Crochet for beginners

[Mumof3almost4]

Hi, I'm expecting a baby in January and would love to learn how to crochet to be able to make him a blanket and cardigans.
Any tips where I can start? I really need a starter kit, there's loads on eBay etc but I don't actually know which to buy?
Help appreciated x

A 4mm hook and some style craft yarn to learn with is all you need initially.

Have a look at Bella Coco on you tube. She does the best tutorials, very simple to follow. Just Google Bella Coco learn to crochet.

There's a craft section you might get more replies in.

Dk cotton yarn and a 4mm hook would be a good place to start.

Bella coco has great tutorials I made a pumpkin yesterday using her you tube tutorial

I’d head over to Etsy as they have some lovely kits.

Make sure that your patterns are UK as the terminology is different in the US

Having said that the best crochet book I’ve ever had was “Afghans on the Double” which was American. Some lovely blankets and quick to make.

Good luck OP!

I wouldn't pick a starter kit unless it is super simple. You are much better off as said above getting a simple hook and yarn combo. My suggestion would be go to your local craft shop or hobbycraft and find a yarn you like that is labelled DK or Aran. Then on the back of the label it has a little hook symbol and tells you what size hook. Get that hook. Get the right size with a little rubber surround around the hook. Pony are good and about £2 so not expensive.
I second Bella coco, she has some lovely baby stuff to get started.

I’ve just started too, I got a cheap set of hooks with all the different sizes so I could experiment.
I used the Bella Coco videos for beginners too, she explains it really well.

Don't buy a kit! Just a 4mm hook and some double knit wool. Then go watch some Bella Coco tutorials. A good place to start is Granny Squares.
Thats how I learnt.

Bella coco has taught me everything I know about crochet.

I love to crochet

If you do want to buy a few hooks this is a great set www.amazon.co.uk/Ergonomic-Comfort-Knitting-Accessories-Patterns/dp/B00Y7QWHUO/ref=mp_s_a_1_7_sspa?dchild=1&psc=1&keywords=crochet+hooks+set&sprefix=crochet+hooks&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyQk5DVk02VTVXSUVJJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODYyMDM4MTM0MkpSS0pPM0s1MCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzI4NDI4MkNUN0ZHSFBOODFXNiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9tdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1602055299&sr=8-7-spons
I bought this, you don't need it but as you get confident different sizes are useful.

Start here, Bella Coco how to crochet a granny square

As others have said you just need a ball of DK wool (Stylecraft Special DK is the best) and a 4mm hook.

I started out with a metal hook set from eBay but soon upgraded to Clover amore hooks. A Clover amore hook is a few pounds on Amazon and is really worth the extra money.

Also take a look at Attic 24 for some inspiration. She mainly does crochet blanket designs, and may be something you want to work up to.

Good luck!

Placemarking

4mm hook and a nice ball of Stylecraft Special dk (lighter colours are easier to see what you're doing with them).

I booked myself on a 2h beginner's course last year, and learned how to make a granny square. Haven't looked back, so if it's an option I'd definitely recommend it.

When you've got more time and confidence , come and join us at Woolly Hugs .

How exciting! Get a 4 hook and a ball of Stylecraft and start with a granny square. Before you know it you will have a baby blanket!

Youtube has loads of step by step tutorials.

Amazing advice thank you! I nipped into a wool shop and got what I needed to start off. Much cheaper then the starter kits i was looking at.
I'll watch you tube later Bella Coco looks highly recommended so I'll start there.
@Zhx3 hopefully see you on woolly hugs soon!!

I made my first scarf 😂😂

A little book showing you all the different stitches can be very useful once you get going.
Saves you having to search online each time a pattern mentions a stitch you’re not yet familiar with. Handy to know the difference between British & American stitches that some patterns may have.
Something like this, but there are loads of others.
www.amazon.co.uk/Handbook-Crochet-Stitches-Illustrated-reference/dp/1844485110/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&s=books&crid=2UYJUTGAK3U2Z&keywords=crochet+stitches+book&sprefix=Crochet+stitches%2Caps%2C143&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1602106611&sr=1-3

Enjoy OP! The best thing about crochet is that you get good fast. It doesn’t feel like it when you start but it’s true! It’ll just click and your tension gets better and you can start making blankets or toys.

I like to lurk on the crochet subreddit. It’s pretty busy so lots of inspiration, and there’s a complete mix of abilities from newbies up to really experienced people. Plus it’s very friendly and encouraging so a nice vibe.