If you’re new to crochet and unsure about the best supplies for beginners, then you're in luck! This crochet beginner’s guide has got you covered with all six essential supplies every newbie crafter should have.

Crochet is an enjoyable and relaxing hobby. You can sit and still be productive at the same time. It is a skill you can easily learn to either pass the time or start a business! You can create cozy blankets, cute coasters, handy bags, or any wearable fabric with just a hook and yarn—but you will need more. 

Here are the beginner crochet supplies you’ll need to kickstart your new craft journey.

1. Crochet Hooks

Let’s start with one of the most important tools—the crochet hook.  In crocheting, the hook is like your magic wand, and you need it to create stunning patterns with your yarn. It’s used for creating and interlocking loops into beautiful stitches. But with a variety of hooks available, you may probably ask, “How do you choose the right one?”

 Here are a few things you need to look for:

 

Material

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

• Aluminum Hooks:

You might want to invest in budget-friendly materials as a beginner. Aluminum hooks are perfect for you because they are affordable, lightweight, and a popular choice for fresh crafters.

• Steel Hooks:

They are made of hard material with a smooth surface, which allows for fast movement. These hooks are  usually used for very fine yarns such as lacework. Because using steel hooks requires a certain skill level, fresh crafters are not recommended to start with these small hooks because they can be challenging to handle.

• Plastic Hooks:

These are lightweight, warm to the touch, and provide more grip on the yarn. They are often used for larger hook sizes.

 

• Bamboo Hooks:

They are warm to the touch and provide good grip as well, making them a great option for those with arthritis or hand pain.

• Ergonomic Hooks:

They have thicker handles compared to others, which helps to reduce hand pain during long crochet sessions. They are designed to provide more ease and comfort, especially for crafters who have hand conditions.

Size

To know the correct crochet hook size, check the yarn label or pattern. 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. These include:

• 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. For example, you can experiment by pairing 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.

Now, let’s talk about the heart of every crochet project—the yarn. Although with a variety available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Let me guide you to choose the best yarn to get started with smoothly!

Yarn Weight 

Before anything else, it’s essential to know about the 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
  
  
  

Here’s an important note: check the yarn label for the weight category. Your pattern will often specify the recommended weight. You must not forget to check the yarn weight as it affects the overall appearance of your crochet project. Why else does it matter? Here are the disadvantages if you use the wrong yarn and do 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, and they are the following:

• Natural fibers: (wool, cotton, silk, alpaca, and others): They have unique characteristics and are known for their softness, warmth, and durability. Cotton and silk are generally hypoallergenic and more gentle on the skin. Since you’re already here, you don’t have to sweat searching for them as 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 tool is indispensable for neatly weaving ends and stitching pieces together, giving 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. Take note of the following factors when selecting your yarn needle: 

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. Remember, a sharp pair is a must-have for clean cuts and precise 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. Also, consider incorporating varying colors to differentiate between sections.

 

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

Conclusion

Starting a crochet hobby is thrilling and fun. With the right supplies needed as a beginner, you’ll be ready to create projects that you love to keep or gift others with. Who knows, you may even start a craft business out of it! All you need is the crocheting supplies for beginners, such as crochet hooks, yarn, yarn needles, scissors, measuring tape, and stitch markers 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 nor too 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. More importantly, always check the yarn label for easy crocheting! Otherwise, you’ll probably commit the same mistakes we did before, and it led to an incorrect gauge, so we needed to start over again! 

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

Of course, you are free to use your preferred materials suitable for your project. 

That’s about it. I love to share these tips with you. Is there any more advice you want me to share? Don’t hesitate to ask, and I would be glad to impart.

Happy crocheting!

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