Teaching children to crochet

[Lothruin]

Actually, teaching to chain with fingers is a great way to start kids learning.  They don't have to have the dexterity yet to use the hook.  I learned that way, and both my little sis and I were quite young when we graduated to hooks.

[javastain]

I learned at about 4, and same here, my mom had lots of chain necklaces!!! I was making barbie clothes by 5... I think using variagated yarns will help too... it helps you see your work a bit easier. You could also do a big hook and chunky yarn! I say if she wants to try go for it!

[MendhiFae]

Hey all, check out the article in the latest copy of Knit 1.  It discusses how teaching children to knit and crochet may help them in school as well as improving their fine motor skills. 

[javastain]

Hey all, check out the article in the latest copy of Knit 1.  It discusses how teaching children to knit and crochet may help them in school as well as improving their fine motor skills. 

I TOTALLY agree with this! I know that it helped me!

[sugarhigh]

okay, the greatest thing to learn on (i think, and my mom and i have taught all the little cousins as well) is a knitting mushroom. (althought it's more like crocheting than knitting) it's basically spool knitting, and it won't do much more than make long skinny tubes but i still think it's the best thing to start off on as a kid.
http://www.hearthsong.com/hearthsong/product.do?section_id=0&bc=1005&pgc=201&cm_mmc=Tagged-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA
^that is a great one from hearthsong, (which happens to be on sale i just noticed).
you can also make one from a spool i'm sure, just do a google search or something on "spool knitting" and you'll probably find a ton of tutorials.

hope that helps!

[therealgigantor]

Actually, teaching to chain with fingers is a great way to start kids learning.  They don't have to have the dexterity yet to use the hook.  I learned that way, and both my little sis and I were quite young when we graduated to hooks.

This is what I learned at a young age as well. It was less frustrating and I would do miles of chain while I watched TV etc.

[Ezri_B]

My youngest son learned to chain at age 3, he can single crochet and half double now too (he's now 6.) My older 2 I have attempted to teach, and they say they want to, but can't seem to get into it. They are 7, and 10. So it depends on the child, and their true desire. My 2 oldest are a wiz at the sewing machine, and my youngest is a fabulous embroiderer. They all have different strengths and loves, so just find theirs.

[jloveg]

I gave him a Q
it fit in his hand, Ill go drag out what he made

waiting  not  so  patient ly to  see the  result!!  and  does  he  still do  needle  work at all??? 

[janeausten]

im curious about how you do finger crocheting. i know how to do finger knitting but not crocheting.  do you just stick your index finger through the loop and pull the yarn through?

[IamSusie]

I remember that you just wrap the yarn loosely around your finger twice and then pull the inside loop over the outside loop.  That's the first stich of the chain. 

Now you just continue by wraping once so you have 2 loops on your finger and again pull the inside loop over the outside one. 

I do remember that once I got started with my long finger crocheted chain, I just reached inside the loop with my fingers to pull one loop through the other one and tightened it along the way.