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

I used YouTube too. I did this www.mooglyblog.com/artfully-simple-infinity-scarf/ which was mindlessly repetitive and had video tutorials. It only has two types of stitches but after doing it my fingers had learnt the actions and it was easier to pick up the others.

Another knitter, I taught myself using BellaCoco in the spring, now I make squares for Woollyhugs! I am no way as skilled as my MIL, and hold the hook like a knitting needle, but I am happy

I really don't think we have to be too worried about what method we use. The end result is absolutely the same.

Each to their own. So glad to see fellow "knitting style" crocheters here.

Are we the perceived amateurs out there? But what the heck. If it works for you and you get enjoyment out of it, and produce lovely stuff....who cares?

Oh I’d loved to be able to crochet, I’ve tried to learn so many times but just can’t seem to get the hang of it. I’m envious of everyone who can.

I love crocheting, just made me and DD slipper socks.

I learned as a child but didn’t get in to crochet. Then a few years ago I fancied having a go and just couldn’t get to grips with it.

My nearest John Lewis were doing one day courses, well from 10 - 2, and it was great and gave me enough skill to top up with books and videos.

Crochet is very easy when you get the knack. I much prefer it to knitting, only one stitch on the hook to worry about.

I know lots of other links have been posted but I liked Catherine Hirst’s videos. short, well lit and easy to follow.

Our library has a knit and natter group and it’s all mostly retirees but I know they would welcome a newbie and would be happy to teach.

Right you have all inspired me. Dug out the hooks but can't find the wool! So have ordered more from Amazon. Also googled and found a wool shop nearby so I will pop in and see if they run classes. I think I need a real person to actually show me. Thanks everyone for all the help.

I was like you. Just couldn't get the hang of it even though I thought I understood the books/vids. I did a 3 hr beginners class at a wool shop. It was enough to get me going and I can now follow the books etc.

I in no way meant to imply that anyone's crochet method was "amateur" or less of anything at all, apologies if it came across that way.

Polka,

You didn't imply anything, just get that hook out and do the crochet and enjoy!

Just a small minority of us use the knitting method with the hook, and that may not be perceived as the "right way " but the result is exactly the same!

Hey, anyone who is producing half decent crochet is amazing in my books, whichever way you choose to hold your hook!

What I remember from when I learnt was that the first 3-4 rows were ridiculously hard but once you have a good base it gets much easier. So you need to persevere initially to learn the stitches. For me itsuddenly for much easier - and is much quicker, more flexible and more satisfying than knitting.

I used youtube to learn, just kept pausing, catching up, watching a bit then pausing till I picked it up.

There is a shop in Portsmouth called Seeded, a lovely little local haberdashery/wool shop that do courses - might be worth checking out? Also try Ravelry - loads of knowledgeable people on the forums and loads and loads of patterns.

I'd also suggest the Little Tin Bird website - I couldn't get on with videos but with her instructions it clicked.

And if you get really stuck, PM and I'll teach you over Skype - don't give up!

Lucy at attic 24 is really good when starting out as well. It's a great hobby, apart from the yarn buying addiction!

Are you near Fareham? Jolly Stitcher has groups and classes

I could get to Portsmouth and Fareham, thank you for the suggestions. diamantegal thank you, what a kind offer! If I have no luck finding a class I will take you up on that I had no idea that the crafting/crochet community on here was so lovely and supportive. What a lovely bunch you are

Remember the loom bands craze?

Basically the same thing, find a child who had loom bands and get them to teach you.

BTW are you left handed?

I taught myself to crochet left handed so I could teach my left handed cousin. Her mother, my mother, grandmother, various other people could all crochet but couldn't teach her.

I'm now inspired to learn myself! What size needle and yarn is best to start?

DK (double knit) is probably easiest to crochet with (Stylecraft Special DK is the best, softest, loveliest acrylic I have found, and very cheap too, and loads of colours..Wool Warehouse do free, fast delivery over £25 and it's beautifully packaged too). I always crochet with a 3.5 hook, but most people use a 4 I think, generally.

4ml hook in double knit. Wool warehouse is fab, amazon do a fair range too. Just get stuck in and have fun!

I taught myself on Monday watching a YouTube video. I am left handed and never got the hang of it before. I have learnt straight single, double and triple, and made my first granny square today. I am loving it 😊

Cheekyfucker which video did you watch? I’ve tried so many times, I just can’t get the hang of it.

I've never seen someone crochet with the yarn in the right hand, I can't even imagine how it would work. I feel like it would slow me down a lot? That's not to say it's wrong. Whatever works for you is the right way. I also knit, but I knit "continental" which is holding the yarn in my left hand as for crochet. It causes standard knitter's eyes to cross, so just as confusing to them as knit-style crochet.

I'm going to start a crocheted christmas stocking for my dd today. Can't wait, I love starting new projects.