#crochettips — Public Fediverse posts

How Much Yarn Do You Actually Need for a Sweater?

Ah yes. The universal crochet and knitting experience:

You walk into the yarn store for “just enough” yarn for a sweater…
…and somehow leave with either 3 skeins too few, 12 skeins too many…or a new emotional support color you did not plan for.

Let’s fix that.

Because figuring out sweater yarn amounts feels suspiciously like guessing how many fries your family will steal off your plate: technically there’s math involved, but chaos is always a factor.

The Short Answer

Most adult sweaters need somewhere between:

• 1,000–2,500 yards of yarn
• OR about 5–16 skeins

depending on:

• Size
• Yarn weight
• Stitch pattern
• Sleeve length
• Whether you crochet or knit
• And whether you make “cropped” mean actually cropped or “accidentally forgot to keep measuring”

The Biggest Thing Nobody Tells Beginners

Not all skeins are equal.

One skein can be:

• 90 yards
• 220 yards
• 400+ yards

which means:

“I used 8 skeins” tells us absolutely nothing useful.

That’s like saying:

“I drove 4 roads to get here.”

Great. Were they highways or Walmart parking lots?

Always check yardage. NOT just skein count.

Average Yarn Amounts for Sweaters

Fingering Weight

(Thin yarn. Beautiful. Takes approximately 84 years.)

Typical yardage:

• Small: 1,400–1,800 yards
• XL+: 2,000–3,000 yards

Perfect for:

• Lightweight garments
• Fancy drape
• People with patience and good wrist health

DK Weight

(The “I want it pretty but also sometime this decade” yarn.)

Typical yardage:

• Small: 1,200–1,600 yards
• XL+: 1,800–2,300 yards

One of the most common sweater weights because it balances:

• warmth
• drape
• sanity

Worsted Weight

(The yarn equivalent of mashed potatoes. Reliable. Comforting. Everywhere.)

Typical yardage:

• Small: 1,000–1,400 yards
• XL+: 1,600–2,200 yards

This is the sweet spot for a lot of crocheters.

Also:
Crochet in worsted weight can eat yarn like a teenage boy raiding the fridge after football practice.

Especially if you love:

• puff stitches
• bobbles
• cables
• “texture”

Texture is beautiful.
Texture is also a yarn tax.

Bulky Weight

(Fast projects. Sweaty projects.)

Typical yardage:

• Small: 700–1,000 yards
• XL+: 1,200–1,600 yards

You use fewer yards…
but the skeins themselves are often smaller than you expect.

This is how people end up panic-ordering dye lots at 2 a.m.

Crochet vs Knitting: The Yarn Hunger Games

Here’s the truth:

Crochet usually uses 25–40% more yarn than knitting.

Why?
Because crochet stitches are thicker and taller.

Knitting:

graceful fabric goddess

Crochet:

“I built this sweater with structural integrity.”

So if you see a knit sweater pattern using:

• 1,200 yards

a crochet version with similar coverage may need:

• 1,500–1,800 yards

Minimum.

The 3 Things That Secretly Destroy Your Yarn Estimate

1. Long Sleeves

Sleeves consume shocking amounts of yarn.

You think:

“They’re just arm tubes.”

Wrong.

Those tubes are greedy.

Especially oversized balloon sleeves that look cute online and then quietly inhale half your yarn stash.

2. Length

Cropped sweaters save yarn.

Tunic-length sweaters?
Those are practically blankets with neck holes.

3. Stitch Choice

Some stitches are tiny yarn snacks.

Others are full buffet mode.

Low yarn usage:

• basic double crochet
• granny stitch
• mesh

High yarn usage:

• bobbles
• cables
• waffle stitch
• alpine stitch
• anything that makes you say: “Ooo texture.”

The “Buy Extra” Rule

Always buy extra yarn.

Always.

Because:

• dye lots change
• yarn gets discontinued
• manufacturers vanish into the mist
• and somehow one sleeve always needs more yarn than basic mathematics suggests

Safe rule:

• Buy 10–20% extra

Worst case:
You have leftovers.

Which means:
Congratulations.
You now own “future project yarn.”

Also known as:

a bin you refuse to throw away for the next 11 years.

What About Plus Sizes?

Let’s say this louder for the yarn companies in the back:

Plus-size sweaters need significantly more yarn.

And yes, sometimes pattern estimates are wildly unrealistic.

A rough estimate:

• Each size increase may add 100–300+ yards
  depending on:
• fit
• stitch density
• sleeve style
• length

Oversized cardigan + bulky texture + long sleeves?
You are entering “small yarn store purchase” territory. Ask me how I know…

Quick Cheat Sheet

Final Advice From Every Fiber Artist Ever

If you’re standing in the yarn aisle asking:

“Should I get one more skein?”

