How I Learned to Crochet: From YouTube Tutorials to Creating My Own Little Crochet World

If you’ve ever wondered how a single crochet hook and a ball of yarn can change your life, I’m living proof that it absolutely can. My crochet journey didn’t begin with a class or a book, it started with curiosity, determination, and a whole lot of YouTube tutorials. What began as a simple hobby has turned into one of the most joyful, fulfilling parts of my life.

Where It All Started: YouTube & a Crochet Hook

Like many beginners, I had no idea what I was doing at first. I remember sitting there watching crochet tutorials on YouTube, pausing constantly, rewinding when I didn’t quite get it, and cheering silently when a stitch finally clicked.

I didn’t understand patterns yet, so I learned by watching hands move. Honestly, those early videos were my greatest teachers.

My First Makes: Blankets for Charity

I started with big blankets. Chevron patterns became my addiction! I ended up making lovey crochet toys (tiny blankets with animal heads, see the unicorn pictures below). It felt like the safest place to practice: long rows, repetitive stitches, and the freedom to make mistakes. Every finished blanket went straight to charity. Knowing they were warming someone who needed comfort made every hour worth it.

Looking back, they were the foundation of everything I do now.

Trying Something New: A Christmas Bauble & a Cat Toy (ball)

Once I gained confidence, I wanted to try something small. My first “round” project was a Christmas bauble. It wasn’t perfect, but it was adorable and filled me with pride.

Then I made a little ball with catnip inside for my kitten. Watching my kitten play with something I made was such a sweet moment—it made crochet feel magical.

Discovering Donuts (and the Amigurumi World Opened!)

Next came crochet donuts, soft, squishy, fun, and surprisingly addictive to make. One donut became two… then five… and suddenly I was decorating them like desserts.

And that’s when it happened.
I started turning donuts into animals.

A donut spider, donut bears, donut unicorns, each one stretched my creativity and taught me new techniques. This was the beginning of my love for amigurumi.

A Tic Tac Toe Game for a Friend

Feeling braver, I decided to make a crochet tic tac toe board for a friend. It was colourful, playful, and completely handmade. That little project pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me that crochet could be more than toys and blankets—it could be interactive, useful, and personal.

The Unicorn Era: Making About 30 of Them

Then came the unicorns.
So many unicorns!!! I don’t think I could make another one again.

I made around thirty for friends, family, gifts, and special requests. Each one was slightly different, each one cuter than the last, and with every unicorn I improved. Eventually, I perfected the design, my own take on a unicorn that I absolutely loved.

Those unicorns taught me shaping, detailing, proportion, and confidence. They also taught me that I could create my own designs, not just follow others.

How I Learned to Read Patterns

Reading crochet patterns felt impossible… until I realised I could use something I already understood: YouTube subtitles.

I turned on the closed captions and followed the stitches on the screen while watching the person crochet. Slowly, symbols and abbreviations started to make sense.

sc, inc, dec suddenly these little coded words weren’t scary anymore.
I was reading patterns, truly reading them, and it opened up my world.

Crochet Changed Everything

Crochet started as a creative escape, but it grew into a passion that now shapes my business, my creativity, and my future goals. I love designing patterns, making toys for children, donating blankets, and sharing that joy with others.

When I look back at where I started—watching those early YouTube videos—I’m so grateful I picked up that first hook.

And if you’re just beginning… keep going. You never know what beautiful things your hands will learn to make.