Crochet is so difficult!

[AliceRR]

Just that.

My husband bought one of those Toft crochet kits for me for Christmas. I really fancied doing it especially as we are due to have a baby this month so i thought it could keep me occupied during mat leave and then be something I can give to the baby.

Anyway I consider myself intelligent and also quite creative (A in GCSE and A Level art) but I don’t do much knitting / sewing and have never crocheted (I can knit basic stitches but not follow a pattern and I can sew a button on, that’s about it)

Anyway I’m just finding it so fiddly and difficult, even watching the videos that tell you how to follow the pattern.

I’m trying to do a double crochet stitch and it just feels like the hook won’t even grip the yarn to pull it through

I only started this morning but I’m almost ready to give up!!

Any tips or advice would be gratefully received

I tried to teach myself and failed miserably. I then did a beginners crochet course at a local wool shop. Just having someone else to show me made a massive difference. It was only a morning course but since I've done it I can follow books/you tube tutorials really easily.

Keep going with it, I struggled at first and then followed Bella Coco’s YouTube tutorials and it soon clicked!

ah keep at it! it's easy once you know how to do the basic stitches. I spent hours staring at YouTube tutorials but once I got the hang on it, it just becomes second nature.

See if someone can show you, it makes much more sense. It does take a bit of getting used to but once you've got it it's fine.

BTW avoid US videos if you look at YouTube as they use a different terminology.

Crochet is much easier than knitting. By the sounds of it your grip is the issue. I had the same problem. I fixed it by wrapping the yarn around my finger rather than just putting it over iyswim.

I would have a practice with a spare bit of yarn first and just make a a small square or something to get the hang of the stitches, so you’re not worried about following a pattern.

I taught myself with a book designed for 8 year olds 😂 The instructions were about on my level!

Op as a kid I was taught to knit, sew and crochet and could make basic items. I gave it all up at aged 11 and at 34 decided to start crochet again. It was a NIGHTMARE! I couldn't even chain stitch without screwing it up, I dropped it and went back again several times over a few years, and declared it impossible.

Before Christmas I bought some wool on a whim and a load of crochet hooks ( donated all of mine in a fit of pique). I looked at some youtube tutorials and it just clicked, and I have since made some large mandalas, baby hats, granny squares and a cowl. For me I found it easier using a non fluffy wool ( so no acrylic) and a larger hook. No I can do it without even looking. But a year ago I would have been totally unable to even complete a chain!

Look at Bella coco videos that's how I managed to pick it up

Another recommendation for Bella Coco.
I started learning when pregnant with DD (4 years ago)
You'll most likely start out with something wonky but once you've got the hang of it crochet is really easy to get better at.

Get some more yarn to practice basic stitches on, nothing dark as it's harder to see your stitches. (a toft kit is quite ambitious for a first thing, but doable with practice). Follow some YouTube videos. Crochet Crowd also do good ones.
I think this book is brilliant, simple but effective for helping you learn.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crochet-Unravelled-Clear-Concise-Learning/dp/0954829611/ref=mpssa111?ie=UTF8&qid=1549289707&sr=8-1&pi=ACSX2366SY340QL65&keywords=crochet+unravelled+book&dpPl=1&dpID=41pKYU4%2B5lL&ref=plSrch

It took me a while to get the hang of it, I highly recommend starting with Jayda Insitches granny square, she goes at a gentle pace and describes things well. Once I’d got the hang of it with that video, I was able to do more complicated stuff.

Once you get the hang of it it's really easy. I hadn't crocheted since I was a child, then I wanted to make some Minecraft figures, and I was hooked. I would start with test squares. Good luck

I started last year by watching you tube videos. Its definitely fiddly at first but keep praticing maybe single crochet first? It will definitely get easier pretty quickly. I wouldnt be making anything to complicated at first just practice the stitches...

I would recommend putting the Toft kit to one side and start out with something far more basic until you get into the swing of it. A "giant granny square" blanket is pretty good for getting your hands used to handling yarn and hook.

Some simple granny squares are a good place to start (you can donate them to the Woolly Hugs project if you choose). I used the Cherry Heart stitch guide. Once you get the hand of it, it really is quite easy. Nice and repetitive too.

Thanks ladies

I will look up Bella Coco videos. I have been watching the Toft videos but I’m not finding it v easy to follow.

Also think it’s a good idea to get some more wool and practice with it as I’m worried I could ruin the wool I’ve got in the Toft kit and then won’t have enough!

I also saw some little children’s kits in Aldi recently for £5. Maybe I should start with one of those!!😂🙈

Hi, what size hook and weight yarn are you using? Im assuming if its a kit it'll be correct hook size for the yarn but if its 4ply/very thin it'll be more difficult for a beginner. Also wood/bamboo hooks are better if youre struggling to keep the yarn on the hook as the wood isnt as smooth as metal or plastic hooks which yarn can slip off easier.

Also if your loops are too loose or too tight youre going to struggle.

Like PPs have said do abit of practice on some scrap yarn - even pound shops sell cheap acrylic yarn.

Actually just had a thought - your not left handed are you? Crochet is a different ballgame if you are!

It’s a metal 3 mm hook which came with the kit and the yarn is “100g Stone TOFT DK” 🤔

It feels like the yarn is too big for the hook as it’s coming off when I try to do my double crochet stitches

I’m right handed 😬

Ah ok yeah, probably best to try with a 4 or 5mm hook (wood if possible although i know its a bloody rabbit hole when buying extra kit as it never ends!) and an aran/worsted yarn.

DK is fiddly to crochet with at the best of times and I'd consider myself as advanced, so dont feel bad. Youll get there with practice - then curse us all when you get addicted with wool stashed in random cupboards etc 😂

Sorry I meant to say try a 4 or 5mm for DK.

For slightly thicker arran yarn you want a 5 to 6mm. Sadly its not really a hard and fast rule as some brands yarns can be way off the thickness theyre meant to be. Again I think some pound type shops will sell a cheap selection of plastic hooks thatll cover those sizes.

Two words: Bella Coco

I don't have any advice but totally sympathise and empathise! I'm normally quite good at crafts - I sew and have made my own cushion covers, fabric teddies, etc. - but my god crocheting absolutely destroyed me. It's just incredibly fiddly and no amount of YouTube tutorial helped me.

Sounds like you're getting great advice though, so all the best and do report back!

Yes to Bella Coco. Her video's are every easy to follow.

I'd get a cheapish do and a 4 or 5mm hook. I prefer the ones with soft grips. And it's just a case eof practicing. You'll be surprised how quickly you pick up the basics.where are you based? If you're close to me I can teach you.