Crochet Class 1 - Crochet Supplies for Beginners: Your Complete Guide!

Crocheting is an incredible hobby that’s both relaxing and rewarding. If you’re just beginning your crochet journey, choosing the right supplies can feel a bit overwhelming. Do you need that fancy tool, or will the basics work just fine? I’ll walk you through exactly what you need to start, what you might want to upgrade to later, and what you can skip entirely. This guide is designed to keep things clear, simple, and budget-friendly.

What You Truly Need vs. What You Can Skip in Crochet

When starting, it’s tempting to buy every fancy tool and accessory advertised. But here’s the truth: you don’t need much to get started with crochet. By focusing on the essentials, you’ll avoid overspending and keep your experience stress-free. This guide is divided into three categories:

• Need list: Absolute essentials every beginner must have.
• Want list: Nice-to-have items that can enhance your crochet experience.
• Don’t need list: Tools you can confidently skip (at least for now).

Let’s dive into the details so you can start crocheting without unnecessary fuss.

Crochet Hooks: Your First and Most Important Tool

You can’t crochet without a hook! But don’t worry, you only need one good crochet hook to begin.

Cheap Aluminum Hooks

If you’re starting on a tight budget, simple aluminum hooks are a great option. These are inexpensive and widely available. They grip the yarn well, which is helpful for beginners figuring out how to control their stitches. However, they can sometimes grip the yarn too much, slowing you down. Still, they’re an excellent starting tool.

Ergonomic Hooks

If you’re looking for more comfort, ergonomic crochet hooks are a significant upgrade. These hooks have soft rubber grips that reduce strain on your hands during longer crochet sessions. While affordable ergonomic sets work well, their grips might wear out or slide over time. For a more durable option that lasts, consider investing in Clover hooks.

Learn more about crochet hooks and sizes.

Clover and Tulip Crochet Hooks

Clover hooks are a favorite among experienced crocheters for their comfort and durability. At first, they’re an investment, but they’re worth it if you plan on crocheting long-term. If you hold your hook like a pencil, Tulip hooks might feel better due to their thumb bump design. Knife-hold crocheters often prefer Clover hooks.

Best Hook Size for Beginners

For beginners, I recommend starting with a 6mm crochet hook. It pairs perfectly with worsted weight yarn, creating stitches that are easy to see and manipulate. If a 6mm isn’t available, a 5mm or 6.5mm will also work.

Yarn for Beginners: Keeping It Simple

Next on your need list is yarn. It’s easy to get mesmerized by all the beautiful colors and textures available, but beginners should stick to simple yarn types.

What to Avoid

Skip textured yarns, fuzzy yarns, and anything with pom-poms or varying thickness. These may look appealing, but they’re difficult to work with when you’re still learning. Textures and fuzz make undoing stitches (aka frogging) nearly impossible.

The Best Yarn to Start With

Go for a four-weight worsted acrylic yarn. It’s smooth, durable, and easy to handle. This type of yarn is also affordable and widely available. Avoid dark or extremely light colors at first because they make it harder to see your stitches. Bright, cheerful hues are ideal for beginners.

Explore tips for choosing beginner-friendly yarn.

Essential Crochet Scissors

A small, sharp pair of scissors is a must for trimming yarn. The good news is you don’t need to splurge on fancy scissors.

Affordable Options

I’ve found that manicure scissors, which cost just a few dollars, work perfectly for crochet. They’re small, sharp, and easy to store with your crochet supplies. Designer scissors may look cute, but they’re not necessary.

Storage Tips

Keep your scissors in a small tin or case so they’re always within reach. Storing them properly also prevents accidents and keeps your tools organized for projects on the go.

Find more tips in this beginner crochet guide.

Needles for Sewing in Yarn Ends

You’ll need a needle to sew in loose ends when you finish a project. Plastic needles are a common choice for beginners because they’re safe and inexpensive, but they can break or bend over time.

Durable Needle Options

For a long-lasting option, try Clover bent-tip needles. These hold yarn securely and are great for weaving ends without slipping. If you want to upgrade further, sharp-tip needles work well for permanent projects but aren’t beginner-friendly as they make undoing work harder.

Check out this guide to get started.

Add-Ons You Might Want to Consider

While the essentials are enough to get started, a few extras can make your crocheting experience more enjoyable.

