5 Must-Have Tools for Crocheters
When I first learned how to crochet as a kid, I didn't have access to the internet and there were no helpful tutorials to teach me how to get started. I had to remember what my grandma had taught me and the rest I made up as I went.
In this video, I will show you the top 5 tools (plus one bonus tool!) that you need to crochet. This is information that I wish I had had back in the day when I was learning to crochet.
Some items are need-to-have and several are just really nice to have, so you can decide what you want to purchase right away, and what you'd like to wait on, if anything.
Either way, I made sure to list both the basics as well as the items that will make your life a whole lot easier while you are crocheting.
Before you get started, make sure you download the Learn to Crochet for Beginners Checklist to keep track of your progress as you learn to crochet! You can access your checklist at the bottom of this post.
Without further ado, here are the 5 must-have tools for crocheters...please watch and enjoy!
If you would rather read the blog post to find out the 5 must-have tools for crocheters, scroll down below the video.
1. Yarn
This one is quite an obvious one, but you will need to make sure that you have yarn to crochet with!
While it is fun to just go to the craft store and pick out the pretty yarn, as a beginner it is a good idea to find some inexpensive yarn that you can use for practice.
I suggest purchasing at least one skein of acrylic medium weight (#4) yarn (or thicker) and just using it for practicing your basic stitches.
This weight of yarn will ensure that you are able to more easily see your stitches and decipher what you are doing. This can be tough as a beginner, so it is best to practice with thicker yarn.
Once you begin making patterns, you will have to be sure that you are purchasing the type and length of yarn that is indicated in the pattern, so your project turns out how it should!
2. Crochet hook(s)
When you go to the craft store, you will notice that there are a lot of different options for crochet hooks.
There are basic metal hooks, plastic hooks, hooks with ergonomic handles, hooks with built-in lights or even built-in stitch counters!
I suggest either getting a cheap set of metal crochet hooks with multiple different sizes or you can even just get one hook that is the size required for the yarn you purchased or the pattern that you would like to make.
This is a good place to start for beginners, but of course, if you want to go all out and get the nice hooks (or if you feel you need more comfortable ergonomic handles or the assistance of a light-up crochet hook), then more power to you!
Crochet hook tip #1: Each crochet pattern will tell you what size of hook to use, so make sure you follow that.
Crochet hook tip #2: The size of crochet hooks will be denoted on the handle with a letter and/or a number (in millimeters).
3. Scissors or trimmers
It's always good to have some type of scissors or trimmers on hand when you are crocheting.
This is especially helpful if you will be switching yarn colors frequently throughout your project.
Just make sure to set them somewhere where the couch will not eat them when you aren't using them, as this is a very common problem for crocheters (we tend to lose our tools without even moving because they fall through the cracks in the couch or get caught up in our blankets)!
4. Tapestry needle or large needle without pointed end
This is something newer crocheters may not think to purchase, but a large (preferably metal) tapestry needle is needed to weave in the ends of your yarn.
When you finish a crochet project, you will have two ends of yarn sticking out of the project per skein or different color of yarn that you used.
To clean up the look of your project and make it look nice and finished, you will need to weave in those ends of yarn using this tapestry to conceal them from view.
If you are new to weaving in ends, make sure to check out my tutorial either on this website or on my YouTube channel (right-handed YouTube video, left-handed YouTube video).
5. Flexible measuring tape
When I am crocheting, I like to keep a flexible measuring tape on-hand so that I know that my project is on track to be the correct size.
The reason I like to use a flexible measuring tape is that it allows me to measure any type of project, even if it is not just a flat rectangle for instance.
If you do not have a flexible measuring tape, you can use a piece of yarn and a regular measuring to measure the item if needed. You can do this by placing the piece of yarn where you need it to be measured and then either cutting it or marking the end with your fingers. Then you can place the yarn across your measuring tape and note the length.
Measuring tapes also come in handy when you are creating swatches for crochet projects. Some projects, such as clothing pieces and blankets, suggest that you create a swatch (typically 4 inches by 4 inches) to make sure that you are crocheting with the correct tension so that your project will end up being the right size.
Bonus item: Stitch markers
Stitch markers can be an absolute saving grace when you are crocheting!
They are small safety pin-like tools that you can connect to any stitch in your crochet project and they are helpful in numerous instances.
For example, if you need to crochet a starting chain of 150, you can place a stitch marker every 10 stitches to make sure that you don't lose count.
You can also place a stitch markers in certain rows to keep track of where you are in a more complex pattern.
I really like to use stitch markers when I am crocheting amigurumi (stuffed animals), because it is easy to lose track of where you are in the pattern in those types of projects.
One other helpful way to use stitch markers is to put one through the loop that is on your hook when you take a break from crocheting. This makes sure that your project does not get accidentally pulled apart when you are not actively working on it. I had to use this trick often when one of my dogs was a puppy as he liked to grab my projects and just take off with them!
If you do not have stitch markers or do not want to invest in them (although they should be quite inexpensive), you can instead tie a contrasting color of yarn to the stitch that you would like to mark.
Hopefully this list helped you prepare everything you need in order to crochet everything you want!
Soon you might find that your crochet supplies have seemingly multiplied over night... that's how you know you're a true crocheter. Haha!
As promised, here is the Learn to Crochet for Beginners Checklist. Make sure you subscribe to get your checklist before you leave :)
Before you go, make sure you check out the following blog posts:
Learn to Crochet Easily - Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners
Learn to Easily Crochet Soap Savers with this Pattern for Beginners
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