Learning to Crochet? How to get started
What crochet supplies do you need?
There is a lot to think about when learning to crochet and it can be a bit overwhelming to work out how to get going. Here, I have a list of materials which are really useful for getting started and some tips and tricks.
Crochet hooks
The most important thing you need when starting to crochet is a crochet hook! There are a lot of hooks with different sizes so lets dig into it.
The crochet hook you will need will depend on the size of yarn you use. If you are crocheting amigurumi (plushies), you always want to drop down a size to give it a neater look at the end. For example, if you are using yarn that recommends a 6mm hook, you will need a 5.5mm hook. A 5.5mm hook is the one I use the most.
You can just get one hook to start if you know what yarn you are going to use. I would, however, recommend getting a selection so that you are not limited. Here is a good starter pack on Amazon. This is actually the same pack that I used when I started crocheting!
Yarn
The other most important thing is yarn. The yarn you pick will depend on what you will be making. If you are making plushies, I would recommend chenille yarn. It is thicker and softer and looks great at the end. It is a bit harder to work with to start, but I use this yarn in my amigurumi lessons because if you can work with chenille yarn, you can work with any yarn! Paintbox chenille from Love Crafts is a great choice. You can find it here
If you are working on granny squares or blankets, a thinner cotton yarn will do the trick (acrylic will work too). The cotton yarn I use to teach with is Paintbox Cotton from lovecrafts. It is high quality but also good value, particularly if you buy a few at a time. You can find it here
Stitch markers
Stitch markers are so helpful with crochet, particularly amigurumi. It can help you keep your round even and is also useful if you are struggling to see your stitches. They do get lost easily so its always useful to have a few spare! These are the stitch markers I use
If you have bought a crochet kit then it may be included, so check before buying more stitch markers.
Plushie stuffing
If you are making plushies, you will of course need something to stuff it with! I use this pack from amazon. It's really good value and also conforms to the flammability regulations. It is quite a bit pack so it will keep you going for a while.
Scissors
Scissors are quite important as if not you will have a ball of yarn attached to your project! These scissors are lovely and also have a case for when you are not using them
Needles
If you buy a crochet kit these may be included already. You will need a range of needles depending on what you are making. If you are using thicker yarn, you will need a needle with a larger eye, but if you are using thinner cotton yarn you will need a much smaller one. I have used this pack since there is quite a range of sizes and the tube is really useful for keeping them all in one place. You can find it on amazon
