Beginning Crochet Supplies

Beginning Crochet Supplies! Ready to start crocheting? Check out The Ultimate Crocheting Tools List and learn how to start crocheting with the right tools at your disposal.

Of course you know that you need a skein (or skeins) of yarn and a crochet hook, but what kind of yarn and what type of hook? What else do you need? What other kinds of materials, tools, and notions? Set yourself up for success with a crocheting tools list.

Beginning Crocheting Supplies

Below is the beginner crocheting tools list. A comprehensive list of all the basic supplies you should have on hand in order to make crocheting as joyful as possible.

1. Crochet Hooks

Crochet hooks come in a large variety of sizes, and are generally tied to the size of yarn you are using. When you’re first learning how to crochet bigger is generally better, or at least easier. Bigger needles and thicker yarns are easier to learn with and work with as they make it easier to see your crochet stitches and maneuver your yarn.

Some of the most useful crochet hooks to start with are a 5 mm crochet hook (a US size H or UK size 6) or a 5.5 mm crochet hook (also called a US size I or a UK size 5). This is a good size for starting with worsted or medium weight yarns. (Speaking of yarn, I also suggest a lighter colored yarn for beginners, often a gray color or a light brown can be very easy to work with.)

If you find that your hands hurt as you are beginning, you might switch to a 6.55 mm hook (US size K or UK size 3). Larger crochet hooks don’t generally hurt your hands the way smaller sizes might, particularly when you are just starting out.

Aluminum, plastic, or wood? There are many different types of crochet hooks. Aluminum or plastic are often the most budget friendly options. However these materials can be a bit slippery. Bamboo or wood needles are comfortable and not as slippery. (I primarily crochet with aluminum crochet hooks.)

2. Tapestry Needles (aka Yarn Needles)

Tapestry needles, or yarn needles, are just needles with an eye large enough to thread yarn through. Yarn needles are used to weave in ends as well as stitch seams together. These needles can be plastic or metal and are generally inexpensive.

3. Stitch Markers

Stitch markers are a great way to mark any stitch while you are working. You might be working on a pattern that is done over a certain section. You can use locking stitch markers to mark the first and last stitch of the section. If you start crocheting projects in the round then stitch markers are handy for marking the beginning stitch of each new round. These stitch markers are placed directly on the stitch and can be moved as you complete a row or a round. Stitch markers are inexpensive and you can even DIY your own.

4. Measuring Tape

If you’re a crafter you may already have a measuring tape that you love. When it comes to crocheting you don’t need any special kind of measure tape, just one you like. Measuring tapes are most frequently used to check your gauge or to measure projects, like scarves, to know when they are long enough.

5. Scissors

Crocheting scissors don’t need to be as precise as sewing or fabric scissors, but you won’t want to use a blunt pair either. Something small and sharp works best to snip yarn ends.

6. Stitch Counters

‘Shh I’m counting’ is a phrase spoken by many crocheters. While crocheting you will often need to keep track of both your stitch count and your row count. Which is why it’s often helpful to have a couple stitch counters nearby. You might use one to count rows and another to help with stitch counts, particularly when you are increasing or decreasing.