My Crochet Survival Guide: Hooked on Hacks
I’ve tried a mountain of crochet tips, tools, and tricks over the years. Some were genius, others… not so much. Here’s my personal collection of the quirks, cheats, and “shortcuts” that actually stuck and work like a charm.
Manicure Magic
My top stuffing tool isn’t in the craft aisle. It’s a dual-ended cuticle trimmer.
It slips perfectly into tiny amigurumi or flower parts, packs fiber evenly, and has been my secret weapon for 4+ years.
Hook Grip Upgrade
Metal hooks hurting your hands? Wrap a fabric bandage or two around the handle.
Instant comfort, better grip, and no fancy ergonomic tool needed.
Scrap the Marker
I skip the fiddly stitch markers and drop a contrasting yarn scrap in my first stitch instead.
It stays there till I’m done, marking my row starts.
Bonus: if I have to frog, I still know where the start of each row is.
Balcony Golden Hour
My best photos aren’t from a light box, they’re on the balcony in the morning.
Even cloudy days give soft, perfect light.
The Vaseline Vibe
Dry fingers make stitches snag. I keep Vaseline at my desk for a quick smooth-up.
Works mid-project without messing up the yarn.
Yarn Memory Lane
When I start a new skein, I snap a pic of it with the label.
Months later, when I need more, I know exactly what to buy.
Paper Never Crashes
I print patterns I love. Websites vanish, PDFs get corrupted, but paper?
Still sitting happily in my craft binder.
Ends as I Go
I weave in ends the moment they appear.
No dreaded “20 ends in one sitting” nightmare at the end.
Fiber Faithful
I stick to cotton or cotton blends for flowers and amigurumi.
It holds shape, shows stitches beautifully, and lasts forever.
Eyes Without Tears
I stopped sewing or gluing safety eyes.
Now I needle felt them and they are faster, cuter, and always perfectly shaped.
Fold & Thread
Needle threading made easy: fold the yarn end in half, pinch, and push it through.
Works wonders with bulky strands that refuse to cooperate.
Stuff with the Past
Failed projects and scrap yarn get new life as stuffing.
Zero waste, zero guilt, maximum squish.
So there you have it. My not-so-secret, slightly unconventional crochet habits.
They may not be in the manual, but they keep me sane, save me time, and make my stitches a little happier.
Try one, try them all… or ignore them completely. But if you do skip them and find yourself wrestling with stitch markers, mangled yarn ends, or an unstuffable octopus, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
I have one more super useful trick for you: The Easy Trick for Crocheting Narrow Tubes Like a Pro
Until next time, may your yarn never run out 🧶
your parrot doesn’t turn it into confetti 🦜
and your hook never vanish! 💨
❤️
Kootsiko