Crochet is an enjoyable and relaxing hobby. It is a skill you can easily learn to pass the time or start a business! You can create cozy blankets, cute coasters, handy bags, or any fabric with just a hook and yarn. 

If you are interested in starting your crochet hobby, but unsure about the best crochet supplies for beginners, then you're, in luck! This blog post has got you covered with all the essential crochet supplies every beginner crafter should have.

Keep on reading to find out the beginner supplies for crochet you'll need to kickstart your new hobby.

1. Crochet Hooks

One of the crochet tools and supplies for beginners that you must have is a crochet hook. In crocheting, the hook is your most important tool. It’s used for creating loops and interlocking them into beautiful stitches. But with a variety of hooks available, you may probably ask, “How do you choose the right one?”

 

Material

Crochet hooks can be made from various materials, each offering unique qualities that suit your preference:

• Aluminum Hooks: Affordable, lightweight, and a popular choice for fresh crafters.

• Steel Hooks: Smooth and fast, but can also feel cold to the touch. This hook is usually used for very fine yarns such as lacework. Fresh crafters are not recommended to start with these small hooks.
  
  Note: This photo of Steel Hooks is from Clover and is used for illustrative purposes only.
  
  

• Plastic Hooks: Lightweight, warm, and can have more grip on the yarn. It is often used for larger hook sizes.
  
  

 

• Bamboo Hooks: Warm to the touch and provide good grip as well, making it a great option for those with arthritis or hand pain.
  
  

Note: This photo of Bamboo Hooks is from Clover and is used for illustrative purposes only.

• Ergonomic Hooks: Have thicker handles compared to others to reduce hand pain during long crochet sessions.
  
  
  
  

Size

In choosing the correct crochet hook size, checking the yarn label or pattern for the recommended hook size is a must. There are several reasons why choosing the right hook size is necessary:

• The size of the hook determines the size of stitches you create. Large hooks are for bigger and looser projects, while small hooks are for smaller and tighter projects.
• Recommended hook sizes are important to ensure the finished project matches the intended dimensions, patterns, and the whole appearance.
• The hook size should correspond to the yarn weight to use the yarn effectively as they have different thicknesses and textures.
  
  
  

Shape and Style

Crochet hooks come in different shapes and styles as well, including:

• Inline: The hook shape is the same width as the shaft.
  
  

• Tapered: The hook head is more rounded and has a shallower mouth.
  
  

You can experiment with different shapes to find your preferred style.

A Tip for Beginner Crafters! 

For beginners, it’s recommended to begin with a mid-sized hook, such as a size H-8 (5.0 mm), paired with worsted-weight yarn. Among all sizes, H-8 is commonly used by beginners as it offers a good balance between size and compatibility with beginner-friendly yarn.

As you gain experience, you can explore other sizes and materials to find what works best for you. You can experiment with larger hooks with heavy yarns or smaller hooks with lighter yarns. 

2. Yarn

Note: A picture of a Stained Glass V1 Inspired Gradient Cotton Natural Fiber Yarn from Rena’s Thread and Crafts.

Yarn is definitely the heart of any crochet project. Although, with a variety available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Let me guide you choose the best yarn to get started with smoothly!

Yarn Weight 

Yarn weight refers to the thickness or thinness of the yarn. According to the Craft Yarn Council, there are standardized 8-weight categories:

• #0 - Lace
• #1 - Superfine
• #2 - Fine
• #3 - DK/light 
• #4 - Medium 
• #5 - Bulky
• #6 - Super bulky
• #7 - Jumbo
  
  
  

Check the yarn label for the weight category. Your pattern will often specify the recommended weight. Checking the yarn weight matters as it affects the overall appearance of the crochet project. Here are the disadvantages if you used the wrong yarn and did not follow the patterns:

• If you used the incorrect yarn weight, the output may not match the pattern’s dimensions and appearance.
• If you aim to achieve the intended design but do not use the recommended yarn, it will increase its difficulty as it can lead to more trial and error.
• Yes, a crochet project could go entirely wrong with incorrect yarn choices. If it doesn’t turn out as expected, you might have to make significant adjustments or it can result in wasted resources.

Fiber Content 

Yarn is made from various fibers, including:

• Natural fibers: Wool, cotton, silk, alpaca, and others. Each natural fiber offers unique characteristics such as softness, warmth, and durability. We, Rena’s Thread & Crafts, offer a lot of cotton natural fiber yarns with wonderful colorways just for you!
  
  
  

Note: Our trending cotton natural fiber yarn – Gothic Rainbow Gradient Cotton Natural Fiber Yarn.

• Synthetic fibers: Acrylic, nylon, polyester, and others. These are often machine-washable and more affordable than natural fibers. At Rena’s Thread and Crafts, we have some polyester yarns available such as Pink Vanda Orchids inspired, 4PLY Polyester Gradient Cake Yarn.
  
  
  

Note: A flower-inspired gradient yarn from Rena’s Thread and Crafts named Pink Vanda Orchids inspired Polyester Gradient Cake Yarn.

