We've all got to start somewhere, and if you want to learn how to crochet but have never even picked up a crochet hook before, don't worry!
Here you'll find handy info on all the crochet tools you'll need, including advice on everything from the basic equipment, more advanced crochet tools and accessories, as well as some handy crochet starter kit options for if you want to buy all your tools in one go!
Once you're all set up, there's plenty of free crochet patterns you can try right here on Gathered.
Treat yourself to a crochet kit
If you're looking for crochet kit that comes with everything to make a full pattern from start to finish, you'll find plenty of options in our round-up of the best crochet kits.
What do you need to crochet?
- A crochet hook
- Yarn
- Scissors
Pretty simple right? The small amount of equipment needed is one of the things that many people really enjoy about crochet – you can just grab a ball of yarn and a hook and get started straightaway. Once you've got yourself some hooks and yarn, then check out our crochet for beginners guide and start stitching today!
Although you don't need a lot of equipment to start crocheting, there are quite a lot of different options when it comes to buying your crochet tools. Below you'll find some handy information about each of these items to get you started, plus we've included a couple of crochet starter sets if you want to buy all of your crochet tools in one go!
A crochet hook
It might seem obvious, but you can't crochet without a crochet hook! Hooks come in a range of shapes and sizes, so knowing what's best for a beginner can be challenging.
We'd recommend starting off with a 4mm or 5mm hook - they're a good medium size for beginners to get to grips with. If you're in the US, these may be referred to as G6 or H8 size hooks.
Beginners can struggle with getting the hang of pulling your hook through loops. Initially your hook is probably going to be under quite a lot of pressure until you perfect your tension (check out our guide on how to hold your hook and yarn if you're struggling).
Starting with a sturdy metal hook is the best type to include in your crochet starter set, plus they're usually the cheapest option. Once you've got the hang of it, try experimenting with different hook materials to see which sort is your favourite.
- Take a look at our round-up of the best crochet hooks.
Yarn
You'll need some yarn to get started with, but again there's an awful lot of choice out there! You'll want to start with something that's not too fine, and not too thick – a DK (double knitting) or Aran weight yarn is probably the best choice.
If you're picking up the crochet hook for the first time, it might be tempting to get some special yarn to start with, but we'd suggest holding off for a bit while you master the basics! You will make mistakes on your first attempts and have to undo your work quite a bit, and you don't want to waste any of that special yarn.
Picking up some cheap acrylic yarn is a good choice, not only for price but also because it's normally very even and good for practising with. If you want some inspiration check out our pick of the best acrylic yarns!
You can easily buy yarn online from retailers such as LoveCrafts (check out our guide on Best places to buy yarn online for more options), but don't forget to check out your local charity shops or thrift stores for second hand yarn too!
- Find out more about yarn types and weights in our What are yarn weights and which yarn should I use guide.
Scissors
OK, so technically you don't need these for the actual crocheting part, but once you come to an end of your practice piece (or if you get yourself in a big knot) then you'll need a good pair of scissors.
You may see people just breaking yarn by pulling it apart with their hands. You can do this, but as well as damaging the yarn, it can also hurt your hands with certain yarns!
- These small crane sewing & embroidery scissors are always a popular choice.
Crochet tools and accessories
While technically you don't need anything else, there are a few more crochet accessories that you might find handy once you really start to catch the crochet bug!
If you're looking for more options and information about crochet accessories, you'll find plenty in our pick of the top crochet accessories.
A Yarn Needle
Once you've got to the end of your project, you need to do a bit of tidying up! That's where you need to know how to fasten off and weave in your crochet ends.
Even if you're making the most basic of shapes, you'll have two yarn ends left over that you'll need to sew into your work – your starting end and your finishing end.
A yarn needle is different from a sewing needle, in that it's bigger and has a big enough eye for you to get your yarn through. There's a few different types of needles available, from metal to plastic, and even ones with loops that make attaching your yarn a bit easier.
- You'll have plenty of choice with this 12 piece tapestry needle set and case from Amazon.
A Tape Measure or Large Ruler
While you might not need this for simpler projects, if you're thinking about taking on a garment project or something that needs to be made to a specific size, then you'll definitely need a tape measure or ruler.
They're also useful for making a tension square when your pattern advises to do so, as this is how you test that your stitches are coming out as the same required for the design.
- Get yourself a simple tape measure from Amazon.
Stitch Markers
Stitch markers are an important tool for new and experienced crocheters alike!
As the name suggests, you use them for marking specific stitches – most commonly the first stitch in a round if you're making crochet circles using the spiral method (where you don't join at the end of the round), but also for when you're making complicated shapes or divides in your crochet fabric.
- Stock up on stitch markers from Amazon.
Toy Stuffing
Of course you only need this if you're making toys or amigurumi, but it's a vital resource for any crocheter. Toy stuffing is normally pretty cheap, but if you just need a very small amount of stuffing you could try using leftover yarn ends or cotton wool instead.
- We'd recommend going eco-friendly with this recycled polyester toy stuffing from Amazon.
