Book or tips for crochet beginner

Patons did an excellent booklet for crochet. I used it many, many years ago and I know they've updated it several times. You might find it on Ebay or possibly Amazon. A friend recently used videos on YouTube to teach herself. I hope you enjoy your crochet journey. I've only just worked out how to use crochet patterns that come as charts and I've been crocheting on and off for nearly 50 years.

The Works is definitely the best place to go for cheap 'how to' books. I love Attic24's blog!

Killard there are a number of 'The Works' shops in Northern Ireland, including in Newtownards, Bangor, Enniskillen and Belfast, if you go on to their website you would be able to get the exact locations closest to you.

I do not know where you live but there is a Crochet Skills Class in the Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards. The next class starts on 20 May. The course caters for absolute beginners and those who are more skilled. I have been crocheting on and off for many years but found the course useful when I attended last year.

If you are interested in a course but the Arts Centre would not suit you I might be able to help you find another venue if you give a general idea of where you live.

Thankyou so much for your replies - my DIL actually bought me the Attic24 cosy stripe blanket kit - possibly same one that you did Nanabelle. I have been on her site and love it.
I have always knitted - loved doing Arran patterns and anything complicated !! so wanted a new challenge. I am now thinking that this is the wrong time of year to start this project but I would love to learn so that I am ready to start project in the winter. DIL did one of the blankets last winter. She warned me about the difference in the Americian terms Liz46 but thankyou - will look up that site for patterns.
Have ordered the happy hooker book NannaBanana
I will try that tutorial hildajenniJ
I live in N Ireland and unfortunately don't have any "The Works" bookshops
Again thankyou for your replies and I will let you know how I get on - maybe even post a photo!!!!

If you get any online patterns please be aware that American terms are different to ours and you need to look up the conversion chart!
I also use 'allfreechrochet' for patterns. I have made loads of baby bootees for charity - in the shape of ducks, frogs, mice etc.

Thank you for this I have been thinking about trying crochet as I can no longer knit (cant hold the needles for long hands seize up). I may be having an op later in the year and will be laid up for a while so crochet would help keep me occupied. I shall pop into The Works asap.

Yes, I bought a very good book with clear instructions on crochet from The Works.
I also bought the first couple of instalments of a magazine about learning to crochet, but worked out that the whole set would be about £240!
So far I haven't had a try, the road to hell etc etc.

I can knit and follow patterns although I haven't done any for years now. I can do squares and basic crochet items but have never learned to follow a pattern. Ironically a few years ago my French (school penfriend!) taught me to follow French crochet patterns. . . But I've long since forgotten
There's quite a few knit and natter (or stitch and bitch!!) groups about which could probably help.
Let us know how you get on Killard

Do look at Attic24's website/blog. She posts the most beautiful pictures of her work and gives very detailed tutorials, with close up pictures. Although some of her work looks complicated, once you can do the basic stitches of double and trebles, her instructions are easy to follow. I made the stripy Granny Blanket for my first gd and it is still in use on the cot bed a few years on! Can any of your friends teach you the basics as I think it is easier to learn one to one. Then it is like most things - practice! Good luck. oh - try out your library, often there are some good crochet books there.

The happy hooker got me going

If you have a book shop called 'The Works' near you, they have crochet books for about £4. Youtube is also brilliant for showing this type of thing.

You could start off with squares and sew them together to make a cushion cover or blanket.

My family gave me 'Crochet for Dummies' but so far, I have remained a dummy!

I love crochet. I can't knit, having never persevered, and your work grow very slowly. Working with a hook and one loop is much better. I'm afraid that I cannot recommend any books, but there are some good online tutorials.this one has English terms. The best way to learn, IMO, is to go to a class. I learned at night classes years ago. I hope you manage to learn, it has given me years of pleasure.