 

Consider the project’s purpose when choosing a fiber. For example, a baby blanket might require a soft, machine-washable yarn, while a sweater might benefit from a warm and durable fiber.

 

Note: A picture of a fall/autumn yarn named Pumpkin Spice 4PLY Polyester Gradient Yarn from Rena’s Thread and Crafts.

 

Color 

Yarn comes in a vast array of colors. Choose colors that complement your project and personal style. Consider factors like the season, occasion, and your preferences or your recipient’s preferences.

Note: One of our new releases– Mystic Hat Inspired, Gradient Cotton Natural Fiber Yarn.

Tips for Beginner Crafters!

• Avoid textured yarns. These can make it difficult to see your stitches clearly.
• Opt for lighter colors because dark yarns can make it harder to see your stitches.
• Start with medium-weight yarn such as worsted weight.
• Consider a yarn with some stretch like natural fiber yarns. Natural fibers such as wool often have more bounce and stretch.
  
  

3. Yarn Needles

The crochet hook may take the spotlight on stage; however, the role of the yarn needles in supporting the show is just as important. This disregarded tool is indispensable for neatly weaving, in ends, and stitching pieces together to give your projects a flawless appearance.

When working with crochet projects you'll need yarn needles to secure the beginning and end of your work to avoid unraveling. It's also useful for joining crochet pieces or adding touches and designs. Factors to think about when selecting your yarn needle include:

Size

Choose a needle that can comfortably accommodate your yarn. Thicker yarns require larger needles with wider eyes.

For example, a size 18 needle is suitable for bulky yarn, while a size 22 is better for lace-weight yarn.

Shape

• Straight Needles: These are useful for sewing larger pieces together.
• Bent-tip Needles: These are particularly ideal for weaving in ends and seaming in tight spaces.
  
  

Materials

Yarn needles are usually made of metal or plastic. Metal needles are generally preferred because of their durability and ease of use. However, plastic needles can be a good option for fresh crafters or children due to their flexibility and safety.

Tips for Beginner Crafters!

• Keep a variety of needles on hand. Different projects may require different needle sizes and shapes. A basic set of yarn needles should include at least one straight needle and one bent-tip needle in various sizes.
• Practice weaving in ends especially if you do not have gradient yarns. This technique takes practice, but it’s essential for a polished finish. Begin by practicing on a small scrap of yarn to get comfortable with the process.
• Consider a yarn needle holder because this can help keep your needles organized and easily accessible. A yarn needle holder can also prevent you from losing your needles while working.

4. Scissors

To have crochet sessions, it's also vital to have a reliable pair of scissors in your crafting kit that fits nicely in your crochet bag for easy access and convenience—a sharp pair is a must-have for clean cuts and precision work. Consider exploring scissors designed for yarn lovers such as yarn snips or elegant stork scissors to enhance your crocheting experience and make your projects more enjoyable in the long run.

5. Measuring Tape

A measuring tape is also an essential tool for crocheters. When crocheting a project it's important to use a tape measure to check gauge swatches and project size for pattern accuracy. Choose a retractable tape measure to have on hand while working on your crochet project.

6. Stitch Markers

Stitch markers prevent mistakes, mark important stitches, and keep crochet projects organized. Consider choosing locking or split ring stitch markers and inserting them into the loop of your ongoing project; furthermore, consider incorporating varying colors to differentiate between sections!

 

Note: If you want to, you can even make your own stitch markers! 

Conclusion

Starting crochet is thrilling, and with the right supplies needed for beginner crochet, you’ll be ready to create projects that you’ll be able to gift others with! Crocheting supplies for beginners such as crochet hooks, yarn, yarn needles, scissors, measuring tape, and stitch markers are the things you exactly need for your first stitches. 

Remember, you can always start with the middle-of-the-road choice of crochet hook with a size of H-8 (5.0 mm) and size #4 worsted-weight yarn. This would be easier for beginners as it is not too large or small. Also, you can use ergonomic crochet hooks to lessen hand strain. Use yarn needles for their finishing touches, yarn snips or stork scissors for precise cuts, a measuring tape for accuracy, and stitch markers to keep your project organized. Importantly, always check the yarn label for easy crocheting! Otherwise, you’ll probably commit the same mistakes we did before which led to an incorrect gauge that leads you to start over again! 

Consider looking for beginner-friendly crochet projects such as coasters, hats, or scarves. You can also go with bags, blankets, and scarves if you want a bit more challenge! If you like to crochet blankets, go search crocheting blankets for beginners’ supplies.

Of course, you are free to use your preferred materials for each tool and what is suitable for your project. Happy crocheting!

Disclaimer: Some images with attribution underneath are used for illustrative purposes only and are not owned by Rena's Thread and Crafts. These images are used under the Fair Use provisions of Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act, which allows for the use of copyrighted material for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.

All credit goes to the respective content owners. No copyright infringement is intended.  

 

Copyright Notice: Meanwhile, all images in this blog that do not have specific attribution are the property of Rena's Thread and Crafts and are protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction of these images is prohibited without written permission from Rena's Thread and Crafts.