How do I learn how to crochet and what it all means?

Question

I want to learn how to crochet. All of the patterns and stitches.

Answer 1

I think the best way to learn how to crochet is through practice ... the more you do, the more you learn. If you're learning on your own, check out some of those stitch pattern books ... "The Crochet Bible" is a great book to start with. With each stitch you learn, you'll learn what 'multiples' are, and how to read the International Charts.

A great magazine to subscribe to would be "Crochet Today" -- it's a new publication and they've designed the magazine to make learning crochet easier.

You can follow up by visiting the anniesattic.com website as they have free video clips you can watch right on your PC.

Of course, taking a class or learning from someone experienced in crochet is also highly recommended. It's much easier to ask questions, explore possibilities, and be inspired when the lessons are live! :)

~Dee Stanziano
Certified Crochet Teacher

Answer 2

Hi:

Here some books available at any library or bookstore:

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

Some webites :

http://www.roxycraft.com/learntocrochet....

http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/350....

http://members.aol.com/crochetwithdee/ty...

http://www.geocities.com/snowymts.geo/gr...

http://www.learn-crochet-now.com/catalog...

http://www.geocities.com/snowymts.geo/cr...

http://crochet.about.com

http://crochet.about.com/library/blbegin...

http://www.bernat.com/learntocrochet.php...

http://www.learntoknit.com/instructions_...

http://www.learntoknit.com/

http://www.crochetcabana.com/

http://www.crochet-made-easy.com/...

http://www.freecraftunlimited.com/croche... - a good website

For some books on crochet patterns and some websites for them:


http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory.php

http://www.crochetdesigns.com/patterns/set48/default.htm

http://www.freepatterns.com/list.html?cat_id=307

http://www.bsu.edu/web/jmsutton2/cr/cr/people.html

http://www.frugalhaus.com/scripts/freepats.asp

https://www.frugalhaus.com/Scripts/default.asp


http://www.allfreecrafts.com/charity-crafts.shtml

http://www.knitwhits.com/

http://www.interweave.com/knit/projects/children.asp

http://www.lovinghugsfamily.com/Patterns.html

http://www.bernat.com/whatsnew.php

http://www.hookmeupcrochet.com/Create/Patterns/default.htm

http://home.swbell.net/amjack/

http://www.shadylane.com/

http://www.monstercrochet.com/Patterns.html

http://www.crochetkim.com/

http://www.angelfire.com/folk/celtwich/

http://www.dovetaildesigns.com/

http://home.att.net/~shannonms/Pages/patternlink.html

http://barbscraftbooks.tripod.com/barbscrochet/

http://www.freecrochetlibrary.org/

http://www.smartcrochet.com/

http://marniemaclean.com/patterns/index.html

http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/product.html

http://cache.lionbrand.com/content-crochetPatternIndex.html

http://www.cm-crafts.com/CMCraftsCrochetFreePatternsIndex.htm

http://www.crochet.com/FreePatterns/FreePatternsIndex.html

http://www.vintage-crochet-patterns.com/royaltable-11.html

Books:

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

Answer 3

I too would like to learn how to crochet but I cannot get past the first illustration as it never shows which is the short end of yarn and which is the long. I even bought a cd to learn and darn if it doesn't use the same picture. How can I start if I don't know which end is which?

Answer 4

One of the websites I used a lot when I was trying to teach myself how to crochet was http://crochet.about.com/

There are also a lot of great books on the basics of crochets, different patterns, how to read patterns. . .way too many to name. The library is your friend.

Have fun!

Answer 5

you couldnt learn all the patterns in a life time, take classes, go to michaels or joanns or hobby lobby and inquire about classes, they will at least explain the terms and get you started on the basic stitches, also some yarn shops give classes, you are never going to learn free unless you find a nice old lady who will teach you for company or for help around the house.

Answer 6

Check with some of the yarn shops to see if they have people who teach crochet. I have also heard that "Michaels"
stores have classes that teach both knit and crochet.

Or check with your grandmother, maybe she does crochet or if not she might know others who do.

If you lived close to me, I teach crochet.

Answer 7

I used books ........I taught myself how to crochet .....been crocheting for 15 years now .......it's not that hard and you don't pick up some ones by habits .......good luck

Answer 8

Go to this site..http://www.freecraftunlimited.com
click on How to instructions, then How to crochet.
This will teach you the basic stitches and terms used.

Answer 9

A site I found helpfull:

http://www.crochetnmore.com/123basics.htm

Answer 10

http://home.inreach.com/marthac/links.html
this has always worked for me..but now there seems to be some problem with the pages ...just keep trying... lots of links to other sites there too..