The answer is yes.

It has always been yes.

Because the emotional pain of leftover yarn is NOTHING compared to:

• losing yarn chicken
• mismatched dye lots
• or making one sleeve 3 inches shorter and pretending it was intentional

And honestly?
We’ve all been there.

Why Crochet Bags Stretch — And How I Finally Fixed Mine

If you have ever finished a crochet bag, held it proudly in your hands, and thought:

“This looks amazing.”

…only to use it for one day and suddenly realize it now hangs halfway to your knees…

trust me, you are not alone.

For years, crochet bag stretching frustrated me more than almost anything else in crochet.

I would spend hours designing a beautiful tote or market bag. It would look perfect laying flat. The stitches looked neat. The shape looked structured. The straps looked sturdy.

Then reality happened.

I would actually use the bag.

And suddenly:

• the straps stretched
• the body sagged
• the bottom drooped
• the sides warped outward
• the entire shape changed

Sometimes dramatically.

At first, I honestly thought I was just doing something wrong.

But after years of crocheting bags, testing yarns, experimenting with stitch patterns, and learning through a lot of trial and error, I finally realized something important:

Most crochet bags stretch because crochet itself naturally stretches.

Especially open stitch patterns.

Especially cotton.

Especially market bags.

And honestly? A lot of patterns never really explain that part clearly.

Why Crochet Bags Stretch So Much

Crochet fabric is flexible by nature.

Unlike woven fabric, crochet stitches are made from loops pulling against loops. That flexibility is part of what makes crochet soft, comfortable, and beautiful.

But in bags, flexibility can quickly turn into sagging.

The moment you add:

• water bottles
• yarn
• books
• groceries
• wallets
• phones
• everyday weight

…the stitches begin pulling downward.

And over time, they keep stretching farther.

Open mesh and lattice stitches stretch even more because they have larger spaces between stitches with less structural support.

That is why a crochet bag that looks small and compact while empty can suddenly become huge once you put items inside.

The Biggest Mistake I Used to Make

For the longest time, I designed bags based only on how they looked empty.

That was my mistake.

I did not think enough about:

• gravity
• weight distribution
• fiber behavior
• long-term stretching

I would finish a bag, photograph it beautifully, and think the job was done.

Then after actual use, I would realize the straps had grown several inches longer and the entire bag had changed shape.

That is when I started studying what was really happening structurally.

Cotton Is Amazing… But Also Sneaky

One thing many crocheters discover the hard way is that cotton yarn behaves very differently from acrylic.

Cotton is:

• durable
• washable
• crisp
• beautiful for bags

But cotton also has weight.

And once cotton stretches, it tends to stay stretched.

This becomes even more noticeable in larger bags or mesh bags because the weight of the yarn itself contributes to the pulling.

That does not mean cotton is bad for bags.

Honestly, I still love cotton for bags.

But now I design with its behavior instead of fighting against it.

What Finally Fixed My Crochet Bags

After a lot of experimenting, I found that fixing stretching is not about one magical trick.

It is about combining several smart design choices together.

1. Smaller Hooks Changed Everything

This was one of the biggest improvements I ever made.

For years, I crocheted bags using the hook size recommended on the yarn label.

Big mistake.

Now, I almost always size down my hook for bags.

A tighter fabric:

• stretches less
• holds shape better
• creates more structure
• feels sturdier

The difference is honestly shocking.

2. Dense Stitches Matter More Than You Think

Some stitches naturally stretch more than others.

Very open lace and mesh patterns can be beautiful, but they often need support from surrounding structure.

That is why I started balancing open designs with:

• solid sections
• reinforced bands
• tighter borders
• structured bottoms

That combination made my bags hold their shape dramatically better.

3. The Straps Need Special Attention

Bag straps are usually the first thing to stretch.

I learned this the hard way.

Now when I design straps, I think about:

• stitch direction
• density
• width
• reinforcement

Sometimes I intentionally make straps shorter than I want them to end up because I already know they will relax with use.

And honestly? That one adjustment alone helped tremendously.

4. Gauge Actually Matters for Bags

I know.

Nobody wants to hear that.

But for bags, gauge affects more than size.

It affects structure.

Loose tension creates softer, stretchier fabric.

Tighter tension creates stronger fabric.

When testers tell me a bag turned out much larger than expected, tension is often a huge part of the reason why.

5. Real-Life Testing Changed My Designing Process

This may sound obvious, but I used to evaluate bags mostly by appearance.

Now I test them like actual bags.

I load them with:

• yarn
• groceries
• notebooks
• random household items

Then I let them hang.

That tells me far more than flat photos ever could.

