One of the enormous benefits of picking up a new craft in the modern era is the wide availability of tools and supplies.
However, with the wide array of tools available, picking the right ones can be overwhelming for the beginner.
In this article, we will go over the basic essentials as well as a few extras that are nice to have if you decide to continue pursuing crochet as your passion project.
The Bare Minimum To Get Started
When you first delve into the world of crocheting, your needs are few:
- Yarn
- Hook
- Scissors
- Tapestry or yarn needle.
You don’t need to spend tons of money on these supplies. You can either purchase these items separately or as a kit, like the Boye Learn to Crochet Kit, pictured above, all you need in addition is the yarn!
Yarn
For your first project, pick a brightly colored worsted weight acrylic yarn.
Since dark colors or multi-colored yarns can be difficult to work with, pick something that is easy on your eyes and comfortable to hold.
We Crochet Brava and Lion Brand Heartland are popular yarns to start with.
Learn more about buying crochet yarn online.
Hook
You really only need a single hook to get started or you can purchase a full set. Most crocheters start with Boye aluminum hooks.
Check out the set or pick out just the one you need.
Scissors
While technically any scissors will do, you will definitely need a pair sharp enough to cleanly cut your yarn without fraying it. I highly recommend Fiskars scissors for any sort of fabric or yarn cutting.
Read more about our picks for the best crochet scissors.
Yarn Needle/Tapestry Needle
When you finish your project, you will need to weave in the ends. The easiest way to accomplish this task is with a large yarn needle.
The Nice to Have Crochet Tools
As your passion for crocheting grows, you might want to add to your stash of tools for a more relaxing and immersive experience.
Some of these tools are improvements on the simple ones you began with, some help you organize your projects, and others help you grow in the craft as you are able to make more complicated pieces.
Yarn
Acrylic yarn provides an affordable entry into crocheting, but I encourage you to experiment with other fiber types, like wool or cotton, to find your favorite.
Learn more about the best yarns for crocheting.
Hooks
While a basic set of hooks is great to start with, as you improve in your skill, I recommend you invest in a quality set of ergonomic crochet hooks.
These will provide you with improved comfort and protect your hands as you crochet for long periods of time. I personally recommend Furls Crochet Hooks or Boye Ergonomics.
Click here to read more about my ergonomic hook recommendations.
Scissors
Of course, any sharp pair of scissors will do, but if you need to get a pair of scissors that you will use just for crochet, I personally love using a beautiful pair of embroidery scissors.
They are small enough to fit into a pouch and sharp enough to cleanly cut any type of yarn. I especially love scissors that come with a cover, so you don’t accidentally cut a project if you store your scissors in your project bag.
Yarn Needles
I can never have enough yarn needles. Since they are easily lost, grab a set that includes a case, so you can find them!
Free Patterns
Once you learn the basics of crocheting, start trying your hand at following patterns! We offer a wide variety of free Tunisian crochet patterns for you to learn with and enjoy.
Stitch Book
While many projects just use the basic stitches, even more, delve into new and exciting ways to crochet unique stitches. Check out our stitch book (now with 50% Off Coupon!) to help you expand your knowledge of crochet even further.
Stash Book
Many crocheters build up quite a stash of yarn! Keep it all organized so you can find what you need quickly and easily by using a stash book.
Measuring Tape
Crocheting blankets and garments are loads of fun! Make sure you have a soft measuring tape on hand to ensure the correct sizing.
Stitch Markers
I consider stitch markers an essential tool! Not only do they help you keep track of your stitches, but you can also prevent your work from coming undone by hooking one to the last loop of a project.
Digital Row Counter
Never lose track of your progress again when you have a digital row counter handy. Simply tap the button after each completed row to log your progress.
Hook Organizer
For a small hook collection, you can simply collect them in a cute mug. But as your tool stash grows, I recommend investing in a quality hook storage and organization case, like this beautiful one I use.
Read more about the best crochet hook cases.
Yarn Organizer
Organizing your yarn stash can be quite a project. For on-the-go organizing, try an all-inclusive project bag. For at-home yarn storage, canvas cubes are incredibly popular.
Yarn Bowl
Nothing is more frustrating than your ball of yarn rolling around the floor to be chased by a beloved pet. When you use a yarn bowl, you save yourself all the trouble of chasing and yanking the yarn around!
Yarn Winder
Organizing leftover yarn can be a pain, but with a yarn winder, you easily make neat, stackable little cakes of yarn.
Read more about the best yarn winder for crochet
Pom Pom Maker
Not all pom-pom makers are created equal! If you need one, get the best one: the Clover pom-pom maker set of four.
Gauge Swatch Ruler
When making wearables like sweaters, hats, socks, and more, you will need to check your gauge to make sure you achieve the correct fit.
Use a gauge ruler to make this process easier. You can also use this tool to double-check the size of your hooks.
Blocking Mat Set
The blocking process gives your crocheted pieces a finished and professional appearance. I use this blocking set from We Crochet.
Online Crochet Course
Of course, the most important thing you need to start crocheting is a class! Check out this amazing online course by The Creative Bug to learn everything you need to know.
Free Resources
The internet is full of incredible resources for crocheters from free pattern libraries to apps to track the time you spend working on each project. You can even find tools to help you price your work, if you want to sell it.
YouTube
Obviously, YouTube is the top video search engine on the internet! You can find many instructional videos, podcasts, vlogs, and more inspiring crochet content on this vast platform. Start with our very own CrochetKim channel and branch out from there.
Ravelry
If you haven’t visited Ravelry before, prepare to be astounded at the vast resource awaiting you.
This platform hosts millions of crochet and knitting patterns, some free and some paid. You can follow your favorite designers, create a library of projects, even log your stash using this free tool. Learn how to read a crochet pattern.
See all of our designs on Ravelry.
Crochet Land App
The Crochetland App is a free tool crocheters can download on their mobile devices to track their projects. This app helps you keep track of your materials expenses and time invested in a project.
Based on those factors, it will also recommend a price you can sell your work for. Look for Crochet Land in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Facebook Groups
I am a part of many crochet Facebook groups. These groups not only give you a place to show off your work to like-minded people, but they also provide a safe atmosphere for you to ask questions about projects and get help from craftspeople around the world.
The Crochet Kim group is here.
Ribblr
Ribblr is an up-and-coming pattern platform with a user-friendly interface unlike any other. This free website allows you to select a pattern (free or paid), log your progress in the pattern, translate the pattern between U.S. and U.K. terms, and much, much more.
TikTok
Of course, crocheters are on TikTok! You can find useful tutorials, tips and tricks, as well as people just showing off their creations or advertising for their crochet business. If short video content entertains you, join CrochetTok on TikTok!
All the Tools You Need
Everything you need to fully embrace the passion of crocheting is at your fingertips!
You can start with the bare minimum, but as your love for the craft grows you might want to upgrade your tools. If you have been crocheting for a while, check out the free resources – you might even make a few new crocheting friends.