Need Help Learning How to Crochet!!!!

I am new to crochet too. I like this site: http://www.crochetspot.com/

Learning to crochet:
http://www.crochetspot.com/learning-to-crochet/

How to read crochet patterns:
http://www.crochetspot.com/how-to-read-crochet-patterns/

And a section with more tutorials and help:
http://www.crochetspot.com/category/tutorials-and-help/

Hi M.,

I taught myself how to crochet last year. Once I learned how to work my hands and read the patterns it was rather easy, you just have to stick with it and try not to get too frustrated. I would first start with getting a "teach yourself crochet" book at Joann's or Hobby Lobby. Then use some online tutorials like on Knit Witch http://www.knitwitch.com/crochet%20videos.htm to help you. Also, get on youtube, they have a number of instructional videos as well. Seeing it done by a real person seemed to really help.

My grandmother also told me to help reading the patterns, write out the instructions long hand on index cards. For each row write the instructions on an individual card. This will keep you from loosing your place. It takes awhile to write the instructions but that may help you learn how to read them.

I went from teaching myself how to crochet to designing my own hats in about two months. Now I sell my hats. You can take a look at my work at www.snowprincesshats.com

If you would like some help from me I'd be happy to. Just send me a note through Mamasource.

Good luck!

My husband's great Aunt worked with me on how to crochet, but her instructions and shaky hands made it difficult for me to understand what she was talking about, so I went to YouTube and did a search on crochet and found that to be very helpful!
Good Luck!!

What do you need to know exactly? I had tried crochet off and on over a few years (I had chain stitch down pat), but it never clicked until I had someone sit me down and show me exactly what things meant.

Here is a site with some of the abbreviations and verbal instructions for the stitches: http://www.crochetnmore.com/123basics.htm

Once you know the name of a stitch, you can always look up illustrated instructions on the internet. If you have someone who can sit down with you for an hour or two and show you some things, that would be good.

Hi I am a WAHG and I have 7 grandchildren so I have made many baby blankets...all crocheted.

I watched my Mom do it too but I could never get the hang of it. I went to Michaels (Walmart too) and bought a book to teach me how to crochet. It cost maybe $5.00 but it was well worth it. It had diagrams on how to hold the yarn, crochet hook, and what all the abbreviations meant. That is how I learned. If you can follow directions, you will do just fine. Also google "learn how to crochet" and I bet you will find a lot of sites. You really do need to learn the basics before you start on a big project. If you want to know what the abbreviations are, just email me! Best of luck to you!

M.,

It depends on what you want. Your local yarn shops probably offers lessons. JoAnn and Michaels craft stores both have basic how to lessons. If there are some older ladies at your church, in a social group or in your family, I bet one of them crochets and would like to teach you. What about the lady at work that you saw? Most knitters/crocheters love to share their excitement about their craft.

There are some good books out there, if you can learn well from books. That is how I originally learned to knit. I bought a kit called "I can't believe I'm knitting" from Wal Mart and taught myself out of the book. (Warning, it's not the best setup out there. I don't think the book is all that great.) Someone mentioned the "teach yourself visually" series. I have not used them personally, but I have heard really good things about several of the books in that series. You can find it on Amazon used for about $10 here: http://tinyurl.com/crochetbook

There are also tons of good websites out there. The Lion Brand yarn website has tons of free patterns as well as "how to" tutorials for both crochet and knitting. You have to register to see the patterns, but it is free and they won't spam you. They have some nice quality patterns for free there.

If you like videos, you can find learn to crochet DVDs at your local craft store. I have seen them at Michaels, Hobby Lobby and JoAnn. You can also buy them online. Finally, you can look up videos on YouTube for free. There are some very good knitting ones on there, so I bet there are some good crochet ones also.

Best of luck,
S. L

You might try your local craft stores or a locally owned yarn store for classes or just help. Another thing you can do is find a group that meets weekly--I'm in a knitting group and there's a wide range of abilities and knitters and crocheters both. Everyone is willing to help others out when we get stuck.

Try ravelry.com to search for groups, and knitmap.com for yarn shops.

Good luck!

I've been crocheting since I was about 13 years old. I love it! I'd be more than happy to teach you how to read the patterns and some tips on finishing. If your interested, let me know. I'm in Castle Rock, CO.

M.,

I agree with the ladies that suggested finding someone to teach you. That helped me so much. If you live near Fort Collins, there are groups here and I also know of one in Windsor. Don't be afraid to ask people when you see them crocheting. Often they want are very friendly when asked about crocheting. Craft store workers can also point you toward groups that crochet.
Best of luck and I hope that you get the hang of it. Crocheting is a lot of fun (and great stress relief once you get the hang of it).

M. P in Fort Collins

If you are the type of person who can learn from books at all, I second Crocheting for Dummies, and I also liked The Happy Hooker a lot!

If you live near Englewood, there is an excellent evening class. It takes place on Tuesdays, 6-8pm at the Malley Recreation Center, 3380 S. Lincoln St., Call ###-###-#### for more information. The instructor has crocheted for over 50 years, taught for many of those and has written her own book. Good luck!