Anyone know how to crochet? Advice needed.

[fairycakes69]

Hi don't know what section to put this in.
I have decided to learn how to crochet, have got a book taken half an hour just to get the hang of chains. I am using double knitting wool I had left over from knitting a jumper can I use it to learn how to crochet or do I need special crochet yarn? When I try to do the 3rd row the wool keeps splitting and I can't see where to put the hook. Any advice?

[lady-janine]

no you don't need special crochet yarn but try to use something that will not split until you are more experienced.

[shaneystar2]

You can use any wool to crochet fairycakes .
What size needle are you using ? You would need a 4mm or 4.50 mm hook for DK.

[Mojo-Jo-Jo]

Different thicknesses of yarns and different stitches need different sized hooks, just like knitting needle sizes.
It sounds as if you are pulling too tight and drawing the holes closed. Let the yarn/wool slip freely through and don't tension too much.
Take your time. It's fiddly when you're learning but worth it.

[Maydup]

This is a nice little beginners video which might help

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRsGeVk073w

[tinkerbell23]

I am still trying to learn LOL

3 rows i can manage...ive ran out of time for now but ill go back. Loads on youtube and i have 3 or 4 sizes of hooks. X

[Ann]

Thats a useful little video thanks maidup, its brought back memories of crocheting, i used to make lovely crocheted ponchos when they were in fashion in the late 60s/early 70s, but have forgotten how to do it now .........

[Maydup]

I remember making squares like these in the 70's and sewing them together for blankets.
There are loads of lovely clips on you tube - I'm all inspired now to go of and make roses and bows!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DhjBbZTq9w

[tinkerbell23]

I bought a big blanket made of stitches like that! Not patches though! Love it x

[fairycakes69]

Thank you for your replies, I'm using 4.5 hook, think your right about it being too tight, will keep trying. Would like to make crochet owl hats for newborns, the babies will be producing their own kids by the time I master this. lol

[sherrardk]

Can you mark shaneystar's answer as best answer - love the idea that you can crochet fairy cakes.

[pugthedog]

i think your wool may be to thick for your hook you may be better using 4 ply it may be easier for you while you get the hang of it and i hope you master it

[fairycakes69]

Back again the video is making it a lot easier, thank you, my only problem is I'm a knitter and keep wanting to hold the wool and wind round with my right hand like I would knitting. Does this make a difference to the outcome? My left hand does not want to wind it round, god this is driving me nuts, it looks so simple in the videos. Daughter is learning but she is left handed to we're not much help to each other.

[Maydup]

I really don't think it matters how you hold the wool as long as you're comfortable, but try it as it shows in the video and you'll get there in the end.

[Maydup]

Here's a video for your daughter!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So7C7gtILRo

[fairycakes69]

Thank you Maidup, she's getting there, she's doing better than me, she's made a dolls dishcloth. I'm on a dolls scraf that gets shorter at the ends lol, but we're doing better than last night.