I went a few different routes: YouTube tutorials, and Craftsy classes (online). Get a cheapo hook and some yarn from Michael's - or even check Goodwill! - and then make yourself a dish cloth. That will get you the hang of things, and then you can use YouTube to learn new stitches, etc.
Post by roastytoasty on Jan 18, 2015 14:38:28 GMT -5
I've found a lot of good resources on Pinterest, Ravelry, and YouTube. I started with single and double crochet and just did basic wash cloths and scarves. Then I added the granny square. I'm just now starting to play with different stitches. Once you have the basics down (slip stitch, chain, single crochet, half-double crochet, double crochet) there are TONS of patterns to try.
My mom taught me when I was in grade 5 so I don't have much experience with learning on your own. Others might disagree, but I think the best thing to learn to crochet with is a basic granny square. It's how I learned, and I think it forced me to learn the basics of crochet and get to a level I could make a variety of things fairly quickly.
Post by BKyarnlover on Jan 18, 2015 16:03:58 GMT -5
I was taught by one of my dad's aunts when I was about 10, but I didn't really pick it back up until I was in college. I used a few books with basic stitches to remind myself. Youtube has tons of video tutorials you can find that will walk you through the basic steps. Moogly Blog also has a big video tutorial library.
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I watched lots of you tube videos. I find crocheting much easier than knitting so I have been crocheting since I decided to learn and haven't touched knitting. The awesome thing about you tube is that if your ate left handed, they actually have left handed tutorials on there!
Post by ladyannibal on Jan 19, 2015 13:28:21 GMT -5
My mother taught me to crochet when I was 7, so I've been at it for awhile. I would say Youtube is good if you're a visual learner. I eventually had to teach myself how to read patterns because I wanted to make amigurumis. Once you know what the abbreviations mean and how to do them it gets easier. I occasionally find myself Googling a stitch because I often forget them, I use so many different stitches!
My mom started my siblings off on washcloths and they've slowly upgraded to purses and blankets. Circles are still a challenge. I recommend the magic circle for that one.
My mom taught me when I was 8-ish. I youtube for new stitches.
If you don't have a family member who is a crocheter I would suggest taking an introduction class (JoAnns or Michaels has them) or ask around. Both churches I have attended have had a yarn ladies club (retired ladies) and I'm sure they would be more than willing to teach too!
I learned crochet and knitting primarily from books. Everyone has a different learning style- I really suffer with very slow paced classes, so I do better with books, videos and tutorials. Classes are great for people who need a little hand holding or want to see something demonstrated multiple ways. You can try videos and a book from the library (get a book on something you're interested in making- baby hats were my firsts in both knitting and crochet) for free, take a class if that doesn't work out.
Post by jobotrobot on Jan 22, 2015 12:14:02 GMT -5
I bought a few books and looked at some Youtube vids. It took a while for me to learn and things wouldn't click until one day I picked up my stuff and was able to do it. I can follow patterns for the most part and prefer to make amigurumis and simple things that don't require gauge, like blankets and scarves. Tips include: don't give up, don't use black or very dark yarn (makes it harder to see the loops for me), you are going to mess up and frog a lot of work (pulling it all apart and starting again) and your first pieces will look janky but you'll love them. It's so worth it!
Post by ladysnowblood on Jan 28, 2015 9:17:47 GMT -5
My mom taught me, but I use YouTube if I forget something or need to learn a new stitch. Like PP said, use a light colored yarn when you are trying to learn, so you can see your stitches easier.
Post by kendraj426 on Jan 30, 2015 14:31:36 GMT -5
I was taught by a family friend when I was young, but didn't really get interested in doing it until college. I borrowed a few of my mom's books and googled what I couldn't figure out from the books. I know the books she gave me are out of print by many, many years, so I'm afraid that won't help much. My mom helped me learn a little, but couldn't demonstrate because she has arthritis, so I learned more from her books than from her.
Once you have the basics down, learning new stitches is usually fairly easy. If you're a visual learner, I'd recommend learning from a friend or taking a class. I personally get easily frustrated in classes because I tend to pick things up quickly and want to move on while others still need more work, so books were much better for me because I worked at my own pace. It really depends on your learning style. Also, if you ever have questions, I'm sure all of us here would be willing to answer or direct you to our favorite websites!
Post by craftcrazymama on Jan 30, 2015 14:45:12 GMT -5
I learnt to crochet with books from the library, various websites, and You Tube. Then when I wanted to learn more advanced techniques I used the New Stitch A Day site which has written and video instructions. I learn best by watching and doing rather than reading instructions so this site works well for me.
My biggest tip would be to not think using cheap yarn is the best when you start. It tends to be harder to work with and just makes it more frustrating. Buy a good middle of the road yarn and make something simple.
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