Category: Blog

selling art & craft online

How to Sell Art & Craft Online: Navigating the Digital Marketplace.How to Sell Art & Craft Online: Navigating the Digital Marketplace.

In recent years, the rise of e-commerce has opened up new avenues for artisans and crafters to share their creations with a global audience. Selling crafts online can be both a fulfilling and profitable endeavor, but it comes with its own set of challenges and intricacies. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just starting, these professional tips can help you maximize your online business potential.

1. Choose the Right Platform

Selecting the ideal platform for your crafts can make a significant difference in your online sales success. Here are some popular options to consider:

Amazon Handmade: Leveraging Amazon’s massive customer base, this option allows you to reach a wider audience.

Shopify: Perfect for those looking to create a dedicated online store, Shopify offers customization options and an extensive range of apps.

Etsy: This platform is specifically tailored for handmade and vintage items, making it a popular choice for crafters.

Ebay: Depending on the type of craft products you supply you may be able to find ideal customers on Ebay.

ArtCraftr: Find customers and like minded sellers on ArtCraftr. You are able to create a shop and use ArtCraftr checkout system or you can just opt to share your products on Art craftr destasher blog timeline for free. Reaching your ideal customers.

Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook not only allow you to showcase your work but also facilitate direct selling through features like Shops.

When selecting a platform, consider your target audience, the fees involved, and the ease of use.

2. Showcase Your Products Professionally

The presentation of your crafts is crucial in attracting customers. Here are key strategies to ensure your products stand out:

High-Quality Images: Use well-lit, high-resolution images that showcase your crafts from multiple angles. Consider including lifestyle images where your products are used.

Compelling Descriptions: Write detailed descriptions that highlight the unique features and benefits of your crafts. Include information about materials, sizes, and care instructions.

Branding Consistency: Develop a recognizable brand that reflects your crafts’ aesthetic. This includes your logo, color palette, and overall design of your online shop.

A strong visual and textual representation will enhance customer trust and increase the likelihood of sales.

3. Leverage Social Media Marketing

With millions of users, social media offers a powerful platform for promoting your crafts. Here are some effective practices:

Engagement: Regularly interact with your followers by responding to comments and messages. Share behind-the-scenes content, and polls, and ask for feedback to foster community.

Influencer Collaborations: Partnering with influencers who align with your brand can provide exposure to new audiences. Make sure to choose influencers whose followers match your target demographic.

Hashtag Strategy: Use relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts. Aim for a mix of popular and niche hashtags to broaden your reach.

Developing a robust social media presence can significantly enhance your brand awareness and customer engagement.

4. Optimize for Search Engines

Understanding Search Engine Optimization (SEO) will help your products rank higher in search results, visibility is key for online sales. Here’s how to optimize your listings:

Keyword Research: Identify keywords that potential customers might use to search for your products. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest.

Title and Description Optimization: Integrate relevant keywords naturally into your product titles and descriptions while ensuring they remain clear and informative.

Alt Text for Images: Use descriptive alt text for your images to improve their visibility in image search results.

An effective SEO strategy can drive traffic to your shop and increase potential sales.

5. Focus on Customer Service and Feedback

Providing outstanding customer service is vital for building a loyal customer base. Here are some practices to enhance customer satisfaction:

Timely Responses: Aim to respond to customer inquiries quickly. Prompt communication can often make the difference between a sale and a lost opportunity.

Personal Touch: Consider including handwritten notes or small freebies with purchases to create a memorable experience for customers.

Encourage Reviews: After a transaction, kindly request customers to leave reviews. Positive feedback not only boosts your credibility but also helps refine your product offerings based on constructive criticism.

Ultimately, outstanding customer service can lead to repeat sales and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

Conclusion

Selling crafts online offers a wealth of opportunities for genuine artisans to reach a broader market. By choosing the right platform, presenting your products professionally, leveraging social media, optimizing for search engines, and providing exceptional customer service, you can build a successful online craft business. As you navigate this journey, remember that each challenge presents a learning opportunity, and continuous adaptation will be key to your long-term success. Embrace the exciting world of online selling, and let your creativity shine in the digital marketplace.