Some bags look beautiful but fail completely under real-world use.

Others become softer and more beautiful over time while still holding their structure.

Testing taught me the difference.

The Truth About Stretching

Here is something important I wish more crocheters knew:

Some stretching is completely normal.

Especially in market bags.

Especially in cotton.

Especially in mesh designs.

A crochet bag is not supposed to behave exactly like stiff commercial fabric bags.

The goal is not eliminating all stretch.

The goal is controlled stretch.

There is a huge difference between:

• a bag relaxing naturally
  and
• a bag losing its entire shape

Once I understood that difference, my entire approach to designing bags changed.

Crochet Taught Me Patience

Honestly, fixing my crochet bags taught me something bigger than just construction techniques.

It taught me patience.

Crochet is often about experimenting, failing, adjusting, and learning over time.

Sometimes the projects that frustrate us most are the ones that teach us the most in the end.

And after years of stretched straps, sagging totes, and floppy market bags…

I can finally say:

I think I figured it out.

— Tanya
HodgePodge Crochet 🧶

I Moved from America to Morocco and This Changed My Crochet Business

There are moments in life when everything changes so suddenly that you almost do not recognize your own life anymore.

For me, moving from America to Morocco was one of those moments.

When I first packed up my crochet hooks, yarn, cameras, computers, and the life I had spent decades building in the United States, I honestly did not know what would happen to my crochet business. I did not know if people would still follow my work. I did not know if I would still feel inspired to design. I did not know if I would even be able to find yarn I liked using.

What I did know was this:

I needed a change.

After spending most of my life in America, everything had started to feel rushed, loud, exhausting, and emotionally draining. Day after day felt like survival mode. Even creativity, the thing that once brought me peace, started feeling buried underneath stress, responsibilities, and constant pressure.

Crochet had always been more than yarn and stitches to me.

It was comfort.

It was therapy.

It was memory.

It was the one thing that stayed with me through every stage of life, going all the way back to childhood when I first learned how to crochet and make little outfits for Barbie dolls. Back then, I had no idea those tiny stitches would eventually become a business, a creative outlet, and a connection to thousands of people around the world.

Then came Morocco.

And somehow, slowly, quietly, everything began to change.

Slowing Down Changed My Creativity

One of the first things I noticed after arriving in Morocco was that life moved differently.

People sit longer.

Talk longer.

Drink coffee slower.

Families gather more.

Stores close in the afternoon.

The nights feel alive.

There is a rhythm here that is difficult to explain unless you experience it yourself.

For the first time in years, I felt my mind slowing down.

And strangely enough, that changed the way I designed crochet patterns.

In America, I often felt pressure to constantly produce:

• more patterns
• more content
• more videos
• more posts
• more engagement

Everything felt tied to algorithms, numbers, deadlines, and burnout.

But in Morocco, I started reconnecting with why I loved crochet in the first place.

I started paying attention to textures again.

Colors again.

Details again.

I began designing more intentionally instead of just trying to “keep up.”

And honestly, I think people noticed the difference.

Morocco Reignited My Inspiration

Morocco is full of texture, color, geometry, and artistry.

You see it everywhere:

• in the tile work
• in the architecture
• in the markets
• in the fabrics
• in the desert landscapes
• in the old doors
• in the handmade goods

Even ordinary things here often feel artistic.

As someone who designs crochet patterns, being surrounded by that kind of visual inspiration changes you creatively.

Some of my recent crochet ideas, color choices, and textures absolutely came from simply living here and observing everyday life around me.

Even the natural light feels different when I photograph my work now.

Warmer.

Softer.

More alive.

The Challenges Nobody Sees

Of course, moving overseas also came with challenges.

A lot of them.

Finding crochet supplies was not always easy at first. Yarn brands I used for years in America suddenly were not available anymore. Simple things became complicated. Shipping costs were shocking. Learning where to buy materials in a completely different country took time.

There were language barriers.

Cultural adjustments.

Moments of homesickness.

Moments where I questioned whether I had made the right decision at all.

Building a creative business while adjusting to life in another country is not glamorous the way social media sometimes makes it look.

There were days I felt completely overwhelmed.

But there was also something beautiful happening underneath all of that uncertainty.

I was rebuilding creatively from the ground up.

Crochet Became Personal Again

Somewhere along the way, crochet stopped feeling like a race again.

It became personal.

Peaceful.

Meaningful.

I started creating things because I genuinely loved them, not because I thought they would perform well online.

Ironically, I think that authenticity actually helped my business grow stronger.

People can feel when something is real.

They can feel when creativity comes from passion instead of pressure.

And I think moving to Morocco helped me rediscover that part of myself.

