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.

This post does contain affiliate links, which means that if you purchase from the links included I will get a small commission. For that, I thank you!

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! 

Boye Aluminum Crochet Hook

The Boye aluminum crochet hook was the very first crochet hook that I ever owned, so of course it is near and dear to my heart. This post is not sponsored by anyone. I purchased these hooks on my own, and wanted to provide an honest review of them to my readers who might be looking to purchase their first crochet hook. I’ve included my affiliate links below if you’d like to purchase one of these hooks from Amazon.

Boye-Hook-Review

About Boye

Boye is a brand name owned by the Simplicity Creative Group. You may recognize the Simplicity name, as they also produce sewing patterns and other popular brands in the arts and crafts industry. Boye has been producing and selling crochet hook sets since 1917 in America. Boye was originally known as Boye Needle, founded in 1906 and entered the marketplace in the sewing industry. They originally created a cabinet to house needles, and other sewing accessories for sewing machines. You can find out more about the history of this brand by visiting the about page for the Simplicity Creative Group.

Crochet Hooks: Review of Boye I/9 5.25-5.5mm

Boye currently sells steel, aluminum, and plastic crochet hooks. The very first hook that I purchased was a size I/9 5.5mm aluminum hook to match the requirements on my medium weight yarn label. One thing that I’ve noticed recently is that the Boye hooks being sold have 5.25mm as the hook size (a bit smaller than the one I originally purchased). This number is the metric diameter for the hook. So far, the small difference in size hasn’t made much of a difference in the crochet patterns that I follow, however it is something to note when you are purchasing a hook.

Boye hooks have a rounded head, which I’ve always found to be very comfortable to stitch with when I make crochet kitchen items, baskets, and blankets. These hooks don’t have a pointed end, however I’ve not found that to impact my work in any way, as I feel that the pointed head is more convenient for a closer, tighter stitch.

The throat on these hooks are tapered, rather than inline. Since this was the type that I learned with, I find that this type of throat tends to give me more speed when I’m working on projects now.

Another visual comparison is that the shaft is longer than some of the same sized hooks in different brands. Personally, I like this feature. It allows me to comfortably hold more yarn on my hook when I perform advanced stitches.

There is one thing that I will recommend when using a Boye hook. The butt of these hooks typically have a point. I hold my crochet hook much life a knife, with the butt of it resting in my palm. With this type of hold, after a while the point begins to rub against my hand and cause some discomfort. So, if you opt for this type of hook, I strongly recommend either purchasing the version with the ergonomic handle already on it, or purchasing some to slide over the end yourself.

Overall, I highly recommend these hooks. They were great to learn with as a beginner, and they provide me with good speed and accuracy as I become more advanced. The hooks last and are very easy to store.

Where to Purchase

Boye hooks can be purchased at Walmart, JoAnn Crafts, Amazon, and many other retailers both online and near you. To purchase on Amazon, please navigate using my affiliate links below: