Can anyone recommend a "learn to crochet" kit for an impressively incompetent novice?

[CassandraWebb]

I am stuck in bed a lot and probably will be on and off for the rest of my life, and rest is the best treatment for my illness. I want to learn some crafts and would love to learn to crochet. But I am pretty incompetent at anything practical. Does anyone know of any idiot proof kits or do I really need to find a class ? (Harder as my flares are unpredictable)

Happy for very simple kit ideas for other crafts too!

[AlisonDonut]

There are quite a few beginners videos on you tube. A kit would just be a crochet hook and some wool. Maybe get the basics and practice some small pieces, then find out if there is a club near you that you can go to when you are feeling ok to do so.

[RollOnSpringDays]

Have a look at Bella Coco video channel on YouTube.

[EmpressaurusOfTheScathingTinsel]

I came to say Bella Coco too, they’re great for learning the basics. When you’re ready for projects, have a look at the Attic24 website.

[CassandraWebb]

Thank you!
Dumb question but any recommendations where to get a hook and wool/what to get?

I don't mind spending a little bit but don't want to waste money on the wrong stuff!

[LaunchingTeabag]

Aran or chunky wool and a size 6 or 8 hook. Generally tells you what size on the yarn label.

You can get a ball of yarn for £2 and a set of metal hooks (easier than plastic) for not very much.

Bella Coco videos on You Tube.

Get plain yarn, not variegated, as it's easier to see stitches. Don't get a dark colour either.

[Puppupandaway]

If you're a complete beginner, it's worth steering clear of the kits, especially off Amazon. The instructions tend to be quite vague, often translated into English and they presume you know what you're doing.

Bella Coco on YouTube is really good and clear. Amazon sell crochet hooks in handy zip cases and multi packs of wool are easily bought too.

[LaunchingTeabag]

Amazon do all you need or Wool Warehouse but they have a delivery charge for orders under £25 I think.

Small local yarn shops are still dotted about so Google your local area. Or try a market.

[CassandraWebb]

So true @Puppupandaway I tried a beginner cross stitch kit from Amazon on a whim and felt like tearing my hair out (and I did vaguely learn to cross stitch as a child)

[EmpressaurusOfTheScathingTinsel]

https://www.woolwarehouse.co.uk/.

I’d start with Stylecraft yarn and a 4mm hook, it’s versatile, doesn’t cost too much and it’s easy to unpick & reuse it - all bonuses when you’re just starting!

[CassandraWebb]

@LaunchingTeabag

Amazon do all you need or Wool Warehouse but they have a delivery charge for orders under £25 I think.

Small local yarn shops are still dotted about so Google your local area. Or try a market.

I can't really get to shops and markets easily at the moment but that will be a nice activity if I am feeling better in the future

[Livingmagicallyagain]

Bella Coco! I started during the first lockdown and can make all sorts now! Get hooks with nice silicone handles, I found it helped with grip when I started.

Take Bella Coco's beginner granny square tutorial as it's a nice foundation to everything.

[Livingmagicallyagain]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/RealPlus-Ergonomic-Beginners-Knitting-Accessories/dp/B09F9B2XTD/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nPBEAr7YCX9q4rsEDHDcD3MhU4PyHL-TBSISOaXXw8bJU8j0cL6xWrGO7cQM9L-zNlKx5qB4DCk8JeLFOln__o_DKIkiHadmM38n1wNbY2nZSgu9UQXc0Zf_TqezDb0s8czMqGp_cWlsPza2I_d7VNuQZJrJHZxVC8lk_e9wpaLQr8iPkB8488mGQaBeNEujBLqpWRIiud1joTUFoxjiKo5Pk1o9WW4EzqCGTrGWefC5QqZT0drMo0HLWL0YYU3xcsdYLm8zsnEW9WcEIZtzZui2e021QBem53uwX7mO3A4.caV2ZNhZbbkexSADPL8bUvBImBauU1FpQo93qEtnWd0&amp%3Bdib_tag=se&amp%3Bkeywords=Crochet%20hooks&amp%3Bqid=1709418545&amp%3Bsr=8-1-spons&amp%3Bsp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&amp%3Bpsc=1&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

more than enough to get you started.

[Livingmagicallyagain]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sirdar-Hayfield-Bonus-Deep-Rose/dp/B08S7Q55YW/ref=sr_1_7?crid=1SO74KQFXGCNA&amp%3Bdib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tVIoa_nOEIqY07hzvyrlSeNqQpkHWKOKVUfm4i7Z8tIMXzMU1CSEThJmbRY4piiFw3JVRMctRjZnbi6UyLPvMq6Bph0PEi9TouzO1fi4JwdYBetzqIVoscdEvHePdwCT4yFAJdB-pLhUxOEZ8hDvZ9toX6XLzYLDHc-rZ_Aa7Gh99pUMWJQh6c52E0wilbuFnqXojKEqgCVuXz_BrPN7hNLs9CX2mU1rMvNKqtw0fucqbkyRLpXnCGmxcU6gde8iXRveLM01ZvkHrMJlUuu9TLP1i6oOLRKVu9DdOsWR6oY.RTILOuaGMZ_YyzQsL_fd2bvX1CvseXl23-OwHjeRgPY&amp%3Bdib_tag=se&amp%3Bkeywords=dk%2Bwool%2Bfor%2Bknitting%2B100g%2Bballs&amp%3Bqid=1709418837&amp%3Brdc=1&amp%3Bsprefix=Dk%2Bwool%2Caps%2C286&amp%3Bsr=8-7&amp%3Bth=1&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

Perfect for beginner projects

[Newnamepls]

I taught myself recently using this book:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Course-Crochet-everything-succeed/dp/1409339815/ref=asc_df_1409339815/?amp%3BlinkCode=df0&amp%3Bhvadid=309950375723&amp%3Bhvnetw=g&amp%3Bhvrand=14583189997585341659&amp%3Bhvdev=m&amp%3Bhvlocphy=1006668&amp%3Bhvtargid=pla-487842077249&amp%3Bpsc=1&amp%3Bmcid=af5c351935c83b2cb7fb7aa78f462b3f&amp%3Bth=1&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

it has clear guides to different stitches and explains all the terminology as you go. It also has projects for each stage, so simple single stitch ones at the start up to more complicated ones at the end. I went from unable to crochet to making my baby a cardigan very quickly using this book!

[PlimplePlop]

I found this very useful, Sigoni Macaroni 14 day beginners masterclass on YouTube

[Crazymadchickenlady]

I would also say Stylecraft yarn and 4 mm hook (I like clover silicone handle ones available on Amazon). Costal crotchet stash buster blanket is also a great first project with lots of videos to help you with the stitches. That’s the one I did over lockdown as my first ever crotchet blanket.

[Crazymadchickenlady]

https://coastalcrochet.com/2018/01/19/this-is-exciting-im-hosting-a-crochet-along-part-1/

heres a link. The other weeks can be found at the top under seaside stash busting blanket.

[EmpressaurusOfTheScathingTinsel]

@Newnamepls

I taught myself recently using this book:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Course-Crochet-everything-succeed/dp/1409339815/ref=asc_df_1409339815/?amp%3BlinkCode=df0&amp%3Bhvadid=309950375723&amp%3Bhvnetw=g&amp%3Bhvrand=14583189997585341659&amp%3Bhvdev=m&amp%3Bhvlocphy=1006668&amp%3Bhvtargid=pla-487842077249&amp%3Bpsc=1&amp%3Bmcid=af5c351935c83b2cb7fb7aa78f462b3f&amp%3Bth=1&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

it has clear guides to different stitches and explains all the terminology as you go. It also has projects for each stage, so simple single stitch ones at the start up to more complicated ones at the end. I went from unable to crochet to making my baby a cardigan very quickly using this book!

Yes! I’ve got that book & made my first ever baby blanket from it.

[ThePoshUns]

I find hooked with Robin on you tube easier than Bella coco.
I'd start with a granny square tutorial.
Just buy a few cheap balls of wool and hooks to start and go from there.

[MercyChant66]

I would recommend size 4 crochet hook, Stylecraft double knitting wool (both of which you can buy on Amazon) and Attic 24's tutorials on her website. You'll be hooked (literally) and will never look back! Good luck.

[CuteCillian]

I'm not really a crochet person but I found these amazing little kits to make mini potted plants. They are so cute and, so far, people have enjoyed receiving them.
https://www.palegg.co.uk/product-page/3D-hand-embroidered-plant-kit

[caringcarer]

I.learned to crochet during lockdown. I found a clip on YouTube. I learned to do Waffle Stitch. I made a baby blanket for the top of a pram. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Just crocheting up and down in rows.

[EmpressaurusOfTheScathingTinsel]

I need to try Waffle stitch!

Crochet’s also really good for concentration & dexterity.

[tealgate]

Just saw this on Instagram and thought of you. It's in West London, so only relevant if you could get there.

[Weallnamechangesometimes]

Bella coco on YouTube. lovecraft.com for wool and crochet hooks.

I started with a 4mm crochet hook and style craft dk wool