4 Crucial Things to Buy When You Want to Learn to Crochet

What Crochet Tools Do I Need

So, you want to learn to crochet, but need to find out which crochet tools are right for the job? You’ve come to the right place. Crochet can be as inexpensive as you make it–the only things you technically need are a hook, yarn, scissors, and a yarn needle to weave in the ends. Pretty simple, right? Let me break it down.

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Yarn

The thing that likely drew you toward wanting to learn to crochet was probably a pretty skein of yarn. It’s addictive, trust me. Although, choosing the right yarn for a beginner project may mean you have to set aside the yarn you’ve been eyeing for a little bit. Some of the yarn that initially catches our eyes in the store is actually fashion yarn, and very hard to crochet with.

To begin, you’ll want to pick up a skein of yarn that is a light, solid color. I highly recommend choosing an acrylic yarn for your first project. This yarn is a bit more forgiving than others, and not as stiff as cotton. (Although, cotton yarn will be great for your first project if you want to make something like a dishcloth.)

Take a look at yarns like Red Heart Soft, Caron Simply Soft, or Vanna’s Choice from Lion Brand. Several of the craft stores have their own brands now also, such as Loops & Thread at Michaels, Big Twist at JoAnn, or I Love This Yarn at Hobby Lobby. These will all be fine to begin with also.

When first learning to crochet, it is important to begin with a yarn that is a medium (or worsted) yarn weight (size 4). Don’t forget to grab a lighter color to begin. Seriously. . .if I crochet you something in black yarn, it means I really like you. Dark yarns can be harder to see your individual stitches and will be more difficult for beginners.

Now, if a dishcloth is going to be your first pattern, those are best made out of cotton. Try Lily’s Sugar n’ Cream, or the Peaches n. Cream version that can be found at Walmart. Cotton is good for bath and body themed crochet pieces, because you can throw it in the washer and dryer, and it also will dry better. 

Crochet Hook

I always advise students to pick a yarn before they pick their first hook. Why, you ask? Because the type of yarn you choose has a direct impact on what hook you use. The hook size you will need to purchase will be right on the back of your yarn label. Pretty simple, right? Now, there is a bit of a range, depending on the pattern you are working with. But, you’ll never use a thick size P hook on something like sock yarn. 

Since you are purchasing a size 4 yarn, you’ll want to pick up a size H/5.00mm, or size I/5.50mm crochet hook. These are the two that I use the most in my stash to this day, and the two that I have the most variations of. 

Variations, you ask? Well, not all hooks are created equally. . .but as a beginner you simply need to choose one and try it out. Odds are, you’ll select the brand that is sold at the store you’re at picking up your yarn. That’s okay, because as you continue to crochet, if something doesn’t feel right about your hook, know that you can always change it.

Scissors

For your first crochet project, the scissors you use will not matter one bit. I started out using my scrapbooking scissors, and have migrated to using embroidery scissors. As long as they will cut the yarn, use them. Just make sure they are clean (i.e. maybe don’t use your kitchen shears) and aren’t super dull (i.e. your kid’s school scissors). 

Yarn Needle

Throughout your crochet journey, you’ll probably use several of these, so I would go ahead and get a variety pack if I were you. These can be purchased in the same aisle as the crochet hooks and come in many sizes and styles. Some have straight edges, and others curved. Some have larger eyes, and some smaller. They are either plastic or steel. Either is fine! I personally have both. You just need something larger than a sewing needle to wave in your ends when you are finished with your project. 

And that’s it! That’s all you “officially” need to start crocheting. Yes, there are many sparkly things that are “nice-to-haves” once you get started, but while you are learning, none of the fancy items are necessary. You can find all of items that you need to start crocheting for under $20!