Are you ready to dive into the world of crochet? That’s fantastic! You’ll be creating your own beautiful, handmade items in no time. First, you’ll want to gather the crochet supplies you need to get started.
But what exactly do you need to crochet? Is it just a hook and some yarn? Or are other supplies required?
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Keep reading to discover which tools and materials you must have to begin crocheting and which you can buy later.
Table Of Contents
- Must-Have Crochet Supplies
- Crochet Supplies To Pick Up Next
- Additional Crochet Supplies To Consider
- Crochet Kits To Buy
- Crochet Stitches To Practice
- What To Crochet: Simple Patterns For Beginners
Must-Have Crochet Supplies
Ready for some good news about this new hobby you’re pursuing? You won’t have to shell out much cash to get started.
You only need three things to start: crochet hooks, yarn, and scissors. Let’s look at each one in more detail.
A Crochet Hook
Knitters use two needles to create their fabric, but crocheters only need one tool: a crochet hook. You’ll use this tool to make all of your loops and stitches.
Crochet hooks come in different sizes, denoted by letters and numbers. The smallest standard crochet hook in the United States is a B-1, which is 2.25 mm. The largest common size is T/X, which measures 30 mm.
With so many sizes available, which one should you choose?
It depends on your yarn. For example, this Combed Cotton Cone 2 mm yarn works with crochet hooks G-K. But you'll need a larger hook if you go with a bulkier yarn, like this Mini Lima Wool - Bulky Peruvian Wool.
Many beginning crocheters choose to purchase a set of crochet hooks. These typically include several sizes, allowing you to work with various yarns. Then you can decide which ones you like best.
But if you only want to buy one hook, you’ll need to pick out your yarn first and see which size crochet hook the manufacturer recommends. Otherwise, you could end up with one too large or too small, and your projects won’t turn out right.
On the GANXXET website, you’ll find crochet hook size recommendations on each product page in the “Overview” section. This information makes it easy to find the right size hook to use.
What Kind Of Crochet Hook Should Beginners Use?
Bamboo. Plastic. Aluminum. Wood. If you’ve ever looked at the crocheting section of a craft store, you know crochet hooks can be made from all sorts of materials.
Each has unique qualities and benefits but, for beginners, the best choice is usually an ergonomic aluminum hook.
Here’s why:
- Cost: Aluminum crochet hooks are relatively inexpensive compared to the other options.
- Comfort: Crocheting uses muscles you may not have used before, and working with a lightweight aluminum hook is easier on your hands, wrists, and arms. Choosing an ergonomic hook also helps relieve pressure so you can crochet for longer.
- Smoothness: Yarn sometimes snags, but the smooth surface of an aluminum hook helps prevent that.
- Durability: Aluminum hooks are strong and can withstand a lot of use without wearing down or breaking. If you get frustrated and throw your project across the room, you don’t have to worry about ruining your hook.
Once you’ve got the basics down and feel more comfortable crocheting, you can experiment with different materials to see which ones you prefer. Some makers love the warmth and eco-friendly qualities of bamboo, while others swear by the smoothness of plastic.
It all comes down to personal preference, so try a few different types and see what you like best.
Yarn
Speaking of yarn, that’s the second essential component of our crochet supplies list. Yarn comes in many different materials, colors, and weights.
At GANXXET, we offer almost every type of yarn you can imagine, from the simple combed cotton string to our delicate Raffia Paper yarn made from 100% recycled paper with cellulose.
However, you might initially feel overwhelmed since we have so many options. To help you narrow your choices, here are a few tips for picking your first crocheting yarn:
- Start with a solid color. Multi-colored yarns are beautiful, but they’re hard on your eyes. For simplicity, pick a single-colored skein for now.
- Go with a color you like. You’ll spend a lot of time staring at your yarn and counting your loops. If you hate the color, you’re more likely to quit.
- Pick something inexpensive. As a beginner, you will make mistakes. It makes sense to pick an inexpensive yarn to practice on to save money. Our basic Cotton Yarn is a great choice, as is our Beirut Yarn, made from recycled acrylic and polyester.
- Select a medium-weight yarn. Yarn has a “weight” that has nothing to do with how much it weighs. Instead, it refers to the thickness of the strand. Go with a medium (or worsted) weight to start.
Finally, when picking a yarn, remember these guidelines are just for beginners. It's best to stick to simple yarns when you’re still trying to figure out how to crochet. Once you get comfortable, you can experiment more and find your personal favorites.
More Eco-Friendly Yarn To Try
GANXXET yarn is made from recycled materials, using eco-friendly practices. When you choose our yarn, you’re helping keep fabric out of the landfill.
If you haven’t yet found the perfect yarn for your next project, get inspired with these fun options:
- T-Shirt Fabric Yarn: A soft, chunky option that comes in loads of colors
- Ribbon T-Shirt Yarn: Premium yarn made from 100% Jersey fabric — it’s soft and stretchy
- Metallic Fabric Yarn: Add some sparkle to your creations with this stretchy, soft yarn
- Bamboo Deluxe Yarn: Easy to work with yarn that’s perfect for garments
- Cotton Air Braided Cord: A lightweight, bulky yarn that adds texture to your pieces
- Velvet Air Braided Cord: Luxuriously soft yarn that’s a dream to work with
Our yarns are easy to work with and produce stunning results, making them perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike. Plus, with our commitment to sustainability, you can feel good about trying them all!
Scissors
You won’t use an entire skein of yarn on your first project. This means you’ll need to cut it at some point.
Sharp scissors leave a clean cut that’s less likely to unravel. If you don’t already have a pair of scissors dedicated to crafting, you might want to pick one up. Look for scissors that fit your hand well and are comfortable to hold.
Crochet Supplies To Pick Up Next
With a hook, yarn, and scissors, you have what you need to complete quick and easy projects. But once you start working with more complicated patterns, you may want to invest in these additional accessories to help you out.
A Yarn Needle
If you need to weave in your yarn to prevent it from unraveling or sew multiple pieces together, you’ll want a yarn needle, also known as a darning or tapestry needle. This needle has a broader eye to accommodate yarn. In addition, it’s not sharp like a sewing needle; it’s blunt-tipped.
While a single needle is all you need for a project, remember that these needles are small and can be easy to misplace. You might want to pick up a pack of them instead. That way, you’ll always have one ready when you need it.
Stitch Markers
When working on smaller projects, you can likely manage everything in your head. If you aren’t dealing with color or stitch changes, crocheting without stitch markers is easy enough. But at some point, you may start forgetting when to do these things.
That’s when stitch markers come in handy. They slip onto your yarn to help you remember things. For example, they can show you the right side of the piece or indicate where you last decreased your rows. They’re also helpful when you’re crocheting in the round.
Stitch markers are made from metal or plastic. Some are small rings, while others are shaped more like a safety pin. There's no right or wrong style since they’re just for marking stitches. Try different ones to see which you prefer.
Tip: If you don’t want to buy stitch markers, use paper clips or safety pins instead. These aren’t perfect, but they can help you get the feel of working with markers without buying anything.
A Digital Row Counter
When crocheting a large project, such as an afghan, it’s easy to lose count of how many rows you’ve completed. Of course, you can start at the beginning and recount, but that gets old quickly.
Pick up a digital row counter to keep track of where you are. You wear it on your finger and click the button each time you finish a row. Then you can tell at a glance which number you’re on.
A Tape Measure
Another helpful item to have on hand is a tape measure. Crochet patterns often mention measurements, such as a scarf's length or sweater's width.
Without a tape measure, you’re left guessing or trying to measure with something else, which may not give accurate results.
You can also use a tape measure to check your gauge. This refers to the number of stitches and rows per inch in your crocheted piece. It’s important to match the gauge listed in the pattern, or your finished product likely won’t turn out like you expected.
A soft, flexible tape measure is best for crocheting since it can bend and conform to the curves of your piece. Look for one with inches on one side and centimeters on the other to make it easier to read at a glance.
Additional Crochet Supplies To Consider
By now, you’ve built a pretty nice inventory of crochet supplies. And while you have everything you need, these extras can make your crocheting even more enjoyable.
