Is it difficult to learn to crochet? Does it take long?

No. Crochet is easy. You can learn to do the chain stitch in seconds.

As with anything that uses both your brain and your hands, it will take some time and practice to get good at it and get the skill level you need to produce patterned items. You might want to start with projects like dish cloths and scarves to perfect your technique and build up your speed. Then it might take you 8 to 10 hours of actual work to crochet a baby blanket.

Here is a link to a really good free tutorial on How to Crochet with both written instructions and video: http://cache.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/faq-search.cgi?...

A good YouTube instructor is Beth in Texas. She has a folksy style which some people like and some can pass on. If you like her, search her YouTube site for the Back to Basics series of how-to-crochet videos. Start with http://www.youtube.com/user/Bethintx1#p/search/5/p...

Then go to this one: http://www.youtube.com/user/Bethintx1#p/search/9/q...

It's easy to learn the basic stitches, a bit harder to learn the advanced stitches.

Personally, I knit things like baby blankets and then put a crocheted edging around them, but that's me. One of the most basic things to learn in crochet is the granny square, and this looks very nice indeed as a baby blanket. You can either make many smaller squares, or one large square. I've made one baby blanket as a large square in rainbow pastels, and the parents loved it. Some people crochet nothing but granny squares, and get good results, because the motif is so versatile.

I can't tell you how long it takes, because I work rather slowly. However, I'm usually watching a movie while I do my crafts, so that's part of what takes me so long.

You need to be careful...it's easy to get so caught up in your project that you work too long, and soon your hands and wrists will protest the overuse. If this happens, take a couple of days off from crocheting (and knitting uses most of the same muscles).

It is easy once you get past how to hold the hook and yarn. You should practice the different stitches starting with the chain, then single crochet, double crochet and treble. make a square and when you have learned one st, move on to the next. Crochet mainly consists of these in different combinations. Get in the habit of counting your stitches after every row to make sure you have the same number you started with.

Here is a link with everything you will need to know plus free patterns. Try starting with a granny square in variegated colours . You can make them any size you want, then join together to make an afghan. There are tutorial videos and you tube also has videos for beginners. Have fun, but be careful as it is addictive.

Depends on what method you want to use. You can "crochet" a blanket using a hat loom, a crohook, or a normal crochet hook. I like that hat looms because for me, they were faster to learn. With nearly every method you choose, there are limitations though. How big you thinking? How much time you willing to devote to it? Per day? Per week? Per year? I can help ya more when I get more answers. Edit your question, and I will edit my answer. I hope that helps so far.

EDIT:

Oh heck yeah. You could do that! My mom's co-worker learned to crochet in 3 hours (for some basic stitches) and for 15 minutes during lunch she makes some pretty projects from jackets to blankets to booties. You could totally do it in that long. Not a problem. Go buy "I taught myself to crochet," from walmart or online. It comes with a crochet hook. Make sure you include some yarn to practice on. If there's a Big Lots near you, you can get some fancy stuff for under $3. Hope that helps.

Very easy to learn you should start it you will love it. It takes about a week to make a blanket.

It isn't difficult but it does indeed take long. If you work like crazy at it I'd say like 2 weeks. Go for a scarf.