Learning to crochet

[Skap]

I've a lot of time on my hands as I'm currently unwell and spend a lot of time sitting around.
I decided I would try to learn to knit a hat.
I followed some YouTube tutorials and while I get the hang of some of it I think crochet would suit me better. Again YouTube is great but I'm not sure if I am trying to use the wrong sort of wool or hook size.
I bought a mixed pack of hooks from Aldi and have some random balls of wool. The wool I like is a chunky DK and it says to use 6mm US 10 knitting needles. Does that also mean a 6mm crochet hook?
How important is using the right size hook?

I'd use a 6mm hook.

Usually the hook size used is the standard one for the type of yarn (4mm for DK, 6mm for chunky etc) but depending on what it's for you sometimes need to go bigger or smaller. Using a smaller hook with DK (say a 2.5mm) will give a much closer texture to your finished product and is used for amigurami (toy making). A bigger hook would give a more open, lacy feel to the work.

Be warned - It's addictive once you get the hang of it. I found Bella Coco tutorials to be very helpful. It's nice to feel that you're making something very quickly. My 13 year old daughter has just got the hang of granny squares and is now making a blanket she's going to give to Woolly Hugs - she's using wool which changes colour as she goes so she's not bored of essentially a very big granny square. Just try a few granny squares until you've get the hang of it and off you go. Or you can sew the granny squares together. I crochet quite loosely so usually use a smaller hook than a pattern states to get the right size.

Ooh lovely replies thanks. I think a more open / looser feel would help. I find I'm making it a bit tight and can't always see where to put the hook.
I have a 6mm hook so will use that. The chunky wool I have is shades of pinks and creams. I will check out Bella Coco and attempt soem granny squares.
I have rheumatoid arthritis and some restricted finger movements but I actually think this could be good for me. Like finger yoga.

Attic 24 Is another good site I learnt a lot from there....also d sad or too as lot on many a ball of wool :)

Yes 6mm hook is good to start off with. I think it is important to use the right hook for each specific yarn otherwise it can be too loose and/or too tight.

Ps I learned to knit and crochet earlier this year! I definitely prefer crocheting.

I'd love to learn too, but every tutorial I've seen (beginners) have been really hard to follow. They start off slowly, then they speed up and I can't see what they're doing. Plus they seem to work so smoothly! I bought a kit from Makebox and they gave me wooden hooks. When I try, the wool gets stuck, even if I make sure it is very loose - it just doesn't glide over the hook at all! Should I ditch the wooden ones and buy another type?

@Frazzlerock look at Bella Coco's tutorials. She explains every step! And I prefer to use steel crochet hooks with grips. I will pop the link down below. Practice makes perfect! I really struggled a lot but I just kept practicing and I can do it practically with my eyes closed now.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crochet-Ergonomic-Large-Eye-Knitting-Arthritic/dp/B07L4MXXB5/ref=ascdff_B07L4MXXB5/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=352270292068&hvpos=1o6&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13179794528947113827&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007208&hvtargid=pla-600107013240&psc=1

I like the clover amour hooks. I love bamboo knitting needles, but prefer metal hooks with rubber handles for crochet.

The stylecraft Special DK is a pretty good yarn to learn with, with a 4mm hook.

You’re better to buy one good hook than a pack of 10 ‘cheaper’ hooks. Some are roughly made and wreck the wool, plus make it very difficult to see what the actual hell you’re doing!

I learnt from YouTube, I found it easier than from an actual person (I got too flustered) you tube you can plat/rewind/play/pause to your hearts content!

I also found the bellacoco ones easier to follow. There was another woman who was even more clear, if I can think of her name I’ll come back & post it.!

Crochet is much more forgiving than knitting if you make a mistake.

🧶 honestly, just look through the you tube links until you find one that works for you!

I also like the

Apologies...meant to say that I’m sorry you’re unwell🌷& I hope you are getting treatment/getting better x

I generally go with the hook that gives me the looseness/tightness I require.
Invest in at least one decent hook, and go for something that's designed for arthritic hands.

When I was learning, I made random stuff for the house. Bags for laundry, loads of socks/slippers, hats (and gave a load away) etc. I got really bored with the granny squares very quickly, even with using different wools and patterns,

Others might have recommendations. Hobbycraft are really good for the wool. Not so good for the tools though.

Youtube wise, I couldn't recommend a particular person. I just played the ones that didn't waffle on loads.

Sorry to hear you are unwell! 💐

I learnt to crochet by watching YouTube videos. I was off with stress 18mths ago and I absolutely love crochet now.

I collected some of my fave vids into a playlist that I send to friends who want to learn;
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVs0JMKELDhLRzYbMe-3DVFPyVjR80imJ

@Skap

Hi

How are you getting on? 🧶

How are you feeling?🌷

I’ve been knitting/crocheting for the WoollyHugs blankets today, the day certainly passes very quickly! Not so good when you’ve lots to do, but perfect when you’re not feeling very well!