The Internet Made the World Feel Smaller

One of the most unexpected parts of this journey has been realizing how connected creativity really is.

Even while living thousands of miles away from America, I still wake up every day connected to crocheters from all over the world through:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• my blog
• pattern sales
• messages and comments

It reminds me that creativity has no borders.

A crochet pattern designed in Morocco can end up being stitched together in Texas, Canada, Australia, Germany, or South Africa by someone I may never meet.

That still amazes me.

This Move Changed More Than My Business

At the end of the day, moving from America to Morocco changed far more than just my crochet business.

It changed my pace.

My perspective.

My priorities.

My creativity.

And maybe most importantly, it reminded me that sometimes we need to step completely outside of our old environment to rediscover who we are.

Crochet followed me across an ocean.

And somehow, through all the uncertainty and change, it became home again.

How I Attach My Crochet Ami Eyes (Without Safety Eyes)

One of the questions I get asked more than almost anything else is:

“How do you attach your crochet ami eyes?”

https://youtu.be/iqu9tWXEuM0

So today I thought I’d finally sit down and explain exactly how I do it — because my method is actually very simple, very secure, and gives me WAY more control over the final look of my projects.

And the best part?

No plastic safety eyes required.

This method works especially well for:

• plushies
• baby-safe projects
• appliqué eyes
• photo props
• amigurumi
• decorative crochet creatures

If you’ve ever struggled with crooked eyes, bulky attachments, or eyes that don’t sit quite right on your project, this technique might completely change the way you do them.

Why I Don’t Always Use Safety Eyes

Safety eyes definitely have their place, but they also come with limitations.

Sometimes I want:

• softer facial features
• more flexibility in placement
• a flatter appearance
• embroidered details
• baby-friendly options
• the ability to reposition the eyes easily

Crocheted ami eyes give me all of that.

They also add a lot of personality and handmade charm to a project that plastic eyes sometimes can’t replicate.

My Main Attachment Method

The biggest secret?

I use the yarn tails from the crochet eyes themselves to tie them directly onto the project first.

THEN I use sewing thread to tack everything down securely.

That combination is what keeps the eyes stable, clean-looking, and durable.

Step 1: Leave Long Yarn Tails

When I crochet my ami eyes, I intentionally leave long tails attached.

Do NOT trim them short.

Those tails are important because they act as the primary anchor points for attaching the eyes to the project.

I usually leave enough yarn to comfortably thread through the piece and tie securely on the inside.

Step 2: Position the Eyes Carefully

Before attaching anything permanently, I spend time adjusting the placement.

This part matters more than people realize.

Even moving an eye over by ONE stitch can completely change:

• expression
• symmetry
• personality
• overall cuteness

I usually pin the eyes temporarily or simply hold them in place while checking:

• spacing
• angle
• height
• facial balance

Take your time here.

Seriously.

The placement makes a huge difference.

Step 3: Thread the Yarn Tails Through the Project

Once I’m happy with the placement, I thread the yarn tails through the crochet fabric and pull them through to the back or inside of the piece.

This immediately secures the eyes in position.

Then I tie the tails together firmly inside the project.

Not aggressively tight — just secure enough that the eyes stay exactly where I want them.

At this point, the eyes are attached, but I’m not finished yet.

Step 4: Tack the Eyes Down With Sewing Thread

This is the part many people miss.

After tying the yarn tails securely, I use regular sewing thread and a sharp sewing needle to tack the eyes down around the edges.

This helps:

• flatten the eyes against the project
• prevent shifting
• stop curling edges
• create a cleaner finished look
• improve durability

I usually use thread that closely matches the outer color of the eye so the stitches disappear into the crochet.

Tiny stitches are all you need.

You don’t want giant visible sewing stitches around the edges.

Think of it more like gently anchoring the eye into place.

Why I Love This Method

This method gives me SO much more control compared to safety eyes.

I can:

• adjust placement more easily
• create different expressions
• keep projects baby-friendly
• avoid bulky plastic backs
• flatten the eyes exactly how I want them
• make the face look softer and more handmade

It also works beautifully for larger crochet projects where plastic eyes sometimes feel too rigid or oversized.

My Biggest Tip

Don’t rush the face.

The eyes are usually the very first thing people notice on a crochet project.

Tiny adjustments can completely transform the personality of your piece.

Take the extra few minutes to test placements, secure things properly, and tack everything down neatly.

It’s worth it every single time.

Final Thoughts 💚

Crocheted ami eyes are one of my favorite little details to add to a project because they make everything feel extra soft, expressive, and handmade.

And honestly? Once you get comfortable attaching them this way, it becomes incredibly fast and natural.

I hope this helps answer one of my most frequently asked questions and gives you more confidence the next time you attach crochet eyes to your projects.

Happy crocheting from HodgePodge Crochet ✨

🇺🇸🇲🇦

What Yarn Costs in Morocco vs the U.S. (Real Prices)

Since moving to Morocco, one of the first things I looked into was yarn—where to find it, what the quality is like, and how the prices compare to what I was used to in the United States.

If you crochet regularly, you already know that yarn cost matters. It affects what you make, how often you make it, and even the types of patterns you choose.

Here’s a realistic breakdown based on what I’ve seen.

Yarn Prices in the United States

In the U.S., yarn is widely available and fairly consistent in price.

• Basic acrylic (like Red Heart Super Saver): about $4–$6 per skein (~198g)
• That works out to roughly $2–$3 per 100g
• Mid-range yarns: $6–$12
• Cotton, wool, and specialty yarns: $10–$20+

The biggest advantage in the U.S. is convenience—you can usually find exactly what you need and restock easily.

Yarn Prices in Morocco

In Morocco, yarn is also easy to find, especially in places like Derb Omar in Casablanca, but pricing can vary more depending on where and how you buy.

• Standard pricing often starts around 20–25 MAD per 100g
  👉 roughly $2–$2.50 USD
• Prices can go higher depending on fiber type and thickness
• Bulkier or specialty yarns can get noticeably more expensive

Bulk Pricing (My Experience)

When buying in bulk, prices can drop.

In my case, I paid 20 dirhams (about $2 USD) per 100g skein.

This was a bulk price, and not necessarily what you’ll pay for smaller quantities. Prices per skein can vary starting from about $2.50 USD and can increase depending on the type of yarn, especially for thicker or higher-quality options.

So Which Is Cheaper?

When you compare directly, basic yarn prices in Morocco and the U.S. are actually pretty similar.

The difference isn’t so much the cost—it’s the experience.

The Real Difference

In the U.S., you can:

• Follow patterns exactly
• Use the same yarn brands consistently
• Easily replace yarn if you run out

In Morocco, you may need to:

• Work with what’s available
• Adjust your hook size or pattern
• Be flexible with yarn types and textures

What This Means for Your Crochet

This is where things get interesting.

Crocheting in Morocco encourages you to:

• Think in measurements instead of stitch counts
• Adapt patterns more freely
• Experiment with different yarns

This is one of the reasons I design patterns the way I do—so they work no matter what yarn you have access to.

Final Thoughts

Yarn in Morocco isn’t drastically cheaper than in the U.S., especially for basic options—but it offers a different kind of experience.

You trade convenience for flexibility.

If you’re willing to adapt and work with what’s available, you can still create beautiful pieces without needing the exact same materials every time.

What Yarn Costs in Morocco vs the U.S. (Real Prices)

Since moving to Morocco, one of the first things I looked into was yarn—where to find it, what the quality is like, and how the prices compare to what I was used to in the United States.

If you crochet regularly, you already know that yarn cost matters. It affects what you make, how often you make it, and even the types of patterns you choose.

Here’s a realistic breakdown based on what I’ve seen.

Yarn Prices in the United States

In the U.S., yarn is widely available and fairly consistent in price.

• Basic acrylic (like Red Heart Super Saver): about $4–$6 per skein (~198g)
• That works out to roughly $2–$3 per 100g
• Mid-range yarns: $6–$12
• Cotton, wool, and specialty yarns: $10–$20+

The biggest advantage in the U.S. is convenience—you can usually find exactly what you need and restock easily.

Yarn Prices in Morocco

In Morocco, yarn is also easy to find, especially in places like Derb Omar in Casablanca, but pricing can vary more depending on where and how you buy.

• Standard pricing often starts around 20–25 MAD per 100g
  👉 roughly $2–$2.50 USD
• Prices can go higher depending on fiber type and thickness
• Bulkier or specialty yarns can get noticeably more expensive

Bulk Pricing (My Experience)

When buying in bulk, prices can drop.

In my case, I paid 20 dirhams (about $2 USD) per 100g skein.

This was a bulk price, and not necessarily what you’ll pay for smaller quantities. Prices per skein can vary starting from about $2.50 USD and can increase depending on the type of yarn, especially for thicker or higher-quality options.

So Which Is Cheaper?

When you compare directly, basic yarn prices in Morocco and the U.S. are actually pretty similar.

The difference isn’t so much the cost—it’s the experience.

The Real Difference

In the U.S., you can:

• Follow patterns exactly
• Use the same yarn brands consistently
• Easily replace yarn if you run out

In Morocco, you may need to:

• Work with what’s available
• Adjust your hook size or pattern
• Be flexible with yarn types and textures

What This Means for Your Crochet

This is where things get interesting.

