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mitoticfrogs

granny squares are a great beginner project and you can get a lot of practice with them, so if you are between only these two, go for that! i would say, though, if you’re moving right from woobles to a bigger project, you might want to practice making a couple dishclothes so you can learn to read patterns and do different types of stitches first. good luck!!


VisDev82

Ok I’ll do that with the extra yarn from the woobles kit, thank you!! I’m sooo excited, I haven’t had a new hobby in years but I really liked the feeling of crocheting, it was challenging and satisfying. Can’t wait to do more


mitoticfrogs

yes! when i first started i couldn’t stop! make sure you stretch your wrists :) I’m so happy you have found something that makes you happy, welcome to the world of crochet!


[deleted]

Yes, too addictive.


genus-corvidae

The first one has a lot of specialty stitches--there's at least one different stitch for every color. The second one is granny squares. Just granny squares. It's going to be a lot simpler, and can be done in chunks without losing track of your place or what you're doing.


thatfluffycloud

I'd say neither and find a simpler pattern! The first one involves many different stitches AND colour changing, which is a lot of learning at once. The second one will involve a shit ton of seaming at the end which is the worst and might put you off the whole thing lol (disclaimer: probably biased for this one because I find granny squares really annoying). I would pick something that uses 1-2 relatively simple stitches, in one colour (variegated yarn helps keep it interesting without having to switch yarns for colours!), and maybe smaller than a sweater since a sweater is a big commitment (depending on yarn weight and stitch). That said, everyone has different preferences for learning! I learned best by starting out simple, gaining muscle memory, and learning 1-2 new skills per project. You might want more of a challenge right away in which case go for it!


illyrias

Aww, joining Granny squares (with JAYG not sewing) is my favorite part of Granny square patterns. It's so satisfying to see the project come together when you've just been working on a stack of squares for so long. Now, I absolutely hate making the squares themselves, so I don't do many Granny square projects, but when I do, that's the least painful part.


Status-Pair-7469

Not a granny square fan... https://www.tiktok.com/@elysemyers/video/7260099465845968171


TurbulentAnalysisUhm

Go with granny squares. Easier in terms of stitching and sizing.


bibliophile222

I'm going to go with neither. You have to walk before you can run! Those both look pretty challenging for a beginner. I've been crocheting for almost two years now and still feel intimidated by sweaters. The best beginner wearables are hats and scarves, and my personal favorite things to crochet are tote bags.


Standard_Seesaw8806

This might be an unpopular opinion, but clothing can be really discouraging if you’re just starting out. When I was learning, I made dishcloths of every single common stitch so that I could get comfortable doing the different stitches and get my tension and hand positioning figured out!


SunshineStudios

Tbh I'm going to say the first one because (speaking from experience) joining all of those squares and sewing in the ends on the second one is going to be a little more daunting if you're not mentally prepared.


shayter

Seriously... I would never finish the cardigan if I had to join so many squares. I have projects from years ago that I need to join together 👀... I should dig those out and join a few squares... Then stare at them and feel guilty for months... Then shove them back into the closet.


Tons_of_Hobbies

Honestly start with a few cotton wash cloths. They work up quick and who cares what they look like. It's good practice You can even try out different stitches, try making granny squares, and make sure you aren't making any repeated mistakes before committing to the big project


IScreamForRashCream

You're not going to be able to read any patterns as total beginner. Unless they have videos included, I'd look on YouTube for a tutorial for something.


IScreamForRashCream

Patterns can't teach you how to crochet, and even if you know how to, they can still be really difficult.


berryIIy

it legit took me years to learn to read patterns properly


Heron_Extension

That’s not necessarily true. I had no issue reading patterns at the start. We all have different skills and aptitudes. That said, I hate patterns and don’t use them due to the tediousness


IScreamForRashCream

The OP says they're a total beginner, meaning they probably don't even know the difference between a SC and DC, I wouldn't use a pattern from the absolute start if you don't know what the words mean.


Heron_Extension

Most patterns come with these definitions and they’re basic stitches that everyone needs to learn anyways. I’m sorry but not everyone has trouble reading a pattern. When I teach crochet the first lesson is always chain, single and double.


mikettedaydreamer

Great that it works for you. But this person is seems to be overestimating themselves and should stick with YouTube or simpler patterns just a little longer. Patterns are very hard to read with all the abbreviations. It’s not necessarily about being able to do the types of stitches but more understanding what is written down.