How to Organize Your Art & Crafting Supplies

How to Organize Your Art & Crafting Supplies: A Comprehensive GuideHow to Organize Your Art & Crafting Supplies: A Comprehensive Guide

Crafting is not just a pastime; it’s a passion that allows individuals to express their creativity. However, as anyone who engages in crafting knows, organizing supplies can quickly become overwhelming. A cluttered workspace can hinder your creative process and make it challenging to find the materials you need. In this article, we will explore effective ways to organize your crafting supplies, ensuring both functionality and inspiration as you embark on your next project.

1. Assess Your Supplies

Before diving into organization, take the time to assess what you have. This initial step is crucial for a successful organization system.

Steps to Assess Your Supplies:

1. Gather Everything: Collect all your crafting materials from various locations in your home.

2. Sort By Type: Categorize items into groups—such as paper, fabric, paint, and tools.

3. Review Quantity: Note how many of each type you have. This will help you determine how much space you need for storage.

By evaluating your supplies, you can identify which items are necessities and which can be discarded or donated.

2. Choose Storage Solutions

Once you have a clear understanding of your supplies, the next step is selecting appropriate storage solutions. The right tools can make a significant difference in maintaining an organized space.

Popular Storage Options:

1. Baskets and Bins: Ideal for larger items like yarn or fabric. Clear bins help you see your materials at a glance.

2. Drawer Organizers: Perfect for smaller items such as beads, buttons, or tools. These can easily fit in a workspace drawer.

3. Shelving Units: Utilize vertical space by installing shelves to store larger items or displays of finished crafts.

4. Pegboards: A creative way to hang tools and frequently used supplies within reach.

By carefully selecting appropriate storage options, you create a functional workspace that’s tailored to your unique crafting style.

3. Implement a Labeling System

An effective labeling system is essential for quick access and ensuring everything has a designated place.

Labelling Techniques:

1. Use Clear Labels: Label bins and shelves clearly, indicating the contents inside.

2. Color Coding: Assign colors to different categories, making it visually appealing while aiding in quick identification.

3. Digital Inventory: Consider keeping a digital inventory that outlines what you have and where it’s located. Apps and spreadsheets can help in tracking supplies.

By implementing a labeling system, you will drastically reduce the time spent searching for materials and maintain a clean workspace.

4. Create a Dedicated Crafting Space

Establishing a dedicated crafting space in your home can enhance organization and spark creativity. This doesn’t require a large area; even a small corner can work wonders.

Tips for Creating a Crafting Space:

1. Choose a Well-Lit Area: Good natural or artificial light can significantly improve your crafting experience.

2. Arrange an Easily Accessible Workspace: Ensure your most used tools and supplies are within arm’s reach.

3. Add Inspirational Decor: Personalizing your space with inspirational artwork or quotes can motivate you during creative sessions.

Having a dedicated space not only keeps your materials organized but also fosters a creative environment where you can focus on your projects.

5. Maintain Your Organized Space

Organization is not a one-time task; it requires ongoing maintenance to ensure your crafting supplies remain neatly arranged.

Maintenance Tips:

1. Regular Inventory Checks: Set a monthly reminder to review your supplies and discard or donate what you no longer use.

2. Reassess Storage Needs: As your crafting interests evolve, adapt your storage solutions accordingly.

3. Designate a Clean-Up Time: After each project, allocate time to tidy up your workspace and put away materials.

Regular maintenance will keep your space organized and help you stay inspired for future projects.

Conclusion

Keeping your crafting supplies organized is essential for maintaining your creativity and productivity. By assessing your materials, selecting appropriate storage solutions, labeling effectively, creating a dedicated crafting space, and maintaining organization regularly, you set yourself up for a more enjoyable crafting experience. An organized space not only enhances efficiency but also unleashes your creative potential. So go ahead; revamp your crafting area and let your creativity flow without interruption!

