Crocheters, help a complete beginner please!

[CatAmongThePigeons]

I am desperate to learn to crochet, I have a hook, lots of wool and one of those basic learn to knit magazines.

My problem is I don't understand what I'm supposed to do, it said to start with chain stitch, fine, but I can't find out how to move on to a different stitch and you tube has been of no help so far either.

Can anyone advise a complete idiot novice?

I'm not a crocheter, but I've been learning using YouTube. Check out Very Pink Knits, she has a crochet course which I've found really helpful. I think it's called crochet for knitters, but it still makes sense.

Good luck! (I've only got to single crochet on her course, so I feel your pain!)

Ooh thanks, that looks good! good luck to you too, we shall be experts in no time

not sure how to explain without showing

to make a double crochet stitch (dc) you wrap the wool around the hook (like you would when making a chain)

Then put the hook though te "v" on the stitch you want to crochet into

Then wrap the wool around again and pull through the stitch (just like chain stitch)

Then wrap around again and pull through both loops on the hook

I taught myself from the Happy Hooker crochet book

If you happen to be anywhere near Surrey I would be happy to show you

Or if further north - merseyside i can help

Or in the middle in Northampton...

South London/Surrey borders.

I taught myself with a book called "Crochet unravelled"

I'm in worcestershire - not an expert having only taught myself this year but happy to help

I used to teach crochet and getting started on your first row is always the hardest bit. People panic about where to fit the hook into the chain.

My advice:

Keep the chain fairly loose, but even. Hold it up to the light and look for the tiny holes - this is where your hook will be inserted.

Start with a single crochet (SC), also called a double crochet in the UK. do a chain of around 15 and then insert your hook into the hole one away from the hook.

Wrap the yarn around the hook and pull it through the chain. Wrap again and pull the yarn through both loops on the hook.

Continue all the way along the chain, holding the chain up to the light to see where you insert the hook each time. keeping your chain loose will help here.

When you get to the end - turn the work, do a one chain and repeat the process back along the top of the stitches you have just created.

this time you are inserting the hook across the top of the stitches (the "v").

I hope that helps. you tubes have some good tutorials. i found that learning amigurumi really helped me to understand the basic SC/DC

I taught myself using The Happy Hooker book, it really is fab - so clear and easy to understand. I tried using t'interweb but it made no sense !!