How to Finger Crochet

How to Finger Crochet

Sure, you may have heard of crochet but do you know how to finger crochet? Yes, it’s possible to learn how to crochet without a crochet hook. If you’re ready to learn how to crochet using just your two hands and your favorite yarn, keep reading!

Finger crochet teaches you how to crochet with your hands to make your favorite crochet projects. New crocheters are often hesitant to start learning how to crochet without a hook because the hook feels like a security blanket.

There’s no reason to feel intimidated by finger crochet! It’s actually the exact same as your usual crocheting, with the simple substitution of your fingers in place of the hook.

This article will cover the following topics to definitively answer the question, “How do you crochet with your fingers?” 

• • Why you should learn how to crochet using your hands
  • Tips for finger crochet
  • How to finger crochet
  • How to finger crochet a chunky blanket
  • How to finger crochet a scarf
  • A finger crochet scarf pattern for kids
  • Additional finger crochet patterns for beginners

Why Should You Learn How to Crochet With Your Fingers

Finger crochet doesn’t require you to learn any new stitches or techniques. To get started with finger crocheting, you just have to get used to using your finger instead of a hook. Peruse the table below for the top reasons to pick up finger crocheting.

Advantage of Finger Crochet	Explanation
Speed: projects come together quicker.	Adults primarily work with bulky or super bulky yarn weights when finger crocheting. Finger crocheting is also more tactile than traditional crocheting, which usually increases stitching speed.
Ease: Finger crocheting makes it easier to work with bulky or super bulky yarns.	Due to their extreme size, bulky or super bulky yarns are often easier to manipulate directly with your fingers instead of with a large, unwieldy crochet hook.
Teaching: Finger crochet is a great introduction to crochet for young kids.	There are many benefits to learning how to crochet for young children, but maneuvering a hook is still a huge challenge for them. Finger crochet is the perfect introduction.
Convenience: No crochet hook? No problem.	Whether you’re on the go or just forgot your hook at home, finger crocheting requires only yarn. This is especially convenient for air travel or when visiting locations where crochet hooks are not allowed.

Now that you’re convinced that finger crochet is going to upgrade your crochet game, read our top finger crochet tips below to set yourself up for success.

What to Know Before Starting Finger Crochet

Before you dive into your first finger crochet project, it’s crucial to know the key differences between crocheting with and without a hook. Read through the finger crochet experts’ key tips to a successful finger crochet project.

Image source: Instructables

• • Since creating joins is challenging in finger crocheting, the technique works best for continuous projects where you’re making one uninterrupted block of crochet fabric. Examples of continuous projects include one-piece blankets and scarves.
  • Finger crocheting is easier to work with shorter crochet stitches, such as single crochet and half double crochets.
  • In the beginning, it’s easier to work in rows (instead of crocheting a circle or working in rounds).
  • Keep the loops loose around your finger as you work, and don’t tighten the stitches after you complete them.
  • All yarn loops around your fingertips should be coiled in a clockwise direction.
  • Achieving a precise gauge can be challenging in finger crochet. Select projects such as blankets, scarves, and tote bags where a precise gauge isn’t crucial.
  • Experiment with yarn weight sizes depending on your finger/hand size. The table below summarizes general guidelines for yarn weight by age, but everyone is unique. Try swatches with different yarn weights until you discover what feels most comfortable for you.

Image source: Yay for Yarn

Yarn Size	Suitable for Ages…
Kids	Light or medium weight yarn
Teens	Medium weight or bulky yarn
Adults	Bulky or super bulky yarn

How to Finger Crochet: An Introduction

Now that you’re fully prepared to make the best of your first finger crochet project, it’s time to dig into the steps of finger crocheting. Follow the steps below to definitely answer the question, “How do you crochet with your hands?.”

The instructions below are written for right-handed (finger) crocheters. Left-handed crocheters should follow along with these leftie instructions for finger crochet.

Image source: Fiber Flux Blog

These instructions use double crochet stitches, but feel free to use your favorite basic crochet stitch.

1. 1. Create a slip knot as usual, with your preferred technique.
   2. Place your pointer finger into the loop of the slip knot. Point your nail towards the working yarn (towards the left). Leave enough of a gap in the loop so that you can still fit your thumb into the loop along with your pointer finger. This is important for step three.

Image source: Yarnspiration

      3. Start your foundation crochet chain. Place your right thumb through the loop on your pointer finger. Grab the working yarn and pull it through the loop. Remove your thumb from the loop. You should now have a new lop on your finger.

Image source: Yarnspiration

      4. Continue your foundational chain by repeating step three until your foundation chain has reached the desired length.

Image source: Yarnspiration

      5. Create your first (double crochet) stitch. To create a row of double crochet stitches, yarn over your right pointer finger once. Place your finger into the third chain away from your finger. Yarn over again, pull through the loop, yarn over, and pull through both loops on your finger. Yarn over again and pull through the final two loops.

