I want to learn how to crochet a cupcake and some other cute things. On average, how long do you think it takes to crochet a simple 3" disk? I have seen photos in blogs that make many crochet figures and they're really cute but seem really hard to make. Any tips on crocheting also?

It really doesn't take long. I picked up the basics by looking at online tutorials, then I took a basics class that my library offered. This was all back in October, and now I can make amigurumis, which is what I was wanting to learn. Try watching some of those you tube videos on crochet and you'll have it in no time. A cupcake could be make in just a couple of hours! Good luck!

Some of those things are indeed cute! The answer to your question depends upon where you are in the world of crochet (are you an absolute beginner, a beginner, intermediate, advanced, etc.)

If you are in the beginner stages, this is what I would recommend. First, learn the basic stitches either from a class, or youtube, or a person: chain, slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet, half double crochet. Once you learn those, the first project you should do is a dishcloth/washcloth/potholder - basically something small and square-ish. After that, move on to something that's flat, rectangular and takes a couple of hours to do - a scarf or a shawl. By doing a scarf or two, you will start getting faster and more accurate in your stitches, which is really important.

Once you have mastered a scarf, then move on to those cute things you mention (cupcakes, little animals, etc.) The most difficult part of those projects is the reading part - reading patterns takes some practice and some experience. I've been crocheting for 30 years, and think I've crocheted everything imaginable (clothes, blankets, toys, household objects, etc.) - and still, I read, and re-read each line of a pattern several times to make sure I understand it.

To answer your question, a 3" circle can be crocheted in about 5 minutes for an intermediate person, 10-15 minutes for a beginner. A small cupcake amigurumi took me about 15 minutes - 5 mins to crochet, 10 mins to understand and read the pattern.

And as always, there are quite a number of us here on this forum who are more than happy to help if you get stuck.

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Check out my website at: http://www.naztazia.com

My how-to videos on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/naztazia

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Other than going to your public library? Yes... they do have crocheting books there! You can find directions online. Here is a great link that gives you everything you need for crocheting - instructions, free patterns, etc.

http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/

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I am making bathtime buddies (Fish type puppets) The center of the Starfish is a circle. This is the first time that I have every made a circle. I have been crocheting since 1967. Self taught. It was a lot of fun making the circles. There is s grest beginner's crochet book called I Can't Believe I'm Crocheting (I bought it in Walmart.

There are several free patterns for a man's hat/scarf. While a couple of these patterns show women models, when done in say, darker colors, a man could easily wear these.

http://www.bernat.com/pattern.php?PID=2176
http://acmoore.lionbrand.com/patterns/cwetq-seamansScarfHat.html
http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=62991
http://www.joann.com/static/project/0711/P408271.pdf

Also, here's the pattern to the cupcake: http://acmoore.lionbrand.com/patterns/70602AD.html

Picture from Lion Brand's website:

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Check out my website at: http://www.naztazia.com

My how-to videos on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/naztazia

I'm also on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/naztazia

Certified Red ♥ Heart Ambassador