Learning to crochet or knit- How did you do it?

bringjoy2theworld

My grandmother taught me how to crochet a little when I was small, but now that she is gone, all I know how to do is make a big, long chain.  I really need to find something to relax me at night and keep thinking I should give crocheting or knitting a try. Plus, I love really soft yarns.  So, if you do either of these, how did you learn if you didn't have someone to teach you?  

cmeon_the_water

I went with books, initially- and videos (youtube or knitting-help or whatever a google can find me) when I need to learn a new stitch or refresh a technique. You could certainly learn completely by video, if you don't need personal instruction, though- I think that would have been even easier than by book for me.

FWIW, I find knitting much more relaxing. I've been crocheting longer, but, I still cannot crochet without watching my hands/work. I can knit up a storm without glancing own, if the pattern isn't some complicated lacework, though- so I can watch tv or read a book and knit- which works to relax me. 

stargirlsheart

My gram tried to teach me how to knit and crochet many, many times and I can make a chain a mile long.  Finally You Tube and a few classes got knitting down.  As for crochet, I am now an advanced chain maker.  I prefer knitting because you can see where you are going.  Crochet is a mystery to me.

 

EmeraldsCity

My mom tried to teach me how to crochet, but it didn't work out since I'm left handed and she is right handed. It was really frustrating. I learned from reading books and watching youtube videos. I would love to learn how to knit, but two needles are intimidating!! 

swedish fishie

I taught myself to knit with a basic book from JoAnn's.  Something like how to learn to knit in a day.  Suprisingly it worked!  Youtube videos were also really helpful too.  Once you get the hang of it, it goes fast and it's pretty relaxing.  You can also take a classe at JoAnn's or local yarn shops.  I've never taken a class, but it's on my agenda.

jasonlovessara

You tube!  I love it, there were so many videos available so if you set some time aside there is one you will "click" with and it just made it so much easier for me.

Have fun, I LOVE to crochet

Raspberry807

Another vote for Youtube.  I still use it when I come across a stitch or technique I don't know how to do.  Pick a beginner pattern and just dive in.

charlatti

My mom taught me to crochet, and I took a class at Jo-Ann's to learn to knit. For both skills, You Tube and books are really helpful for new stitches or other new things. I definitely needed a live person to learn in the first place, though, but that's just the way I learn.

Dr.Loretta

Someone taught me both. I need someone in front of me to help me out.

My neighbor taught me to crochet. I took an intro class at AC Moore to learn to knit, then became friends with people at my local yarn store

LadyExtravaganza

Raspberry807:

Another vote for Youtube.  I still use it when I come across a stitch or technique I don't know how to do.  Pick a beginner pattern and just dive in.

Yup!

I was also taught to knit when I was a kid and wanted to pick it back up in my 20's. After about 10 minutes on youtube, I was back in the swing of things.

I also taught myself how to crochet on youtube. Admittedly, I'm not very good, but I also haven't given it much time yet. 

Rock-n-Voll

There's tons of good answers in the FAQ linked at the top of the board.