Here’s a quick list for your reference:
- Row gauge to make sure your rows are the same size
- Crochet organizer to store your supplies in
- Yarn storage solutions such as baskets, shelves, or crates
- Ball winder to help you stay organized
- A notebook for storing your pattern notes in one place
- Stitch dictionary to learn more about each type of stitch
- Project tags for gifting your amazing pieces
- Books with crochet patterns to inspire you
- Tunisian crochet hooks to try something a little different
- A needle threader to help get yarn through the darning needle
- A crochet ring to hold your yarn and prevent yarn burn (ouch!)
- T-pins and polyester stuffing if you want to crochet amigurumi animals or toys
- A yarn bowl to hold your working yarn and keep it organized
- A crochet bag to store all your supplies and take your project on the go
- Blocking mats for when you’re laying out your work
Plus, you’ll want to take advantage of the GANXXET Blog. We share plenty of posts with crocheting tips and patterns. It’s a great (and free) way to improve your craft.
Crochet Kits To Buy
If picking out yarn and supplies is overwhelming, consider purchasing a crochet kit. They come with everything you need to complete a specific project, including a pattern, yarn, and the right-sized crochet hook.
These DIY Kits from GANXXET take the guesswork out of choosing the right materials and make it easy to get started. The step-by-step instructions and helpful tips increase your chances of a successful, enjoyable project.
Here’s more information about four of our beginner-friendly kits:
Crochet Pumpkin DIY Kit by GANXXET X LillyBirdCrochet
Add some fun, fall-themed decor to your home with this crochet pumpkin kit. It comes with everything you need to make three cute pumpkins.
It includes:
- Recycled T-Shirt Yarn (you get to pick the color!)
- An 8-mm crochet hook
- A tape measure
- Easy-to-follow directions and a video tutorial
Crochet AirPods Case DIY Kit By GANXXET X Mad4Macrame
Store your AirPods in style with this adorable case. The DIY crochet kit has enough cotton yarn to make at least 10 cases! You can pick from three different color options.
In addition to the yarn, this kit also comes with:
- A 4 mm crochet hook
- A darning needle
- Clear, concise instructions and a link to a video tutorial
Once you make a case for your AirPods, you’ll have enough stuff left over to make some for your friends or family. What a fun, handmade gift!
Crochet Basket DIY Kit By GANXXET X MaCreme By Cre
Think crocheting a basket is too hard for beginners? While some patterns might be complicated, this DIY Kit includes a pattern and video tutorial that’s easy to follow.
The T-shirt yarn is soft and easy to work with. Our kit also comes with:
- A crochet hook
- A darning needle
- Detailed PDF instructions for each step of the project
What will you store in your basket?
Crochet Phone Purse DIY Kit By GANXXET X LillyBirdCrochet
Get everything you need to make a phone purse in this kit. It includes:
- Our 4 mm Single Strand Soft Cotton Cord
- A crochet hook
- A wood button
- Sewing needle
- Step-by-step instructions and a video tutorial
Crochet Stitches To Practice
Once you have all your supplies, it’s time to start practicing some basic crochet stitches. These are the building blocks of every crochet project that’ll help you create different textures and designs.
While there are over 150 different stitch patterns, you’ll want to start with these three:
From there, you can move on to more advanced stitches like Treble Crochet, Half-Double Crochet, and Cluster Stitch.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and try out new stitches — it’s part of the fun of crocheting!
What To Crochet: Simple Patterns For Beginners
Once you master a few basic stitches, what should you crochet? Put your yarn and hooks to work with one of these simple projects.
Heart-Shaped Bookmarks
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a handcrafted heart-shaped bookmark.
Simple Scarf
This pattern is a one-row repeat, which makes it easy to get into the groove.
Quick Scrunchie
Turn a plain rubber band into a scrunchie that’ll hold your hair back in style.
Easy Dishcloth
Create one of these dishcloths for yourself, or knock out a few to give away.
Iconic Granny Square
This basic crochet block is on many crocheters' must-make list.
Primrose Stitch Blanket
Once you have a few smaller projects under your belt, you’ll want to try making a blanket. This pattern is perfect for beginners since it only uses two stitches.
Source: Bag-O-Day Crochet
Start Your Crochet Journey Today!
With a list of essential crochet supplies and a few beginner-friendly projects to start with, it’s time to embark on your new creative journey. So pick up a few skeins of yarn from GANXXET, grab your crochet hooks, and start stitching away. You can crochet!