Image source: Yarnspiration

      6. Continue stitching until your row is complete.

      7. Work your turning chain as normal. If you have been working double crochets, stitch your usual three turning chains.

Image source: Yarnspiration

      8. Remove your finger and turn the work. Place your finger back into the loop, this time pointing your nail towards the left. 

      9. Start your next row.

     10. Continue crocheting as normal. 

     11. When finished, fasten off and weave in ends as usual.

How to Finger Crochet a Blanket

Now that you’ve practiced finger crocheting, you’re ready to tackle your first full-finger crochet project. Since finger crochet works best with bulky and super bulky yarns, let’s start with the ultimate, beginner-friendly finger crochet project: a super cozy blanket.

Image source: Melanie K Ham

This finger crochet blanket pattern from Melanie Ham is so easy that even first-time crocheters can tackle it! To create a blanket measuring approximately 75 inches long by 18 inches wide, grab 200-300 yards of your favorite size seven (super bulky) yarn. 

If you don’t have any super bulky yarn available, you can double or triple up a thinner yarn. If you do, make sure that you have appropriately doubled or tripled the amount of yarn.

1. 1. Make a slip knot.

Image source: Melanie K Ham

      2. Work your foundation chain, focusing on keeping chain sizes consistent. The sample project above was made with a foundation chain of 45, but you can adjust it longer or shorter depending on the size blanket you’d like to create.

Image source: Melanie K Ham

      3. Bring your fingers through the loop and place your fingers through the second chain away from your fingers. Grab the yarn and pull through. You should have two loops on your hand at this point.

Image source: Melanie K Ham

      4. Keeping the two loops still on your hand, grab the yarn and pull through the two loops.

Image source: Melanie K Ham

      5. Repeat steps three and four (a single crochet) all the way down your foundation chain.

      6. Work your turning chain (one chain for a single crochet). Flip the blanket and prepare to work your next stitch under the strands in the image below.

Image source: Melanie K Ham

      7. Work a single crochet in each stitch all the way down the row.

Image source: Melanie K Ham

      8. Continue stitching rows and working turning chains. Secure new yarn skeins by fastening off with a standard knot.

Image source: Melanie K Ham

      9. When you either have only one skein of yarn left or feel satisfied with the width of the blanket, fasten off and weave in ends.

     10. Create the fringe by cutting strands about 20 inches long.

     11. Attach the fringe to the blanket by tucking the loop of the fringe up underneath two strands on the short side of the blanket. Pull the loose ends through the loop and tighten.

Image source: Melanie K Ham

     12. Optional: Create a frayed effect by gently separating the strands of the fringe.

Visual learners can follow along with this video tutorial.

Congratulations on creating your first full-finger crochet project! These cozy blankets make excellent presents, especially with the addition of custom woven labels and custom care labels. Who wouldn’t want their name on their blanket?

Since this project comes together so quickly, these blankets also have major resale value. If you plan to add this chunky blanket to your crochet store inventory, don’t forget to add a custom hang tag that will make your brand truly unforgettable!

How to Finger Crochet a Scarf

Thanks to their smaller size, finger-crocheted scarves offer another beginner-friendly crochet project. Wrap yourself (or someone you love) in literal hand-made warmth with this finger crochet scarf pattern from Olivia.

Image source: Hopeful Honey

Materials required: 

• • 300 to 400 g super bulky yarn
  • Tapestry/yarn needle
  • Scissors

When complete, this scarf measures approximately six inches wide and 55 inches long. It best fits ages 13 and up, but it’s easily adjustable for any wearer. This pattern is unconventional because it uses the slip stitch as the primary stitch.

Gauge:

Four rows of two slip stitches should measure approximately two inches.

Instructions:

1. 1. Foundation chain/circle. With two strands of bulky yarn, create a slipknot. Crochet 64 chains by yarning over and pulling through the loop around your fingers. (If you want a shorter or longer scarf, add or remove up to five chains from this step.)
   2. Round one. Slip stitch into the first chain stitch to create a circular (infinity) scarf. Work a slip stitch into each chain stitch, going all around the circle you just created.
   3. Rounds two through 13. Place your fingers into the first stitch of the round. Yarn over and pull back through all the loops on your fingers to create a slip stitch. Repeat this step all the way around.
   4. Fasten off and weave in your loose ends.

Image source: Hopeful Honey

To create a thinner or thicker scarf, you can either reduce or increase the total number of rows you work in step three. If you’re creating this scarf for yourself, try it on as you work to determine your ideal size.

Finger Crochet for Kids: Scarf Pattern

Adults aren’t the only ones who can create their very own finger-crocheted scarf! As mentioned earlier, finger crochet serves as a great introduction to crochet for children. Creative kiddos can pick their favorite yarn and finish this kid’s scarf pattern in an afternoon!