How to make a handmade photo frame for father’s day at home?How to make a handmade photo frame for father’s day at home?

Father is a blessing for us from God. He is that person who makes every effort to make us successful in our lives. We celebrate father’s day every year and father’s day 2020 is coming. One day is not enough to pay salute to fathers, but we don’t appreciate them every day. So, at least on father’s day, we can show our love and affection for them in many ways.

We can give them a piece of appreciation which can make them happy and satisfied. There are a lot of ideas we have for a gift on father’s day like a customized mug or shirt. But your father will be happy if you gift anything made by yourself. Now, you will be thinking of what to make for father’s day?  So, after DIY father’s day card, we are here with another idea that you can make a handmade personalized photo frame for dad with a lovely message and beautiful picture.

How to make a photo frame for father as a father’s day gift

Don’t worry if you don’t know how to make a DIY picture frame for your dad. We will teach you to prepare a dad picture frame in less time with fewer things.

DIY rock frame

This DIY picture frame can be made quickly and looks very stylish and graceful.

Material

  • Any old or used wooden frame
  • Craft paint in grey color
  • Rocks of different sizes
  • Paintbrush
  • Hot glue

Method

  1. First of all, you have to paint the frame with brushes and wait until it dries.
  2. Now paste the rocks on it with the help of hot glue.
  • You have to cover the front side of the frame by pasting all the rocks on it.
  • Now add a note, picture or both. The photo can either be yours or your dad. The perfect option is your combine picture with your father.

So, a sophisticated DIY picture frame is ready as a father’s day gift.

“DAD” frame

Another photo frame, we are adding in this article is easy to make. It will be the best gift among all father’s day gifts.

Material

  • Newspaper
  • PVA craft glue
  • Paint
  • Readymade letters or you can cut from cardboard or wood.

Method

  1. First thing you must do is putting the newspaper on a smooth surface so that you can do your work comfortably.
  • If you have readymade letters “DAD” then it’s so convenient to make this frame. In any case, you didn’t find letters, so don’t worry. You can make them at home by cutting cardboard or wood. Just cut these letters on a paper and then cut from wood or cardboard with the help of paper’s letters.
  • Now it’s time to paint the letters in any color of your choice. I recommend you should choose the favorite color of your father.
  • You have to wait for the paint to dry. Meanwhile cut the pictures you want to paste on every letter. One thing you must consider that the size will be according to the holes of letters.
  • Next step is to stick your letters together with glue.

Here is your personalized photo frame for dad on father’s day.

How to make a handmade card for father’s day?How to make a handmade card for father’s day?

A greeting card is the most beautiful and amazing way to express your love for others. If you give a card to someone, he or she feels your love and affection, and he considers himself special in your life. Many people have a remarkable and particular place in your life, like your mother, father, siblings, friends, etc.

There are a lot of father’s day cards available in the market. What is the more effective way to show your love to your father other than giving a handmade card? In this way, you can make him feel special that you spend so much time in creating a DIY card to greet him on Father’s day. You can try many father’s day ideas, but the wishing card is at the top.

Making a handmade card is a time-consuming task and not an easy one. As father’s day 2020 is coming soon, so we are here to help you out so that you can make your father happy through giving him a DIY father’s day greeting card.

Method 1:

  1. Take an 8 1/2″ * 11″ paper and cut it in half by a scissor or trimmer.
  2. Now you have to use a side-folded base card of 4.25″ x 5.5″.
  3. Now take a 4.25″ x 5.5″ blue-patterned paper and stick it at the front.
  4. Keep a 2.5″ x 5.5″ stripped-designed paper and paste it on the right side.
  5. Punch a frame-like design with red ink on a Kraft-colored cardstock of 2.5″ x 3.25″.
  6. Joint it at the bottom-right corner.
  7. Now, take black ink and imprint “Number One Dad” in the middle of the red frame.
  8. Punch a sunglasses on an off-white cardstock with black ink. Carefully cut this image and paste it above the red frame.
  9. Now, we add a “Hey Handsome” to the card’s top left side to make this card cooler.
  10. Stamp one star at the joint of blue and striped card and punch two stars at the coordinating line of blue card and red frame.
  11. Now complete your card by binding baker’s twine around the card’s crease.

