Review: Vidcast - Crochet Crash Course

Title: Crochet Crash Course
Format: Vidcast
Length: ~ 1-5 minutes
Current episode count: 06
Topics covered: Hooks and Terminology, Chain Stitch, Single Crochet Stitch, Double Crochet Stitch, Half-Double Crochet Stitch, Triple/Treble Crochet Stitch

The Episodes:

First episode: Quality of the video could be better, but for an introduction , it wasn’t bad. A great preview into the topics that will be covered.

Second episode: Covers chaining, what a chain is abbreviated to in patterns, and how to create a cleaner edge by crocheting into the back/spine loop of the chain. Method of showing how to hold the hook and yarn is throwing, so it may look unfamiliar to those who didn’t learn in this method, or don’t come from a knitting background. The video, again, could be better. It’s difficult to see (at least on my monitor; it could be different for others) where she’s placing the hook in the chains.

Third episode: Covers single crochet, where to place your hook, turning and working into previous row of single crochets. I won’t keep commenting on video quality, as it’s obvious upon viewing. A webcam (I assume only by the quality and framerate), or at least the cheaper ones, or ones lacking proper lighting, is not the best tool to catch the movement of crocheting, nor does it offer the best clarity.

Fourth episode: Covers double crochet, refers back to single crochet, abbreviations for both (the abbreviation she mentioned for single crochet is one I’ve never seen before), and future vidcast topics.

Fifth episode: Covers half-double crochet, abbreviation.

Sixth episode: Covers triple/treble crochet, abbreviation.

Overall Thoughts:
The videos are interesting to watch due to her method of holding the hook and yarn, but the lack of clarity and the inability to follow the motion may be an issue for beginners. I do want to note that for anyone to tackle a project such as this, and to put it out there to help teach others, is commendable. Having said that, however, the information covered, while valuable, has been covered before, and done better.