5 Essential Tools to Start Learning Crochet

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Are you ready to embark on a creative journey and explore the timeless art of crochet? Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, having the right tools can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the five essential tools you need to start learning crochet. From hooks to yarn, each tool plays a crucial role in helping you create beautiful and intricate designs. Read on to discover these must-have crochet tools and get ready to unleash your creativity with confidence!

1. Crochet Hooks: Choosing the Right Size and Material

Selecting the perfect crochet hook is the first step in your crochet journey. With various sizes and materials available, it’s essential to choose one that feels comfortable in your hand and suits the type of projects you plan to create. From aluminum to bamboo, we’ll guide you through the options to help you make an informed decision.

Crochet hooks come in a variety of sizes, and choosing the right one is crucial for the success of your project. Hook sizes are typically measured in millimeters (mm) and can range from very small (2 mm) to quite large (15 mm or more). The size of the hook determines the size of the stitches and, consequently, the overall gauge and drape of your crochet piece. Smaller hooks create tighter, denser stitches, which are ideal for intricate patterns and fine details. Larger hooks, on the other hand, produce looser, more open stitches, perfect for chunky, airy projects like blankets and scarves.

Selecting the right material

Aluminum: Lightweight and durable, aluminum hooks are a popular choice for many crocheters. They allow for smooth stitching and are especially good for those who prefer a bit of weight in their tools.

Steel: Often used for very small hooks, steel is perfect for fine crochet work like lace and doilies. These hooks are extremely sturdy and can handle thin, delicate yarns.

Plastic: Affordable and lightweight, plastic hooks are great for beginners. They come in vibrant colors and various sizes, making them a versatile option for many projects.

Bamboo/Wood: Warm to the touch and eco-friendly, bamboo and wood hooks are favored by those who prefer natural materials. These hooks provide a bit more grip, which can be helpful for slippery yarns, and they’re gentle on the hands, reducing fatigue during long crochet sessions.

Ergonomic Hooks: a comfortable choice

If you plan on crocheting for extended periods, ergonomic hooks might be the best option for you. These hooks are designed with comfort in mind, featuring soft grips and specially shaped handles that reduce strain on your hands and wrists. Ergonomic hooks come in various sizes and materials, so you can enjoy both comfort and functionality.

Ergonomic hooks have saved my hands time and time again. My absolute favorites are from Furls Crochet – their streamline hook line is both affordable and comfortable to work with. They carry wood, metal, and resin hooks so you have lots of options to choose from depending on your preference and the type of project you’re working on.

Matching Hook Size to Yarn Weight

An essential aspect of choosing the right hook is matching it to the yarn weight. Yarn labels usually provide a recommended hook size, which serves as a helpful starting point. For instance:

Fine yarns (lace, fingering): Use smaller hooks (2-3.5 mm)
Medium yarns (worsted, aran): Use medium hooks (4.5-6.5 mm)
Bulky yarns (chunky, super bulky): Use larger hooks (7-15 mm)

If you’re just getting a started, a good affordable set of crochet hooks is a good investment to make. This helps you make sure you’ve always got the right size hook on hand for any project so that you don’t need to keep going out and buying new hooks each time you need another size.

2. Yarn: Understanding Different Types and Textures

Yarn is the heart of any crochet project. Understanding the different types, weights, and textures of yarn is crucial for achieving the desired look and feel of your creations. We’ll explore the most common yarn options and provide tips on how to select the best yarn for your projects.

Understanding the Different Yarn Weights

Yarn comes in many different weights – meaning the thickness of the yarn. The weights are numbered 0 through 8+. The lower the number, the finer the yarn. For beginners I recommend using worsted weight 4 yarn since it’s a medium weight that’s generally easier to work with. Red Heart Super Saver is usually a good starting point for beginners and is more affordable for you to practice with.

The different yarn weights are listed out below;

Lace (0): Extremely fine yarn, perfect for delicate, lacy patterns and lightweight accessories.
Fingering (1): Slightly thicker than lace, often used for socks, fine shawls, and lightweight garments.
Sport (2): A bit thicker than fingering, ideal for baby clothes and lighter garments.
DK (Double Knit) (3): Versatile and medium weight, great for a wide range of projects including garments and accessories.
Worsted (4): A popular choice for many projects, offering a good balance between thickness and flexibility. Used for garments, blankets, and more.
Aran (5): Slightly thicker than worsted, providing extra warmth and texture.
Bulky (6): Thick yarn that works up quickly, perfect for cozy blankets, hats, and scarves.
Super Bulky (7): Very thick yarn for extra-warm projects like chunky blankets and oversized sweaters.
Jumbo (8): Extremely thick yarn for bulky projects like floor poufs and chunky blankets.