Here is your DIY card ready.

Method 2:

  1. Take a cardstock and stamp the word “DAD” in a big and symmetrical font on it. “DAD” must be 2.5 inches high and 2 inches wide.
  • Turn over a printed cardstock and paint on the opposite side. It is essential to dry one color before adding others. You will get a fun design while finishing it.
  • Now, spread gesso on your created design.
  • In the next step, stamp words by using contrasting colors, but you have to do it after drying the surface.
  • When ink is dry, you have to cut out each letter with the help of printed letters to make the word “DAD.” Paste every letter on an adhesive cork sheet and keep the painted side above.
  • Now, you can easily cut each letter from the cork sheet.
  • Do some detailing to the punched words by using a metallic marker.
  • Organize the letters on a blank card.
  • The last step is to select and write some wishes among so many father’s day card messages, and there you go.

So, make your own father’s day card to show appreciation to your father.

 

How to make a homemade face mask?How to make a homemade face mask?

Face masks were used in hospitals, but now these have become a necessity to save yourself from COVID-19. It is recommended to use a face mask when you go outside. Due to this epidemic, its demand has increased rapidly, but supply is not sufficient to meet requirements. So, it is suggested to make your DIY face mask at home.

Ways to Make a DIY face mask at home.

How to make Face mask without stitching?

If you don’t know sewing, it doesn’t mean you can’t prepare a DIY face mask. We have come up with a method in which face masks can be made without stitching.

How to Make a face mask by using a bandana

In this method, you need three things.

  • Scarf or bandana
  • Elastic, ponytail holder or rubber band which one you have
  • Kitchen roll, paper towel, or coffee filter (these are not necessary)

Method: the bandana or scarf, which is firmly woven and pure cotton, is ideal for a face mask.

  1. First of all, fold your scarf or bandana in half.
  2. Now, fold it again two times lengthwise from the top and bottom as well.
  3. Here you can use a paper towel, kitchen roll, or coffee filter after cutting a square piece, but it is entirely optional.
  4. A rubber band or hair band is placed around the strip of material you are using.
  5. In the end, turnover your material towards mid and tuck it’s both ends.

How to Make a Face mask using cloth and sewing machine.

If you know sewing, then you can easily make a facemask that is more durable and long-lasting. You only need a few things in this method.

  • Cotton fabric (10*6-inches)
  • Elastic, hair or rubber band (2*6-inch)
  • Sewing machine
  • Thread
  • Needle or pins
  • Scissors

Method: You can make a face mask from cloth in several ways, but we intend to describe a simple way for this purpose, so you will not find it difficult to understand and sew.

  1. In the very first step, you have to keep two pieces of cloth on each other side by the side, which you want to show on the front face down.
  2.  Long sides of the fabric are folded down approximately ¼-inch and pin it there. If you do not have pins at home, do not worry. You can achieve your purpose of holding the fabric together using a needle. If you can do it without a pin or needle, that’s also fine.
  3. Now fold the sides of your material over and stitch them to keep your stuff in place.
  4. In the next step, edges of your face mask are folded over by half an inch and hem.
  5. Your hem is ready, You can pass a thread through the hem with the help of a needle or pin.
  6. Tie the knots and tuck inside the hem by moving them.
  7. Now, stitch the ends of this DIY face mask so that elastic stays in place.

Using facemask is vital for everyone nowadays. The good news is considering it is crucial for your health as well as life, you can make one at home or simply grab one Here from our supplies collection.

