Tips for teaching kids

Pick the right time: For best results, wait until the your child has developed the fine motor skills and attention span required to hold and maneuver the hook. By age 5, many boys and girls can handle learning the basics. If your budding crafter becomes frustrated, take a break and delay the next lesson for several months to a year.

Keep it simple: Start your child off with a foundation chain using a size "G" or "H" hook and some worsted or medium weight yarn in a color they like. Help your child think of creative ways to use those chains such as making necklaces, bracelets, shoelaces, gift embellishments and hair ties.

Their way is OK: Even though it's easier to follow the rules and wind the yarn through your fingers on the hand opposite your hook to control tension, this is tricky for a child to master. It's OK to let your child start crocheting his or her way, and then recommend small adjustments as your child becomes more familiar with the craft.

Play it cool: The fact that you love crochet is not enough to make them love it. And if they do seem to enjoy it, play it cool because over-enthusiasm from a parent may result in little Suzy losing interest.

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