Starting a knitting/ crochet hobby...

[katem98]

Hello,

Sorry if this has been asked a million times before.

I'd be ever so grateful for any tips/ links to a beginners knitting/ crocheting must haves. I've never done it before, I'm fairy crafty with other bits, used to sew quite often and LOVED my knitting Nancy as a child - that's a good enough reason in itself to take up sewing, isn't it?

I'd love a hobby to take up in my spare time to keep my mind focused, I have two small children and rarely take time out for myself so I think knitting is perfect.

Again, any advice on where to start would be wonderful

My 16yo taught herself to crochet over lockdown with YouTube videos. She is crocheting her own clothes now! I've always been a knitter, so I haven't been able to help at all. Have a look at what is available online.

Lucy at Attic24 has a great blog filled with detailed instructions on various crochet projects. You really can't go wrong visiting her blog first if you're interested in crochet.

I was going to suggest attic24 too. Her blankets are lovely and she gives very clear, step by step instructions with photographs. You can buy the blanket kits with the yarn and pattern from Wool Warehouse and they are not that expensive. You would also need some crochet hooks, there are lots of different brands and it's just a matter of trying them out to see which you prefer working with. Personally, I like the knitpro ones with the black handles.

There are loads of resources out there to learn to crochet.

Firstly, I'd suggest looking for local classes/group. These can be run by people looking to make a few extra pennies or alongside a small local business, which is always nice to support where possible. Some are also run by volunteers, and can be found in local libraries, volunteer centres etc.

If you want to learn at home, it depends what method suits you best.

For video tutorials I would recommend Bella Coco, who has a website and lots of YouTube videos, showing different stitches and projects.

If you're more of a photo and written instructions type of learner, you can't go wrong with Attic 24.

Bella coco on your tube for crochet videos. She’s recently gone all annoying influencer but her tutorial videos are great! If you are thinking of crochet get a decent hook, you might have to try a few before you find one that is right for you so don’t buy the set! Stylecraft special DK yarn is nice to work with and not expensive. If you are near west Herts I will teach you!

I taught myself during lockdown using Bella coco tutorials. I started with baby blankets, then did some adult blankets, then a couple of teddies. Buying blanket kits are great because the colours are chosen for you. I was very nervous about reading a pattern but it was much easier than I thought.

I bought a full set of crochet hooks for about £15 on Amazon, nothing fancy but they do the job.

Crochet is easier in my opinion.
I’ve taught myself basic crochet using some decent videos on YouTube.
A basic crochet hook and some wool will only cost a few pounds.
The works had a whole set of hooks for a couple of quid the other week.
I like a woman called Bella coco on you tube.

As well as bella coco, look up blossom crochet YouTube- I found hers easiest to learn to.

Daisy farm crafts is great for inspiration and patterns - although they're American so you need to be clear on the US terms for stitches (only minor differences eg a UK double crochet is a US single crochet)

@Kat1953

Daisy Farm Crafts is lovely! I hadn't seen that site before, so thank you!

hi, I've been thinking of trying crochet or knitting for a while, and bella crochet looks good, but, can anyone advise on if the tutorials etc work if you are left handed?? My mum tried to teach me to knit/crochet when I was small, but said it was too hard as I was a leftie!

bella coco! not bella crochet!

Agree with Bella coco, attic24 and blossom crochet, and I love hooked by Robin - I'm just making jubilee bunting from one of her tutorials.

I bought a basic set of comfort grip hooks in a little pouch from amazon for less than a tenner and they are fab.
If you fancy a cross between crochet and knitting, tunisian crochet is great and I recommend TL yarn crafts on YouTube

There are various beginner knitting books and endless youtube videos showing techniques.

I'm quite an experienced knitter/ skilled knitter now ( i learnt as a child and started again 14 years ago when my godson was due) but still use youtube videos to prompt me on techniques I don't do very often.

I prefer the fabric produced by knitting so don't often crochet. You need to find what works for you!

If starting knitting Tin Can Knits have some good /free patterns to use as skill builders or I used the Debbie Bliss Baby knits for beginners book as it had some good stepping stones projects.

I learned to crochet about 6 months ago. I bought a beginner kit from Wee Woolly Wonderfuls and followed their YouTube tutorials. I spend most of my spare time making little toys now 😊