Crochet - how to get started?

[KabitTarah]

Before I came out I was into knot tying, paracord stuff, etc.
I understand Crochet is very similar... one of my goals is to make a necklace to hold my wedding ring (since it appears it's not going to last all that much longer  ).

Where's the best place to get started in crochet? Is it very difficult, especially to make some sort of lace necklace or the like?

[Beth Andrea]

I don't crochet, but like all things, learn basic skills first, don't try brain surgery on the first project.

I know they sell starter books at hobby/fabric stores, and of course YouTube should have videos on it...also when getting a book, talk to the clerks, they may know what is needed initially.

Hope someone here can help more than I can, good luck with this!

[prettypoly86]

I learned to knit before I learned to crochet,  and that was just cobbled from youtube videos and google searches.  I agree with picking something basic,  and just learning the process to start.

Something that might give you the look you want is needle tatting.  I have recently learned needle tatting,  and while I am very much a beginner here, the basics are very simple and create some very lovely results.  I know I've seen pages with jewelry,  and the patterns were no more complicated than the bookmarks and snowflakes I'm practicing on.

[KabitTarah]

I learned to knit before I learned to crochet,  and that was just cobbled from youtube videos and google searches.  I agree with picking something basic,  and just learning the process to start.

Something that might give you the look you want is needle tatting.  I have recently learned needle tatting,  and while I am very much a beginner here, the basics are very simple and create some very lovely results.  I know I've seen pages with jewelry,  and the patterns were no more complicated than the bookmarks and snowflakes I'm practicing on.

Thanks! Tatting actually looks a lot closer to the rougher knot tying crafts than crochet.

Once you know what you're doing... how long does a medium size project take (in any of these crafts)? I remember my grandmother taking months to knit a kid's sweater.

[prettypoly86]

It took me about two weeks to complete a mid-sized doily,  and that was with me tatting at work.  I'm working on a knitted project now- a blanket for my son- and it has taken me a week to get a quarter of the way through.   I think it really comes down to how comfortable you are with the pattern and how much time you can devote to the project.

[KabitTarah]

I'll probably have to put this one on hold, anyway. I'm trying to learn ukulele and I have only found two practice days in the last two weeks

Still... I want to make my ring into something - I will remember it.

[LordKAT]

Can make a necklace for your ring with crochet in a matter of minutes. I always found crochet to be quick and easy compared to knitting. My friend crocheted a bikini in a day.

[KabitTarah]

Can make a necklace for your ring with crochet in a matter of minutes. I always found crochet to be quick and easy compared to knitting. My friend crocheted a bikini in a day.

wow! That's pretty cool. I have been interested... just need to start. It may be something for if / when my wife & I split.

[LordKAT]

For practice to start get a larger hook, J maybe and some basic cheap yarn. Tie a loop around the hook. Then use the hook to grab yarn and make a loop through a loop. That is the basic part of crochet. There are simple patterns for granny squares which are used in blankets and potholders mostly. They can be used with smaller string to make simple table covers. It is a quick way to get used to the right tension to keep the stitches even. After that, the crochet world is vastly expanded and you can make anything.