Crocheting in Morocco encourages you to:

• Think in measurements instead of stitch counts
• Adapt patterns more freely
• Experiment with different yarns

This is one of the reasons I design patterns the way I do—so they work no matter what yarn you have access to.

Final Thoughts

Yarn in Morocco isn’t drastically cheaper than in the U.S., especially for basic options—but it offers a different kind of experience.

You trade convenience for flexibility.

If you’re willing to adapt and work with what’s available, you can still create beautiful pieces without needing the exact same materials every time.

What Yarn Costs in Morocco vs the U.S. (Real Prices)

Since moving to Morocco, one of the first things I looked into was yarn—where to find it, what the quality is like, and how the prices compare to what I was used to in the United States.

If you crochet regularly, you already know that yarn cost matters. It affects what you make, how often you make it, and even the types of patterns you choose.

Here’s a realistic breakdown based on what I’ve seen.

Yarn Prices in the United States

In the U.S., yarn is widely available and fairly consistent in price.

• Basic acrylic (like Red Heart Super Saver): about $4–$6 per skein (~198g)
• That works out to roughly $2–$3 per 100g
• Mid-range yarns: $6–$12
• Cotton, wool, and specialty yarns: $10–$20+

The biggest advantage in the U.S. is convenience—you can usually find exactly what you need and restock easily.

Yarn Prices in Morocco

In Morocco, yarn is also easy to find, especially in places like Derb Omar in Casablanca, but pricing can vary more depending on where and how you buy.

• Standard pricing often starts around 20–25 MAD per 100g
  👉 roughly $2–$2.50 USD
• Prices can go higher depending on fiber type and thickness
• Bulkier or specialty yarns can get noticeably more expensive

Bulk Pricing (My Experience)

When buying in bulk, prices can drop.

In my case, I paid 20 dirhams (about $2 USD) per 100g skein.

This was a bulk price, and not necessarily what you’ll pay for smaller quantities. Prices per skein can vary starting from about $2.50 USD and can increase depending on the type of yarn, especially for thicker or higher-quality options.

So Which Is Cheaper?

When you compare directly, basic yarn prices in Morocco and the U.S. are actually pretty similar.

The difference isn’t so much the cost—it’s the experience.

The Real Difference

In the U.S., you can:

• Follow patterns exactly
• Use the same yarn brands consistently
• Easily replace yarn if you run out

In Morocco, you may need to:

• Work with what’s available
• Adjust your hook size or pattern
• Be flexible with yarn types and textures

What This Means for Your Crochet

This is where things get interesting.

Crocheting in Morocco encourages you to:

• Think in measurements instead of stitch counts
• Adapt patterns more freely
• Experiment with different yarns

This is one of the reasons I design patterns the way I do—so they work no matter what yarn you have access to.

Final Thoughts

Yarn in Morocco isn’t drastically cheaper than in the U.S., especially for basic options—but it offers a different kind of experience.

You trade convenience for flexibility.

If you’re willing to adapt and work with what’s available, you can still create beautiful pieces without needing the exact same materials every time.

What Yarn Costs in Morocco vs the U.S. (Real Prices)

Since moving to Morocco, one of the first things I looked into was yarn—where to find it, what the quality is like, and how the prices compare to what I was used to in the United States.

If you crochet regularly, you already know that yarn cost matters. It affects what you make, how often you make it, and even the types of patterns you choose.

Here’s a realistic breakdown based on what I’ve seen.

Yarn Prices in the United States

In the U.S., yarn is widely available and fairly consistent in price.

• Basic acrylic (like Red Heart Super Saver): about $4–$6 per skein (~198g)
• That works out to roughly $2–$3 per 100g
• Mid-range yarns: $6–$12
• Cotton, wool, and specialty yarns: $10–$20+

The biggest advantage in the U.S. is convenience—you can usually find exactly what you need and restock easily.

Yarn Prices in Morocco

In Morocco, yarn is also easy to find, especially in places like Derb Omar in Casablanca, but pricing can vary more depending on where and how you buy.

• Standard pricing often starts around 20–25 MAD per 100g
  👉 roughly $2–$2.50 USD
• Prices can go higher depending on fiber type and thickness
• Bulkier or specialty yarns can get noticeably more expensive

Bulk Pricing (My Experience)

When buying in bulk, prices can drop.

In my case, I paid 20 dirhams (about $2 USD) per 100g skein.

This was a bulk price, and not necessarily what you’ll pay for smaller quantities. Prices per skein can vary starting from about $2.50 USD and can increase depending on the type of yarn, especially for thicker or higher-quality options.

So Which Is Cheaper?

When you compare directly, basic yarn prices in Morocco and the U.S. are actually pretty similar.