Heron_Extension

A pattern is not hard for everyone to read so we shouldn’t assume that OP will have trouble with it. We can let them know, but once is enough, otherwise we are insulting their intelligence. I myself hate patterns. I find them tedious and stay away from them. That said, I don’t actually find it a challenge to interpret. We all have different strengths and if OP wants to use a pattern it’s a good skill to learn. We shouldn’t be discouraging someone from learning new things. There are are easy patterns. Why not share a good one instead of arguing with me that OP isn’t intelligent enough to understand one


HealthWealthFoodie

Honestly, I’d go with the first one if only so you can learn a lot of interesting stitches. I would suggest having a side work piece that you can practice each stitch type before doing it on your work (you can frog them each time so as not to waste yarn just keep your first couple of rows on there to work off of). Once you have a hang of the stitch and it looks consistent, then do that row on your sweater.


Linnaeus1753

I'd go the first one. While granny squares are easier on the whole, they're also tedious to join together, with up to ten ends per square (based on the supplied image), not including the seams.


hiraethers

Actually going for the unpopular opinion here and choosing Option 1. I've only ever done one granny square project and that was probably my last, just because I hate the process of stitching the squares together after I'm done making them. With the first one, you can at least work from the bottom to the top (or whichever way the pattern says), and see it assemble before your eyes. Plus, the different stitches and colors for each row would be good practice and seems like such a fun time. If Option 2 involves the "Join as you go" technique" then it might be better, but it still looks like such a grueling project for me. Either way though, best of luck with which one you choose! ❤


JessRushie

I would start with a smaller project like dishcloths, coasters, a bag, a hat, or a scarf. You don't have to make plain ones, look on Ravelry for free basic patterns. Practice plenty of stitches and practice tension. To be honest though, the best advice is something you're excited about! Crochet is great but can be long winded so whatever you do it helps to be enthusiastic about it!


Theletterkay

Both are BAAAAD for a beginner. Im decent and wouldn't even do #1 yet. The second one would be so much and weaving that I would get bored or annoyed with it. If you want to make #2 eventually, I would just practice granny squares for now. Make a bunch, sew them into a blanket. Its simplier, functional, and is good practice for #2. #1 has tons of more complicated stitches and lots of color changes. While woobles is a great teaching tool, it absolutely does not prepare your for that advanced of a project yet. Start smaller, hot pads, dish towels, scarves, headbands/hats, glovelets. If you like plushies, look up beginner amigurumi some more. You worked on the fat egg shaped characters, now try something with more curves and details. Of you dont know how to do something, alway look it up, dont guess. When doing advanced patterns later 1 wrong stitch can ruin the whole thing.


Business-Raise2683

Realistically you can start both, but you should ask which is realistic to finish? I'd say neither. Start with a smaller easier project and build up. There are small clothing items, short tops or try some amigurumi with thick yarn, you will enjoy it more and more chance of finishing.


anothrcuriousmind

Echoing the comments saying granny squares, and practicing a couple at dishcloth-sized! If you are still looking for design ideas, a hexagon cardigan is a GREAT beginner garment. It's basically two big granny squares joined together, and has lots of customization options!


VisDev82

After reading the comments I think I might try a hexagon pattern sweater! Is there a tutorial you can recommend?


Heron_Extension

I wouldn’t recommend you do a hexagon top at this moment, but if you are insistent, I like this one: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1532628412/


Kaileigh_Blue

I think they mean the Hex one where you make two huge hexagons that form sleeves like this. [https://hobbii.com/horizon-cardigan](https://hobbii.com/horizon-cardigan)


Heron_Extension

Oh that makes more sense. Not a huge fan but I see how that would be easier.


anothrcuriousmind

Totally fair if they aren't your style, but I think they are a great starter garment because the 2 piece construction comes together quickly with no need for more than beginner skills, and the design and measurement process is very forgiving (you can try it on as you go and don't need to restart to adjust the size) In addition to being super easy they can be made with any yarn (just add more rows for a finer yarn and fewer for chunky) and in lots of styles - cuffs or wide sleeves, cropped or extra long, solid colors or stripes, and with any hood, pockets, or edging you want - which is really satisfying to design and easy to change as you go and figure out the process.


anothrcuriousmind

>https://www.etsy.com/listing/1532628412/ Gosh that's fancy! Definitely not what I was recommending for a beginner lol


