Here is a link that will make your life as crafter a lot easier :
http://ffxiv-beta.lokyst.net/index.html#/simulator

You choose the crafting class you're using. Then you go to the "crafter attributes" tab to fill the attributes numbers and to choose the available actions. Then go back to the "simulator" tab to choose the recipe you want to craft. You can choose the kind of food you use, if you use any too. Then click on the "Solve" button. And the site will calculate which skills to use and in what order to use them to achieve the best result.

Other than that try to always wear the best stuff available at your current level. That can really make a big difference. Use the preview synthesises before crafting to see if you'll get an high enough HQ %age. Above 80% there's a good chance the result will be HQ.