Every crocheter has a unique set of rules that govern their craft, shaped by where they live, who taught them, and when they first picked up a hook. Author Tuula Maaria learned to crochet decades ago in Finland, long before the internet or social media offered a million different opinions on the “right” way to do things.
In this article, Tuula Maaria explores 6 specific things she chooses not to do in her crochet practice, while sharing the occasional exception that proves every rule can be bent for the right project.
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Different People, Different Ideas
Crochet is a deeply personal craft, and what one person loves, another might avoid entirely. These preferences often stem from a person’s background, their country of origin, and the specific era in which they learned. While you may disagree with some of these points, having a conversation about different ideas helps everyone make their own informed decisions.
Knotting
One of the most ingrained habits in many crafters’ repertoires is the use of knots to join new yarn.
However, Tuula Maaria never uses knots in her yarn—a rule that stretches back to her primary school days when her mother and teachers emphasized that knots create hard, unpleasant lumps.
Whether it is a “magic knot” or a basic overhand version, she prefers to leave ends hanging and weave them in later.
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The Exception: For “yarn bombing” projects that stay outdoors and are large in scale, she may occasionally use knots since they are not noticeable and won’t be worn.
Yarn Materials
Tuula Maaria avoids acrylic yarn because it is essentially plastic, which is an important consideration given the current global plastic overload.
While many suggest beginners start with acrylic because it is cheap, she argues that low-quality yarn can make the learning process less enjoyable.
Natural fibers like cotton, bamboo, linen, and various types of wool offer a much more pleasant tactile experience.
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The Exception: If she is designing for a magazine that specifically requests acrylic or if she is working on an outdoor project that needs to withstand wind and rain, she will make an exception.
Thoughts on Swatching
Gauge, tension, and swatching are subjects of much debate in the crochet world. Tuula Maaria never forgets to check her gauge because failing to do so can result in a finished item that is far too big or too small.
She has used a specific calculation method since she was eleven years old to ensure her projects turn out exactly as intended.
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The Exception: If the exact finished size doesn’t matter, such as with Christmas decorations or certain scarves, she might skip the swatch.
Types of Crochet Items
While there is nothing inherently wrong with amigurumi, it simply isn’t her favorite thing to make. She finds the process of working with tiny pieces and stuffing them to be quite fiddly.
Additionally, amigurumi usually relies on single crochet, whereas she prefers projects that allow for a wide variety of textured stitch patterns.
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The Exception: When she sees incredibly cute, brightly colored designs like those by her friend Veronica, she admits she could be tempted to try making one.
Pulling Yarn
To keep her yarn from jumping around the room, Tuula Maaria never starts a ball from the outside. Taking the yarn from the center ensures the ball stays stationary as you work.
She recommends checking which end of the ball has the larger hole to make the center-pull process much easier.
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The Exception: Some novelty yarns, such as mohair or yarns with sequins and fur, are too “sticky” to be pulled from the center and must be worked from the outside to avoid tangling.
Needle Types
Most crocheters reach for a blunt tapestry needle for finishing work, but Tuula Maaria’s preference is for sharp needles.
She likes the assurance that the needle will pierce through the fiber exactly where she needs it to go without having to force it. It is a small detail, but one that makes her finishing work feel more precise.
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The Exception: When working with very chunky yarn or specific tapestry crochet bags, a blunt needle is often easier to weave through the larger gaps.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best part of crochet is that there is no single right way to do it. Tuula Maaria encourages you to experiment with these ideas and discover which habits and techniques make the craft most enjoyable for you. By sharing these personal “don’ts,” she hopes to open up a conversation about the many choices we have as makers.