I want to learn to crochet, where should I start?

Doilys, scarves, bookmarks. There are these cool ones that look like worms Like Book worms get it.

You could get a book from the library. Ask someone there for a suggestion. The book will tell you a good size hook for starters. They are not or should not be expensive. And some yarn. A Walmart would have the stuff.

It is easier than knitting. I learned when I was in 6th grade and made everything I listed up above.

Now I have the bug again.

There are a lot of videos on You Tube about crocheting if you are a visual learner, but you will still need some patterns

Crochet?! and this didn’t come up in my questions! Now I have to go adjust my profile.

I should make a video demonstrating how to crochet.

Since I can’t show you, let me give you a few tips:

1) Be sure that you’re consistent with the tension in your yarn. If you don’t, it results in sloppy stiches of all different sizes.

2) Don’t crochet too tightly, or your project will bunch up. If you find yourself unable to keep from crocheting tightly, just use a fatter hook. Where most skeins of standard yarn call for an I hook, I use a K.

3) Don’t be afraid to count your stitches. I got into the habit of counting even when I wasn’t doing a pattern that required me to count… it’s natural now, and it helps me quickly recognize where I’ve made a mistake.

You can get all you need to start at WalMart. Pick up a variety pack of hooks with all different sizes. They have a pretty decent selection of yarns. I suggest Red Heart for starters. Caron is sometimes too slippery. Don’t rush into patterns just yet… do a swatch of single stitches and another of double crochet until you get used to how you hold the yarn, how tightly you naturally stitch, etc.

Oh, and don’t start with black or dark yarn. Varigated color skeins are really good to learn with, because it’s easy to see your stitches.

And once you get the hang of it, PM me and I’ll teach you the SUPER easy ripple pattern! :)

A Granny square potholder might be a good place to start. Granny squares are small and easy to crochet.

When my grandmother taught me to knit and crochet she made sure I learned how to read the pattern, that is key for both. Once you can read a pattern you can make anything.

I think you need some kind of hook things….

@ poofandmook – I am honored to have gotten so much right! I forgot about the tension. I wonder if this would be goof for my Essential Tremmers.

Crochet Patterns Central has this basics site.

I’ve always found that the easiest way to learn to crochet/knit/etc. is to have someone actually show you how to do it. See if you’ve got a local yarn or craft store that does beginner’s crocheting classes – or even just has a crocheting group where people bring their own projects to work on – there’s often someone in those groups who would be happy to help you through your first project…

Here are some resources:
The Northern Illinois Chapter of the Crochet Guild of America
The Art of Crochet
Crochet helmet liner project

thanks a ton everyone, especially poof! :)
can’t wait to get started.

I’d start with a small project that’s square and doesn’t require a lot of different stitches. When I was a kid I used to make doll clothes, but I started with a “doll blanket”. Granny squares are a good start and so is filet crocheting. You can do either of these with two stitches. The small potholder pattern mentioned above is nice or you can do a small scarf or a simple winter hat.

I’d go to a yarn shop and feel a lot of yarn. Pick one skein you really like and tell the person at the counter what you want to do. They should be able to steer you toward a good book for beginners and the right size hook for the yarn you picked. There are different weights and thicknesses and materials. I’d go with cotton, wool, silk, or a natural blend. You want to still like the feel of it when you’re done with your project.

If you get started and you get lost at all bring your project into the yarn shop with you and ask for advice. Most good yarn shops will have someone who can help you with some quick troubleshooting advice. If you find you need more than just a pointer or two, most yarn shops will have a few beginning classes. You’ll find it’s pretty easy after one or two times sitting with someone working at it.

So did you learn to crochet?