Is crochet easy to learn?

[MrsPresley]

Just that really, I'd like to learn but not sure if it's quite easy or not.

Planning on going to Hobbycraft tomorrow, so was wondering if anyone can recommend a book/magazine for beginners?

I quite fancy the look of the flower brooches I've seen (for 10yo DD) and maybe eventually work up to something like a hat.

I know I'm maybe being a bit ambitious there

I didn't learn from the book so can't compare. Can you knit or are you able to do any other "crafty" stuff liek jewellery?

Yes, I can knit. Nothing too difficult but have done loads over the years (4 children, 6 grandchildren .

I used to really like cross stitch but my eyesight isnt what it used to be and I just cant get on with a magnifyer.

Also tried some simple jewellery making years ago, just earrings and quite enjoyed that! and I used to do some dress making years ago too.

But... I have never tried crochet

Yes, very easy! There are some great youtube videos that go step by step. Although having said that I'm only a beginner, but I've made a bag and booties and am working on a blanket.

Very easy.
Once you have mastered the basic stitches you can make so many different things.
Jan Eaton's Crochet book (I think it is called Encyclopedia of Crochet techniques) is excellent for showing you 'how to'

if you know knitting - then would be v.easy
for me crocheting was easier to learn than knitting (but i was 10 years old :) )

Ver easy - hoby craft probably has its own booklet.

I used 'craftyminx' crochet school videos... Am on my phone so can't link sorry - but they were fab, really thorough.

It's easy as long as you take one step at a time. It is an incredibly creative craft and has mind boggling variables, so get to those slowly

I crocheted a few granny squares recently, I am a beginner! There are lots of videos on youtube that show you how to do things step by step. Flowers are my next thing to master!

I was able to knit first and found crocheting much easier.
I've used a mixture of blogs, youtube videos and books, mostly to learn how to make each thing I've taken a fancy to!

I found the descriptions and diagrams really clear in the Happy Hooker, although the patterns were not really for me.

I'm a fan of the Attic 24 blog and love her tutorials. Some of the other blogs she links to are crochet blogs, and of course Ravelry has good patterns and you can then search youtube for how to make the stitches you need.

Thanks for all the advice and links.

I went to Hobbycraft and bought a book (Guide to Crochet) and also a Knit and Crochet magazine.

I only bought the magazine as I got 6 wee balls of wool, a crochet hook and a pair of knitting needles with it.

The magazine instructions seem a bit clearer than the book and I've been practising like mad.

So far I've managed the chain and I'm trying to perfect the double crochet, it's a bit messy at the moment but I'm getting there

The only thing is, I cant hold the yarn in my left hand, my tension is all over the place and the yarn doesnt seem to stay in place!

But I seem to be able a lot better by holding the hook an yarn in my right hand and sort of do it like I'm knitting

Anyway I'll keep practising, hopefully I'll get the hang of it

Thanks again!