I wish I could crochet!

[PosiePootlePerkins]

I bought a beginners guide to crochet book, I bought the needles and wool, I watched countless youtube videos, can I get the hang of it? I dream of sitting on my sofa of an evening, creating gorgeous things....sigh. Anyone know any foolproof tips? Tried searching evening classes but I guess its a bit niche... Anyone live in South East Hampshire fancy giving me some lessons? I'll pay!
or maybe I am just a bit dim

[cathyclown]

I use the "knitting" method rather than the method shown in books and on youtube etc. In other words I use the hook the way I would knit. Sorry to be so vague but many people use this method for crochet too!

I cannot get the so called "real crochet" method at all. But the result is exactly the same no matter what method you use.

There is a thread already on here about this. I am too lazy to search, but plenty of information.

[Alabasterangel6]

Look into local groups.

Go to a local shop that sells yarn and hooks and ask about local groups. Contrived thigh it sounds your local WI will probably know of some too, or have an expert within their realms who will show you.

If you really can't do that then look up cocobella on you tube. Try her granny square tutorial. Pause pause pause all the way through and keep trying. She is very simple and I learnt from her and a library book!

What do you want to learn most? Flat crochet pieces or amigurumi?

[Alabasterangel6]

*though not thigh!

[TheFairyCaravan]

I learnt following Bella Coco videoes on YouTube.

I couldn't follow a book at all. I was a knitter to start with so it was difficult to learn how to hold the hook and yarn but one day it just clicked.

I looked into classes but there wasn't any round here, but I've since found out that the wool shop in a nearby town runs them. Perhaps you could ask in your local one, or they might know someone who could teach you.

[redshoeblueshoe]

Try your local library, ours has a crochet group

[redshoeblueshoe]

Or you could try MN local

[PosiePootlePerkins]

Ooh fab ideas, I would have never thought of a wool shop, thank you! I did try the Bella Coco videos but got frustrated once I got stuck at a certain point. Probably need more patience. AlabasterAngel ami what now? Flat pieces I am guessing they are easier?!
Thanks so much for the replies.

[PosiePootlePerkins]

MN local also a good idea, will have a look.

[Iusedtobeafreeelf]

I sat in front of Bella coco on YouTube and just worked along with her. It took a lot of practice but I've enjoyed it.

[LuckyLuckyWoman]

Are you me? :) I had all the kit for Christmas last year, have just about managed a chain stitch

[PlaymobilPirate]

Are you on Facebook? Search for Stitch and Bitch groups in your area. Ours meets in the pub! They're great and there'll be someone who can teach you.

I taught myself using pics from Attic24 website and Bella coco videos 😎

[DoubleNegativePanda]

I've found the youtube channel Fiber Flux to be very, very easy to follow. I also second asking at a yarn store, while they may not give classes there is generally someone that works there or a frequent customer who is willing to give instruction.

I'd advise that in the beginning, don't try to make something with a pattern. Chain any number, then turn it and go back across in double crochets (I would call these single crochet, being in the US). Just keep going back and forth with a simple double crochet. You're not trying to make an amazing piece, you're trying to get comfortable with the motion and feel a little more confident. You'll be surprised that it doesn't take long at all for muscle memory to take over and your hands just know how to do it.

I've been crocheting for years and years, but I just started knitting and I had the same problem with learning to work the needles!

[cathyclown]

Does anyone apart from me use the "knitting" approach rather than the "crochet" approach?

I have been doing crochet for donkey's years but when looking at Bella coco I got the shivers. I tried, but no..... it wasn't for me.

But the end result is the same it is just a slightly different approach.

[AlbusPercival]

I also knit my crichet

[PolkaDottyRose]

I was a knitter, and tried for ages and ages to crochet..I couldn't get the hang of it..so I have up. One day I picked it up again, and suddenly I could. I'm self taught, and I make all sorts now. Please don't give up, you can do it too. Some of my makes in pics.

[anothernetter]

I taught myself using YouTube videos. I practiced on cheaper wool and when I felt confident enough I made a blanket. I really enjoyed it and can't recommend it enough.

[cathyclown]

Great to hear I am not alone being a knitting style crocheter!

Polka that is lovely stuff. Do you do the "real" or "knitting" style crochet?

So many lovely coloured wool around now, I am currently working on a blanket in that lovely deep blue with a cream insert. Looking good so far!

[PosiePootlePerkins]

Polka those are so beautiful, just the sort of thing I dream of making! So many helpful tips on here. DoubleNegativePanda great advice, I will try and do as you say and just get comfortable with the action of crochet.
Am going to check out all the you tube and internet links, thanks again everyone! I will get there, one day!

[TheCountessofFitzdotterel]

I have been doing it with the knitting method and now I understand how it works I have just in the last few days switched to the normal method which is quicker (ie switched from yarn in right hand to left hand) so effectively I have learned in 2 stages. Might be a good way to go.

[PolkaDottyRose]

I don't know, do I do real crochet or knitting crochet? I thought I was doing real crochet? I hope my yarn in my left hand?

[PolkaDottyRose]

hope = hold.

[PolkaDottyRose]

Do you mean the way my hook is pointing? I use mine with the hook pointing upwards..but MIL points it downwards, but I can't do it that way.

[TheCountessofFitzdotterel]

The knitting way is holding your yarn in your right hand with the hook, the normal way the yarn is controlled by the left hand and you only hold the hook in your right.
I am finding the normal way much faster because there's less movement involved in winding the yarn round the hook.

[PolkaDottyRose]

Ooh. I have never come across that. Yarn in left hand is all I know.

[CAAKE]

I taught myself to crochet watching YouTube tutorials! There are loads on there showing the basic stitches, and this baby blanket was a really good first proper “project” -