Crochet for dummies??? (book recommendations?)

denise_h_2

I learnt to crochet when I was quite young. It was awkward at first as I am left handed and all the pix are shown for right-handers. Then I discovered a Coates book which recommended the simple step of putting a mirror next to the diagrams. Hey presto, everything fell into place. Thought you other lefties of the world might find this a useful tip

icandream

I love crochet - it's so relaxing, but I haven't managed to find the time over the past year. I particularly like doing motifs and flowers, as they are so quick and satisfying. And there are some great books out there. I was trying to google the book I last used for you which was brill (got it from the library and can't remember - think it was a Harmony guide), but came across loads of lovely crochet flowers and crochet jewellery books on Amazon - I'll have to see if I can get my library to order one or two. Thanks for bumping the thread and reminding me to take a look!

Gingernutmeg

I've got this book (Quick Crochet, Huge Hooks) and it's got basic instructions in the front (you can get it more cheaply if you keep your eyes open on ebay). I can knit, but I can't crochet and I've found this book handy - it's also nice to have projects that you can finish fairly quickly. The knitting book (Fast Knits, Fat Needles) is good too. To me, it's very basic, so I'm assuming that the crochet one is just as simple

ubamother

i've knitted for years, and never found a book that I could follow and learn to crochet - until I found 'The Happy Hooker'. It is American, but it does explain the difference in stitch names so you can adapt. And the title makes me smile every time I open it. It's by the stitch n !!!!! lady I think.

Olliebeak

I used a Patons Book about 30++ years ago - First Steps in Crochet. I think it's still available today but probably with a different cover.

It was VERY basic - giving details of each stitch followed by an idea for what to make from your attempt with that particular stitch. Once you've mastered the holding technique and basic stitches (single/double/half-treble/treble etc) everything else is just a combination of those.

Another idea is to check out some of the older Patons/Hayfield knitting patterns. Very often those older patterns needed a small amount of crochet to finish the garment - there were always very simple diagrams on the back of those kind of patterns to show how to crochet basic stitches.

For anybody ambitious, there is a 'crocheted version of aran' which is quite striking to look at.

Mariel

First Steps in Crochet is brilliant - I finally learnt from it aged about 24 after 2 decades of trying. It is still in print but usually available from Ebay for about a pound. I'm left handed but never really had trouble 'translating' the instructions so don't anyone be put off by being a left hander.

Telute

I learnt to knit from a book called Quick Knits, Big Needles and there's a companion volume for crochet called Quick Crochet Huge Hooks, which is just as good. Both are by Sally Harding and have lots of patterns for things which aren't clothes, which is good if you're like me and have no intention of wearing anything you've knitted.

kitschy

I am trying to learn to crochet, but I don't know anyone that can, and my local knit and natter group meets during the day while I'm at work

I wonder if anyone can suggest a book for beginners that I can request from the library? I have tried the videos online, but am trying to find non-electrical dependent ways of occupying my time, and I tend to learn better from books

Thank you

nobodyspecial

Hi there kitschy. I haven't used this book myself, but I think there's a few on here have, and it gets brilliant reviews on Amazon. Good luck.

dandy-candy

Kitchy I learned to crochet last year after going through 6 books and 1 dvd trying to pick it up ( I can already knit) and tbh I found it impossible to learn from a book or video. The only way I finally got it was by doing a 1 day course at my local John Lewis, it really is something you need to have demonstrated and have someone explain your mistakes! I would look for a course or even ask about if anyone locally could teach you (grannys are great for this!) - good luck