Getting started
The one thing I would stress, is no matter how experienced you are in human sized knitting or crochet (even using small 2.00 mm knitting or crochet hooks), keep things as simple as possible and start with a really simple pattern. Shaping, colour work, cables and lace can be introduced later when you are used to working with the really tiny needles and hooks. The same goes for scale, try working in 1:12th scale first and if you succeed, then move down to 1:24th scale.
Buy slightly more yarn than you need for your first project, to enable you to work test pieces of plain knitting or crochet to build up your confidence. You can use your test pieces to make a square cushion for example. When you feel happy with these test pieces, move on to a SIMPLE pattern. If you feel happy with your results then you can move on to more complex items which suit your ability In human sized knitting or crochet, if not, then you may need to work several more simple items to gain confidence.
The most important thing to remember is that miniature work needs to be taken slowly. Very few people realise that a miniature Aran sweater or complex lace tablecloth can take as long to work in miniature, as it would in human size. So work a few rows at a time, a little as you would have done when you were learning to knit or crochet. Set time aside so you don’t rush things or find yourself watching an unmissable TV programme at the same time.
If you crochet try working a miniature tablecloth by using a pattern for a full size doily, but working in finer thread and a smaller hook than you would usually use. Alternatively try one of our small crochet projects on our free miniature crochet pattern pages
As miniature knitting has some more noticeable differences than miniature crochet you may need to try a pattern designed for miniature knitting, such as those found on our free knitting pattern pages
This article was originally published in The Dolls House Magazine issue 225