I'd like to learn to crochet, where do I start?

[storminabuttercup]

Can anyone point me in the right direction please?

I've never done anything remotely crafty but really want to do something.

Could anyone be kind enough to advise me?

[mumineedapooooo]

Go get yourself a hook and a ball of wool (but don't get the cheap squeaky wool from a pound shop,I found it really hard to learn with and gave up) then have a browse on utube for granny squares,
That's how I learnt about a year ago,bought books but found them confusing.once you suss it its easy.
Good luck,let us know how you get on

[TheFarSide]

If possible, find someone to teach you the basics - in my experience, crocheting is easy when you know how but really hard to learn. It's not about the stitches but where to insert the hook and I would say you need someone to actually show you.

You might be able to find a local crochet/knitting group for this purpose, possibly attached to a wool shop if you have one nearby.

YouTube is great once you know the basics, but beware - lots of it is American and they use different names for the stitches. I would definitely also invest in a British "How to Crochet" book.

Good luck - it's a great hobby.

[storminabuttercup]

Oh brilliant thanks.

I will go to one of the knitting stalls on the market, I don't think we've got any shops. An elderly neighbour does it but she's been ill. Maybe I could ask her, she might like the company. Ill have a look at YouTube too. I want to do squares to maybe do a blanket.

[carlajean]

when I wanted to learn I searched the charity shops for the big craft books, with lots of good illustrations, that were published in the '70s. the stuff they made was hideous, but the instructions excellent. attic24 is an excellent inspirational website for crochet as well.

[Doyouthinktheysaurus]

You tube is excellent.
I learnt from books and you tube. Just stopping and starting the videos.

I'm now trying to teach my 10 year old son I'm not a natural teacher, it would seem.......

[NotADragonOfSoup]

4mm hook
1 ball Double Knitting (DK) wool


I learnt from a book called Crochet Unravelled

It is a slippery slope from which you will not return!

[NotADragonOfSoup]

Oh good lord... I tried to teach my 11 ear old son how to crochet.

It Did Not Go Well.

[Doyouthinktheysaurus]

No, I wish I hadn't suggested it to be honest Dragon

He did well, he was quite patient but I'm a useless teacher! I expect that may be our one and only lesson

[storminabuttercup]

I wish one of you could teach me. I reckon ill be a better student than a pre teen boy

[MakesCakesWhenStressed]

If you're near me you can come to my craft evening It's just a bunch of people crafting together but there's a lot of crochet and we help newbies out...

[TheWoollybacksWife]

If you are in north Northamptonshire or the bit of Leicestershire around Market Harborough way then I can help with instructions.

[KittieCat]

Thanks for posting this, OP. I've been thinking along the same lines. DS is two and I've stated sewing but really v tempted by crochet and was wondering where to start.

Just need to now find some local crafty friends... and good old YouTube!

[dothraki]

I can do the basics - but for the life of me I can't fathom written patterns. I have no problem with anything knitted - its annoying as I've seen some beautiful toys on ravelry.

[Trazzletoes]

OP I learnt recently. I agree that knowing where to put the hook is the hardest part. YouTube is your friend. RatherBeOnThePiste has given me links to some good tutorials. There's a good crochet thread on here too with a lot of support. Is it still Welcome to the Hotel Crochetfornia?

I also used a book called The Needlecraft Book (from Amazon - can't link right now) which is huge and covers various needle rafts - obviously! But is much more detailed than any other book I have come across. I got the basic stitches from there and then learned the other stuff from videos. The book is also great because I can go back to it easily if I need to remind myself of something.

Once you have the hang of crochet, it's easy!

[Trazzletoes]

If you don't mind me asking storm where are you based? Perhaps one of us could help?

[storminabuttercup]

It does sound like I need to see it in action. I didn't know there were 'craft groups' maybe I could find a local one. I'm in West Yorkshire.

Going to try and get the stuff next week, maybe the ladies on the stall will point me in the right direction of a group.

[Trazzletoes]

storm I'm in Leeds if that's any help? Though I'm stuck in isolation in a hospital room for most of the next 3 weeks I'm afraid. I don't know of any local craft groups but I'm sure there must be some...

[storminabuttercup]

Oh trazzle, thank you for the offer, I think ill try and find a group, I'm sorry to hear you are in hospital, hope you are ok.

[dothraki]

Storm its Trazzles boy who is very, very poorly, sending you hugs Trazzle x

[Trazzletoes]

Thanks for the hugs and the good wishes

[storminabuttercup]

Oh I'm so, so sorry, I didn't know. Sending best wishes and hugs.

[aerynsun]

I'm also trying to learn and found this site via Pinterest www.maybematilda.com/p/make-it.html. I spent last night learning 3 different stitches and I'm really pleased with the results. Am going to my mums tonight to learn granny squares

[Trazzletoes]

Thanks storm no worries!

[dothraki]

Aerynsun - that raccoon is so sweet