Knots and Whimsy

So you’ve decided you want to learn how to crochet (you have great taste in hobbies, by the way) and want to get all the materials you need to start one of the most relaxing and rewarding crafts. I’ve listed the materials you’ll need below, but honestly, after that, go nuts. Try everything, even if it looks a little scary. Once you have the basics down, the [crochet] world is your oyster!

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Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need:

1. Yarn
2. Crochet Hook
3. Measuring Tape
4. Stitch Markers
5. Scissors
6. Tapestry Needle

I’ve gone into more detail on each of these below and attached links to each. If you want to quickly grab what I recommend, I’ve created a page here that has everything you’ll need.

Yarn

There are loooots and lots of yarns out there with different textures, thicknesses, and materials. I know the fuzzy and furry yarns are super appealing and soft, but I do not recommend practicing or starting your first project with one of those yarns because you won’t be able to see your stitches or even when you’re supposed to stick the hook a lot of the time.

I’d recommend grabbing a weight 4 yarn (if you turn a ball of yarn around to look at the back of the label, it will have a picture of a ball of yarn with a number on it.

That’s the weight (essentially the thickness) of the yarn. The material doesn’t matter too much for practicing, it tends to come more into play if you start making clothing and other wearables.

If you want to read more about different types of yarn, identifying the different shapes, and a more extensive dive into yarn weights, check out my blog post Yarn 101 here!

Crochet Hook

For just starting and testing the waters, I’d grab whatever size hook the yarn you choose recommends. For example, in the picture of the yarn label above, the recommended hook size is a 6mm hook. It’s a very common size hook used for projects with weight 4 yarn.

You can also get a set of hooks in the most common sizes, which is much more cost-effective than buying hooks individually. I’ve linked one of those sets here.

Measuring Tape

A measuring tape is a must-have for crocheters. It’s super handy for measuring your gauge swatches and making sure your swatch matches the pattern’s gauge. It’s also needed to check the size of your project as you go along. Sometimes patterns will tell you to keep crocheting until you reach a certain length, and a measuring tape makes it easy to stay on track. If you like bringing your project on the go, it might be worth getting a few and putting them in different places so you always have one on hand.

Stitch Markers

Stitch markers will be your best friend while crocheting. Just make sure to get the locking or split-ring stitch markers rather than the ring stitch markers. Locking and split-ring stitch markers are for crochet. Ring stitch markers are for knitting, and you won’t be able to get them out of your work.

I, personally, like the locking stitch markers better than the split-ring ones. They seem more secure.

Stitch markers are a great way to keep track of where the end of a row is when you’re first starting. It’s fairly common for beginner crocheters to miss the last stitch in a row because the stitch you’re supposed to crochet into is shorter than the rest and almost blends into the side of the piece.

They’re also great for knowing where the start of a round is when you’re crocheting circles or tubes in the round.

Scissors

A sharp, reliable pair of scissors is an essential tool for any crochet enthusiast. When you’re finished with a project, there’s nothing more satisfying than neatly snipping the yarn with precision. The quality of the scissors is crucial, as a dull pair can fray the yarn and make the finishing touches messy. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve frustrated myself with scissors that just wouldn’t cut, so it’s well worth getting a nice, sharp pair.

Tapestry Needle

A tapestry needle, also known as a sewing needle, is an essential tool for weaving in your ends when finishing off a project. Make sure to get a large eye sewing needle. The large eye of the needle allows for easy threading of yarn, making it a much smoother process to weave in the loose ends and put the finishing touches on your project. Whether you’re working on a cozy blanket, a stylish sweater, or a delicate scarf, having a large eye needle on hand is crucial for achieving a polished look.

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