Stitches

What is the best way to learn to crochet?

I want to make something for my boyfriend :)

Public Comments

1. the best way is to find a good friend or someone who know how to do it. but if one can't be found than here some websites and books to help you: Here some books available at any library or bookstore: One Skein Knitting: 30 Quick Projects to Knit and Crochet by Leigh Radford, John Mulligan (Photographer) Crocheting School: A Complete Course by Sterling Publishing Company, Fabbri Editori Crocheting for Dummies by Susan Brittain, Karen Manthey, Karen Manthey 200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws, and Afghans: Crochet Squares to Mix and Match by Jan Eaton The Crochet Stitch Bible by Betty Barnden The Complete Idiot's Guide to Knitting and Crocheting Illustrated by Barbara Breiter, Gail Diven Donna Kooler's Crocheted Afghans by Donna Kooler Herrschner's Blue Ribbon Afghans by Oxmoor House, Janica Lynn York The Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stiches: Over 900 Great Stitches Detailed for Needle Crafters of Every Level by Reader's Digest Editors (Editor), Reader's Digest Editors 100 Afghans to Knit and Crochet by Jean Leinhauser, Rita Weiss 100 Crochet Projects by Jean Leinhauser, Rita Weiss Geometrics: A New Way to Crochet by Ruthie Marks, Ruthie Marks (Editor) Maran Illustrated Knitting and Crocheting by maranGraphics Development Group, MaranGraphics Development Group Staff Crocheting School: A Complete Course by Sterling Publishing Company, Fabbri Editori Dream Toys: A Collection of Knit and Crochet Fantastical Toys by Claire Garland, John Garland (Photographer) From Needles to Hook: Complete Guide to Converting Knit Patterns to Crochet by Donna Scott Cool Crochet by Melissa Leapman, Joe VanDeHatert (Photographer) Not Your Mama's Crochet: The Cool and Creative Way to Join the Chain Gang by Amy Swenson Candy Blankies: Cuddly Crochet for Babies and Toddlers by Candi Jensen 100 Crochet Projects by Jean Leinhauser, Rita Weiss Learning to Crochet by BarCharts Inc (Manufactured by), Kaaren Ashley The Easy Learn to Crochet in Just One Day by Bobbie Matela Crochet Your Way by Gloria Tracy, Susan Levin, Susan Levin - a excellent book on the subject. Learn to Crochet by Sue Whiting Learn to Crochet by Sally Harding (Editor), John Heseltine (Photographer) Basic Crocheting by Sharon Hernes Hernes Silverman, Sharon Hermes Silverman, Annie Modesitt, Marjorie Leggitt (Illustrator), Marjorie Leggitt (Illustrator) The Encyclopedia of Crochet Techniques: A Step-by-Step Visual Guide to Creating Unique Fashions and Accessories Crochet Basics: All You Need to Know to Create Beautiful Crocheted Garments by Jan Eaton Knitter's Lib: Learn to Knit, Crochet, and Free Yourself from Pattern Dependency by Lena Maikon The Crochet Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face: Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask by Edie Eckman 300 Crochet Stitches: Includes Basic Stitaches, Lace Patterns, Motifs, Filet, Clusters, Shells, Bobbles, Loops, Vol. 6 by Staff of Collins and Brown Limited Lion Brand Yarn: Just Gifts: Favorite Patterns to Knit and Crochet by Shannon Okey (Editor), Shannon Okey (Editor) 220 More Crochet Stitches, Vol. 7 by Collins & Brown Ltd (Manufactured by) Maran Illustrated Knitting and Crocheting by maranGraphics Development Group, MaranGraphics Development Group Staff Crochet (Portable Crafter Series) by Carolyn Christmas For websites: http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Crochet http://sweaterbabe.com/ctips.htm http://www.roxycraft.com/learntocrochet.... http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/350.... http://members.aol.com/crochetwithdee/ty... http://www.bernat.com/learntocrochet.php... www.learntoknit.com/instructions_... www.learntoknit.com/ www.crochetcabana.com/ www.crochet-made-easy.com/...... www.freecraftunlimited.com/croche... - a good website www.crochetpatterncentral.com/dir... www.crochetdesigns.com/patterns/s... www.freepatterns.com/list.html?ca... www.bsu.edu/web/jmsutton2/cr/cr/p... www.frugalhaus.com/scripts/freepa... www.frugalhaus.com/scripts/defau... www.allfreecrafts.com/charity-cra... www.knitwhits.com/ www.interweave.com/knit/projects/... www.lovinghugsfamily.com/patterns... www.bernat.com/whatsnew.php... www.hookmeupcrochet.com/create/pa... home.swbell.net/amjack/ www.shadylane.com/ www.monstercrochet.com/patterns.h... www.crochetkim.com/ www.angelfire.com/folk/celtwich/.... www.dovetaildesigns.com/... www.home.att.net/~shannonms/pages/pat... www.barbscraftbooks.tripod.com/barbsc... www.freecrochetlibrary.org/... www.smartcrochet.com/ marniemaclean.com/patterns/index.... www.marloscrochetcorner.com/produ... www.cache.lionbrand.com/content-croch... www.cm-crafts.com/cmcraftscrochet... www.crochet.com/freepatterns/free... www.vintage-crochet-patterns.com/... www.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Crochet www. craftown.
2. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of the time you spend crocheting. Balls of Yarn Vs. Skeins If you’re impatient to get your project started, you might be tempted to rip the label off your skein of yarn and get to work. Technically, you can crochet with skeins of yarn, but it many cases you can achieve better results if you take the time to wind the skein into a ball first. This is especially true for beginners. Balls of yarn have a couple of advantages over skeins: Avoid Tangles. Center-pull skeins of yarn can tangle easily towards the end. Balls of yarn are less likely to tangle. Improve Tension. If you have a hard time achieving even tension, try working from a ball of yarn rather than a skein. Ball winders are available to help you with this task, but you can also do it by hand.Remove Obstacles Long Hair: If your hair is long enough to get in your way, be sure to comb it and tie it back before you start crocheting. This helps to avoid getting hair tangled in your work. Jewelry: You may wish to remove your jewelry, especially rings and bracelets, prior to crocheting. Yarn can catch on jewelry and hamper your progress. Cats: If possible, keep cats out of the room when you are crocheting. A cat can't seem to resist a moving ball of yarn. A cat can also ruin a crochet project without much effort. Yarn Position Position the ball of yarn so that it can unwind easily as you crochet. If you are crocheting at home in a comfortable chair, you can keep the ball of yarn in your lap or on the floor at your feet, whichever you prefer. If you are crocheting on an airplane or in a moving vehicle, tuck the ball of yarn inside a tote bag to keep it from rolling around and unwinding. Switch Hooks When Necessary Novice crocheters tend to work either too tightly or too loosely. If your work is too tight, choose a larger crochet hook. If your work is too loose, choose a smaller crochet hook. Keep in mind that the hook size indicated on your yarn label is no more than a suggested starting point. Do your experimenting with hooks prior to starting a project. The ideal time to do this is when you are making your gauge swatches. Avoid Changing Hooks in the Middle of a Project You want your stitches to be a consistent throughout your entire project. If you switch hooks, you risk creating inconsistency. Even same-size changes from one manufacturer's hook to another's could be problematic. Hook size is not always consistent between manufacturers. Slight differences in hook shaping might change the way you hold the hook or form your stitches. Try Some Ergonomic Crochet Hooks Ergonomic crochet hooks are designed to be comfortable. If you can find an ergonomic hook you like, it could make the time you spend crocheting more enjoyable than it would otherwise be. Take the Time to Make Gauge Swatches You might be tempted to think that crocheting gauge swatches is a waste of time. It’s actually the most critical part of the project, particularly if your project is a garment. If you skip the gauge swatch, your project is likely to end up being the wrong size. Don’t Be Afraid to Unravel If you notice that you made a mistake a few rows back, rip out the stitches up to that point and try again. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment There are no “crochet police,” and nothing tragic will happen to you if an experiment fails. Practice and experimentation are two of the best ways to break out of beginner status. Consider some simple experiments. Substitute colors in a pattern. Choose different yarns. Add or subtract details. If a pattern calls for fringe you don't like, substitute an edging. Add a flower to a plain hat. As you learn more, don't be afraid to try more complex experiments. Add stripes to a plain pattern. Vary the stitches you use. Improvise customizations. Make long sleeves instead of short sleeves on a sweater. Modify the neckline.
3. both of the previous answers are great; but both left off 2 very useful websites... www.crochetpatterncentral.com www.crochet911.com You can also search on utube. They have some great video's if you don't know someone who could show you. Also, crochet pattern central is 100% free crochet patterns. You will find TONS of ideas there!!! Happy Crocheting!!
4. My daughter taught herself knitting and crocheting with the KLUTZ books. They come with stuff to get you started. Any craft or book store will carry them. They have very clear step by step directions with photos.