Yarn Types & Materials

Just like there are multiple weights of yarn, there are also different materials used to make yarn. For beginners, I recommend using an acrylic or acrylic blend yarn (Red Heart Super Saver works here as well). Acrylic is a more budget friendly option that has lots of color options to choose from.

Common types of yarn are listed below:

Wool: Known for its warmth and elasticity, wool is a popular choice for garments like sweaters, hats, and scarves. It comes in various textures and can be felted to create a dense fabric.
Cotton: Cotton yarn is smooth, breathable, and ideal for lightweight projects such as summer tops, dishcloths, and baby items. It has minimal elasticity, so it holds its shape well.
Acrylic: A versatile and budget-friendly option, acrylic yarn is available in a wide range of colors and textures. It’s easy to care for and is often used for afghans, home decor, and everyday accessories.
Bamboo: Bamboo yarn is soft, silky, and has a beautiful drape. It’s eco-friendly and perfect for garments that require a light, flowing fabric, like shawls and summer tops.
Blends: Many yarns are a mix of different fibers, combining the best qualities of each. For example, a wool-acrylic blend offers the warmth of wool with the easy care of acrylic.

How to choose the right yarn for a project?

Different projects often require different types of yarn. If you’re looking for a sleek look, you’d want a sleeker yarn, where if you’re going for a fuzzy sweater, you’d want the opposite. As a beginner, the best way to figure out what kind of yarn you need for a project is to take a look at the pattern you’re using to see what yarn it calls for or to use a recommended pattern from the yarn label of yarn you already have.

Some other tips for choosing the right yarn are below;

Consider the Season: For summer garments, choose lightweight, breathable yarns like cotton or bamboo. For winter items, opt for warmer yarns like wool or acrylic.
Think About Durability: For items that will see a lot of wear, such as socks or baby clothes, choose yarns that are durable and easy to care for.
Test for Comfort: Make sure the yarn feels good against your skin, especially for garments and accessories that will be worn close to the body.

3. Scissors

These are a simple accessory. You can use scissors you’ve already got lying around! If you’re looking for a smaller pair to carry around in your project bag, these compact scissors are a great option.

colorful stitch markers in a tray along with a crochet project.

4. Stitch Markers

While these aren’t a “necessity”, they are great for helping you keep track of stitch counts, and for beginners they really help break down pieces of a project. For starting out, a simple set of plastic stitch markers will do just fine. You can even use safety pins you might have around the house!

The purpose of a stitch marker is to help you keep track of your progress as you work. I personally love to use them in the working stitch of my crochet patterns so that they can’t unravel. Their main purpose is to keep tabs on stitch counts; if you have a garment pattern where you have to single crochet 25 times, then 10 times, then work another section differently, you’re able to mark each of these stitch counts with a marker to help you keep track of where you are in the pattern. For example, I used these in my Salara Pants pattern to differentiate between the two legs of the pants and keep tabs on stitch counts.

5. Measuring Tape

This one is super important for garment patterns! If you’re putting all this time and investment into creating something, you want to make sure it fits properly.

I recommend getting a good retractable measuring tape so that when you aren’t using it, it doesn’t get tangled up. Having multiple on hand couldn’t hurt either if you’re anything like me and easily lose them.

If you’re working on amigurumi projects or non-garment items, the measuring tape isn’t as important but still couldn’t hurt to have on hand!

You’re now ready to start stitching up a storm!

With the right tools in hand, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of crochet. From selecting the perfect hook to understanding the various types and textures of yarn, each element plays a vital role in bringing your creative visions to life. Don’t forget the importance of precision cutting tools like scissors, the organizational help of stitch markers, and the accuracy provided by a measuring tape. Armed with these five essential tools and the knowledge of how to use them, you’re ready to tackle any crochet project with confidence and ease. So, gather your supplies, find a cozy spot, and start stitching your way to beautiful handmade creations. Happy crocheting!