How to make DIY homemade hand sanitizer?How to make DIY homemade hand sanitizer?

When we talk about protecting ourselves from germs, the best way is that old-world handwashing. What if water and soap are not available? In this case, the perfect option is using hand sanitizer. Sometimes, you can’t find sanitizer, especially in today’s situation of COVID-19. So, make your own using simple ingredients.

Making DIY hand sanitizer at your home

We want everyone to be safe from the Coronavirus, so here is the step by step guide to making hand sanitizer.

Ingredients for hand sanitizer

The components which are necessary for our DIY homemade sanitizer are:

  IngredientsQuantity
99% Isopropyl alcohol1 Cup
3% Hydrogen peroxide1 Tablespoon
98% glycerin1 Teaspoon
Sterile distilled or cold boiled water¼ Cup or 65 milliliters
Aloe Vera gel½ Cup
Essential oilFew drops

Tools

  1. Measuring cup
  2. Measuring spoons
  3. Empty spray bottles
  4. Vacant bottles to store sanitizer

Method

Let’s start to make our hand sanitizer.

Pour alcohol into a container

First step is to pour the alcohol into a medium-sized container through a pouring nozzle or funnel.

Note: One thing you must know that the percentage mentioned on the bottle of Isopropyl alcohol is the alcohol congregation in it. When we are using 99% of it, we are dealing with pure alcohol. If you use 70% alcohol, it has approximately 2/3rd alcohol and remaining is water. A hand sanitizer less than 70 or 60% is not considered as a good one and it is not capable to fight with germs.

Add hydrogen peroxide

Now, you have to include hydrogen peroxide in Isopropyl alcohol.

Add glycerin in it and mix

In the next step, the glycerin will be added and mixed. As it is thick as compared to other two ingredients so it will take some time to mix properly. Make sure that the spoon you are using to stir glycerin is clean. If the container has a lid then it is suggested to shake it for combining everything.

Pour water into the mixture

Pour ¼ of distilled or boiled water in this amalgam and rustle. You have to consider one thing properly that water must be cold.

Include aloe Vera gel

If you want to make a gel consistency then you can skip water and add aloe Vera gel in the mix. Moreover, alcohol can be harsh on your skin and damage it but aloe Vera gel can minimize its hardness. It is better to use natural gel but you can bought it from the store too.

Use essential oil

To make your handmade sanitizer fragrant, you can add a few drops of any essential oil in it. Tea tree oil is perfect for this purpose due to its antibacterial feature. If you don’t have this oil, you can select any oil of your choice like lemongrass or lavender.  

Pour sanitizer into bottles

Pour your DIY hand sanitizer into spray bottles, but before it, you have to sanitize them as well. Here you go, your handmade sanitizer is ready to use.

How to make DIY Face Mask ExtendersHow to make DIY Face Mask Extenders

Coronavirus pandemic is taking its toll on everybody right now. More and more precautionary measures are being taken to save masses from the infection. Such preventive measures include effective lockdown and personal protective equipment such as face masks and sanitizers. Wearing a face mask is compulsory in some areas, and even some stores can restrict you from entering their store if you’re not wearing your mask. A face mask is scientifically proven to prevent infection from spreading.

Why do we need a facemask extender?

Some of us have long and tiring jobs, and more places are now requiring their employees to wear a mask. Eventually, one will have to wear a mask most of the time during the working hours, and it can leave you with some pretty bad bruise marks on the back of your ears due to tension caused by the elastic band. It is a painful experience, and almost all medical workers are suffering from it daily these days.

A facemask extender can be a lot helpful in this situation. It helps reduce tension on your ears so you can wear your mask for more extended periods without any discomfort.

How to make your facemask extender?

 

Crochet Extender:

This extender is washable and is really comfortable on the back of the head.

Things you’ll require:

These items can be purchased in our Supplies shop.

Steps:

  1. Take your preferred yarn, but make sure it has a bit of elasticity. It ensures comfort upon wearing.
  2. Using your crochet hook make a starting chain of 21 chains (or your desired length).

