Crochet: What You Need to Get Started!

Crochet: What You Need to Get Started!

Ever wanted to learn how to crochet, but have no clue what you need to attempt such a fun and relaxing craft? I have got some suggestions for you!

When I learned how to crochet, I bought a kit that had a booklet, hooks, stitch markers, etc. These are a great all-in-1 kit and a great value. There are different brands at your local craft store and I highly recommend them. Some contain a hook and a booklet and others contain items you may not even need to use for your first project.

If you want to get going and have a few of the essentials, or get the kit and find you are missing items or want to know what else will be beneficial, the following are items I suggest. I made sure my daughter and nieces had many of these items when they learned to crochet!

Let’s start with the tools you will need: hooks, tape measure, cutting implement, stitch markers, needles.

Hooks:

These are the tools you will use to crochet yarn or thread into a masterpiece! They come in all different sizes denoted by a letter and millimeter size toward the handle of the hook. You will find them made in a variety of materials including plastic, acrylic, aluminum, and wood. Some hooks light up which is handy for when you’re hooking in the dark or on darker yarns that are hard to see.  Foam grips and universal ergonomic hook holders can provide comfort for your hands as you stitch.

Tape Measure: 

Depending upon your project, you’ll either need to make sure you’re following the gauge of the pattern or to make sure you’re making your creation to the correct size. It doesn’t have to be fancy!

Cutting Implement:

Scissors, nippers or a cutting pendant is helpful for snipping yarns when changing colors or finishing your project. I carry a pendant as it is small and I don’t have to worry about sharp points accidentally poking a hole into my project bag.

Stitch Markers: 

These are helpful for marking certain points in your project where you may need to come back to, perform special stitches or show the beginning of a round. They are usually plastic and come in an array of fun colors. Some look like safety pins and others like a coil. I prefer the safety pin type as they are easy to use and don’t snag the yarn as the coil type can do.

Needles: 

When your project is complete, you will have the task of weaving in your yarn ends or tails. These are left when you change colors, add in a new skein, as well as at the start and finish of your project. Needles can be plastic, metal, straight, or curved.

Instructions are very helpful for the beginner and seasoned crocheter alike. There are always new techniques and stitches to be learned!

The 2 plastic guides on the left, “Pocket Guide Crochet” & “Learning to Crochet“, are very helpful for getting started quickly as well as taking on the go! They are filled with basic stitches and serve as a handy reference tool.

“All About Crochet: The Dictionary of Crochet Stitches and Techniques”  is one of my favorite books! I always carry it in my project bag. It is a reference guide that not only has basic stitches, but also a smattering of classic stitches, terms, care instructions, and measurements to name a few!

“Crocheting for Dummies” is not because I think you are one, but because of it’s step-by-step in depth instructions complete with illustrations so you don’t have to guess what they are talking about!

“Crocheting School” has beautiful color pictures and step-by-step instructions on easy and advanced stitches, including joining pieces, making cords and buttons.

Of course there are more books than you could ever read in your lifetime out there. These are just a few of my favorites that I turn to over and over. I have seen some books promise big things, but missed on not having pictures or not enough detail in their instructional portion. Make sure you vet the book before you buy to make sure it is easy for you to understand in the midst of your crochet journey!

Happy Hooking!