🧶 Crochet Tools You Actually Need (And What You Can Skip)
Walking down the yarn aisle (or scrolling online) can feel a little overwhelming when you're first diving into the world of crochet. There are hooks in every size, fancy gadgets, colorful stitch markers, and tools you’ve never heard of. But here’s the truth:
👉 You don’t need all the things to get started.
Let’s break down the must-haves vs. the nice-to-haves — so you can start crocheting without overspending or overthinking.
âś… Must-Have Crochet Tools for Beginners
1. Yarn
The star of the show! Stick to worsted-weight cotton or acrylic yarn when starting — it’s easy to work with and widely available.
💡 Tip: Avoid fuzzy or textured yarns at first. They’re pretty, but it's hard to see your stitches.
2. Crochet Hook
You only need one hook to start — size H/8 (5.0 mm) is perfect for most beginner yarns.
đź’ˇ Tip: Try a basic aluminum or ergonomic grip hook to see what feels best in your hand.
3. Scissors
You’ll need to cut your yarn, and a sharp pair of small scissors will do the trick. No need for anything fancy!
4. Tapestry Needle (a.k.a. Yarn Needle)
This is a blunt-tipped needle used to weave in your yarn tails and sew parts of your project together.
💡 Plastic or metal — both work great.
5. Measuring Tape
A soft, flexible measuring tape is helpful for checking gauge, sizing your work, or measuring for wearables.
6. Stitch Markers (Optional, but useful!)
These help mark where your rows or rounds begin and end. You can buy plastic ones, or use a safety pin or scrap yarn as a DIY version.
🛑 Tools You Can Totally Skip (At Least for Now)
❌ Hook Sets with 20+ Sizes
While it’s tempting to get the whole rainbow, start with just one or two hooks (like 5.0 mm and 4.0 mm). You can always build your collection later!
❌ Yarn Ball Winder & Swift
Unless you’re using hanks of hand-dyed yarn, you probably won’t need these yet. Most beginner yarn comes in center-pull skeins that are ready to go.
❌ Row Counters
Nice in theory, but you can keep track with a notebook, phone app, or even tally marks on paper.
❌ Blocking Mats and Pins
These are helpful for shaping advanced projects (like lace shawls), but for beginners, they’re not essential. You can lightly block your work with a towel and a flat surface.
❌ Fancy Stitch Books or Kits
There are tons of free tutorials online and beginner-friendly YouTube videos. Save your budget and start simple!
✨ Bonus: Helpful (But Not Required) Tools
• Project Bag: Keeps your yarn and hook organized on the go.
• Notebook or Digital Tracker: Jot down notes, row counts, or favorite patterns.
• Gauge Ruler: Helpful when making garments or anything size-specific.
🧶 Final Thoughts
Crochet doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. All you really need to start is:
• A hook
• Scissors
• A little time and curiosity
The rest? It’s just bonus fluff. (Fun fluff, but still fluff!)
