Dogwood Mountain Arts

In order to begin Micro Crochet, or crochet lace, it is recommended to be at least an intermediate crocheter.

Learning microcrochet should not be any more intimidating than learning any other skill, and if you are here it means you have already started, if not gained experience in, crocheting.

We’ll start with what you already know.

All crocheters have made chains, single crochets, double crochets, etc…so therefore let us take that and progress toward micro crochet through a series of questions to be sure of where you begin:

1. What is your most comfortable yarn weight and hook size?
2. How small of a gauge (yarn weight/hook size) have you tried?
3. What size yarn scares you, or seems intimidating? 

We will go as slow as you wish to from here. You do not need to learn any fancy stitches or techniques, any special way to hold your hook, or to wrap your yarn. We are taking what you know and effectively shrinking it.

1. Sizing down

Take the yarn size you are comfortable using, and size down by 1 or 2 weights. Create a small swatch/coaster/towelette/or washcloth to become familiar with the feel of the smaller gauge. *for example: if you are most comfortable with worsted weight, grab a sport weight or fingering weight yarn with the recommended hook size.

2. Moving to Thread

Move into work with crochet thread. I recommend size 10 crochet thread, especially if you are more limited in budget and buy an inexpensive set of steel crochet hooks from your local Walmart or craft store.

Size 5 or 7 (1.5-1.75mm) steel crochet hook is the recommended hook for size 10 thread. I began with a size 7, but as I became more acquainted with the yarn I moved to using a 1.5mm hook and cannot go back to the larger hook.

Size 10 crochet thread, rather than size 3 or 5, is used most universally in vintage and antique patterns and most easily accessible.

*Recommended free vintage pattern for practicing thread crochet: https://freevintagecrochet.com/free-doily-pattern/spool52/five-point-star-doily  This doily is small enough so as not to lose motivation or be overwhelmed, and does not use any complex stitching. 

Note: when working with crochet thread, the size number increases as the weight of the thread decreases. For example: size 3 is larger and heavier than size 10, which is larger than size 30 crochet thread. Thread size reference

You may stop here if you wish. There is an abundance of resources for size 10 thread in crochet. You can find many patterns and books for doilies, tablecloths, bedspreads, accessories, wearables, bookmarks, and more on Antique Pattern Library, Free Vintage Crochet, and Ravelry.

3. Going further:

My recommendation is to jump to working with a top stitch sewing thread, or an upholstery sewing thread (comparable to size 20 or 30 crochet thread, but more easily found in craft stores).

Unfortunately there are none that size that are cotton, most are polyester but they will do. These threads can be found at any sewing, craft, or yarn store near you. Brand does not matter as long as they are not made cheaply. Cheap cotton thread will split and snap and will not do for the size hooks used. I prefer Gutermann threads but also use Sewology threads, as the Hobby Lobby craft store is one that is nearest to me. If you wish to have a list of resources for microcrochet/crochet lace supplies, click here.

As you continue sizing down in your thread, you will need to buy the smaller sizes of hooks that are not included in the sets of steel hooks in stores. Resources of brand names that manufacture 0.6-0.4mm steel crochet hooks are in the supplies link above.

Now that you have your supplies, start by doing a familiar pattern, whether just a swatch of your favorite stitch or the small doily pattern included above. MAKE SURE to give your eyes and upper body breaks.

Take a second every few minutes to look around, straighten your shoulders, and stretch your fingers! Don’t forget to BREATHE too, especially when the loops slip off your hook.

The size of the work is difficult at first, but will become easier as you are more acquainted with the feel of the loops on your small hook. This size of work is felt, rather than observed once the initial learning period is over. However, the stitch speed can be just as quick as your most comfortable yarn with practice and passion.

I have created a series of patterns to aid your venture in micro and lace crochet. You can find them on our Etsy shop or here.

There is one pattern for size 10 crochet thread, and three for top stitch or upholstery thread with an option for the last one to be done in all purpose cotton thread with the smallest hook able to be found on the internet; 0.4mm.

Tips for starting micro or lace crochet:

*Practice at first by a window, or in good lighting. It can be difficult to see your work at this size.

*If you are a crocheter that habitually makes or enjoys amigurumi, use the recommended hook size for the yarn as you size down. Too tight of a gauge leads to crimping and waved fabric in thread crochet.