I learned how to crochet back in the 1980’s with a book called appropriately, “I Taught Myself to Crochet.” I won’t say I became a crochet expert by reading the book, but I learned the basics though I never went beyond making an afghan or two which inevitably fell apart at the seams.
When I became pregnant with my first son, I made a crocheted baby blanket for him that was octagon shaped. It was cute, but the shape was not the most practical for a baby, it was my first try at something that wasn’t a rectangle, so I was pretty happy with it. Then when I became pregnant again about 18 months later, I made a second baby blanket for my second son though this second-time mom learned that a rectangle blanket works better for babies.
Life took over, and I didn’t crochet again until about three years ago after the boys grew up and moved out leaving me with one very empty nest. Crocheting helped soak up some of those long and lonely hours I found myself suddenly forced to fill. I became obsessed with making hats and baby blankets to donate, but now I’m ready for a new challenge. I’ve been making Amigurumi animals, and I’ve got the basics down, but I know I could learn more. I’ve been using YouTube videos to learn new stitches and techniques, and while most of them well done by sincere crafters like myself, they don’t always have the best lighting or sound. It makes learning a little bit harder when I end up spending time to overcome the technical difficulties.
[two_one_first]That’s where Craftsy comes in. They create professional videos with creative crafters for a wide variety of skills. Of course, I migrate right to the Crochet classes, but there’s something or everyone. I’ve already purchased the Amigurumi: Woodland Animals class by Stacey Trock, and it’s fantastic. She’s a great instructor, and she manages to bring a lot of excitement and personality to the class. I love crocheting along with her and listening to her talk about her favorite crochet shortcuts and tips. I’ve learned far more than I thought I would in this class. My next purchase will be Fair Isle Crochet: Demystifying Colorwork by Karen Whooley. I wonder if she can truly make crochet colorwork easy for someone like me who hates reading charts.
I’m also hoping to add some jewelry classes soon like the Creative Wire-Wrapping Techniques by Debora Mauser. I purchase some beautiful beads from Arizona while I was in Sedona and the wire-wrapping looks like a fantastic way to feature them. And when I’m ready to try learning to knit again, you can be sure I’ll be doing it with a Craftsy video.
What makes Craftsy unique is that you take the class at your pace, and you can replay it anytime you want. Your access to the class never expires so you can refer to it anytime. Plus the course has written materials and a chat feature so you can ask the teacher or even other students for help if you have a question.
Craftsy offers free mini-classes to introduce you to their concept plus video previews of each class. I think if you check them out you’ll be as impressed as I was with the quality of the classes and the instructors.
[/two_one_first][two_one_second]Money-back Guarantee on Classes
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Is there a craft, cooking, jewelry, sewing, quilting, or even crochet hobby you’ve been dying to learn? Check out Craftsy. I think you’ll find it’s a much easier way to learn than my 1980’s DIY try.
What would you like to learn today?
Craftsy Crochet Classes – Learn to Crochet Online!
The Amazing Crochet Textures: Ribbing, Cables & Beads mini class is free!
Amazing Crochet Textures: Ribbing, Cables & Beads
Take your crochet up a stitch with beautiful ribbing, cables and beads as you make a richly textured 12-square afghan. Enjoy instruction from expert Drew Emborsky, aka The Crochet Dude, as you learn to work a chainless foundation, create complex cable. Cost: FREE
Quick & Easy Crochet Cables
Are you ready for a new twist in your crochet? Join designer Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby in this exciting mini-class and work your way step by step through a spectrum of stunning cables, from simple, elegant post stitches to weaving wonders. Price: $19.99
Quick & Easy Crochet Cowls
Are you afraid that working in the round might have you spinning in circles? Join designer Tamara Kelly as she takes you on a journey through three captivating cowl projects, teaching you all the skills you need to crochet in the round. Price: $29.99
My First Crochet Cardigan
Learn how to crochet a cardigan you’ll love to wear! Join designer Sara Delaney to see how easy crocheting clothing can be, and gain the skills and confidence you need to create pieces that will make you proud! Price: $29.99
Master foundation stitches and eliminate the need for a long foundation chain at the beginning of any crochet project. Join fiber artist and instructor Marty Miller as she walks you through the four basic foundation crochet stitches.Price: $29.99
Curvy Crochet: Plus Size Techniques
Have you ever set out to crochet a sweater, spent days of work and hundreds of dollars on yarn, only to end up with something you never wear because it just doesn’t? Marly Bird to the rescue! Price: $29.99
Crochet: Beyond Rectangles
Bored of blankets and scarves? If you’re ready to tackle more complex patterns, Linda’s darling baby sweater is the perfect first crocheted garment. You’ll learn professional secrets to creating smooth edges, link stitches, shape your pieces, sew them together. Price: $29.99
Crochet Mittens & Fingerless Gloves
Are you looking to get hands-on with mitten making? Join designer Brenda Anderson to build on your skills and crochet classic mitten designs! With each design, you’ll learn how easy it is to make stunning mittens as you work through techniques. Price: $29.99
Crafty Crochet Embellishments
With its lacy motifs and sculptural qualities, crochet is the perfect medium for adding one-of-a-kind details to any project — knit, sewn or crocheted. You will love the quick and fun projects. Price: $29.99
Tunisian Crochet: Revolutions in Color and Style
Worked with a tool that’s a cross between a crochet hook and a knitting needle, Tunisian crochet creates interesting textures and lends itself to bold color combinations. Price: $34.99