Safety eyes
Again one for the amigurumi makers! (New to amigurumi? Then check out our What is Amigurumi guide!)
The range of safety eyes available is huge, and they're much safer than sewing on buttons (even for adults – once the back of a safety eyes is attached it's virtually impossible to remove).
Keep in mind though that if you're making toys for a baby or young toddler, safety eyes should be avoided – there's always the chance that the whole safety eye could be pulled out and be swallowed. It's safer to use a bit of embroidery thread and securely sew an eye on instead.
- Try these safety eyes from Amazon.
Pen and Paper (or an app)
Once you get onto starting a project, it's important that you keep count of your rows and rounds. Having a notebook handy to keep track of your progress is a good habit to get into (some people will tick off rows on a pattern with a pen – but this does mean you'll struggle to use that pattern again).
There are also a couple of counting apps out there that can help with crocheters to keep track of their rows, or you could always use one of those handheld tally counters used by bouncers and sport coaches!
- Take a look at our pick of the best sketchbooks.
Advanced crochet tools and accessories
Once you've been crocheting for a while and are definitely 'hooked' there's a few more crochet accessories that are great for advanced crocheters. If you've well and truly caught the crochet bug, then there's some extra tools available for the more experienced crocheter!
A Blocking Board
Once you've completed your project, you may notice that your fabric curls a bit or that those edges could be a bit straighter – blocking will help with this!
There's a range of solutions out there for blocking, from specifically designed boards with pegs to hold your shapes in place, to interlocking foam mats that can be used to block your larger projects. You'll also need a spray water bottle to wet your fabric with (or an iron with a steam setting if you fancy going pro!)
Take a look at our guide on how to block crochet, then check out our pick of the best blocking boards for knitting and crochet
- These KnitIQ Blocking boards from Amazon are our favourites.
Yarn Swift and Wool Winder
If you've entered the world of skeins (or hanks) of yarn, then you'll need to unwind them without getting your yarn in a big knot.
Gone are the days of getting your partner or a friend to hold the loops of yarn between their hands while you manually unwind it – there is now a huge range of affordable yarn swifts and wool winders that will do the job for you. You can find a range of different styles and options in our pick of 20 of the best yarn winder products.
Yarn swifts can take a bit of practice to get the hang of, but once you've mastered it those lovely hand-dyed skeins of yarn will no longer cause you headaches when coming to use them!
- Try this wooden yarn swift from Amazon.
A Yarn Bowl
If crochet has taken over your life and you've always got a project on the go, then a yarn bowl is a nice little treat for yourself. The beauty of a yarn bowl is that it keeps your ball in one place while you work away, and as they feature a hole or slit for you to pull your yarn through, it means that your ball doesn't keep rolling around on the floor – a must have for any crocheters with kitties in the house!
- Find the perfect one for you in our pick of the best yarn bowls for knitting and crochet.
Crochet Starter Kit for Beginners
Now that you know the main tools you need, you can start building up your collection of crochet hooks and tools piece by piece.
Alternatively, you could treat yourself to a crochet starter kit like the ones below to make sure you're properly equipped for your journey into crochet. They can often work out cheaper than buying all of the individual crochet tools!
Luxebell Crochet starter set from Amazon
This handy and affordable crochet starter kit is a great way to set yourself up with the crochet essentials.
Containing 11 metal crochet hooks with rubber soft grips in sizes from 2mm to 8mm, plus scissor snips, stitch markers, tape measure, tapestry needles, thread-cutting ring, a row counter and a handy storage bag to keep it all in!
- Buy the Luxebell crochet starter set from Amazon.
Crochet starter set from Stitching me Softly
If you fancy treating yourself (or a friend), then this crochet starter set from Stitching Me Softly is a lovely way to start.
This crochet starter set comes as a box containing 12 bamboo crochet hooks in sizes 3mm - 10mm, a pair of stork embroidery scissors and a set of 3 exclusive laser-cut Stitching Me Softly stitch markers!
- Buy the Crochet starter set from Stitching me Softly on Etsy.
Crochet Essentials Pack from TheSecretCrocheter
If you fancy a crochet starter kit with all those little extra bits included too, such as tapestry needles, buttons and tape measures, then you might like this crochet essentials pack from TheSecretCrocheter.
As well as getting to choose whether you would like metal, soft grip or bamboo crochet hooks, it also comes with a personalised case to keep them in too!
- Buy the Crochet Essentials Pack from TheSecretCrocheter on Etsy.
Get accustomed to your crochet tools and accessories
Once you've got all your crochet tools and a bit of yarn, it's time to start making! We know it can be tempting to start making that crochet jumper you've always dreamed of, but it's best to start small. Give yourself time to get comfortable with your new crochet tools and perfect your stitches before splashing out on loads of fancy yarn or tackling a big project – don't worry, you'll soon get there!
Find the perfect pattern for you
We've got loads of quick and fun projects for you to hook up that are perfect for giving your new crochet tools and accessories a test-run. Try any of these easy crochet patterns for beginners from Gathered.
