Getting Started with Crochet: Essential Tools for Beginners

Crochet is a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can be overwhelming for beginners to know where to start when it comes to tools. In this post, we’ll take a look at the essential tools you’ll need to get started with crochet.

• Crochet Hooks: The most important tool for crochet is, of course, the crochet hook. Crochet hooks come in a variety of sizes, materials, and styles. For beginners, it is recommended to start with a medium-sized hook, such as a size H or I, made of aluminum or plastic. These types of hooks are affordable, lightweight and easy to handle. My favorite hooks are Clover Hooks. These are a little bit more expensive, so I have only bought single hooks rather than a full set. But I have found them to be more comfortable to work with and so I see them as an investment! As you progress, you may want to experiment with different materials, such as wood or bamboo, to find the hook that feels the most comfortable to you.

• Yarn: The next essential tool for crochet is yarn. Yarn comes in a variety of fibers, such as acrylic, wool, cotton, and more. For beginners, it is recommended to use a medium-weight yarn, such as worsted weight, as it is easy to work with and creates a nice, even fabric. Don’t be tempted by glittery or extra fluffy yarn, it’s best to stick with acrylic yarn in bright colors to start out. It is also important to check the label to make sure that the yarn is the appropriate weight and fiber for the crochet hook you are using.

• Scissors: Scissors are an essential tool for any crafter, and crochet is no exception. You will need a pair of sharp scissors to cut your yarn and make any necessary adjustments to your work.
• Tape Measure: A tape measure is also an essential tool for crochet. It is used to measure gauge, check the size of a finished project, and make any necessary adjustments.

• Stitch Markers: Stitch markers are small tools that are used to mark specific stitches in your work. They are especially useful for marking the beginning of a round or for marking a specific point in a pattern. When you are first learning, these little guys will be a life saver for making sure you keep track of your work!
• Yarn Needle: A yarn needle is a tool used to weave in the ends of your yarn after you have finished your project. It is also used to join different pieces of your work together.
• Crochet Patterns: Finally, you will need a crochet pattern to follow. Some people choose to start with YouTube crochet tutorials. There are many different channels for beginners: in the UK check out BellaCoco, in Canada & US The Crochet Crowd. There are two sites that are very useful for getting patterns that is Etsy and Ravelry. There are free patterns available on Ravelry.

Crochet Kits

On sites like Etsy you will be able to find crochet kits. These are usually for a specific project and will come with all the tools you’ll need to start a project. So if it feels too overwhelming trying to make a start on your own, pop over to Etsy and browse through the prepared crochet kits. We even have some available there too!

In conclusion, the essential tools for crochet include crochet hooks, yarn, scissors, tape measure, stitch markers, yarn needle and patterns. As you become more experienced in crochet, you may want to add other tools to your collection, such as crochet stitch dictionaries and crochet-specific tools such as blocking mats and yarn winders, but to get started, these tools will help you to create beautiful projects with ease. Happy crocheting!