Teaching the Littles to Crochet

My favorite people in the world are my nieces and nephews. As such, it only made sense to teach them one of my favorite activities in the world: crocheting!

Teaching Kids to Crochet | KnitPicks.com

Caden was the first to pick up a hook. This boy knows how to craft right: in pajamas, by the fire. Only thing missing is a glass of wine (or juice, in his 7-yr old case). He worked on generic swatches for a while, eventually graduating to a very fetching Brava scarf for his bear.

Teaching Kids to Crochet | KnitPicks.com

Natalie is the quintessential first born, driven by a fierce need for organization and symmetry in all things. I think she derived as much pleasure from organizing these Brava blankets as she did crocheting them.

Teaching Kids to Crochet | KnitPicks.com

If you were to peek out the back window of her house, you are more likely than not to catch a glimpse of her doing her favorite thing: multi tasking. Getting her daily dose of Vitamin D and listening to an audio book, all whilst crocheting a Mighty Stitch Super Bulky scarf for her cousin. Watch out, folks. This girl is going places.

Teaching Kids to Crochet | KnitPicks.com

One delightfully cozy, rainy afternoon, we had a crochet party on the couch.

Teaching Kids to Crochet | KnitPicks.com

Natalie worked on a lovely Brava blanket for my cousin’s new baby,

Teaching Kids to Crochet | KnitPicks.com

and Caden made two very adorable dishcloths out of Dishie. They just make my heart swoon.

Teaching Kids to Crochet | KnitPicks.com

Bonus points for Caden: not only did he crochet a dishcloth, but he also made sure the baby didn’t roll off the couch. What a guy!

Kids crocheting KnitPicks.com

Charlotte, fourth in line and not quite so task-oriented as her older sister, is less motivated to develop her fiber talents. I tried tempting her with the baby-soft Preciosa yarn, but she was content with just sunning her bald head.

Teaching Kids to Crochet | KnitPicks.com

And conquering her soccer ball. Oh well. I’ll get her someday!

Teaching Kids to Crochet | KnitPicks.com

Teaching the kids to crochet not only allows gives them a chance to exercise patience, creativity and pride of workmanship, but also offers a valuable, tangible moment carved out in an increasingly digital and overly cerebral world. It’s beautiful to see them plan the project (I get many yarn requests), earnestly crochet it and then gift it with much pride to the lucky recipient. I hope to continue to foster their joy in the creative experience, and someday teach my own littles to do the same!

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4 comments

  1. Carrolll / October 21, 2016

    At the Waldorf School we teach everyone to knit in first grade. They later learn to crochet in 3rd grade. The children are happy to make things and so proud of what they make. It’s wonderful! It makes me so happy.
    We use a verse, In thru the front door, run around the back, out thru the window, off jumps Jack. It helps them remember the stitch when first learning.

  2. Gjj / October 15, 2016

    So Cute!!

  3. EmilyVictoria / October 14, 2016

    This is great and so cute too! I’ve been trying to get my 9 year old to knit since he was 4. No luck. I myself learned when I was 5. My mommy tried to teach me how to crochet and said it was easier, well I was adamant that I was going to work with two needles and knit I did! I still have my first two projects. One day I’ll get my son to do something with yarn. Who knows maybe he’s just a crochet type of dude, so he better talk to Nana for that one. In the mean time I have to get my 18 month old daughter to stop unraveling the yarn and trying to wear it.

  4. Caroline Collins / October 14, 2016

    How adorable! I hope to teach my 2 year old some day.