1. Any picture can be a C2c if you have enough bravery, yarn and
patience. Just zoom in until it pixelated and every pixel is a square.
Also 8-bit images… For slightly quicker patterns or more
personalisation.

The world is your oyster, literally.

2. A foundation double or foundation single
crochet start will give a stretchier and neater looking edge. I like to
go down a hook size then switch back to standard on row two. Remember a
foundation chain accounts for your starting chain and your row 1.

3. Magic loop is your best friend for amigurumi. There’s so many good YouTube videos out there, you will find on you can pick it up from.

Anything in the round can be made with a magic loop, just Make it and Sc
around the number of chains you were told to make for a foundation
ring. Or of row two is DC/sc’d into the ring just make it and DC/sc as
required

4. All you need for an on the go project is one hook and the yarn (and
one optional stitch marker). Sock yarn is transportable and makes great
airy shawl with a 3.5 or 4mm hook. Perfect public transport yarn too. 

This became my graduation day shawl last year, it went everywhere with me

5. Pound shops now sell acrylic dk at £1/50g (or sometimes 3-4-2) Some really pretty sparkles and bright colours too.

6. A large stitch counter designed to slip into knitting needles will
also slip into any crochet hook smaller than about 4.5mm without
breaking. It does shorten your hook though so persevere if it feels
awkward at first. This is what i use (the red one)

7. I am left handed, I have never once changed a pattern to reflect this
and they all turn out just fine (I tend to stick to symmetrical
patterns and remember on a c2c you’re starting bottom right not bottom left).

8. Filet crochet with a 6mm hook and dk yarn looks really intricate and works up at astonishing speeds. These are the instructions I rely on.

These were made with Marriner DK yarn and a 6mm hook in about four hours with no previous experience of fillet crochet.

10. Enjoy the experience, cheap hooks are good for a beginner but don’t skimp on eye tests, ergonomic standard hooks, steel ergonomic hooks if you’re going down the route of doilies or more intricate items
or materials once you’re positive you’re not going to give up. And if
you can’t afford it that’s what wish lists, birthdays, xmases and other
holidays are for. Get family to club together for one thing and shop
around, especially if you’re willing/able to wait or travel locally, you
can find some real bargains on notions and equipment.

Disclaimer: If i’ve linked to an item it’s because i own and would
personally recommend it, i have not been paid to advertise any of these
products nor am i in the business, in any way, of selling them.