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Original poster

Crochet: are some people just not able to do it?

58 replies

sparepantsandtoothbrush · 23/12/2022 12:04

I want to crochet! I'm so desperate and have tried so many times over the last 5 or so years. Books for beginners, YouTube videos, someone trying to show me and I just can't figure it out (beyond a chain!).

Is there any hope for me or should I just accept its never going to happen for me ☹️

OP posts:
OnlyYourSharpestMinds · 23/12/2022 20:46

I was exactly like you ten years ago, I just could not grasp it, and it was SO frustrating!

Someone on a crochet group on FB recommended a book called Crochet Unravelled: A Clear and Concise Guide to Learning Crochet by Claire Bojczuk. And finally, I could do it. It's a really small book, more like a pamphlet, so it seems expensive for what it is, but honestly it's the only thing that made sense.

Once I got to grips with the basics, I agree that Attic24's granny stripe is a fabulous starter blanket - you can practice trebles without having to work into a stitch, but into the chain space instead (that bit will make sense eventually!)

If you know someone who can crochet, maybe ask them to start you off with a foundation chain & the horrible first row, where you work into the chain - it's much, much easier to crochet into the stitches on the second row, the first is always a pain in the bum and really put me off.

Good luck!

britespark1 · 23/12/2022 21:31

Going against the grain I can’t stand Bella Coco 😂It was the Jayda In Stitches videos on YouTube that finally swung it for me and now I love Hooked By Robin. One day it just clicked!

Alwaysworriedwoman · 23/12/2022 21:43

Can't crochet or knit I use a knitting loom! Have made so so many blankets and infinity scarves. I got mine from hobby craft.

SoupDragon · 24/12/2022 11:43

Someone on a crochet group on FB recommended a book called Crochet Unravelled: A Clear and Concise Guide to Learning Crochet by Claire Bojczuk.

That is the book I learnt from. Once I'd got up to Treble Crochet, I made a giant granny square blanket which just required me to do the same stitch plus chains for the whole thing. It kind of cemented the movements into my head and allowed me to work out the best way to hold and handle the hook and yarn.

AngeloMysterioso · 27/12/2022 17:51

I learn using the Bella Coco videos but the way I do it now is totally different to how you’re supposed to do it. I don’t just hold the yarn in my left hand and do everything with the hook- my stitches ended up really sloppy and loose that way. I loo the yarn over the hook with my left hand so it’s almost like knitting. Makes it a lot slower but the result ends up halfway decent!

Gremlinsateit · 28/12/2022 12:01

Definitely Jayda In Stitches. My crocheting grandmother tried so hard to teach me to crochet and I just couldn’t get it at all. I learnt from youtube decades later.

PP is right, the bit where you go into the first stitch is the hardest to learn. It’s not intuitive at all.

After having done only one granny square afghan, I now much prefer back and forth rows; I do the combination foundation row where you do the chain and crochet the first row all in one go. It’s difficult to grasp but so much easier once you get going.

YouWouldNotBelieveIt · 28/12/2022 12:07

I'm 63, decided to try to learn to crochet. I bought myself the simplest kit I could find (it's for a child). I can't even figure out the instructions Grin

ZombieKettle · 28/12/2022 12:54

HappyBerry crochet is very good. I'm a complete newbie and learnt to crochet a flower from her YouTube channel.

SagelyNodding · 28/12/2022 13:00

I'm left-handed, can't knit to save my life, but did learn to crochet using YouTube! I find not thinking about it too much helps for the chain and the first row. Then simple projects using chunky wool and big hooks - I made a load of wonky pot holder and doily type things before graduating to a bobble hat and a blanket...

Geppili · 29/12/2022 05:39

I so desperately want to learn. I can't seem to get beyond the chain.

Sohappy62 · 29/12/2022 05:47

Alison Russel every time ,she explains and reassure with ever move .

Sohappy62 · 29/12/2022 05:48

Every

Sohappy62 · 29/12/2022 05:52

I just love her saying … don’t worry if it’s not looking good just now , you’ll see that it all works out . IT DOES !

3487642l · 29/12/2022 05:56

It took me several attempts over several years to finally get it. Don't worry how it looks to begin with, you get the hang of out over time, so don't give up if it's something you want to do.

Sohappy62 · 29/12/2022 07:37

Whatever you produce just be proud of it because you did it. Look at it and think WOW I did that!!

RainbowZebraWarrior · 29/12/2022 07:43

Geppili · 29/12/2022 05:39

I so desperately want to learn. I can't seem to get beyond the chain.

I'm the same. I'm Dyspraxic though so it possibly explains why I struggled so badly with the fine motor skills required.

Doyouthinktheyknow · 29/12/2022 07:50

Try crochet in the round first. Crocheting into the chain is the hardest. I’ve been crocheting about 10 years but avoid crocheting into the chain by using foundation stitch.

My mum knits amazing stuff, I can’t knit to save my life but taught myself to crochet using a children’s book and YouTube. Don’t give up, once you’ve got it, you’re away.

RightsHoarder · 29/12/2022 07:50

It took me years and years and years! Try Bella Coco on YouTube

Workerbeep · 29/12/2022 07:56

I agree with @OnlyYourSharpestMinds and @SoupDragon
and would recommend the book, Crochet Unravelled by Claire Bojczuk. Great for left handlers too.
I like Bella coco for YouTube videos.

connie26 · 29/12/2022 07:57

Keep going. Once you get a feel for holding the hook and wool properly, you'll be off and running. It's a wonderful skill. I'd recommend using a larger hook and chunky wool to begin with. Keep practicing the foundation chain and make your loops biggish. The first row into the chain is hard, so after you've done that, follow the videos and practice 'dc' double crochet. Master that before you move on to the next type of stitch.

MorrisZapp · 29/12/2022 07:58

Oh to have my granny back. She used to knit up jumpers in a day, and could turn her hand to anything, including crochet.

Perhaps I didn't value those skills because I saw her as old fashioned. I can knit but it gives me a sore back. I'd love to crochet but like others, multiple attempts have failed.

My granny never failed at a single thing in her life, and I know beyond doubt she could have taught me.

Meseekslookatme · 29/12/2022 08:01

I'm obviously a witch or something cos I can do both!
A clear tutorial done with different coloured yarns was the most help to me.
I learnt to knit in a class, but crochet was all books and YouTube.

connie26 · 29/12/2022 08:02

There's often lots of classes around. You could ask at your local wool shop.

Liervik · 29/12/2022 08:03

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ for privacy reasons.

EspeciallyD · 29/12/2022 08:10

Videos didn't work for me, I used a website with clear diagrams which unfortunately I have forgotten the name of and then moved onto the Attic24 patterns.

I think DK yarn and a 4.5mm hook is a good place to start but use a light colour and sit somewhere with good light, when I was starting out I found it easier working at a table with the pattern laid out in front of me. Make sure your yarn isn't too fluffy, a basic acrylic is inexpensive and yes to getting someone else to start you off, working into a foundation chain is fiddly till you get the hang of it. I've never got the hang of the all-in-one foundation rows even though I've been making stripy blankets for years.