Joining Crochet Motifs
Conquer that stack of crocheted motifs and turn them into a beautiful finished project! Edie Eckman shows you creative ways to join granny squares, hexagons and other shapes with smooth seams and corners that don’t pucker. Price: $34.99
Improve Your Crochet: Essential Techniques
Join author and renowned instructor Edie Eckman as she shares techniques for improving the look and quality of your crochet. Begin by learning how to create and maintain control over your fabric and prevent a too-tight foundation chain. Price: $34.99
Crochet: Basics & Beyond
Learn the stitches, tools and techniques you need to get started with crochet! Join author and popular blogger Kim Werker as she provides step-by-step instruction for getting started — from selecting the right yarn and deciphering tricky yarn labels. Price: $34.99
See It, Crochet It: Reading Diagrams
Never be confused about where to make the next stitch! Crochet expert Charles Voth shows you how to make sense of crochet symbols and diagrams for crochet that’s fast and enjoyable. Learn essential crochet stitch symbols. Price: $39.99
Professional Finishing for Perfect Crochet
Join crochet designer and beloved instructor Linda Permann as she reveals flawless finishing techniques that will vastly improve the quality of your crochet. Pick up insider tips for smooth edges and impeccable joins and confidently create neater colorwork. Price: $39.99
Learn Freeform Crochet
Internationally renowned instructor Myra Wood has devoted years to testing new techniques for accessible freeform crochet, and she’s ready to share them with you! Discover practical steps and clear processes for creating, connecting and embellishing. Price: $39.99
Fair Isle Crochet: Demystifying Colorwork
Crochet Fair Isle patterns that look just as smooth and sharp as knitting! Join expert instructor and published author Karen Whooley as she demystifies Fair Isle charts and provides tips for creating your own colorful patterns. Price: $39.99
Custom-Fit Tunisian Crochet
Create garments that truly flatter with personalized pattern alterations. Join crochet designer and author Dora Ohrenstein as she demystifies Tunisian crochet and shares accessible techniques for making a flattering vest you’ll adore. Price: $39.99
What about lefties ?
I learned to crochet when I was younger and kind of miss doing it. I think it might be something I will probably take back up.
I quit for 20 years and when I started up again it was like I never stopped. I’m so glad I’ve made time for it again. Join me! 🙂
I like that you can take the classes at your own pace. I could crochet a chain and a granny square when I was a kid, but I never progressed past that point.
There’s a class specifically for how to join Granny Squares! Not just the standard way, but lots of great options and join as you go.
I tried to crochet years ago and it just didn’t work. It’s such a useful skill to have though.
I love crochet & I have done few with the help of my mom who has done some wonderful crafts for more than 20-years or so. It is great to know we have a online course to learn it & I love all those great works, very particularly those cute Gloves.
I haven’t crocheted in a long time. These look like some great patterns.
This is awesome. I have been wanting to get back into crocheting. I haven’t done it in years.
I always wanted to learn crochet. I did not know that craftsy offered online classes. It is good to know
I swear, I have been thinking about learning to crochet a lot lately. I would love to take the classes that let me progress at my own pace!
This is the perfect time to buy the beginner class – it’s hugely discounted! Crochet is one of the cheapest hobbies ever – yarn and a hook – it’s all you need. Let me know if you start, it’s addicting!
I learned to crochet when I was very young…this was back in the 60s. I made so many things and I remember feeling such a sense of satisfaction after completing a project. My mom still has some of the blankets that my sister and I crocheted. I wouldn’t mind giving it a try again.
My grandmother crocheted me a blanket when I was younger! I still have it too!
Time for you to give it a go! Crochet is hot again and one of my favorite sites is Not Your Grandma’s Crochet 🙂
Crocheting is such a nice skill. You can make so many great things!
Wow! I wish I could crochet like that. Maybe I should look into learning for sure.
It’s so easy. Truly easy. I’ve tried knitting and failed several times. Crochet is fast, easy, & cheap! It’s a great hobby.
Crochet looks really fun, I have always wanted to learn how to do it!
You can learn how to crochet in about an hour. It’s so popular now, especially hats and scarves. Try it!
I’d love to crochet. I tried before and failed miserably.
I have always wanted to learn how to crochet! A nice scarf would be great!
You could learn in an hour and have one done over the weekend! Cheapest hobby ever!
What a great idea. I’ve probably lost a lot of my crochet skills over the years.
I know I need to take the finishing class. I could use some help there. 🙂
I am amazed at the number of people who crochet nowadays! Definitely a trend going around.
I agree. Knitting and crocheting are vital to keeping our self-sufficient nature. Plus they’re handicraft skills we can pass on.
My mom knew how to crochet, but I never learned. I think it would be so neat to finally know how.
Pam, watch some of the intro demos – it’s so easy and I know you can do it!
These are so awesome. I need to learn how to crochet!
I started to learn crochet a few months ago and quit. It just wasn’t for me i am so not talented in the least. This all looks great!
Did you try with a video? It’s so much easier when someone shows you how and all the reasons for what you’re doing. I got frustrated with trying to learn knitting on my own. I even took a knitting class at a yarn store but the instructor was juggling 15 people at once, it was a nightmare. I’m going to take a knitting video class.
Crochet always looks amazing it sounds so hard to do but perhaps I need to give it a try 🙂
Try it! It’s not hard and you’re rewarded with something fabulous to wear or give!