Do I need a class to learn to crochet?

Question

Do you recommend a class or is it something I can probably just pick up on my own with books, websites, etc.? Did you take a class?

Answer 1

As a Certified Crochet Teacher, of course I'm going to recommend taking crochet classes -- no matter what your skill level is!

Sure you can learn from books and websites, but they cannot replace the human interaction! When you take a crochet class (be it free or paid for) there is a camaraderie with your fellow classmates that makes the learning so MUCH more enjoyable; AND when you take a crochet class (be it free or paid for) your instructor/teacher will be able to unlock areas that may stump you while inspiring you on. (When is the last time a book or website patted you on the back & said, "Good job! You're doing great! Keep going!!" or perhaps was instantly able to show you another way of learning that particular stitch or technique?)

I do learn aspects of crochet on my own, but I ENJOY the company of others who share my passionate feelings about our Art -- this is why I, even as a Certified Crochet Teacher with several years of teaching thousands of students, take crochet classes too.

There are many, many crochet techniques and stitches to try, and just as many tips & tricks to make the stitching/end results so much more beautiful! I stongly recommend learning from the books & websites when you need to, but do take crochet classes whenever you can! Your crochet experience will be greatly enriched when you do! :)

~Dee Stanziano
CYCA Certified Crochet Teacher

Answer 2

I had a friend show me the 3 basic stitches & then I borrowed the book "Teach yourself visually crocheting" from the library. I also borrowed: Crochet for Dummies & a bunch of other basic books. I just carefully read through them & then started following the instructions. It is a little tricky at first but once you know the basics, you can keep getting better & better. Another thing I have done is work with another friend who is just learning like me & one of reads the instructions & the other is doing the stitch or pattern. This way we can discuss & compare if we are doing it correctly.
I love crochet & have been doing it almost a year. It is such a nice thing to do when I am trying to relax at the end of a long day.
A great website is freecrochetpatterns. com they have tons of stuff to make & some stitch guides.
Have fun!

Answer 3

No, you shouldn't need a class to crochet, but if you are like me, looking at pictures in books was sort of like looking at something in another language. I just couldn't figure out how they got from one point to the next. I rented a crocheting video from the library. It was actually a knitting/crocheting video, but the crochet section covered the basic stitches and then taught you how to read a pattern, even as far as making a granny square. It was the best resource I could have had short of my own personal teacher. If your local library doesn't have anything like that, check the local craft store. They might have something like that. I just had to watch someone do it. If you want to learn online, go to http://www.anniesattic.com/crochet/content.html?type_id=S This website has short videos you can watch on some of the stitches. It's free too!

Also check out this question http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AljKbayCgNOZbbkl.rn2..LxxQt.?qid=20070622193717AAHpig5
It has a few other links to websites with crocheting videos.

I love crocheting. I've been doing it for about ten months and I've made several afghans and scarves. Have fun!

Answer 4

In my opinion..you can learn from on line, books or video sources. However, if you get stuck or just cannot grasp a stitch...taking a class or learning from a person who knows how to crochet is really the best. I learned from my grandma and landlady how to crochet. I do take crochet classes to broaden my knowledge of crochet techniques. Whatever option works the best for you. Human interaction is always the best way to learn. Good Luck!

Answer 5

I had my moms neighbor teach me to crochet about 7 years ago. She taught me one stitch which I used to a while to make 2 afghans before moving on to different stitches. I learned those on the internet. A great site to go to is www.crochetcabana.com There you can find hook charts, measurements, patterns....basically a one-stop shop for everything you'd wanna know about crochet. Good luck!

Answer 6

You don't need a class. My grandmother taught me when I was about 6.. its really simple to get started and if you can read instructions you won't have any problems. More complex crocheting comes with time and experience.

Answer 7

I taught myself to crochet when I was 19 by making Barbie doll clothes for my 9 year old Sister in law. It's really very simple and there are a number of sites on line to help you thorough he confusion of a new set of a abbreviations.

Answer 8

Here's a site that will get you started with free videos. The second site will show you how in printed form.
http://www.expertvillage.com/videos/beginning-crochet-chain-stitch.htm
http://www.freecraftunlimited.com/howto-crochet.html

Answer 9

Your local Library should have some books that not only teach you simple techniques, but some more complex ones and will have great patterns for beginners. Best side, is they would be free to use.

Answer 10

how are you at learning things from books? if you do well with that, go ahead and give it a try, if not you might want a beginners class at michaels, joanns or hobby lobby, i learned from my mom and aunt, so it was like a class.