FloFlo Posted December 12, 2020 Share Posted December 12, 2020 I would really love to learn how to crochet. What do I need? Are there any books or YouTube tutorials that can guide me step by step? I'm left handed if that makes a difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Living Type Posted December 12, 2020 Share Posted December 12, 2020 (edited) I did it during lockdown. I found it much easier than knitting that I have tired before. I used YouTube videos. I would just search through to find a person that I liked and would pause and rewind a lot. Good luck! I’ve made a blanket, basket, and a few other bits and pieces. I’m struggling to do anything more complex though as I can remember what stitches I have done/need to do. So the things I have made are the same stitch repeated, which is much more relaxing to do Edited May 15, 2021 by Living Type Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BornToLove Posted December 12, 2020 Share Posted December 12, 2020 Crochet stitches are basically variations on a few basics so it’s easy to pick up. The biggest hurdle will be learning to read patterns. Crochet has two ‘languages’ - UK and US terms, I strongly recommend learning both because a lot of designers exclusively publish patterns in one set of terms. There are a few YouTubers who have left handed videos. Bella coco and moogly have good videos and offer left hand versions. Start with a ball of 8ply/DK weight yarn and a 4mm hook (I like clover hooks) and practice the basics. When you have the hang of forming stitches, work on your tension. Once you have consistent tension, chose some beginner friendly projects that have you learning something new each time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FloFlo Posted December 12, 2020 Author Share Posted December 12, 2020 Thank you! Going to search for those YouTube vids. I tried to learn how to knit once but was useless at it and I heard crochet is easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LemonMyrtle Posted December 12, 2020 Share Posted December 12, 2020 There are plenty of you tube videos on crochet basics. Left handed ones too. And there are Facebook groups. Start with those then buy a book, the videos are easier than following a book.Start with a decent sized hook, like a 5mm, and fat yarn, maybe 10 or 12ply (also known as Aran or medium weight)Trickiest thing is getting the turns right, so start with a narrow project, like a narrow scarf, and just get going backwards and forwards in a basic stitch right. The other tricky thing is that Australian/UK and US crochet terms are different, and yarn sizes have a lot of different names. Make sure you know which terms the video you are watching is using.Here are some handy charts.Yarn weight:https://crystalsandcrochet.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/yarn-weight-guide.jpgCrochet names and symbols:https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ6l-yq_UGM1oRLYPkiwKKCUqsKmYd4eMb4Tg&usqp=CAU Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Over and out Posted December 12, 2020 Share Posted December 12, 2020 Check out mosaic crochet. Unbelievable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frizzled Posted December 15, 2020 Share Posted December 15, 2020 I am by no means good a crochet, I wish I was, I am a knitter. But I did go to some classes a few years ago now and found it relatively straightforward to do. But it was the patterns that got me and I didn't give it enough practice. Good video instruction for me is much easier than a book. I have to have someone explain it to me and hear the instructions as much as see what they are doing, so any video content you can get your hands on I would. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpentine Posted May 14, 2021 Share Posted May 14, 2021 How did you go?I self taught basic crochet a couple of years ago, and want to attend a short course soon to improve on my skills, and pattern reading.I used Bella Coco on youtube a lot, she does tonnes of mini swatch tutorials for many different stitches, and teaches for left and right handed crocheters. I also joined a crochet community on FB. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s_mdn v2.0 Posted May 14, 2021 Share Posted May 14, 2021 I am by no means good a crochet, I wish I was, I am a knitter. But I did go to some classes a few years ago now and found it relatively straightforward to do. But it was the patterns that got me and I didn't give it enough practice. Good video instruction for me is much easier than a book. I have to have someone explain it to me and hear the instructions as much as see what they are doing, so any video content you can get your hands on I would. Similar deal here.Not much of a knitter though. DH's Granny who was a fantastic crocheter taught me the basics. I picked it up easily apparently but the difficulty in patten reading discouraged me. Then chronic pain was exacerbated when I crocheted and I just gave up trying. So I need to start again.A good hobby that is relaxing when you get into it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trampoline Posted May 14, 2021 Share Posted May 14, 2021 Make sure you start with a light coloured yarn. It can be super tricky for a beginner to decipher stitches in a darker colour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rainbowbear Posted May 15, 2021 Share Posted May 15, 2021 I love to crochet and learned via YouTube videos there are so many out there for just about everything.I agree with sticking with a lighter colour year to begin with to make it easier to see Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mandelbrot Posted May 15, 2021 Share Posted May 15, 2021 I taught myself from the back of a pattern book, but use you tube videos for new techniques. These days I'd probably just start with you tube!Be careful what yarn you choose for learning - I think something slightly stiff and scratchy is easier to learn on! Soft and slippery tends to be a bit looser so it will come undone and the stitches will be less defined and harder to see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Antifa Posted May 15, 2021 Share Posted May 15, 2021 Also, your locals library will almost certainly have beginner books. You can get cheap yarn and hooks from Spotlight, and if you want inspiration, check out Ravelry.Check out Lucy from attic 24, who has some lovely designs https://attic24.typepad.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redchick Posted May 16, 2021 Share Posted May 16, 2021 I learned by following Bella Coco’s YouTube videos. It’s very easy and relaxing and I much prefer it to knitting. Just start by making a scarf or small blanket. I found it easiest to start with a size 5mm, a nice neutral colour and thick-ish but not too chunky wool - the labels will tell you what size crochet to use for the right tension. I make beanies over winter and give them to family. I love Bella Coco’s videos - so straight forward and clear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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