Learning to crochet. Getting started?

[Elfontheedge]

I've got a crochet hook, wool, a bit of spare time but where do I start? Any recommendations for good starter tutorials? Any tips for a newbie? Anyone else just starting and want to share?

I had tried knitting on and off for years with no success, then a friend suggested I try crochet and I just found it so much easier to get going with than knitting. I also used YouTube tutorials - I liked being able to see someone actually doing the stitches. I agree it's a good idea to find something you want to do and get to grips with that - it will give you confidence and it's great to see results. One of the things I like about crochet is that you do get really pretty results quickly. I am all about the granny squares, and am working on a three-colour blanket at the moment. Starting simple and just doing one colour squares for now, but starting to feel confident enough to try a mixed colour square .
I'm sure there was a similar thread on here recently with a link to a pattern for an infinity scarf, which I am also working on. Again, easy (only chain and double crochets) but quick results!
I found Attic24 great for inspiration and tutorials.
Bethintx1 on YouTube was my go-to granny square tutorial.
I'm not quite able to follow crochet patterns (written) but feel like I am getting there - I started in October.
Also, agree with PP about making sure you know whether you're dealing with UK or US stitch terminology.
Good luck and enjoy!

Attic24 is excellent and I have found simply crochet magazine really helpful for small projects to consolidate new techniques.
I learnt 12 months ago and in a year have becomes as good at crochet as 31 years of knitting.
Historically there has been a right way to hold your hook and wool - now it is felt that as long as your tension is even it doesn't matter how you hold them.

I teach people to crochet and have had many beginners. As already said - hold the hook and the yarn in any way you feel comfortable. it is also easier to think of the wool as being "wrapped" around the hook, rather than just picked up.

if you live nearby Elf, I would be happy to give you an hour of my time to get you started! just PM me. I am in north hampshire

Whatdoesit I am curious as I am very close to you do you operate from a yarn shop or a studio.

I bought a book 'The Happy Hooker' which is fab, although I thought I was learning UK terms and discovered this week (while following an Attic24 pattern) that I've learnt US terms .

The book is ace though and got my started from no knowledge at all.....

Gah, not 'my' but 'me'!!

I also got 'The Happy Hooker' and agree, it is fab. Very easy to follow.