Seems simple, all you need is a crochet hook and some yarn! There are so many crochet stitches to learn, where do you start? So we’ve rounded up the best crochet tools for beginners, from hooks to books for basic and beyond!
Crochet Tools for Beginners
Learning to crochet? Here are some great tools to help you be successful in your journey to learn how to crochet.
Just starting? Go ahead and invest in a set of crochet hooks in different sizes. You'll need them for different types of projects. These crochet hooks by Clover have a comfortable grip handle which is less fatiguing on your hands than the typical alumiium straight crochet hooks.
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You'll want some stitch markers to keep track of your patterns and designs, and some blunt large eye needles to weave in your ends.
Keep your yarn tidy and pretty with a gorgeous wooden yarn bowl that keeps your yarn from tangling.
You'll need a small, sharp pair of scissors to cut your yarn. These are my favorite for all fiber arts. Kai scissors are high quality - just don't let anyone else in the family try to cut paper or anything other than fiber with them!
I love Granny squares but mine don't end up flat. Use this blocking board to press each one the same size!
This book provides you all of the tips and techniques you need to make a large assortment of Granny squares.
This is a great book if you really want to get into crochet and all of the different stitches - a great resources for both beginners and experienced crocheters who want to learn something new.
Love Amigurumi? it is the Japanese art of crochet design. This books is a perfect way to start, including 30 adorable projects you can crochet!
Once you start making some amigurumi animals, you’ll get hooked – they are so cute and addictive! What if I made it a little different color scheme? Then add this to that body? This book contains lots of great ideas, tips and how-tos!
If you are going to start with Granny squares or Amigurumi, you'll need a collection of different colors of yarn. This is a great starter set - until you fall in love with crochet and start your yarn stash!
Simple crochet patterns are the best to start with. This book has some great crochet projects for home dec, gifts or just to make your yourself!
Want to be inspired to learn to crochet?
Brianna Sipp is a crochet fashion designer making amazing clothes from granny squares, yes, granny squares! You’ll want to perfect your granny square making when you see her work.
Emma Varnam crochets cute little cacti and plants – perfect house plants that won’t die – but you might need to dust them from time-to-time!
Kate McCully is an amigurumi pattern designer making everything from sock monsters to crocheted dolls.
Hannah Streefkerk uses crochet in her amazing textile art, including outdoor installations that reflect her passion for global warming and environmental issues.
Susie Nicholson is a yarn bomber. What’s that? She brings color and whimsy to her Los Angeles neighborhood. Check it out!
What supplies are needed to start crocheting?
Really, all you need is a crochet hook, some yarn and scissors to cut your yarn. You’ll want to make sure that the hook is the right size for the yarn thickness. On the label for yarn, there is a small diagram that tells you what size knitting need or crochet hook is right for that yarn.
What is the first thing a beginner should crochet?
Start with learning how to chain stitch and do a single, double and triple crochet stitches. These are the basics. A good idea is to start with some cotton yarn and make some dish cloths – super easy project where you can try some stitches, and if they aren’t perfect, well, the dishes really don’t care!
If you start with a medium weight yarn that uses a size 8 hook, that is the easiest. Smaller hooks and yarns are generally a bit harder to see your stitches, and larger hooks and yarns are bulkier.
Is crochet easier than knitting?
It depends! Some people find crochet easier than knitting because you are only using one crochet hook, and not two (or more!) knitting needles. With knitting you are weaving the yarn with your needles and shifting the stitches to another needle and back again. With crochet you are using one crochet hook and working the yarn through prior crochet stitches.
Once you get your crochet tools for beginners, check out all of the crochet projects on Create Whimsy.