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

Try a size 9 mm hook with a super chunky yarn, I find it easier to teach people when it's bigger!

I taught myself to knit and crochet as a complete beginner from videos and books. I find crochet far, far harder and fiddlier than knitting. I have knitted jumpers, socks etc, but have never managed more than granny squares with crochet, and if I don't do it regularly I keep forgetting how!

sewing not sowing!

I couldn't crochet, bought myself a toft kit and struggled like crazy! I went and bought myself some dirt cheap wool and a very large crochet hook and practised the pattern with these and in a large scale I could do it. The toft kits are hard to learn on as it is teeny tiny stitches. I didn't help myself by the fact that I chose the orangutan kit though!

Strawberrypig - eyelash/hairy yarn are the yarn of the devil!

Boyes also is good for cheap and nice wool if you have one near you.
I can crochet a bit but still haven't tried making toys etc.
If you know anyone who can crochet can you ask them to start a granny square and for you to continue it? I found this the best way as I was getting on such a tangle starting it off and the loop.
Attic 24 has some fabulous patterns (although my cosy stripe always has wonky edges). The new sweet pea blanket is really easy and you don't need the whole pack just any wool you like.
Don't use dark colours as it's hard to see
Definitely Bella coco for tutorials
Good luck

Use a hook 5mm or bigger to start with. Youtube is full of excellent tutorials. They all have a slightly different style so look around until you find one that works for you. I have been crocheting daily for three years and am hooked! Baby blankets to start with, then Attic 24 full sized blankets, amigurumi toys, beany hats for all the grandchildren dolls blankets, Corner to Corner, I love it. Wool supplies from Wool Warehouse and I love crochet. fabulous selection. It's totally addictive, I take some on planes and holidays, quite mad. The children have started saying no thanks to more gifts, but one wants more cupcakes and doughnuts