BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Crochet crochet tips

Hello all!

I have decided that I would like to try to learn to crochet. I am curious how you all of you got into this hobby?! And I'm looking for some tips on how to get started. I hope you will share with me some basics <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I got started well over 30 years ago when I was expecting my first child. I've started and stopped crocheting a dozen times, and every time I pick it up again I remember how relaxing it is for me to work with yarn. Of all the hobbies I do, I think I enjoy crocheting the most. There are tons of sites on the internet, as well as books that can show you the basics, along with most hobby stores like A.C. Moore or Michaels that will have crochet classes to teach you the very basics. Then you pretty much teach yourself from there on. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

Practice, practice, practice, and count, count, count.

It's important to keep counting so you have the right number of stitches on every row. Tedious, yes, but it is easy to "lose" a stitch if you don't keep counting.

I would suggest that you start with something small, such as a dishcloth, to get the hang of it. There are lots of free patterns on the internet as well as on yarn labels. Many yarn companies have websites with free patterns.

Also check out www.stitchguide.com They even have mini-video clips that you can control the speed of the video and play it over and over so you can see how to work stitches.

Hope that helps, and Happy Crocheting!

Please check out www.medidit.com where I have a very extensive how to section for crochet and http://groups.yahoo.com/group/croqwn/ Hope to see you there.

I taught myself in the 70's after taking knitting lessons, I didn't care for it though. I would recommend starting with a granny square . This way you will learn how to add different colors and many different stitches from this. I have seen beginners start with too hard or involved patterns then get frustrated and upset. Something simple at first and work your way up to more difficult stuff.
Darlene

When I read AuntyM's post I yelled "Amen" to her saying, "Practice, practice, practice and count, count, count". How many times I have had to rip-it, rip-it, rip-it because I neglected to count, count, count!

I found another great place online where they have video tutorials. It's at www.nexstitch.com it's helped alot learning different stitches, although I am still having trouble with counting properly. lol

Video site
http://www.anniesattic.com/crochet/content.html?type_id=S

http://www.crochetcabana.com/crochet_dictionary.htm

2 more very good sites .

ENJOY , this very rewarding craft.

I basically figured it out on my own. I was stuck on bed-rest with my first child and basically was climbing the walls from boredom. My mom sent a whole box of baby yarn and a stack of "beginner" patterns with step-by-step instructions/photos. It took a bit--and tons of ripped out stitches--but once I figured out counting was the key to success, I had it made! I still crochet--at holidays, when I'm stressed/sick, when I have to spend a lot of time waiting around doing nothing. Its a very relaxing hobby.