The difference isn’t so much the cost—it’s the experience.

The Real Difference

In the U.S., you can:

• Follow patterns exactly
• Use the same yarn brands consistently
• Easily replace yarn if you run out

In Morocco, you may need to:

• Work with what’s available
• Adjust your hook size or pattern
• Be flexible with yarn types and textures

What This Means for Your Crochet

This is where things get interesting.

Crocheting in Morocco encourages you to:

• Think in measurements instead of stitch counts
• Adapt patterns more freely
• Experiment with different yarns

This is one of the reasons I design patterns the way I do—so they work no matter what yarn you have access to.

Final Thoughts

Yarn in Morocco isn’t drastically cheaper than in the U.S., especially for basic options—but it offers a different kind of experience.

You trade convenience for flexibility.

If you’re willing to adapt and work with what’s available, you can still create beautiful pieces without needing the exact same materials every time.

What Yarn Costs in Morocco vs the U.S. (Real Prices)

Since moving to Morocco, one of the first things I looked into was yarn—where to find it, what the quality is like, and how the prices compare to what I was used to in the United States.

If you crochet regularly, you already know that yarn cost matters. It affects what you make, how often you make it, and even the types of patterns you choose.

Here’s a realistic breakdown based on what I’ve seen.

Yarn Prices in the United States

In the U.S., yarn is widely available and fairly consistent in price.

• Basic acrylic (like Red Heart Super Saver): about $4–$6 per skein (~198g)
• That works out to roughly $2–$3 per 100g
• Mid-range yarns: $6–$12
• Cotton, wool, and specialty yarns: $10–$20+

The biggest advantage in the U.S. is convenience—you can usually find exactly what you need and restock easily.

Yarn Prices in Morocco

In Morocco, yarn is also easy to find, especially in places like Derb Omar in Casablanca, but pricing can vary more depending on where and how you buy.

• Standard pricing often starts around 20–25 MAD per 100g
  👉 roughly $2–$2.50 USD
• Prices can go higher depending on fiber type and thickness
• Bulkier or specialty yarns can get noticeably more expensive

Bulk Pricing (My Experience)

When buying in bulk, prices can drop.

In my case, I paid 20 dirhams (about $2 USD) per 100g skein.

This was a bulk price, and not necessarily what you’ll pay for smaller quantities. Prices per skein can vary starting from about $2.50 USD and can increase depending on the type of yarn, especially for thicker or higher-quality options.

So Which Is Cheaper?

When you compare directly, basic yarn prices in Morocco and the U.S. are actually pretty similar.

The difference isn’t so much the cost—it’s the experience.

The Real Difference

In the U.S., you can:

• Follow patterns exactly
• Use the same yarn brands consistently
• Easily replace yarn if you run out

In Morocco, you may need to:

• Work with what’s available
• Adjust your hook size or pattern
• Be flexible with yarn types and textures

What This Means for Your Crochet

This is where things get interesting.

Crocheting in Morocco encourages you to:

• Think in measurements instead of stitch counts
• Adapt patterns more freely
• Experiment with different yarns

This is one of the reasons I design patterns the way I do—so they work no matter what yarn you have access to.

Final Thoughts

Yarn in Morocco isn’t drastically cheaper than in the U.S., especially for basic options—but it offers a different kind of experience.

You trade convenience for flexibility.

If you’re willing to adapt and work with what’s available, you can still create beautiful pieces without needing the exact same materials every time.

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started to Crochet

When I first picked up a crochet hook, I had no idea how much I was going to love it.

I also had no idea how many little things no one really explains to beginners.

At the beginning, crochet can feel exciting, confusing, relaxing, frustrating, and weirdly humbling all at once. One minute you feel like you’re getting it, and the next minute your row looks crooked, your stitch count is off, and your yarn is somehow trying to fight you.

That is normal.

If you are just starting out, or even if you have been crocheting for a little while, here are 10 things I really wish I had known from the start.

1. Tension matters more than speed

When you are new, it is easy to think you should be crocheting faster.

But speed is not the goal. Consistency is.

A slower crocheter with even stitches will usually get a better result than someone racing through a project with uneven tension. Your hands will learn with time. Let them.

2. You will probably make a lot of rectangles before anything starts looking right

A lot of beginners think they are doing something wrong because their first projects are awkward.

But honestly, crochet has a learning curve. Your first swatches may lean, ripple, shrink, stretch, or somehow become a shape that does not exist in nature. That does not mean you cannot crochet. It means you are learning.

3. Counting stitches is not optional

This is one of the biggest beginner lessons.

If you do not count, your project will eventually count for you — and not in a kind way.

Counting stitches helps you catch mistakes early, especially when you are learning how to find the first and last stitch of a row.

