Beginning crochet

[Onionringo]

Hi,

Any tips for beginning crochet? I decided I need a hobby, so I'd like to try it. What was the first thing you made? Any good sources for easy patterns? Any tips o which hooks and which wool?

My eventual aim is to make a big blanket for each of my children, assuming I get on with it ok. Me and my brother both have crocheted blankets from our grandmother, and we both love them.

Thanks!

[chocolatespiders]

Bella Coco on you tube has some good guide videos
I am just starting my crochet journey!

[chocolatespiders]

Stylecraft special DK (double knit) is the wool I was advised on and a 4mm crochet hook

[dingledel]

So what are you doing as your first project? I am a very awkward knitter ( left handed) and I have once again told myself I can learn to crochet!

So many lovely projects out there.

[CatsCantFlyFast]

Pinterest is great for patterns/projects/ideas

[ConfuciousSayWhat]

The crochet crowd on YouTube and Facebook. Their tutorials are bombproof and some really nice designs

[dingledel]

I have tried starting a few times in the past but I struggled to hold the hook correctly. Recently I thought I would try again and not get so hung up on the "correct" technique, after all, holding my knitting needles weird has never stopped me from knitting!

[TheFairyCaravan]

I taught myself to crochet last year. Don't worry about patterns use YouTube. BellaCoco is excellent. You just need some DK wool and a 4mm hook to get started.

Good luck.

[Pinkerbeller]

Second yay for BellaCoco here. Yarn and hook depends on the pattern but start with something like a beanie hat, before I knew it I was doing minion hats and being hailed an artistic genius.

Note: maybe my friends are just overly appreciative :)

[Ditsy4]

Make a basket to keep your wool and crochet hook in. Either round or square.

[Onionringo]

I'll look up Bella coco today, thanks.

Is the best way to get started just to try and crochet, even if you're not aiming for a particular thing, if that makes sense? Just get a hook, some wool and just practice?

Dingledel - I'm left handed too. Does that cause problems? Or is it fairly easy to just adapt? I've learnt to do several things right handed, and it's just second nature now.

I like the idea of making a basket. Is there a particular type of wool for a basket? Is normal wool strong enough?

[Felascloak]

Try boodles for a basket. Sometimes you can find kits with a hook and pattern.

[Felascloak]

Boodles it a type of yarn not a shop

[WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo]

I started with a big granny square blanket. It's really easy as you just go round and round, and change colours as you feel like it!

I don't like YouTube so I tend to use photo ones instead.

Attic24 has some nice patterns, or Cherry Heart crochet (really good for stitch tutorials). Both are in UK terms as well.

I like Stylecraft Special DK too. Lovely texture and a great range of colours. I use it for nearly everything.

The most confusing thing for me, to begin with, was that there are UK and US crochet terms. E.g. a UK double crochet is a US single crochet. It's OK once you know about it as you can check which the pattern uses and can "translate" quite easily :)

Good luck and have fun!

[JudyCoolibar]

If you fancy learning in company there's a short course at the Great Missenden summer school - www.missendenabbey-al.co.uk/arca/index.php?option=com_courses&Itemid=75.

[Spanielcrackers]

I would start with some simple squares as you learn each stitch.
You may find a chunkier yarn easier to learn with, preferably in a lighter colour. Hobby craft sell a lovely chunky yarn made by the WI. If you check the band on the ball of yarn it will tell you what size hook to buy.

[Onionringo]

Right, I'm going to order myself some hooks and some wool and just get started. I've had a quick look at the Bella coco granny squares video, and I've seen a set similar to the ones she's got on eBay, not too expensive, so I'll get some of them. And a ball of wool. And just try.

Thanks for all your words of wisdom.