Image source: Fiber Flux Blog

Materials required: 

• • 1 ball of super bulky yarn
  • Scissors
  • Measuring tape (optional)

When finished, this scarf measures 4 inches wide and 72 inches long. You can easily adjust the sizing by increasing or decreasing the number of foundation chains (width) or adjusting the number of rows (length).

1. 1. Create a slip stitch and chain six to create your foundational chain.
   2. Row one. Work a single crochet stitch in the second chain away from your finger. Work a single crochet in each chain across the row.
   3. Row two. Chain one (this is your turning chain) and turn the work. Stitch a single crochet in each stitch across the row.
   4. Repeat step three until the scarf either reaches the desired length or you run out of yarn.
   5. Fasten off and weave in the loose ends with your fingers.

Image source: Fiber Flux Blog

Yes, it’s really that easy! Children who have never crocheted before really only need to learn the chain stitch and the single crochet. Once they’ve gotten the hang of it, older kids can even be left unsupervised to work the later rows on their own.

Watch or share the video tutorial with this scarf to get your future crocheter feeling inspired!

More Finger Crochet Patterns for Beginners

With finger crocheting, the whole world of crochet is available to you. When you’re ready to tackle more complex (but still beginner-friendly) finger crochet patterns, start with the list below. From practical garments to fanciful accessories, the possibilities are endless.

1. 1. Bernat Finger Crochet Blanket

Image source: Yarnspirations

Looking for a full-sized finger crochet blanket pattern that’s still beginner-friendly? This Bernat Finger Crochet Blanket pattern is free to download and only uses the single crochet and chain stitch.

This blanket measures 45 inches wide and 56 cm long. If you’ve fallen in love with the color variegated effect of the pattern example, you can purchase a kit that includes everything you’ll need to create the exact blanket pictured above.

The color effect you see above is created by stitching with one strand of two different colors of yarn. 

Working with two strands of yarn (as opposed to one) can be more challenging when you’re first learning to finger crochet, so consider trying this pattern as a second or third finger crochet project.

      2. 30 Minute Hat Beanie

Image source: Nicki’s Homemade Crafts

As the name suggests, this spirited hat comes together in just half an hour. You’ll only need one skein of bulky yarn, a yarn needle, and a short amount of time to put this hat together. The faux fur pom-pom is optional but so festive!

The original pattern fits a teen or adult head but can be easily adjusted to fit any size. Remember that the size of your fingers impacts the finished sizing, so you must use your judgement when sizing. Check the gauge as a starting point for sizing.

You might notice that the stitches are looser than a beanie in the traditional method, using a crochet hook. This is a result of the finger crochet technique, so be certain you’re okay with this look before creating this beanie.

The more open stitches are balanced by the use of single crochet stitches, so the hat can still provide warmth on chilly days.

      3. Giant Circular Rug

Image source: Blog Expression Fiber Arts

Yes, you read that right. With heavy enough yarn and strong arms, you can finger crochet your own circular rug. This rug is practical and chic and allows you to customize the finished look to fit your home.

The original pattern uses seven and a half pounds of grey merino wool roving to create a rug measuring three feet in diameter. Roving is most commonly used by hand spinners to create yarn, but this pattern uses roving as a yarn itself.

If you want to recreate the exact same effect, realize that that amount of high-quality yarn is likely more expensive than buying a similarly sized rug. 

Cheaper alternatives to the merino roving include Corriedale wool or Blue Faced Leiceter wool. You can even try out cotton or bamboo roving.

The absolute cheapest way to crochet this ultra-chunky rug is to cut two or three-inch fabric scraps.

Unsurprisingly, you will work in rounds of single crochet to make this rug. The pattern author suggests a stitch holder to mark the end of each round.

Follow along with the pattern writer’s full video tutorial here.

      4. Chunky Baby Blanket

Image source: Etsy

Baby blankets hold a special place in crocheter’s hearts, and for good reasons. They’re satisfying, quick to make, and are sentimental.

This chunky baby blanket finger crochet pattern comes together quickly and makes the perfect handmade baby shower gift. Present the blanket tied up with a scrap of extra yarn (as pictured above) for an impressive-looking gift.

The pattern author recommends possessing at least beginner-level finger crochet experience before tackling this blanket. Beginner finger crocheters can still feel confident picking up this single-color, single-stitch pattern.

      5. Giant Granny Square

Granny squares already provide convenience and flexibility to crocheters. Finger crocheting a giant granny square adds an extra level of fun!

Check out Bean Creative’s video tutorial for a giant granny square, featuring three colors. The real question is what oversized projects will you create with these chunky, whimsical granny squares?

Finally, remember that theoretically any crochet pattern can be adapted to a finger crochet project. Avoid finger crocheting complex projects with a lot of joining or garments that have to fit precisely. 

You are now a finger crocheting expert. Finger crocheting can help keep you in touch with basic crochet techniques you might not have to think about. As an added bonus, the convenience of finger crocheting can’t be beaten.

Feel free to retry your favorite traditional crochet projects with the finger crocheting technique to see what you discover. Enjoy your finger crochet journey!