4. The yarn you choose can make learning easier or much harder

Not all yarn is beginner-friendly.

Dark yarn can be hard to see. Fuzzy yarn hides stitches. Slippery yarn can be frustrating. Very splitty yarn can make you question everything.

If you are learning, smooth, light-colored yarn is usually much easier to work with.

5. The hook size on the yarn label is only a suggestion

This one surprises a lot of people.

The hook size listed on a yarn label is a starting point, not a rule. Sometimes you may need a different hook size depending on:

• your tension
• the stitch pattern
• the type of project
• the drape you want

Changing hooks does not mean you failed. It means you are adjusting.

6. Frogging is part of crochet

At some point, you are going to have to rip something out.

Actually, probably many things.

And while that can feel discouraging at first, it is completely normal. Even experienced crocheters frog rows, change their minds, or restart projects. It is not a sign that you are bad at crochet. It is just part of the process.

7. You do not have to crochet exactly the way everyone else does

People hold their hook differently. They tension yarn differently. They prefer different hooks, fibers, and methods.

There is room for personal style in crochet.

As long as your stitches are working and your hands are comfortable, you do not have to force yourself into someone else’s exact method.

8. Straight edges are a skill, not an accident

I used to think some people were just magically better at getting neat edges.

But straight edges usually come from a few simple habits:

• knowing where your first and last stitch are
• counting
• turning consistently
• not accidentally adding or losing stitches

It gets easier once you know what to watch for.

9. Every project teaches you something

Even the annoying ones.

Sometimes a project teaches you patience. Sometimes it teaches you tension control. Sometimes it teaches you never to buy that yarn again. Sometimes it teaches you that the pattern was not the problem — your mood was.

Every project adds something to your skill set, even if it does not become your favorite finished object.

10. Crochet is not just about making things

Yes, crochet gives you blankets, bags, cardigans, toys, shawls, and all kinds of beautiful finished pieces.

But it also gives you something else.

It gives you quiet. Focus. Rhythm. A place to put your hands when your mind feels busy. A sense of progress. A creative outlet. A skill that can grow with you for years.

That may be one of the most important things I wish I had understood from the beginning.

Crochet is not just a craft. For many of us, it becomes comfort.

Final thoughts

If you are new to crochet, give yourself permission to learn slowly.

You do not need perfect tension on day one. You do not need flawless edges. You do not need to understand every pattern immediately. You just need to keep going, one stitch at a time.

Crochet has a way of teaching you as you go.

And before you know it, the thing that once felt confusing starts to feel familiar. The stitches make sense. Your hands relax. Your confidence grows. And something that began as a simple hook and a ball of yarn becomes a part of your life.

That is the beauty of it.

Jour 20 : points spéciaux
Je ne l'utilise pas tout le temps mais j'aime beaucoup la maille écrevisse pour finaliser un bord. Comme par exemple sur la nacelle de la montgolfière ou pour la bordure d'un panier. Elle apporte une petite finition originale tout en ajoutant un peu de tenue.
Et vous, c'est quoi votre maille fétiche ?

#amigurumay2025 #amigurumay2025day20 #amigurumis #crochet #crocheting #creation #handmade #artisanat #astucecrochet #crochettools #crochettips #montgolfiere #panier

Jour 13 : gros plan
J'ai l'habitude d'utiliser des yeux de sécurité mais histoire de changer un peu, pour cette version de Géraldine la tortue, j'ai voulu lui broder des yeux. Un petit changement qui lui donne un air encore plus doux, non ? J'aime beaucoup le résultat final et je pense que je retenterai l'expérience sur d'autres modèles. 😁

#amigurumay2025 #amigurumay2025day13 #amigurumis #crochet #crocheting #creation #artisanat #astucecrochet #crochettools #crochettips

Jour 8 : bon à savoir
Depuis quelque temps, j'ai adopté ce protège-doigt en silicone. Ce n'est pas ce qu'on fait de plus glamour mais il me permet de crocheter longtemps sans douleur ni démarcation à cause du fil. À moi les longues sessions de “crochetage” sans gêne. 😁
Quelqu'un d'autre utilise un accessoire du genre ?

#amigurimis #crochet #crocheting #creation #handmade #artisanat #amigurumay2025 #amigurumay2025day8 #astucecrochet #crochettools #crochettips

This is probably common knowledge/practice, but as a beginner at #crochet I thought I'd share my tip for threading yarn onto a needle to weave in ends: dental floss threaders!

I've already found it really helpful for thick and fluffy yarns like chenille or plied yarn that wants to split.

I've used this trick #sewing for years after finding normal threaders so poor quality these days that they break on the first use.

#tips #CrochetTips