As I’m always saying, I’m no crochet expert! Maybe that helps me relate to kids, ha! I have a few tips for teaching kids crochet for you today – I was able to teach my daughter to crochet and wanted to share my thoughts.
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Tips for Teaching Kids Crochet
Start with a chain stitch!! If they really struggle with it, they’re not ready yet. Some kiddos can catch on to chain stitching at a young age, and for some it may take a little longer.
Sit next to them working on the exact same thing. If they’re chain stitching, so are you. If they’re making a doll blanket, so are you. That way they can watch how you do it, how you’re holding the yarn, how tight you’re pulling your stitches, etc.
Look for super simple projects. Read the patterns for them – explain how, but them tell them, “double crochet 10, let’s count it out”. Verbally explaining things will help it be less intimidating.
Graduate up through projects – they might all want to make a stuffed animal, but if they start with that, they’ll be frustrated and not want to push through. Give them something that they can finish and be excited about and then more on to something a little more tricky.
Even as you pick harder projects, let them see their successes! Here my daughter and I made the flamingos, side by side. I would crochet faster, but I would wait for her to catch up before moving on to a different section. I also helped with harder things and made her wings, legs, etc. She gets the pride in making her project, but isn’t tied down by the frustration of all the parts.
Patience is key!! Slow and steady, and they will be making things before you know it!
Crochet Flamingo Pattern
This crochet flamingo pattern is from The Friendly Red Fox – I love her patterns!! They’re simple enough to read and make and I really think they’re a great step for kids who want to try amigurumi. What’s perfect is that she has an Amigurumi for Beginners ebook that walks through every exact step, a perfect gift idea for those kids who are interested in learning. This pattern comes from that book, and it comes with several more awesome patterns.
Simple Crochet Project Ideas
If you’re looking for more simple crochet projects, you might also want to check out:
will try these for my niece