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CROCHET MATERIALS 101
A Beginner’s Guide on Crochet Supplies: What Does Every Crocheter Need?
Must-Have Crocheting Tools & Accessories To Make Beautiful Handicrafts
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Most people believe that the only two things you need to crochet are hooks and yarn. While this may be true for certain artisans, it does not apply to everyone. If you are just starting out, or if you are getting more serious about this hobby and want to upgrade your skills, you should try some other tools, too, to see whether they can make your crafting easier and much more gratifying.
However, with all the extra products on the market, such as hook cases, yarn dispensers, and row counters, you may feel overwhelmed. You may wonder which hook is perfect for you, or whether you need stitch markers and tapestry needles. To help you decide which beginners crochet supplies to use, in this guide we have compiled basic information about things you may need to make anything from granny squares and scarves to slouch hats and adorable amigurumi. We’ll be sharing the most popular tools and accessories used by crocheters all over the globe, from basic to luxury ones. Some of them are essential to get started, like hooks, yarn and scissors, while others are special items which will make your creative pursuit considerably easier.
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Basic Crochet Tools
We’ll begin with key items you’ll need to make your creations. They are the first things that come to mind when you think of crocheting. With these tools you’ll be able to craft just about any pattern that comes to your hands.
Crochet hook
The first tool you’ll need is crochet hook. It’s the most important tool and you can’t truly crochet without it. Ensure to choose the one with ergonomic handle as it can substantially reduce hand and wrist strain, prevent potential injuries, enable a more comfortable grip, and have better control. It’s soft and comfortable on your hands and makes crocheting more manageable. If you have a chance, try out several different hooks before committing to one, to determine which one feels most enjoyable to work with.
SIZE
If you are just a beginner, you will start with a single hook, but as your skills improve, you’ll want to try more advanced patterns, which will require various sizes and types of hooks. For fine laces and thread projects you should look for smaller hooks (sizes 0.60mm-1.75mm), and for bulkier projects, choose larger sizes (6.5mm – 9mm+). In general, to find suitable hook, look at yarn label for guidance, as yarn weight determines the hook size.
Yarn
Another essential supply is yarn. There is a large variety of different textures, fibers, colors, and weights of yarn and you’ll have lots of opportunities to explore them all. However, for your first project, pick medium-weight, smooth yarn of lighter color shade.
Material
Crochet hooks can be made of various materials, such as aluminum, plastic, or wood, and each of them will give you a different feel. For instance, while metal hooks are smooth, they can feel too cold to touch. Plastic hooks are light, but can cause more friction on the yarn.
Shape
The hook’s shape can potentially affect the appearance of your handicrafts. There are three different shapes – inline, tapered, and hybrid. Inline hook is the same size as the shaft, with sharp, pointy head. Tapered hook is smaller and rounder, with the neck narrower than the shaft. It is believed that inline shaped hooks allow for more uniform stitching and more consistency, while tapered ones are easier to slide into tighter stitches. There’s also a hybrid style, which is somewhere in between the inline and tapered style.
Weight
Using the right yarn weight is critical, as it affects the looks, the drape, and size of your finished product. Finer yarns are used to make drapey fabrics, worsted weight is typically used to craft sweaters, while bulkier yarns are used to create chunkier pieces.
To make sure you are using the correct type of weight, always check the pattern guides and get familiar with weight classification. Labels on yarns typically include its weight. Its marked by number (0-7) and name (Lace, Fine, Bulky, etc.).
| WEIGHT | RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE | USE |
|---|---|---|
| Weight 0 Lace thread (ultra fine) | B-1 or steel hooks | Lace and doilies projects |
| Weight 1 Fingering (super fine) | B-1 to E-4 | Socks, babywear, accessories |
| Weight 2 Fine | E-4 to 7 | Light garments, babywear, large lace |
| Weight 3 DK (Light) | G-6 to I-9 | Amigurumi, accessories, and sweaters |
| Weight 4 Worsted (Medium) | H-8 to K-10.5 | General use items, hats, blankets, outerwear, Afghan |
| Weight 5 Bulky | K-10.5 to M-13 | Chunky craft items, rugs, blankets |
| Weight 6 Super bulky | M-13 to Q | Heavy blankets, household décor pieces, accessories |
| Weight 7 Jumbo (Roving) | Q and larger | Finger crochet and heavy blankets |
Texture
Although there are lots of different textures, if you are a novice crocheter, stay clear of fluffy, slippery, or fine yarn. These kinds are harder to manipulate, so it’s best not to work with them until you improve your skills.
Fiber
The yarn you choose can be made of natural fibers like hemp, cotton, and wool, or synthetic ones like acrylic, nylon, rayon, and polyester. Begin with wool or acrylic yarns, because they bounce and stretch more than cotton fiber.
Color
You can find yarn in almost any imaginable color, including solids, multicolor, and metallic sheen yarn. If you are a beginner, it’s advised to start with lighter colors because it will be easier to examine the stitches and know where to slide the hook to make another stitch.
Recommended Yarn
Sustainability Highlights: Why Choose Hemp Yarn?
- Eco-Friendly and durable - Hemp yarn is one of the most sustainable choices for crocheters. As a biodegradable material, it reduces waste and minimizes environmental impact, making it a perfect option for eco-conscious crafters.
- Strong and long-lasting - Hemp fibers are known for their exceptional durability. Crocheted items made with hemp yarn maintain their shape over time and resist fraying, making them ideal for both functional and decorative projects.