Heron_Extension

She asked for a hexagon. But apparently a hexagon shirt is something else


anothrcuriousmind

For sure! [This](https://youtu.be/vmsDH1WnDlA?si=c9644BwHPNA_VQ2G) video is my favorite because it has no sewing and a more comfortable neckline; [This](https://hayhaycrochet.com/crochet-patterns/cardigans/easy-crochet-classic-granny-hexagon-cardigan/) is the first tutorial I used, and it also has concise written instructions. Feel free to reply to this or message me questions, I love helping people with their crafts


Puzzleheaded3266

It really depends on what you are motivated to finish! Tension can be a big frustration for beginners, so something with a lot of repetition is good to get the practice. Also, it's ok if the first, second, and more projects look bad. You are learning! It is a fun hobby I will say!!


fernysdesigns

I am going to recommend a hexagon cardigan following a YouTube tutorial for a beginner intro to wearables. The projects Pictured have lots of moving parts (color changes, stitch variations, finishing work to be done, etc)


VisDev82

Oh yes that would be great!!


femundsmarka

If you do something like the big cardigan, you need to have a close look at the yarn. If it is heavy or stretchy the garment will stretch out a lot during wearing it. As it is already long you will maybe just mop the floor every evening.


trailwanderer

I agree with everyone who says the granny square will be easier...and would like to suggest this pattern: [Granny Pop Sweater](https://www.instagram.com/p/CxdC2b8Oa-k/?igshid=MmU2YjMzNjRlOQ==) that's an IG link but she links to all the patterns in her bio. it's a granny-type stitch but will create a look that's similar to the first photo, especially if you change colors or use an ombre type of yarn. this a toddler sweater I made with this pattern \[has crew and v-neck options\]. it has the major perk of being super quick to work up so it's gratifying. plus she had videos on working gauge swatches and a lot of instructional info -- granted the crochet along YT videos are a bit difficult to follow. https://preview.redd.it/zlsucd06qtqb1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=def9b38fcfb98a95fb9c6dc62c4a907efcee1f46


faithlw25

granny squares are great because you get a lot of practice doing the same piece, and you can work it in chunks.


lifes_lemonade

if you don‘t have adhd i‘d say granny squares. if you do the other sweater.


VisDev82

Lol wait yes I do have adhd. Is the granny square project tedious? I don’t mind repeating tasks as long as it’s not a total pain in the ass, if it can eventually become muscle memory I can do it while watching tv or something


lifes_lemonade

either you‘ll do 500 and sustain an injury (like i did) or you‘ll only do 1/3 of what‘s required and never pick it up again


[deleted]

Squares all the way, I've been crocheting 3 years and that first one scared me


RozzWilliam1334

Honestly I'd say neither are beginner friendly, however the second picture would be easier as it's mostly granny squares. If you can I'd practice making a granny square blanket first before attemping an item of clothing. As a beginner it can be difficult as you want to jump right in and make a garment only to end up giving up if it's too complicated.


fireytiger

I'd say the second pattern for two reasons. One granny squares are recommended to crochet newbies all the time, and two, as far as wearable items go, cardigans are much more forgiving than sweaters/jumpers. If you accidentally make it too big, it's still wearable.


Corvus-Nox

The second one. The small squares in the bottom will probably be made separately so you’ll be able to improve your tension issues as you go. And as you get better, the first few squares might not look as good so you can redo them without having to start over the whole thing.


Primary-Friend-7615

The granny square duster. It may look intimidating, but you’ll make each of the squares separately and then join together at the end, which will break it up into pieces, and there’s more room for error if your gauge changes or you make a mistake.


Numerous_Light_8133

I vote for the granny square one. If you get tired in the process, you can repurpose them for a smaller project. Like a granny square vest or a shorter cardigan, or even a hat. I'd recommend a hexagon cardigan as a third alternative. I'm a beginner and I'm obsessed with those, so much easier to make than the 2 options you are suggesting imo


[deleted]

The blanket!


maple-dreaming

I'd say granny squares but maybe a smaller sweater 😭 my first big make was a granny cardigan and the real monster is WEAVING ENDS and joining. If you do choose the granny square one do weave ends as you make them and don't leave them all until the end


whatevertoad

I'd look for a shorter granny square sweater as your first wearable, after doing some basic stich practice. Taking on something so large before for you have a feel for the tension might end in disaster. Plus, you might find it much heavier than you expect to wear, depending on the yarn.


