Everything You Need to Start Crocheting
Updated: Mar 30, 2023
Crocheting is a hobby where you don’t really need very much to get started, it’s also fairly cheap… in the beginning. I say that because as soon as you get the hang of crochet, you will want to start trying all different types of yarns, and different kinds of hooks, and there are SO many cool gadgets that you can use for crochet as well. Don’t say I didn’t warn you…
YARN!
As you could have probably guessed, yarn is the first material on my list. Yarn is my absolute favorite thing about crochet. I love going to the store to pick out new yarns to try! However, when you are first learning to crochet, choosing the “right” yarn can be a little confusing, and VERY overwhelming. Here is a link to my blog post, Everything I Know About Yarn, which will tell you about the different types of yarn and which yarns to use for which project.
The easiest yarn for beginners is “worsted weight” yarn, or simply, size medium. Medium yarn is best for beginners because it’s cheap and easy to work with!
My favorite medium size yarn to work with right now is Lily Sugar ‘N Cream, but I also love Loops and Threads Impeccable yarn.
Crochet Hook 🙂
Just like with yarn, there are a million different options when it comes to crochet hooks. While you are learning to crochet I would suggest trying to find a beginner set, which you can find somewhere like Amazon or even at your local craft store.
As you learn to crochet, you will find what kind of hooks you prefer. For example, I prefer hooks that look like the photo below. It is a little bit longer than your standard aluminum or plastic hook and it is what is referred to as “ergonomic”. Most ergonomic hooks will be shaped like this, and will most likely have some sort of rubber/silicon grip. The grip and the ergonomic design make it a lot more comfortable to crochet for longer periods of time. If you start really getting into crochet, I would HIGHLY recommend you giving an ergonomic hook a try.
Tapestry Needle
A tapestry needle is an essential tool for crochet. These needles look similar to regular sewing needles, but they are much larger and they have a blunt tip so that you don’t split or prick your yarn. Tapestry needles are used to weave in the ends of your yarn on your crochet projects.
I use a couple of different types of tapestry needles and I love them all. I originally only bought the plastic ones in the beginning because they were cheap, and kind of cute. My only issues with the plastic needles are that sometimes the eye of the needle is too large and can stretch or tug at my work, and after using them for a while, they will break. I also use metal needles, which are perfect in every way for me. They come in different sizes and they last forever.
Scissors
You will need a pair of scissors to cut your yarn. Any pair of scissors will work just fine, I have about ten lying around in different spots so I can always just grab them.
And last but not least…
Stitch Markers
I wouldn’t say that stitch markers are necessary for crochet when you are learning because you won’t use them for every project/pattern. The only time that I will typically use a stitch marker is when I am crocheting in the continuous round. When I was first learning, I didn’t actually use a stitch marker, I used paperclips! They work in the same exact way, and I already had them lying around the house.
If you are working off a tutorial video or a pattern, the materials needed will almost always be listed upfront, so you will know right away if you need one, along with anything else you will need to complete your project.
And that’s it! Those are all of the basic materials you will need to start your crochet journey!
If you are following the Learn to Crochet series, check out my related posts, and if you have any comments or questions, drop them below.
Happy Crocheting!
