making system
Choose a making scheme best suited to you and stick to it. I normally work from the center outwards. This way I can assemble as soon as I finish each petal. Whenever a new added part doesn’t look natural I am able to make adjustments immediately then go on to the next. I’d like to think this is an internal quality control system in your own little workshop. I cannot recommend more of a systematic approach. The success comes from the gradual adjustments; the improved confidence; and before you know it, the huge time saving mechanism.
5. Details, details, details
Don’t let go essential details. They turn average into excellence! It means that you will take care of every part of the flower, even the back side. Sure you can hide the fiddly parts behind the scene. What I’d like to share is, it’s not necessarily easier or quicker to hide as you think. Take a look at these two back sides of hydrangeas. It actually took longer to fix and arrange all parts together for the flower on the right, which has an exposed “hidden” stem head. Because it wasn’t in its natural form, I had to try many times to make it look “right”. The qualities of the two are obvious.
6. Add necessary needle works
Sometimes it is necessary to use other techniques to assist with realistic details, for example, embroidery. I’d prefer this is only for the non-structural features and do not overtake the art of crochet. A good example is foxgloves. The dotted display of colors isn’t possible to crochet but is the prominent feature of this flower. In this case the extra needle works is the best solution.
7. Include supporting components
The supporting components include stem, receptacle, a secondary flower or bud, new or old leaves and so on. These are the organic parts of the identity. By adding them into your project there will be an instant uplift to realism.
8. Transform structural support
A widely used structural support is wire. In miniature crochet wires are less used but still unavoidable. The problem it creates is how to cover them. Almost all of the crocheters are using the same method: wrapping. This is by far the No. 1 thing on my list of avoid-doings. Reason 1 my crochet project doesn’t look fully crocheted. Reason 2 I worry that the wrapping will fall off either from repeat washings or an ill-secured end tip. To create that most valued complete look I always cover structural wires in i-cords. I’m sure there are better ways to do it.
9. Avoid complete perfection
Realistic means closer to nature. Incorporate some imperfections into your work. A hole on the petal, a broken branch, an asymmetrical leaf…These aren’t the poorly made parts though. In some cases they are harder to make than the perfect ones! You can make them the additions to a well-made main flower. Striking a balance between nature’s beauty and imperfection will add warmth to your work.
SUMMARY
I define crochet levels in terms of how close it is to true art. True art is the collected considerations of all senses. An experienced crocheter doesn’t necessarily produce artistic works. Realistic isn’t the same to rigid copies. With these guidelines in mind, you will have a better idea of different standards. You know what to look for when analyze your own or others works strategically. Look forward to seeing your success!
HANDFUL LIST OF COURSES TO MASTER CROCHET
- How to crochet natural curves
- How to manage shapes
- How to crochet textures
- Understand structures
- How to manage color variations
- Art of arrangements
- Crochet threads selection
- Crochet treatments and finishing
- How to estimate cost of crochet projects
- How to crochet a bell shape
- How to crochet frills
- How to use recycled materials
- Crochet packaging design
PROJECTS FOR SHARPENING UP YOUR SKILLS
1. Daisy (Level 3)
[Daisy Crochet Pattern] buy it now
[Daisy Step by Step Video Tutorial] buy it now
Daisy has a simple structure but impactful appearance. They will bring a lot of joy to you as a beginner project. Starting from something like this you will build up your confidence undoubtedly.
2. Dandelion Flower (Level 1)
[Dandelion Flower Crochet Pattern] download here
[Dandelion Flower Step by Step Video Tutorial] download here
Wild flowers tend to take the formation of repetition. Dandelion flower, like its famous “sibling” the dandelion, is an excellent example. Rather than a challenge for crochet skills, it’s more of a work of structure. Use the finest thread you could handle for the best result.
3. Lavender (Level 2)
[Lavender Crochet Pattern] buy it now
[Lavender Step by Step Video Tutorial] buy it now
Like the many varieties Lavender has, there are many crochet styles of this romantic flower. This beginner pattern is really simple to follow. The unique color combo and simplicity make it an eye-catching decoration on any blouses.
4. Lily of the valley (Level 3)
[Lily of the Valley Crochet Pattern] buy it now
[Lily of the Valley Step by Step Video Tutorial] buy it now
These adorable tiny blooms are hugely popular amongst crocheters. The best advantage of white flowers is they are the perfect complement to any outfit. You can try out this pattern to practice how to crochet a bell shape. Bell is one of those basic but very useful shapes constantly found in more complicated patterns.
