Essential Crochet Supplies: A Beginner's Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

Embarking on the creative journey of crochet can be thrilling, but knowing what you need to crochet can be a bit confusing for beginners. This guide provides a comprehensive rundown of the essential crochet supplies you'll need to start creating beautiful, handcrafted pieces right away. Let's start with arguably the most important tool for crochet—the hook.

1. Pick Your Crochet Hooks

Choosing the right crochet hook can make a world of difference in your crochet experience. But with so many types, sizes, and brands to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Types of Crochet Hooks

There are three main types of crochet hooks: aluminum, bamboo, and plastic. Aluminum hooks are durable and slide easily through yarn, making them a popular choice for many crocheters. Bamboo hooks are lightweight and warm in the hand, ideal for those long crochet sessions. Plastic hooks are affordable and lightweight, making them a great option for beginners.

Size Matters

When it comes to crochet hooks, size does matter. The size of the hook you use will affect the size of your stitches and ultimately the size of your finished project. If you're starting with a simple scarf or blanket, a medium-sized hook—like a 5mm or H-8 hook—would be a good choice.

Brand Recommendations

Looking for a reliable crochet hook brand? Clover and Susan Bates are well-loved for their comfortable grips and wide range of hook sizes. Boye is another popular brand known for their affordable and durable aluminum hooks. Remember, the best hook for you is the one you find most comfortable to use.

Choosing a crochet hook is the first step in gathering what you need to crochet. Next, we'll dive into the colorful world of yarn. But that's a topic for another section. Stay tuned!

2. Choose Your Yarn

Once you've got your crochet hooks figured out, it's time to delve into the wonderful world of yarn. Yarn is more than just the material you use to crochet—it's the color, texture, and soul of your project. So, what do you need to crochet a masterpiece? Let's dive in and see.

Yarn Weight and Fiber

Yarn comes in different weights, or thicknesses, from the superfine lace weight to the heavy-duty super bulky weight. For beginners, a medium weight yarn is often the best choice as it's easy to work with and is suitable for a variety of projects.

As for fiber, you've got natural fibers like wool and cotton, synthetic fibers like acrylic and nylon, and blends. Wool is warm and elastic, perfect for cozy winter wearables, while cotton is cool, sturdy, and great for dishcloths and summer tops. Acrylic is a versatile, easy-care, and budget-friendly option that's very popular among beginners.

Selecting Colors

Choosing colors is one of the most exciting parts of starting a crochet project. Do you want a classic white baby blanket or a vibrant, multi-colored scarf? The choice is yours! A pro tip: consider the person you're making the item for—if it's for you, what colors make you feel good? If it's a gift, what colors does the recipient love?

Favorite Yarn Brands

There are so many fantastic yarn brands out there. Some favorites among crocheters include Lion Brand for their wide range of colors and yarn types, Red Heart for their affordable and durable yarns, and Cascade Yarns for their high-quality natural fiber yarns. And let's not forget about local yarn shops—there's nothing quite like seeing and feeling the yarn in person.

Now you know what you need to crochet in terms of hooks and yarn. But wait, there's more! Let's move on to some other basic tools that will help make your crochet journey smoother.

3. Grab Your Basic Tools

With your crochet hooks and yarn at hand, you're well on your way to start crocheting. But a few more tools will make your crafting journey more enjoyable. So, what else do you need to crochet like a pro? Let's find out.

Scissors and Needles

First and foremost, you'll need a good pair of scissors. A pair of sharp, dedicated fabric scissors is a must-have. Why? Because using your kitchen or office scissors might not give you a clean cut and could damage your yarn.

You'll also need a large-eye needle, often called a yarn or tapestry needle, to weave in ends or sew pieces together. The eye of the needle should be large enough for your yarn to pass through comfortably.

Measuring Tools

Whether you're following a pattern or creating your own, you'll need to measure your work. A flexible measuring tape is your best bet—it's easy to use, portable, and can measure curved as well as straight lines. Also handy are ruler and gauge checker—a small, flat tool with marked holes to measure your hook size and stitch size.

Stitch Markers and Tapestry Needles

Stitch markers are like the breadcrumbs in Hansel and Gretel—they help you keep track of your place in a pattern. They can be as simple as a piece of contrasting color yarn or as fancy as a bejeweled clip-on marker.

A tapestry needle, which is a large sewing needle with a blunt point, is used for sewing pieces together and weaving in loose ends of yarn. Some crocheters also use it to create decorative surface stitching.

Now that you have all your basic tools, let's talk about how to keep them in order. After all, a tidy workspace is a happy workspace, right?

4. Invest in Storage and Organization

Now that you've gathered all the essentials you need to crochet, it's time to think about where to store everything. Having a dedicated space for your crochet supplies not only keeps things tidy but also means you'll spend less time hunting for your tools and more time creating beautiful projects.

Storage Bins and Bags

Storage bins and bags are great for keeping your yarn stash organized. Look for clear bins so you can easily see what's inside or use fabric bags to sort your yarn by weight, fiber, or color. And remember, it's important to store your yarn away from direct sunlight and in a dry place to prevent it from fading or getting damp.

Hook and Needle Organizers

Your crochet hooks and needles are important tools of the trade, so give them the care they deserve. A hook roll or organizer will keep your hooks from getting lost or damaged. It's also a neat way to carry your hooks with you—perfect for those impromptu crochet sessions in the park.

Yarn Storage

Have you ever spent hours untangling a ball of yarn? Then you'll appreciate the value of good yarn storage. Yarn bowls or holders can keep your yarn tangle-free and clean while you're working on a project. Some even have slots to hold your crochet hooks. Now, that's what we call a win-win.

With your supplies neatly stored and organized, it's time to dive into the world of patterns. But where do you find them? Read on to discover some great resources.

5. Explore Pattern Resources

Now, you've got the tools, the yarn, and everything is organized, but what do you need to crochet amazing designs? Patterns, of course! Patterns are roadmaps that guide you to create stunning crochet pieces. Let's look at where you can find them.

Pattern Books and Magazines

Pattern books and magazines are a treasure trove of inspiration. They offer a wide range of designs, from easy beginner projects to intricate advanced patterns. Look for titles like "Simply Crochet" or "Interweave Crochet" at your local bookstore or library. With a physical book or magazine, you can easily highlight instructions, make notes in the margins and have it right beside you as you work on your project.

Online Pattern Sources

As much as we love physical books, the internet is awash with digital pattern resources. Websites like Ravelry, AllFreeCrochet, and Crochet Pattern Central are just a few places where you can find thousands of free and paid patterns. The best part? You can filter by difficulty level, project type, and even yarn weight. Now, isn't that handy?

Local Yarn Shops in New York, NY

If you happen to be in New York, local yarn shops are another fantastic resource. Stores like Purl Soho, Knitty City, and Lion Brand Yarn Studio not only stock a wide variety of yarns but also offer pattern books and in some cases, classes. Imagine learning new techniques and getting hands-on help while meeting fellow crochet enthusiasts. Can it get any better?

So there you have it, the answer to "what do you need to crochet". A set of good crochet hooks, a selection of yarn, some basic tools, organized storage, and a trove of pattern resources. Ready to start your crochet journey?

If you're looking to expand your creative horizons beyond crochet, consider exploring the world of pottery with Meghan Yarnell's workshop, "Pottery Basics: Everything You Need To Know." This workshop will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills to start your pottery journey, making it a perfect next step for those interested in diversifying their creative pursuits.