While you might have heard terms like “advanced beginner” used in crochet, there are actually only 4 terms universally recognized with crochet skill levels.
What is your crochet skill level?
Before you try to answer that question, it’s important to know that your crochet skill level is absolutely NOT based on:
- how long you’ve been crocheting (you can become an expert after just a few months)!
- the number of projects you’ve completed (after 100 projects, you may not have advanced in skill)!
Instead, your crochet skill level is entirely based on your crochet knowledge, and how well you can execute that knowledge into skill.
So, what is crochet skill level?
Table of contents
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
4 Universal Levels Of Crochet Skill
If you’ve ever read over the beginning section of a crochet pattern, you might have noticed one of these terms used to determine the difficulty of a project:
- Easy
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Experienced
Each of these 4 categories are defined by the complexity of stitches and techniques involved within a pattern, so that you can determine the skills needed to complete a project.
Crochet skill levels are defined by a spectrum of stitches and techniques, which are outlined by the Craft Yarn Council based on information collected and shared by industry leaders.
Level 1, Beginner
Projects for first-time crocheters using basic stitches. Minimal shaping.
Our interpretation of this level includes:
- Ch, Sc, Hdc, Dc in simple forms, using basic repeats and patterns
- Projects worked in rows without shaping
- No special stitches or techniques
- Projects may include: washcloth, scarf
CLICK HERE to try a level 1, beginner pattern.
Level 2, Easy
Projects using basic stitches, repetitive stitch patterns, simple color changes. Simple shaping and finishing.
Our interpretation of this level includes everything in the beginner level, plus:
- Simple stitch and row patterns, specialty stitches and techniques
- Simple color changes
- Simple shaping and finishing (tubes and increasing rounds)
- Projects may include: Hat, cowl
CLICK HERE to try a level 2, easy pattern.
Level 3, Intermediate
Projects using a variety of techniques. Mid-level shaping and finishing.
Our interpretation of this level includes everything in the beginner and easy levels, plus:
- Complex stitch and row patterns, variety of specialty stitches and techniques
- Mid-level shaping and finishing (simple seam or join, increases & decreases)
- Projects may include: Triangle shawl with specialty stitches, basic amigurumi
CLICK HERE to try a level 3, intermediate pattern.
Level 4, Experienced
Projects with intricate stitch patterns, techniques and dimensions; non-repeating patterns, multi colored techniques, fine threads, small hooks. Detailed shaping and refined finishing.
Our interpretation of this level includes everything in the beginner, easy and intermediate levels, plus:
- Intricate stitch and row patterns, involved specialty stitches and techniques
- Multi-colored techniques (tapestry, tunisian, fair isle, intarsia)
- Dimension (multiple seams or joins)
- Projects may include: Multi-piece garments, fair isle sweater with multiple specialty stitches and techniques
CLICK HERE to try a level 4, experienced pattern.
Project Skill Versus Experience
The skills you can successfully demonstrate are the ones that ultimately determine your actual crochet skill level.
You completed an expert level pattern, but you may not actually be a crochet expert.
You only work beginner level patterns, but you may actually be an experienced level crocheter.
See how that works?
And so, it’s possible to have only crocheted for a few months and completely execute an Experienced level motif lacework sweater with fitted panels!
And, it’s also possible to have crocheted for decades, crocheting hundreds of items, and not have advanced past the Easy level.
Crochet Skill Level Examples
The Craft Yarn Council terms and definitions for skill level are a bit broad, and you may find yourself wondering how you can apply them to actual crochet projects, and to determine your own skill and ability.
We suggest using the Crochet Project & Skill Level chart as a guide to help decipher the requirements of a pattern, and determine the level of complexity to work through the project.
How can you become an expert crocheter?
An expert is defined as a person who can demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and skill in a particular area.
To become a crochet expert, one must begin with a comprehensive knowledge of the basics.
And then, build upon those by skillfully advancing through various stitch combinations, techniques, fabric structures, dimensions, and project types.
Expertise is achieved through knowledge and execution.
That’s a lot of information.
Crochet Skill Building Workshop
We recently gave an entire course on each of the 4 crochet skill levels – going into great detail to outline every skill level, with homework and patterns for each one!
The Crochet Skill Building Workshop includes so many resources:
- Video walk-throughs
- Lesson handouts and printables
- Patterns that will help build your crochet knowledge and skill
- Helpful quizzes to test your new skills
Plus, you’ll earn a certificate after you complete all lessons.
Ready to build your crochet skills with the ACA?
What do you think your crochet skill level is?
Click Here to share your thoughts in our community today.
Peace + Love + Crochet
Salena