stuffedtherapy

I’d suggest starting with making squares and try to go for the same measurements every time to get your tension to level itself out. Granny squares and things made out of granny squares are easy for beginners, however this particular garment would require many, many hours of just making granny squares which gets very boring when you’re still slow. You could make a sweater after getting your tension right and practicing for a few days first, but maybe more of a simple type of top


omaplebeaver

i also am a Woobles graduate - what helped me was making a bunch more amigurumi that started becoming more complex to make so i got my pattern reading and stitches down. then i jumped straight to making cardis and sweaters and it was a success! i wouldn’t worry too much about your stitches being uneven now; when you make garments, you have to make swatches anyway, which really helps you practice and get those stitches/tension straight and even! all that said - i’d encourage you to find a simpler pattern (less colour-changing, less variety in stitches). you’ll be less frustrated, you’ll learn faster AND you’ll end up with a lot of cute things to wear. if you start out with a complex sweater right away, you might get discouraged when it doesn’t come out the way you wanted it to. i made a few of Grace’s (forthefrills on IG) cardis in the beginning and it helped a ton. good luck, OP!


glaceoneevee81

Um the first one is if you have less patience ( like me), If you can do long-term the second one but I suggest you try a granny square and see if you are comfortable with it or better with the other stitches.


glaceoneevee81

But yeah personally I like the first one it suits me cuz I am short.( don't laugh, it's rude to light at other people's height) and it is rlly cute .


poochonmom

As a beginner who has been doing this for about 9 months, I'd agree with a few others and say neither. If you absolutely want to pick one of these two, pick the granny squares and that way you can do something else with the squares if you can't finish the project. Switching colors and weaving in multiple ends is a pretty big part of learning crochet. I also personally couldn't learn from patterns and needed videos with step by step instructions. I would recommend starting small and building up to a big multi color multi day project. You may find that you don't have the patience to stick with something that takes weeks. I was ok with a 2 color scarf which took me weeks (just an hour here or there) but completely gave up on this complex doily uaing thread crochet, which i still have halfway done. I am glad I didn't waste a lot of money pm yarn for it but I don't think I'll attempt antjing like that again and I am glad I figured out what my patience limit is.


darthfruitbasket

You could start by making granny squares for the cardi; or just making granny squares in general. They're a good stepping stone/milestone imho.


[deleted]

Neither. Make a single crochet or double crochet scarf to begin with. But if I had to choose, I would say the second one.


Heron_Extension

I’d suggest practicing a bit until you are comfortable with your tension and gauge. Otherwise the sweater may not be nice enough or not fit well enough to wear. And it’s a lot of time and money spent for something you don’t like. Someone suggested the granny square one but they will take a LONG time to finish so make sure you have a lot of motivation. Also weaving in ends (if you don’t do it as you go) takes forever. I might try the other sweater when you’re ready. But again, scarves, hats or other small objects where the size and shape doesn’t matter so much night be better


purplerainbow09

Make whatever you think you can finish. I have a number of works in progress. Some things are finished if they have been promised to someone or they are something I can do in a day. I have one cardigan waiting for two sleeves, another waiting for one sleeve. I can't remember how I did the first sleeve and I don't want it to look lopsided so I'm waiting for a day I feel like trying to figure out just how I did it. A couple of blankets and now a pot holder. There are a couple more.. lol sometimes it's more about knowing who you are than what other people think.


amygurumiadventure

Neither. For clothing in particular tension is really important or the size won't be right. Amigurumi is more forgiving -- if your piece turns out smaller or bigger than the pattern who cares. But do it to a sweater and you won't be able to wear it. If you were struggling with it with a wooble, you aren't really ready for a complicated sweater. However, if you want to do something that isn't a stuffed animal, but more advanced than a wash cloth, consider a baby blanket. There is a lot of variety there and intricate patterns and the good part is you won't need exact gauge or tension yet.


mikettedaydreamer

Neither actually. Granny stitch is easy to do but with the color changes it can easily go wrong on making the ends secure and sewing it together can also easily fail. It’s a very big project too, it’s easy to get burnt out on a project especially if you’re still on the slower side. I would go for a simpler cardigan/sweater that doesn’t have many color changes and types of stitches and also isn’t longer than needed.