Tape Measure

A small tape measure is helpful for keeping track of your project’s dimensions. Retractable fabric tape measures are inexpensive and easy to store, but I personally prefer a more rigid carpenter’s tape—it’s easier to use for larger projects.

WIP Baskets

Work-in-progress (WIP) baskets are a game-changer for staying organized. You can keep your yarn, hook, and accessories together in one place. Even a small bowl from your kitchen can work as a beginner yarn holder.

Neck Light

If you crochet in dim lighting or work with dark yarns frequently, a rechargeable neck light will save your eyes. It’s easy to use and a great investment as you progress in your crochet journey.

Tools You Don’t Actually Need

Some tools are marketed as “must-haves,” but you can skip them when starting out.

• Yarn Ball Winders: These gadgets turn your yarn into tidy cakes, but they’re unnecessary for beginners. When the time comes, invest in a sturdy one instead of a small, less efficient model.
• Yarn Swifts: These are only needed for specific yarn types like hanks, which most beginners won’t use.

Conclusion

Starting crochet doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With just a crochet hook, some yarn, scissors, two stitch markers, and a needle for sewing ends, you’re ready to begin. Optional add-ons, like a tape measure or neck light, can come later once you know you’re hooked (pun intended).

Remember, keep it simple and focus on mastering the basics. I’d love to know your favorite tools and any tips you have for beginners—drop a comment below! Stay motivated and enjoy every stitch. Happy crocheting!

FAQs

1. What size crochet hook should I start with?

Beginners should start with a 6mm crochet hook. It pairs well with worsted weight yarn and makes stitches easier to see and manipulate. If unavailable, a 5mm or 6.5mm hook works too.

2. What yarn is best for beginners?

Choose a four-weight worsted acrylic yarn. It’s smooth, durable, and easy to handle. Avoid textured or fuzzy yarns and stick with bright, medium tones for visibility.

3. Do I need to buy an entire crochet hook set as a beginner?

No, a single good hook is enough for starting out. Aluminum hooks are budget-friendly, while ergonomic hooks offer comfort and ease for longer sessions.

4. Can I use regular scissors instead of special crochet scissors?

Yes, any small, sharp scissors work. Manicure scissors are a great, affordable option. Fancy designer scissors aren’t necessary.

5. Do I need all the fancy crochet tools advertised?

No, stick to essentials like a hook, yarn, scissors, stitch markers, and a needle for sewing ends. Extras, like neck lights or yarn winders, can wait until you’re more experienced.

6. What kind of needle do I need for crochet?

Start with plastic needles—they’re inexpensive and beginner-friendly. Upgrade to sturdy bent-tip needles like Clover ones as you gain experience.

7. How do I keep my yarn and tools organized?

You can use small tins, a work-in-progress (WIP) basket, or even a bowl to hold your supplies. Keep scissors and needles in secure cases to prevent losing them or accidents.

8. Are ergonomic hooks worth the extra cost for beginners?

They aren’t necessary, but if you crochet for long periods, ergonomic hooks can reduce hand strain. If your budget allows, consider trying them early on.

9. What’s the purpose of a yarn ball winder or swift?

These tools are for winding hanks of yarn into neat cakes. Beginners don’t need them unless they work with specific yarn types like hanks, which are less common to start with.

10. What’s the best light for crocheting in dim areas?

A rechargeable neck light is ideal for dim spaces or working with dark yarn. It’s an investment that makes crocheting in any setting easier on the eyes.

Christa Patel is a passionate crocheter with over a decade of experience in the craft. She’s dedicated to helping beginners feel confident as they enter the world of crochet by sharing simple, practical advice and budget-friendly tips.

Through her blogs and tutorials, Christa brings an approachable style to crochet, breaking down even the most complex stitches into easy-to-understand steps. Her mission is to inspire others to discover the joy and relaxation that comes with creating something handmade.

When Christa isn’t crocheting, you can find her exploring craft fairs, connecting with fellow yarn enthusiasts, or experimenting with new patterns and designs. Her love for teaching and creativity shines through in every piece she shares.

Follow Christa for more crochet tips, patterns, and inspiration to keep you motivated on your creative journey!

Would you like to include links to her social media, website, or tutorials? Let me know!