Although I prefer patterns in general, at times I feel like crocheting intuitively. What does it mean to crochet intuitively? It means that you are using what you know about the stitches and how they fit together to make objects without writing or following a pattern. Some people call this style of crochet "freehand". When I'm teaching someone to crochet for the first time, I find that intuitive crochet is the best way to go. It helps you to gain confidence in yourself as a crocheter. It also makes it easier when you later start reading patterns because you have a better frame of reference.
Here is a hat that I made when teaching someone to crochet in the round and do regular increases. I added the fun brim and flower as well. Though I love the challenge of writing patterns, every now and then it's nice to just make something without following or leading. Just doing.
What about you? Do you prefer to crochet from patterns, or do you prefer to crochet intuitively? Do you like both equally?
I'm definitely more of a pattern follower! I'm too much of a Type A to just wing it! Although, as I'm getting more and more confident with crocheting I'm starting to kind of create a few things of my own here and there.
ReplyDeleteI understand. I usually feel uneasy unless I'm following a pattern or writing one. Glad to hear about your newfound confidence!
DeleteSometimes patterns can add stress to the beginner. I see some people get very caught up in the idea that their work MUST be just like the pattern and they get upset when they make a mistake or overwhelmed with the plethora of foreign abbreviations and terms. You are right about just doing and playing. 'Freeforming' is another term and art workshops for freeform crochet are a great place to get inspiration and 'play without pressure'.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I don't think beginners should bother with patterns until they have the basic stitches down.
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