Looking at the beautifully made sweaters, cardigans, shawls, gloves, or even winter hats, you may have thought of how they are made. You may even know how to knit or sew but wondered how these wonderful patterns are made in these clothes by using other forms. Well, that is the beauty of crocheting. All the great well-crafted dresses are made with a simple process called crocheting. This type of needlework uses a hook and loops of yarn for fabric. With only the need of two basic or core materials simple to complicated crochet stitches can be done in any type of clothes you want to make.
This is a fantastic hobby and affordable too. The basic materials that are required for crocheting are low-cost and you can do this anywhere you want. In your house, outside in the park, anywhere you go. If you’re looking to start this as your new hobby you need to invest less and learn how to stitch the basic process. In this article, we’ll get to know what is required to start crocheting and additional details that will help you to learn the process much more easily.
Key Takeaways
- To start crocheting, you will need some essential tools like yarn, crochet hooks, yarn needles, scissors, stitch markers, and measuring tape.
- Learn the explanation of why these tools are important and how you can effectively use them.
- There are 7 other additional tools that you might need for crocheting that can help you make it easier.
Essential Tools Required to Start Crocheting
As it is being said, crocheting is a very simple and easy stitching process. Only two basic tools/materials are needed to make anything you want. But there are other related tools that are required too.
First, get to gather or buy the following tools and materials:
- Yarn. This is the fabric that is used to stitch and make clothes. The base material.
- Crochet Hook. It is a round shaft pointed at the top. It is used to make a loop in yarn and interconnect the stitches.
- Yarn Needle. This needle is used to weave the end of yarn in threads and make the crochet.
- A pair of Scissors. Small-sized, very sharp scissors are needed. These are also called embroidery scissors.
- Stitch Markers. These are used to keep track of work and indicate which side of the fabric is on the work.
- Measuring Tape. A flexible one will be used to check how many stitches are done and measure the width and length of cloth you’re making especially for wearable ones.
Now, let’s get into more detail about the tools and materials that are mentioned above:
Yarn
To start crocheting, it is important to know about the basic materials. Yarn is one of the main components of crocheting as it is the fabric of the cloth you’re making. There are different factors that you need to know about yarn. These factors make a difference in your crocheting experience.
The factor to look into for buying yarn is:
- Size (Weight) – In the case of yarn, it is measured in weight. Weight depends on the thickness of the yarn. Usually, the size of the yarn is given on the label but there is a range of this number, and also has different names. This is due to the different weights of yarn used for the clothing you make.
There are seven weight categories –
| Number | Referred as |
|---|---|
| 0 | Lace |
| 1 | Super Fine |
| 2 | Fine |
| 3 | Light/DK |
| 4 | Medium or also known as worsted weight |
| 5 | Bulky |
| 6 | Super Bulky |
| 7 | Jumbo |
- Fiber content – Yarn is made from different types of fibers. These fibers are categorized into 3 types; Natural fibers, Synthetic fibers, and Blended yarns.
Natural fibers can be broken into two parts; Plant-based, and animal-based. Cotton, bamboo, and linen are plant-based fibers. Wool, merino wool, alpaca, cashmere, and mohair are animal-based fibers. Silk is a bit different as it comes from silkworms but is still considered natural fiber yarn.
Out of the natural fiber yarns, Cotton and wool are the most popular ones. For crochet stitching, cotton is mostly used for making coasters, pot holders, hot pads, and washcloths as they are easily machine washable. Wool is made from the fleece of sheep and these fiber yarns are basically used for warm and cozy garments like sweaters, winter hats, blankets, etc. Animal-based yarns are to be handled with care as they are delicate.
Synthetic fibers are made man-made. Instead of using natural materials, these are made of different types of plastics. Synthetic fibers are very common such as acrylic, polyester, nylon, and rayon.
Acrylic is the most popular one among synthetic fiber yarn as they are inexpensive, easily available, and also light. Synthetic fiber is a bit rough than Natural fibers and is not breathable too. Usually, these fibers are water-resistant, stain-resistant, and don’t absorb heat or moisture for which such garments are worn in damp conditions.
Blended yarns are a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers. These yarns get the quality of both mixtures. Blended yarns can be a mixture of two or more fibers, for example, cotton, acrylic, and polyester. Among the blended fibers, cotton is the most mixed fiber. There are blended ones of cotton with polyester, cotton with wool, cotton with acrylic, cotton with nylon, are more. The blend is done in different ratios depending on what garment is made.
Blended yarns are widely used for garments like sweaters, tops, shawls, cardigans, etc. Also used for dishcloths and washcloths.
- Texture – This is important to know which fiber contains what type of textures. Depending on the fibers, yarns are too fine, bumpy, slippery, or even silky. This is important for someone who wants to start crocheting and needs to use yarns with proper texture so it is easy to make. There are different types of textures but for starters, you cannot work.
- Color – Different ranges of colored yarns are available. Most are solid colors but stripped ones are also available. Light or bright colors are preferable to use for crocheting. Dark colors are difficult and are used by more skilled people.
For starters, it is recommended to use medium or worsted weight yarns which are light or bright in colors that are smooth. The use of light or bright colors is recommended as it is easier to see the stitches you are making. Try to use acrylic or acrylic blend yarn as they are less costly than others.
Note: Dark or solid colors like black or navy are difficult to see for beginners. Even there is an exception in light colors, that is white. The texture of yarns also matters when starting to crocheting. It will be difficult for you to work yarn with textures that are too silky, too fine, too bumpy, or even too slippery.
Crochet hook
Out of the two base components, the crochet hook is the second most important tool in crocheting. This is what loops and stitches the yarns together.
There are different types of crochet hooks but it is categorized into only two types. Inline crochet hook and tapered crochet hook.
Inline crochet hook
The name itself indicates why it is called an inline crochet hook as the head is in line with the body or shaft. the width of both the shaft and hook are the same. The body of the hook is angular, the lip is defined and has a deeper mouth with a pointer tip.
To make uniform stitches, an inline crochet hook is helpful to use as it has pointed angles for which it can easily enter tight stitches.
Tapered crochet hook
The body of the tapered crochet hook is cylindrical with a throat narrower than the body. The hook itself is less deep and the tip is almost blunt. Basically the opposite of inline crochet hooks.
There are other types of crochet hooks with slight changes but either uses inline or tapered hook. These are mentioned below:
- Ergonomic crochet hooks – This uses any of the inline or tapered hooks. The handle is large in size. The design of this hook eases any pain in the wrist which occurs during long-time crocheting. Handles are also interchangeable depending on your comfort.
- Tunisian crochet hooks – Compared to traditional crochet hooks this hook is much longer. Using a similar process to knitting, this hook is used for certain stitches to hold in a single line. This hook is specific to the Tunisian stitching style.
- Knook crochet hooks – This hook is also used for a similar technique used in knitting. There is a nylon cord at the end of the shaft. The threads on the nylon cord help to create a knit look.
- Various types of materials are used in crochet hooks. Each one reacts differently to the yarn fiber while using it. The materials that are usually used in a different hook are:
- Aluminum hooks – This material is mostly available in all sizes. Also comes in sets.
- Plastic hooks – These hooks are flexible and have almost no grip. For long-term usage, they could even break.
The next important thing to know about the crochet hooks after the types is the size of it. This depends on the type of crochet you are making. When buying the yarn for your material, the recommended size will be given on the label of it. According to the recommended size you need to buy the crochet hooks. Simply put, for thin yearns thin hooks are used, and for thick yarns thick hooks are used.
There are variations in crochet hook size. The sizes are classified by letters, numbers, and metric system (millimeters). The metric system is used for universal usage. The only uniqueness in measurement is the United States, where they use the letter and number system. There is also a number system used for old UK sizes.
The following is the chart of the crochet hook sizes:
| US Size (Letter & Number) | Metric Size (mm) | Old UK Size |
|---|---|---|
| – | 2 | 14 |
| B, 1 | 2.25 | – |
| – | 2.5 | 12 |
| C, 2 | 2.75 | – |
| – | 3 | 10 |
| D, 3 | 3.25 | 11 |
| E, 4 | 3.5 | 9 |
| F, 5 | 3.75 | – |
| G, 6 | 4 | 8 |
| 7 | 4.5 | 7 |
| H, 8 | 5 | 6 |
| I, 9 | 5.5 | 5 |
| J, 10 | 6 | 4 |
| K, 10.5 | 6.5 | 3 |
| – | 7 | 2 |
| L, 11 | 8 | – |
| M, 13 | 9 | – |
| N, 15 | 10 | – |
| P | 12 | – |
| Q (16 mm) | 15 | – |
| Q | 16 | – |
| S (19 mm) | 20 | – |
Note: Hook size in the U.S. also depends on the manufacturers. They use the number system for these types of hooks which makes confusion for users. Compared to metric size, there are several number sizes, for example, 2.75 mm and 2.35 mm are both referred to as 1.
For recommendations to beginners, there are no specific crochet hook sizes to use. It depends on what type of hooks you are comfortable with, You can either use aluminum.
Yarn needle
It is also one of the essential tools for crocheting. These needles come in different sizes, shapes, and materials. A yarn needle is larger than usual sewing needles and also blunt-tipped. Yarn needles are also called tapestry needles or darning needles.
Yarn needles are available in two material types; metal, and plastic. These needles are also available in different sizes and it depends on the thickness of the yarn. A needle with a larger eye is required for bulky yarns whereas, a smaller eye is for fine or superfine yarns. The shape of needles is also considered for crocheting. Either straight or bent-tip needles are used depending on the crocheting types. The tips are soft not like the sharp sewing needles.
Yarn needles can be bought in sets where they are available in different sizes and also in both straight and bent-tips.
Scissors
For crocheting, not any type of scissors can be used. To have a smooth cut of threads, you need a sharp scissor. You can use any scissors in your house that are sharp enough to cut them hassle-free. Otherwise, you can buy yarn scissors which a small in size, sharp, and lightweight too.
Stitch markers
These markers are small tools and are very helpful while crocheting. Stitch markers help to keep count of the stitches you make. You need to buy a handful of markers when you’re learning to make crocheting. Stitch markers are used at the beginning or end of a row, and to keep track of the increase and decrease of the stitches.
Stitch markers are available in box sets and are very inexpensive. They come in a range of colors, shapes, and materials. It is recommended to use stitch markers with a locking system so that they can be easily placed or removed when done with stitching. Closed markers are not for crocheting. There are plastic and metal stitch markers.
If you are considering a budget, you can use any of the safety pins, paper clips, or even hair pins (known as bobby pins).
Measuring tape
A soft and bendable measuring tape is used to get the measurements on the size of the stitches used and the perfect fit for wearable items. This makes certain that the size of your item is correct and also wrap able around wearable items.
7 Additional Tools and Supplies
It is helpful to have more tools and supplies in addition to the essential ones to make your crocheting journey easier. As a beginner, you require all the tools that are needed to make your learning better.
Crochet hook case/organizer
To keep all your essential tools together this is a very helpful thing for you. You don’t have to keep all your crocheting items in different places but rather more organized and easy for you to store. If you want, you can also carry them around anywhere you go.
Yarn ball winder and a yarn swift
Just like the name suggests, a yarn ball winder is a rotating device that helps you wind up a packed yarn into a ball. A winded yarn is very much helpful while crocheting that keeps you from getting unnecessary breaks if the yarn is tangled.
A yarn swift is different from a ball winder. This device is similar in looks to an umbrella. A runner or knob is pushed to an adjustable height with the required size of stretchers for the yarn and then locked.
To use both devices together, at first, hook both the swift and winder on the edges of a table. Put the unwinded yarn on the swift holder adjusting it to the size you required. Then cut one of the threads of the yarn pull it through the hook or guide of the ball winder and wrap a little bit. Turn the handle of the winder and keep it till a whole ball of yarn is made.
Yarn bowl
It may seem like a thing you don’t need at the beginning but it is better to have one. This helps you to keep your yarn in one place and not get tangled or messy at times. Yarn bowls are made of different materials like wood, plastic, and ceramic.
Swatch ruler and hook gauge
As a beginner and even after becoming more skilled, a swatch ruler and needle gauge are needed. This helps to measure your crochet gauge. Before making a product you measure the size of the hook by placing the shaft using the needle gauge. This is done to make sure you’re using the right crochet hook for the yarn you will be using. Then use the swatch ruler on the product that you’re making to check is in the required size that you wanted.
Row counter
This is a very helpful device for long projects and especially for beginners. A row counter helps you to keep count of the rows you have crotched. It is also used to create patterns. Row counters are available in two models; mechanical and digital. For some mechanical ones, you can even lock the counter when not in use to help you keep the progress you made for later purposes.
Blocking mats and pins
Blocking helps to keep the stitch smooth and keeps the edges straightened. It helps to give a more professional finish to the material you make. T-pins are used to hold your made pieces together. There are different types of blocking mats to help you with the required design. Blocking mat contains grid and circular lines helping you to make angular or complicated products, like gloves, socks, hats, etc.
Blocking mat comes in different materials like basic mats, thick mats, wooded frame, etc. The t-pins are usually made of steel. The blocking mats hold your garments together making them a bit stretched but can never be used to make them smaller. T-pins are long enough to stack your designed garments.
Crochet bag or tote
You know you can crochet anywhere you want. This is the fun of doing it. Since you’re learning to crochet you may need to visit different places to harness your skills. This is where a crochet bag, which is also called a tote, comes in handy. You can carry all your crocheting tools and essentials together and move along. A crochet bag easily stores all your crochet tools and essentials in one place.
FAQs
Is crocheting easy for beginners?
What materials are required for crocheting?
What type of yarn is needed to crochet?
Why is crochet so popular?
Why is crochet a hobby?
Final Thoughts
If you’re interested in crocheting and want to learn the craft you would need only a few tools to start with like a yarn, crochet hooks, yarn needle, scissors, and a measuring tape. In doing so, you also need to know the type of yarns you want to use for your different projects using various types of hooks and other tools. There is no need to buy extras unless you get to understand your preference. Crocheting is fun and you can do it on the go.