Crochet Video Tutorial: How to Follow Along and Actually Finish Your Project
Learn to pause, rewind, and read your stitches so you can follow any crochet video and finish your project.
You press play, and the crocheter's hands move faster than yours ever will.
You press play, and the crocheter's hands move faster than yours ever will. That's normal. Video tutorials are a gift, but they move at their own pace.
The good news is you can pause, rewind, and slow down the speed. With a few tricks, you can follow along and finish your project without ripping out rows.
The secret to following a crochet video tutorial is to pause and rewind constantly. You also need to know what your stitches look like so you can catch your place if you get lost.
What you need
Yarn
Use the weight the video calls for. Worsted weight is common for beginners. A medium skein costs about $5.
Crochet hook
The right size for your yarn. The yarn label suggests a range. Aluminum hooks are inexpensive and smooth.
Scissors
Any small scissors work. You'll use them to cut yarn at the end.
Yarn needle
A large-eyed needle for weaving in ends. Plastic ones are cheap and do the job.
Stitch markers
Small plastic rings or safety pins. They help you count and mark your place.
What you need before you press play
Gather your supplies first. The video will tell you the yarn weight and hook size, but it helps to have them ready.
You'll also need a way to prop up your phone or tablet. Hands-free is the only way to crochet along.
- Yarn in the weight the video calls for
- The right hook size for that yarn
- Scissors and a yarn needle for finishing
- A device stand or a stack of books
If you don't have the exact yarn, use any yarn of the same weight. The finished piece will look different, but you'll learn the stitch.
How to watch without losing your place
Watch the first row all the way through before you pick up your hook. Just watch. Notice where the crocheter puts the hook and how they hold the yarn.
Then rewind and start the row again, pausing after each stitch. Do one stitch, pause, do the next stitch. That's the whole trick.
If the video has a written pattern in the description, read along as you go. It's a lifesaver when the audio is unclear.
Slow the playback speed to 0.75 if the hands are too fast. Most video players have that option.
What to do when you get lost
Everyone loses their place at some point. Don't panic. Pause the video and look at your work.
Count your stitches. Compare the number to what the pattern says you should have. If it's off, you missed a stitch or added one.
If you can't figure it out, rewind to the last part you remember and watch it again. Sometimes you just need to see the motion twice.
Place a stitch marker every ten stitches. That way you can count quickly and find your spot.
How to read your stitches like a pro
Knowing what a stitch looks like is better than any video. A double crochet has a tall 'V' shape at the top. A single crochet has a shorter 'V' with a little bump.
When you look at your work, the top edge shows a row of 'V's. Each 'V' is one stitch. Count them to check your work.
If you see a 'V' that looks stretched or a gap where a stitch should be, you probably missed one. Fix it now, not later.
Hold your work with the right side facing you. It's easier to see the stitches that way.
How to finish your project neatly
When you reach the last row, the video will show you how to fasten off. Usually you cut the yarn, pull it through the last loop, and weave in the end.
Weave in the end with a yarn needle. Go back and forth through the stitches on the wrong side. This keeps it from unraveling.
Blocking is optional but makes your work look professional. Wet the piece, pin it to shape, and let it dry.
Weave in ends as you go, not at the end. It saves you from a pile of loose threads.
Step
Gather your supplies
Get the yarn and hook the video calls for. Prop up your device so you can see both hands.
Watch the first row
Play the video and watch the first row without crocheting. Notice the hand positions and where the hook goes.
Rewind and start
Rewind to the beginning of the row. Pause after each stitch and do the same stitch yourself.
Check your count
After each row, count your stitches. Compare to the pattern. If it's off, fix it now.
Keep going row by row
Continue pausing and redoing each row. It's slow at first, but you'll get faster.
Finish and weave in ends
When you're done, fasten off as the video shows. Weave in the ends with a yarn needle.
Ways to change it
Watch on 1.5x speed
If the crocheter is slow, speed up the video. Great for experienced crocheters.
Use a written pattern
Follow the written pattern in the description while watching. Helps when audio is unclear.
Try a different yarn
Use any yarn of the same weight. The texture will differ, but the technique is the same.
Practice with scrap yarn
Use leftover yarn to practice the stitch before starting the real project.
Watch on a tablet
A larger screen makes it easier to see the details. Prop it up at eye level.
The short version
- Pause and rewind constantly – that's the secret to following a video.
- Watch a row all the way through before you try it.
- Count your stitches after every row to catch mistakes early.
- Learn to read the 'V' shapes on top of your work.
- Slow down the video speed if the hands are too fast.
- Use stitch markers every ten stitches to make counting easier.
- Weave in ends as you go to avoid a pile of threads at the end.
Questions people ask
Why is the crocheter in the video so fast?
Most video makers speed up the footage to keep the video short. Use the pause button and slow down the playback speed to 0.75 to follow along.
What if I get lost in the middle of a row?
Pause the video and count your stitches. Compare to the pattern. If the count is off, find the mistake by looking for a gap or an extra 'V' shape.
Can I use a different yarn than the video shows?
Yes, as long as it's the same weight. The finished piece will look different, but you'll learn the same stitches.
How do I know if I'm doing the stitch right?
Compare your work to the video frame by frame. If your stitch looks like a taller 'V' than theirs, you might be doing a double crochet instead of a single.
Ready to try your first video tutorial?
Grab your yarn and hook, pick a simple video, and remember to pause. You'll get the hang of it faster than you think. Happy hooking!