Natural beauty and versatility - Hemptique’s hemp yarn offers a natural texture that brings a unique aesthetic to your projects. Available in various colors and sizes, it’s perfect for crafting bags, blankets, or even intricate amigurumi.
Support sustainable crafting - When you choose hemp yarn, you’re supporting an eco-friendly crafting movement. By using products from Hemptique, you contribute to efforts to preserve the environment while creating beautiful handicrafts.
Perfect for beginners and experts - Hemptique's hemp yarn is easy to work with, making it a great choice for crocheters of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner mastering basic stitches or an expert tackling complex patterns, hemp yarn is a reliable and versatile option.
For more information on hemp yarn and its benefits, explore Hemptique yarn.
Scissors
A pair of scissors is a must for any crocheter. Any type will use, as long as they are sharp enough to cut the fiber smoothly. If you like to craft away from home, bring a smaller pair that can easily fit into your project bag.
Recommended supplies & accessories
Once you get more serious with crocheting, you will want to develop your skills further and try out more complex patterns. To make your learning curve easier, and to help you accomplish your goals faster, here’s a few tools and accessories we recommend purchasing. These items are technically not needed for crocheting; however, you may want to add them to your collection one day.
Yarn needle
Yarn (or tapestry, darning) needle is a large needle used to saw pieces together or to weave in the ends to finish your project. Properly secured loose yarn ends ensure neat look and prevent thread from unraveling. To weave in loose tails, you need a tapestry needle. It can be made of plastic or metal, and have a straight or bent tip. Bent tips may be preferred in amigurumi. When it comes to size, consider the size of stitches and ensure the yarn can be easily pulled through the eye of the needle. When working with bulkier yarns, you’ll need to use a needle with larger eye.
Stitch markers
Stitch markers are small plastic tools used to hook onto stitches and mark a specific place on the work, you don’t lose your place. They are particularly important if you’re working on large or round projects. They come in packs of 50 or 100, and come in a variety of colors, so it’s easier for you to choose the one that stands out the most against the item you’re crafting. If you don’t want to worry about them falling off easily, choose the ones that are shaped as safety pins.
Tape measure
You’ll need it to measure the body if you are crocheting garments or hats. Choose the one with both metric and imperial markings, as patterns don’t always have measurements in both systems. Another use is in crocheting a gauge swatch. It will show you the exact number of stitches (or rows) per inch (or centimeter).
Hook case
As your hook collection grows, you’ll want to have suitable storage for them to keep them neatly organized. Hook cases are designed store and sort hooks by size or style. They can typically be rolled or zipped, so they are very easy to carry. Some models have pockets to store other accessories, too.
Project bag (tote)
As you get into crocheting more and more, you’ll probably acquire more accessories. To keep them all in order and easily accessible, it’s best to have a crochet accessory bag. These bags typically have special sections for hooks, stitch markers, scissors, yarn, and more.
Row counter
As its name implies, a row counter is a small device used to count rows. It helps you keep track of how many rows you have crocheted, which can be exceptionally helpful, especially when you are working on a complex pattern such as elaborate cable or lace patterns which can be found in many sweaters or shawls. Row counters can be manual, dial-based or digital.
Where to Buy Crochet Materials?
You can find crochet supplies both online and in person. Crafts stores such as Micheal’s, Joann’s, Hobby Lobby, or local shops all carry supplies for this popular craft. For maximum convenience, you can also shop online. There is a large number of web shops selling materials and tools for this craft, such as Etsy, Amazon, or Hemptique, where you can buy high quality hemp yarn, known for its eco-friendliness and durability.
How Much do Crochet Supplies Cost?
Crocheting is not an expensive hobby, and you can find most supplies and materials at affordable prices. You can even borrow starter supplies (yarn and hooks) from family or friends). So, as a beginner you can even start for free, or for a very small price (less than $10). Even if you plan to buy the whole supplies list, you should find affordable options (or replacements).
Tips for Beginners
Start Simple with Basic Patterns
For those just beginning their crochet journey, start with simple patterns like granny squares or basic scarves. These allow you to master foundational stitches and build confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
Choose the Right Yarn
Opt for medium-weight yarn in lighter colors. This makes it easier to see your stitches and understand how the yarn behaves as you work.
Stick with a Standard Hook Size
A US size H/8 (5mm) hook is a great starting point. It's versatile enough for many beginner projects like blankets and potholders while being comfortable to handle.
Practice Makes Perfect
Don’t expect perfection right away! Dedicate some time to practicing tension control and stitch consistency before diving into larger or more intricate projects.
Keep a Simple Toolkit
Start with the essentials: one hook, medium-weight yarn, a pair of sharp scissors, and a tapestry needle. As your skills improve, you can expand your collection.
Watch Tutorials and Follow Patterns
Online resources, like video tutorials or beginner-friendly patterns, can offer helpful guidance and visual demonstrations to make learning easier.
Final Thoughts on Items Needed to Crochet
If you are genuinely interested into crocheting, over time you will find plenty of tools which will make your crafting easier and faster. As a beginner, you start with one hook and some yarn, but as time passes and your skills progress, you will want to upgrade with special equipment such as stitch markers, tapestry needle, or even a designer crochet bag. To choose which tools you need it’s important to determine your project’s requirements as well as your skill level. The key is to find something that will help you have better precision, greater efficiency, and overall more enjoyment of crocheting.