3.  Then make double crochet on the second chain from the top using the hook.

4. After making double crochet on the second chain, continue making double crochets till the 18th chain.

5. Stitch the last chain to your desired type. I’ve made mine a bit round by making two half double crochets then double crochet, triple crochet, double crochet, and a half double crochet. However, as a beginner, I won’t recommend you do this. If you’ve been making crochets for some time then it’ll be a piece of cake for you.

6. Now start making half double crochets for the next 18 chains.

7. After reaching the 18th chain, stitch this end to your desired type. You can try making both ends different too. However, I’ve made mine circular, like in step 5.

8. In this step, you’ll have to skip over the first half double crochet you made and then continue making half double crochets for the next twenty stitches and then join at the end.

9. Using scissors cut the string from yarn. At this point, your crochet face mask extender is nearly ready but needs some significant additions which we will address in the next step.

10. Sew in the remaining thread with the crochet so that no loose end remains insight. Cut off the remaining thread with scissors.

11. Attach the buttons and make sure you pass the thread multiple times through buttonholes so that they remain locked in their place.

12. There you go. Your DIY face mask extender is ready.

Or simply purchase a ready-made Ear Mask Extender from our supplies collection to save you the hassle. Shipped quickly to you.

How to make a handmade gift box?How to make a handmade gift box?

A gift is one of the most significant ways to show your love and affection to others. You can give a feeling of being special to people you love. Obviously, it’s a great idea to go to the market and purchase a gift for someone but imagine the surprising expressions and smiles of your parents, friends, and love ones when you give them a gift packed inside a gift box that you made.

There is a lot of material which you can use to make a handmade gift box. Let’s explore how to make a gift box at home.

Handmade Gift box using Scrap Paper

You will be amazed at how to make a box with the help of scrap paper.

Materials

These are the supplies you require to make a small gift box.

  1. Two pieces of thin scrapbook paper of 12 by 12-inches
  2. Scissor
  3. Paper slicer
  4. Foam paintbrush
  5. Ruler
  6. Glue

Method

Here is how to make a paper gift box step by step.

  1. Firstly draw an ‘X’ on the backside of the paper to achieve fold lines. These should be in the center to get even folds.
  2. Give a diamond shape to the paper and fold every corner to the center of ‘X.’ It is essential that the edges must meet evenly that way your box remains symmetrical.
  3. Now, you have to open the top and bottom flaps while the other two ruffles into the center.
  4. The next step is to fold them into the center is a way that the straight perpendicular line of margins can match to the erect line of the center.
  5. After it, bend upright the sides, and top and bottom flaps are folded down so you can attain a diamond shape having vertical lines after every 1 or 2 inches.
  6. The top and bottom flaps are cut, and you have two triangles now.
  7. In this step, the top and bottom flaps’ tip is folded in, after opening up the paper.
  8. Tuck the side triangles in and fold the small upper triangles upon the large triangles. You got these small triangles from the notch. Here is the crease of your box now.
  9. You make triangle and square by folding the side flaps in the center. Now apply glue on the triangle tip to the center of the earliest X. There is not any special glue for this purpose. A glue stick, Mod Podge, or a standard white glue can be used. You only have to careful and organized when using glue to avoid the mess.
  10. After gluing down the tips, you have to lift the sides, and wow, here are the sides of your box. Now muffle the top and bottom flaps such a way that their tips touch the center. When you do this, it will make the four sides of the box. Just meet them together.
  11. In the last step, you will apply glue to everything that remains at the bottom in the triangle between the original X lines. In this way, you get a square box with four sides. It’s the half side of a gift box.

It is a DIY gift box with lid so this method is to create the top half of your gift box, which will be bigger as compared to the bottom part. What should you do now? You have to take the paper of the exact measurement through which you have made the top part and lowers its length and width by cutting to 1/8-inches.

