I love crochet. Last week I shared my Pinterest board with lots of lovely crochet ideas. (By the way, I love Pinterest, too!) The lovely Kate from Picklebums asked about learning crochet and how hard it might be. It really isn’t that hard once you get the hang of it – like most crafts, I suppose. So I’ve put together a little collection of YouTube clips to get Kate (and you!) started.
Get started with this one – very close-up slow step by step, ending up with a granny square
If you just need a refresher, this one moves a little quicker:
Part 1 – starting, chain and single crochet
Part 2 – various other stitches
Once you’ve got the basics mastered you might want to try a project so here’s some ideas;
Granny Squares
With just one colour…
Changing colours in your square…
There are lots of different granny squares out there so do a search for more designs.
A basic hat
Part 1:
You can compare the video to the pattern: http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2008/01/beanie.html
Scarves
Scarves are an easy starter project. Just create your chain the width you want and go back and forth along the rows until it is as long as you want it. But if you want something a little more tricky try this infinity scarf:
Flowers
Flowers are another relatively simple thing to try. You can use them to decorate other items, make a garland of them, or make tiny ones with embroidery thread and use them as scrapbooking embellishments.
Here’s one to get you started but search for lots more designs:
Blankets
I have been working on a ripple blanket using this pattern. But here’s a tutorial for a more basic straight pattern.
You can also make blankets by joining your granny squares.
My Rainbow Blanket would be an easy one for a beginner too.
Crochet with beads
There are many more ideas and patterns out there on YouTube and various blogs, but hopefully these will get you started.
If you live in South-East Queensland and would like a weekend of help with your crochet from the lovely Val, I have it on good authority that she will be teaching granny squares at the Creative Craft Retreat this year. So keep an eye on the Creative Craft Retreat Facebook page for updates.
This post was prompted by a reader question. If you have a question that you think I might be able to help with, leave me a comment or send me an email and I’ll see what I can do.
ooooh what a fabulous list of tutorials!!! Ok now I need to go get me a hook and some wool… oh and some time! LOL Thanks so much!!!
katepickle recently posted..Lovely Links – Inspirations.
Lovely list of vids there! I was lucky enough to have a mad crocheting grandmother who taught me (and my mother helped too) so I have been a lifelong addict of crochet and am currently into all those little amigurumi toys for my little boy (and much to my relief he loves them – so far!). Am so pleased that crochet is becoming cool again!!
Amanda Kendle recently posted..German not-quite-cuisine – I want some Currywurst
Twitter: hearmumroar
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Beautiful work:)
Hear Mum Roar recently posted..The Melbourne Bloggers’ Brunch
Twitter: craftimummy
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Thanks for dropping by! Hopefully it will be helpful
What a great compilation of videos! Seeing it visually with real hands is so much better than photos or diagrams. Great job!
Twitter: craftimummy
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I agree, Melanie. I find seeing someone do something is helpful, especially if I just need a little refresher.
Twitter: inmyownstyle
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I would love to make ripple blanket like you made someday. I love how it turned out. The colors are infectious and I can just imagine being able to snuggle up in style with it come Winter. I added it to my DIY Daily page on my blog.
My best- Diane
Diane@InMyOwnStyle recently posted..DIY Home Improvement: How I Updated a Bathroom on a Budget
ooh! Following your boards now!
(just found you from StumbleUpon…)
happy hooking!
Stacey (FreshStitches) recently posted..Crochet Buzz: 12/26/11
Twitter: craftimummy
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Hi Stacey! Off to check out your boards right now…
You would not by any chance have written instructions on granny squares? I love the video but not always by my computer. I have wanted to try granny squares for a very long time but just need very very simple instructions. Not real good at crocheting Thanks
Twitter: craftimummy
says:
Good point, Helen. I’ll see what I can find for you…
Thank you Tonya I would appreciate any help you can give me
I have just spent so long pouring over your gorgeous blog and then I struck Gold. i have been meaning to try this for like forever, but I had no one to teach me. Thank you so so much! xx
Twitter: craftimummy
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Excellent! So glad to help. I’d love to see what you make…
Wow what a great list!! I need a little refresher sometimes so this is awesome (: