If you want to learn to crochet, look no further! In this blog post, I am going to run through a quick list of the essential crochet equipment that you, as a beginner, will need to start learning the art of this craft. From hook sizes to types of yarn, I will tell you clearly what you do and do not need to start creating beautiful items.
The first thing that I want to emphasise is this: you do not need twenty different hook sizes, and you do not need any fancy or overly expensive equipment. When I first started, I had one crochet hook (a 4mm to be exact) and a couple of balls of old yarn that my Nan had given to me. But, it didn't matter because I was learning. And so, if you only have the bare minimum, that is ok. As long as you have a hook and some yarn, that's all that really matters.
Now, keeping in mind what I have just said, I am still going to talk about some "crochet essentials" so that, when you do decide to buy them, you will know exactly what to get.
Jump to:
Hooks:
One of the first things that you need are some crochet hooks. Trying to figure out which ones are best can be very confusing as there are such a variety out there. There are five main types of hooks:
Aluminium: These are the most popular hooks. They are lightweight, affordable, and extremely versatile. They come in a variety of sizes and colours and are great for beginners as they work smoothly and easily with different types of yarn. I highly recommend this for new crocheters.
Plastic: Plastic hooks are very similar to aluminium. The only fault with this type is that the plastic can cause a slight bit of friction with some yarns, making it more difficult to insert the hook into stitches.
Wood and Bamboo: These can come in more ornate designs and also with thicker handles. They can quite often become unwieldy for beginners, and can also be harder to find in a variety of sizes.
Steel: As a beginner, you won't want to be using a steel hook. These come in mostly small sizes as they are used for finer, lace-like work. As a more advanced crocheter, you can create a beautiful amount of detail using this type of hook.
My recommendation for a beginner is to use an aluminium hook. The majority of hooks you will find in craft stores or online are aluminium and so they will not be difficult to find and buy.
Hook Sizes:
Crochet hooks are measured in millimetres which increase in increments of 0.5 (2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm etc.). The best size to get, initially, would be 4mm as this size can be used with a variety of yarns and also creates a good stitch size.
In another post, the difference between UK and US crochet terms, I also have a table showing the difference between UK and US crochet hook sizes. Most people work in UK sizes as (to me at least) they make more sense. However, if you do want to use US hook sizes, make sure you check out the difference.
Wool:
The Standard Yarn Weight System is how yarn in measured. If you look on the label on your yarn, you will see the symbol of wool with a number in it. This will show you what weight the wool is.
Wool comes in many, many different weights and sizes. I am still learning about them and it is something that will take time to come to grips with. The most popular yarn weight for beginners is DK yarn (also know as double knit, or light worsted yarn) and worsted/aran yarn. These two types are also often the most easy to come by and are a great size to learn how to crochet with.
My recommendation is to use a yarn that isn't too thin when you are first learning- it is better to use a yarn that is too thick than too thin.
Extra Crochet Equipment:
Some extra essentials include scissors, stitch markers, and a darning needle.
Stitch markers do just that... they mark important stitches. If you are working in a circle, or have a certain stitch you need to keep count of, you use a stitch marker to mark it. Whilst you do not necessarily need this when you are first learning, they are handy to have, just in case.
And there you are! If you liked this post, make sure you check out my other beginner posts, and make sure you subscribe to our monthly newsletter so that you never miss out on a new, free crochet pattern.
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