I'd like to learn to crochet - where to start?

[2pt4kids]

I cant even knit but I'd like to try to make a blanket by crocheting.
Where should I start?
What equipment do I need to start and should I get a book to show me how or can I look it up online?
Any advice appreciated!

Just need a hook and some yarn - any double knitting yarn and a 4.5mm hook would do. There are plenty of tutorials on youtube to see whether you can get the hang of making chains and double crochet (american single crochet).

This is something to look out for actually - the UK and US stitch names are different.

There are loads of free crochet patterns on-line. As for books, "Stitch and Bitch Crochet, Happy Hooker" is quite good. "Simple Crochet" by Erika Knight has some good blanket patterns.

there is a website, www.ravelry.com dedicated to the knitting and crochet fraternity, suitable for all ages and abilties. usually takes about three days for your 'inviation' to come through once you've registered though.

Fab, thank you

I started a thread very much like this before Christmas!(smile)

I was asking about good books and got directed to Youtube which is good. I also got the Bitch 'n' Stitch book for Christmas - also good.

However, the book I liked the best was The Encyclopedia of Crochet Techniques. For some reason it suited me better and I don't think it is quite as American as the Youtube and B 'n' S. It has a pattern in there for a baby blanket using Jaeger Baby Merino so very soft but there are lots of blocks which you could sew together. (S n B has a pattern too).

When I was practising, I got a 4mm hook and some cotton yarn (Anchor Style Magicline which was marketed as a crochet yarn although you can knit with it too). The basics are easy to pick up - my only problem is that my stitches aren't particularly even but I think that comes with practice. Well, I hope so anyway.