After cutting the paper, you will get the exact size on which you can work to form the bottom half. Now, the same procedure will be repeated. When this process is completed, a beautiful and elegant box will be in front of your eyes. You can adorn this box with beads, laces, or ribbons according to your choice.

In it, we can use cards of different colors as well as printed cards, and wall papers can also be used. So, be creative and spread the love in the air.

How to deal with a bad review on Etsy shop?How to deal with a bad review on Etsy shop?

Getting a bad review on Etsy can be very disappointing. Here are some steps to take when a situation like this occurs.

1. Stop and think.
It is best to think carefully about the situation before making a sudden response either directly or indirectly, which in some cases may contribute negatively to the situation.

Sometimes, letting the entire situation go and moving on can be the best option then you will no longer need to be scrolling further into this inculcative post.

2. Contact the buyer/reviewer

You can address a bad review by reaching out to the buyer/person who left the review and see if they’d be willing to help you better address the issue they reference in the review. This may lead to a buyer editing their review.

If you’re unable to resolve the issue to your or the buyer’s favor, you can choose to learn from the situation and move on.

Always remember reviews are people’s opinions and people will always have opinions.

Totally out of the seller’s control.
Furthermore, not everyone can be pleased which means its officially not the end of the world.
If that still didn’t work.

3. Publicly respond to the review on the Etsy Website.
As a last resort, you are able to respond publicly to reviews with ratings of three or fewer stars.
Remember you are given one shot at this.

After submitting your response, the entire rating & review of the buyer, and your response will no longer be editable.

Since your response will be public and viewable by other shoppers, here are some tips from Etsy when responding:

  • Be short and simple.
  • Respond in a positively and professionally
  • Be specific in addressing the concerns from the review and any changes you made as a result.
  • Focus on your business, not the reviewer.

Thanks for reading
Please leave your questions and comments below.

How to Crochet?How to Crochet?

Having a hobby which is a viable skill these days can be fun and profitable. Learning how to Crochet actually benefits you in more ways than one, in fact, it is a great stress reliever. Here is a basic outline of learning how to Crochet.
Firstly you must ensure you have the basic requirements to start your first crochet project.

Basic things needed:


slip knot
Step 1: Hold a crochet hook in the preferred hand and make a slip knot on the hook.

slip knot 2
Step 2: Bring yarn over hook from back to front and grab it with the hook.

one chain stitch
Step 3: Draw hooked yarn through slip knot and onto the hook. This makes one chain stitch.
Repeat Steps 2 and 3 in sequence 28 more times. You should have 29 chain stitches and one loop will remain on hook.

chain
Step 4: Skip the first chain stitch.

first row
Step 5: Insert hook into the center of the next chain stitch. Draw yarn through the chain stitch and up onto the hook. There are now 2 loops on hook.

one single crochet stitch
Step 6: Bring yarn over hook from back to front, and draw it through both loops on hook. One loop remains on the hook, and you have just made one single crochet stitch.
Repeat Steps 5 and 6 in each of the remaining 27 chains — be sure to work in the very last chain. You have now completed one row of single crochet. Measure your work; it should be about 7″ wide. If it is too wide, try again with fewer beginning chains. If it is too narrow, try again with more beginning chains.

end of row
Step 7: At the end of the row, make one chain stitch, then turn the work counter-clockwise, leaving the hook in the chain.
Now you can begin another row, working into the stitches of the previous row.

turn for next row
Step 8: Make one single crochet stitch in the first stitch and in each remaining stitch of the previous row. Be sure to work into the last stitch. Chain 1, turn.
work to the last stitch
Repeat Step 8 until the block measures 9″ long.

Finishing: Cut the yarn from the skein, leaving a 6″ end. Draw the hook straight up, bringing the yarn through the remaining loop on the hook.
leave 6 in. tail

Thread yarn into yarn needle and weave back and forth through stitches to secure.
Hope this guide was helpful.
Your comments and questions are welcomed.