[bdavis337]

I have to learn to crochet. I swear, I can't stand that I can knit but not crochet. And I'm not even a very good knitter, just a few baby sweaters, scarves and a hat or two. I've never done anything successfully in the round, never done an adult piece of clothing and I have no intention of ever ever ever learning intarsia or complicated patterning. I'll stick to stripes and simple stuff. Heck, a yarn over gives me a headache.....

But the crochet thing just isn't fair. I want to be able to do it. I LOVE that one day baby sweater that was just posted up, and I'm just sad that I can't make stuff like that.

 

[kerc]

if you can knit you can crochet. just check out a book and get a hook and you'll be there in no time.

 

[bdavis337]

Yes, yes, yes. I've been down this sad road before. I taught myself to knit from a book, but the crochet thing, well, it's amazing how I can make a TRAPEZOIDAL swatch when I've counted out loud and written down every single row. grrrrrrr. My poor grandmother just shakes her head and works another double clamshell row on her queen sized afghan throw. She sighs and says "well, I could never figure out how to bind off in knitting, so I guess you're not completely all thumbs".

Thanks, Grammy!!!!

 

[twouglyducks]

That was my biggest problem with crochet, keeping my stitch count. I'm still far from an expert. I started using one of the clip on stitch markers in the first stitch on every row and counting every single stitch. It was a pain, but it really helped and now it is a little easier for me to see the stitches and get it right.

 

[Indigo73]

You might try a few different books... I've been crocheting since I was 4 but for the life of me couldn't get knitting. When I finally got a book that taught English and Continental side by side, something finally clicked. I now knit continental. I mean do you need a good written description or do you need to see pictures?

How about videos?

http://www.nexstitch.com/Tutorials.html
http://www.hassdesign.com/StitchLegend

 

[MidnightCommando]

I have been trying to teach myslef how to crochet since Monday. I bought "Stich n Bitch Crochet, The Happy Hooker" by Debbie Stoller and "I Taught Myself to Crochet" which is a much smaller book that came with a kit of hooks and other items at the local craft store. You might have better luck since you already know how to knit - I am still all thumbs but trying. I've found it is hard to follow the books becuase you cannot see the 3-D picture. This might be an avenue for you to explore if you have a hard time visualizing like I do. The most help however has been real people. My mother can crochet up a storm and she has helped me some when our schedules actually allow us to get together.

BTW - the Stoller book has some awesome patterns! I can't wait until I get decent enough to attempt some of them

 

[bdavis337]

I need both pictures and text, but I find that a combinatino of video and text works really well. I turn the sound off on the video tutorials and read along in my book while I watch. I've never been an auditory learner.....

Thanks for the links, maybe I'll get it figured out!

 

[Luthien Arcamenel]

I love to crochet. The lace stitches you can achieve are just yummy. Good luck!

 

[Arwyn]

I picked up the instructional books for kids to learn both crochet and then eventually knitting (which I now prefer, but I love 'em both). The stuff for kids is made SO easy and step by step it worked for me.

But I learn really well out of books.

Too bad you don't live near me. I've been told I'm a pretty good tutor.

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