How to: Crochet by hand

This quick, fun and super-chunky version of crochet will have you making snuggly blankets in no time! Once you know how, it's so easy to 'hook-up' (by hand!) a blanket, just like we've shown you here! We've used Woolly Mahoosive's Mahoosive Chenille (3cm) to make this blanket.  

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It's unlikely that you missed the trend of arm knitting that has taken the yarn world by storm over the past couple of years, but did you know we crocheters have our own version? Extreme chunky yarn is quite readily available online these days, with some shops such as Woolly Mahoosive selling this size of yarn exclusively. It's so easy to have a go at, if you can crochet with a hook, we promise you can crochet with your hands! Although a regular tension is harder to achieve, when you are making something like a throw for your home, the tension doesn't matter as much as with toys and garments. Follow our easy steps to get a hang of the technique, and make a small tester throw with our pattern. If you are crocheting by hand, be sure to take regular breaks so your muscles don't get too sore!

First, make a slipknot by wrapping the yarn around the palm of your hand twice.

Lift the first loop over the second, and again, taking it over your fingers to make the knot. Place the slipknot on you preferred wrist (I crochet with my right hand, so I will place it on my right wrist!).

To chain, grab the working yarn and pull your hand through the loop on your wrist, while using the other hand to hold the slipknot steady.

Place your hand and wrist back in the loop. Repeat for as many chains as necessary.

To create a dc, place your hand through the middle of the chain, or stitch, as you would with a crochet hook.

Grab the working yarn and pull through the stitch as in step 4 - there will now be 2 loops on your wrist.

Grab the working yarn again, and pull through both loops on your wrist.

Any stitch can be replicated this way, using your hand just as you would a hook. To create a treble stitch, simply wrap the working yarn round your wrist before you go through the indicated stitch.    

It's that easy! Crocheting by hand can get tiring, so make sure to sit comfortably and take regular breaks, relaxing and stretching your fingers, hands and arms between goes. Sitting with good posture will prevent back pain from developing as well! Why not try your new-found technique with our super-easy crochet blanket that you can whip up in a matter of only a couple of hours!

Yarn used:

Woolly Mahoosive Mahoosive Chenille, 3cm  

4 skeins in Dove Grey (MC)  

2 skeins in Bright Pink (CC)  

Available from www.woollymahoosive.com

About the yarn:

Extreme chunky; approximately 25m per 300g; 100% polyester  

Tension:

1 dc = 8x7cm  

Sizing:

Approximately 92x140cm

Start crocheting:

With CC, chain 14 by hand.  

Row 1: Starting in 2^ndch from hook, dc across. Turn. 13 sts

Row 2: 1 ch (counts as st), dc across. Turn.  

Row 3: As Row 2.  

Break CC. Change to MC.  

Rows 4-15: As Row 2.  

Break MC. Change to CC.  

Rows 16-18: As Row 2.  

Fasten off. Weave in ends by hand.  

These chunky ends can be difficult to weave in, so secure them with a few small sewn stitches with a needle and matching thread.