Author Topic: Recommended Books on Crochet (Read 1821 times)

John Grace · « **on:** October 08, 2012, 09:06:18 AM »

I'm wondering have any of the women folk any suggestions as to good resources on crochet. A few relatives have expressed an interest so am trying to assist them.

Any books or tips?

songbird · « **Reply #1 on:** October 08, 2012, 10:40:18 AM »

I crochet. I recommend books that show clear pictures. They do not have to be hard back books. There are some small paperback booklets that can be obtained in thrift stores or you can borrow books from the libraries. Start with an H size hook that is metal, no plastic hooks. They too maybe found at thrift stores. Also start with 4 ply yarn and be sure it is like Red Heart variety. All maybe found at the thrift stores. Once you get the hang of it, then buy the lot of color yarns that are needed. You will know if the yarn you are using is of a cheaper brand when the plies of yarn come apart or gets knotty when you are trying to yarn over. It takes practices with chaining. Once you get even loops of same size and then you can graduate to single crochets and double crochets. When I pieces motifs together I prefer not to sew but bring pieces together with yarn, it holds up and is stronger. Good Luck.

Tiffany · « **Reply #2 on:** October 08, 2012, 11:10:19 AM »

If you can spend a little more, I think the best thing would be to pay for one or m ore crochet lessons from a place that sells yarn (wool) or a craft store that offers lessons.

I don't think Red Heart is popular there like it is here, but this place has discount yarn:
www.kempswoolshop.com I would call an ask what is the lest expensive and good for someone just learning. They have a good supply of clearance yarn and shipping is reasonable.

Like Songbird says find a book with pictures. I think learning in person is best, and by someone who has experience teaching. This is a good book with pics:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470879971/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0470879971&linkCode=as2&tag=httpwwwchanco-20

Some yarn shops are pretty snotty, just find out about lessons and accomplish your goals! The yarn there will be pricey, yous should be able to pay for lessons without buying yarn. The store that I went to taught free if you bought the supplies there, it was about $30 for the both of us, 2 skeins of yarn and 2 sets of needles.

Ravelry.com is a great resource. Look up your state or city in the groups section. You are for sure to find local ladies who meet who get together to stitch! They will know who can teach too. Groups vary, some meet at bars, some meet at churches, some at homes, don't let one turn you off if it is not a good fit. There are countless videos and patterns on there too.

Tiffany · « **Reply #3 on:** October 08, 2012, 11:26:40 AM »

Sorry in that price I quoted, that was for knitting needles not crochet hooks. The crochet hook will probably be a little less. You only need 1 to learn with. A yarn shop will send higher end ones that a discount department or craft store. I'm not sure if it is the same there. I can buy a $2 crochet hook here from a craft store but at a yarn shop they are all at least $8.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580175988/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1580175988&linkCode=as2&tag=httpwwwchanco-20

This book is good to have, but it's not one I would recommend to initially learn from. Sorry I don't know how to link so Matthew get's the credit.

Tiffany · « **Reply #4 on:** October 08, 2012, 11:39:37 AM »

These might be helpful:

http://www.patonsyarns.com/learntocrochet.php
(simple print of the steps)

http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/faq-search.cgi?store=/stores/eyarn&learnToCrochet=1

(you might have to register first)

http://www.redheart.com/learn/learn-how-crochet

Youtube has countless vieos too! Some are really fun. :)

Again I think at least 1 lesson in person is the best way to go!

John Grace · « **Reply #5 on:** October 09, 2012, 09:13:59 AM »

Many thanks for this. I was able to forward them on.

Tiffany · « **Reply #6 on:** October 09, 2012, 10:15:42 AM »

Have them ask for yarn (wool) in DK weight, I don't think they have yarn labeled as worsted weight there? I'm not sure. Get ready for the yarn stash to take over your home!

Cheryl · « **Reply #7 on:** October 13, 2012, 07:02:57 PM »

Quote from: Tiffany

Have them ask for yarn (wool) in DK weight, I don't think they have yarn labeled as worsted weight there? I'm not sure. Get ready for the yarn stash to take over your home!

One can find yarn quite cheap. One, find it at second hand stores. Two, search the net on how to unravel yarn from sweaters which you can purchase at the second hand store.

Tiffany · « **Reply #8 on:** October 14, 2012, 01:41:40 PM »

Quote from: Cheryl

Quote from: Tiffany
Have them ask for yarn (wool) in DK weight, I don't think they have yarn labeled as worsted weight there? I'm not sure. Get ready for the yarn stash to take over your home!

One can find yarn quite cheap. One, find it at second hand stores. Two, search the net on how to unravel yarn from sweaters which you can purchase at the second hand store.

I think recyling sweater yarn is a brilliant way to get inexpensive wool yarn but I wouldn't recommend someone just learning to crochet as a way to get yarn to learn from. Unless they are familiar with knitted garment construction already they would need to learn how to recognize which type of seam allows for the yarn to be harvested. Besides time they may end up wasting money they could have bought a regular skein with.

There is a lady in our homeschool group that buys everything wool when the thrift store has their .25 clearance sale in Feb. She felts them, cuts them into strips, and makes very cool things with them. I've never felted (intentionally

) but would like to try it.

Cheryl · « **Reply #9 on:** October 15, 2012, 06:52:33 AM »

Quote from: Tiffany

Quote from: Cheryl
Quote from: Tiffany
Have them ask for yarn (wool) in DK weight, I don't think they have yarn labeled as worsted weight there? I'm not sure. Get ready for the yarn stash to take over your home!

One can find yarn quite cheap. One, find it at second hand stores. Two, search the net on how to unravel yarn from sweaters which you can purchase at the second hand store.

I think recyling sweater yarn is a brilliant way to get inexpensive wool yarn but I wouldn't recommend someone just learning to crochet as a way to get yarn to learn from. Unless they are familiar with knitted garment construction already they would need to learn how to recognize which type of seam allows for the yarn to be harvested. Besides time they may end up wasting money they could have bought a regular skein with.

There is a lady in our homeschool group that buys everything wool when the thrift store has their .25 clearance sale in Feb. She felts them, cuts them into strips, and makes very cool things with them. I've never felted (intentionally ) but would like to try it.

Tiffany just like everything else, a how to video is a click away on the net. It really isn't that difficult.

Tiffany · « **Reply #10 on:** October 15, 2012, 09:15:04 AM »

Great Video! :applause: