How do I learn to crochet?

[slushy]

No experience where do I start?

Are you a lefty or a righty?

I taught myself this Jan, using a 4mm hook, a ball of DK wool and The Happy Hooker book.

www.ravelry.com is a great resource, and has groups and forums for beginners, too.

If you have a search on Amazon, they have some 'starter' packs that come with the hook and yarn and a book.

I found it took about a week to go from 'aarrgghh this is incredibly frustrating and stupid' to making granny squares without looking at my hands!

Um I support Labor but I fail to see what that has to do with crochet . no I am able to use either hand.

Ok thanks will try amazon .

there are LOADS of video tutorials on youtube, there is one american lady who must have loads of time on her hands and endless patience. if you google 'how to crochet a...' they will pop up, the advantage of this is that she talks you thru as well as showing you, and you can pause and rewind. example:

crochet is pretty easy once you get started, i love it! ravelry is a very good tip. but understanding some of the patterns can be tricky until you get the hang of it. if you need any help understanding the acronyms (as confusing as starting out here!) just ask on here.

The Happy Hooker is a sort of unfortunate book title. LOL

Have never managed to do crochet. Have watched videos, looked at books, just cannot do it. Well done teaching yourself wildsheep

I taught myself to crochet from The Happy Hooker. Well, I originally learnt from my nan, relearnt from a 1960's craft book and learnt again for the final time from THH. I can't seem to retain crochet knowledge like I can for knitting.

You could also check out one of the crochet magazines at W H Smiths as they have beginners instructions at the back every month.

ZZZ according to the book women who used to crochet lace during the day got paid so little that they'd support themselves by selling sex in the evenings hence the term 'hooker'! Not sure how true it is though . . .

ROFL at the "hooker" Thanks ladies I would love to learn as I was gutted that no one knitted anything for my ds or dd as they were all to busy.

Agree with Saladbomb.

Nothing like watching someone to help you learn. The lady on U tube is fantastic.

Start with something simple like squares, and work onto something else as you get more confident.

i only started before xmas and now i'm making animals!! check out amigurami. its a bit more sculptural, only uses the single stitch but you need to be ok at maths to fifure it out i think.

i have some stuff on ravelry under the same name if anyone wants is interested in a look.

www.ravelry.com/projects/saladbomb

I agree with the Happy Hooker, I did start with a 'Kids Learn to Crochet' book though
If the book is not helpful then youtube has loads of good videos The Art Of Crochet is great.
I started with some cheap acrylic and a 6mm hook as it was bigger and was slightly easier to work with.

Saladbomb I LOVE your wowls!

I'm wild-sheep-chase on Rav.

ZZZ- thankyou, I'm quite proud of myself!

thank you! they were from the little book that was with the fish. :D i'll look you up on there.

Hi

I was just about to ask the same question as the OP so came searching for threads and found this one! So will be purchasing a hook and some wool/acrylic tomorrow. But I wanted to ask if I start with blanket squares how long do you think it would take before I could make a little cardigan (assuming I can do blanket squares). I have a little knitting knowledge. I know the answer could be as long as a piece of wool!

Thanks

My local library is holding a free 'learn to crochet' session next month and I wondered about booking a place - but worried that everyone would be 'old'

Then again, I am 37 so not so young - what do you think? Should I - if only to get an afternoon away from the DCs as we have a 7 week summer holiday break starting next week! Will need some me time by then!

Def do it - I only started last year and am really loving it. Usually have something on the go. My fave is my teaset (I'm crochetdisco on Ravelry). So much yarn, so little time...

yes do it! dont worry about the age group. my friend and her mother started a crafting social group not long ago. I'd say 90% of the people who go, (there are knitters, crocheters, and patchworkers) are a generation older than me but many of them are very young at heart (after all i certainly dont feel 38!) sure you will find some people who are on your wave length regardless of age.

loads of luck with it!

odisco lovely stuff, tea set is really cool! i also love those little mary janes and have been looking for a similar pattern so thanks for that :D