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Learning how to crochet is much easier than you may think. Just as crochet can be used to make anything from thick, warm afghans to light and airy lace, it can be taught in many ways. Some people have an easier time learning how to crochet from another person and others prefer to learn on their own. Sometimes it takes a combination of learning styles to best learn how to crochet.

Here are some of the ways you can begin to learn how to crochet:

1. Through Family or Friends

Many people learn how to crochet through in-person instruction, perhaps through a friend or family member. This is the way the craft was initially handed down through time before instructions could easily be found in a book or on the Internet.

There are benefits to this method, including individualized attention and bonding over a shared hobby. Having someone by your side can make it easier, both to see how the stitches should be made and to have someone point out where you are going wrong.

2. Crochet Classes

Many craft stores offer crochet lessons at a variety of levels. These classes can be a fun way to learn with other people who are laughing their way through uneven stitches and cryptic patterns together.

Be careful to understand the level of the class before signing up. Over-estimating your skills could land you in a world of tangled yarn and frustration. While under-estimating your skills may seem like a safe bet, wasting your time and money to perfect your already competent double-crochets may leave you bored and discouraged.

3. Through How to Crochet Books

Today, many how-to books and magazine articles can show you everything from crochet basics to the most complicated techniques. One obstacle to self-study is that the descriptions of stitches can be hard to visualize, but books often have full color pictures and diagrams that make it easier to understand.

Some great how to crochet books include: Learn to Visually Crochet, by Kim P. Werker and Cecily Keim, Crochet: Learn to Crochet Six Great Projects, by Anne Johnson, and The Crochet Answer Book, by Edie Eckman.

4. Through How to Crochet Websites

The Internet is full of helpful information, including video clips that show crochet technique more clearly. Simply typing "how to crochet" in your favorite search engine is sure to bring you a wealth of information. If one website doesn't make sense to you try another. There are many ways to explain how to crochet and different approaches make sense to different people.

NexStitch.com offers free crochet videos and written instruction for easily learning how to crochet. Hass Design also has free how to crochet videos and stitch guides that include common stitch symbols. How to crochet instructions are available at many other websites as well, such as Craftown.com or the Crochet Guild of America.

5. From Crochet Magazines

Crochet magazines are a great way to learn how to crochet or to expand your existing crochet skills. They offer many patterns and fresh seasonal ideas and a subscription will keep the new ideas coming year round.

Some great crochet magazines include: Crochet Today!, Interweave Crochet, Cochet World, and Crochet! magazine.

While there are many approaches to learning how to crochet, the best option is to be open to learning in many ways. No matter what your skill level, you can always find some new technique or tip, either from another crocheter, online, or in a book. And taking a class could be a fun way to meet people with the same hobby.

However you learn, crocheting is an enjoyable hobby for many people. It may take some patience and practice to learn how to crochet, but it is rewarding to look at a finished scarf, blanket, sweater, or tablecloth and realize that you made it yourself out of a simple ball of string.

Learn more about this author, Susan Quilty.
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