How To Crochet in 2023
Thinking about starting a new hobby this year? More specifically, are you thinking about finally teaching yourself how to start crocheting in 2023? Learn about all the crochet essentials an absolute beginner would need to start crocheting! (And of course all the nice to haves if you’re super invested or like to hyper fixate on new hobbies…like me :)
Not only will you find the supplies you need to start growing your crochet collection, but I give you multiple sources and options for all sorts of budgets. The purpose is to try and get as many people who want to learn and start crocheting to actually get started!
Crochet Hook
My favorite and most used size is the 5.0 mm crochet hook. I would recommend this size to anyone looking to invest into only one hook. It’s the goldilocks of hooks, not too small and not too large.
Because you can find sets of crochet hooks sizes comparable to prices of just one crochet hook, I’ve linked some below. Whether you choose to buy a set at the beginning, or as your addiction experience grows, you will eventually buy more hooks because you will get addicted want to try out different projects that require different sized yarns and hooks!
2. Yarn
The essential of all essentials on this list. Yarn! There are so many types of textures, weights and materials to experiment with. My most used type of yarn would have to be acrylic yarn for its accessibility and affordability. Classically a weight 4 yarn and super soft too! Cotton yarn is another popular yarn choice; one that I’m still trying to incorporate into my regular project rotation lol. I would recommend those two types of yarn for beginners starting out, but there are other types of yarn such as wool, cashmere, alpaca, mohair, silk, etc to look forward to!
Here are my favorite yarn brands of all time and what I love them for:
Hobbii
Incredible selection of yarns, free patterns, incredible source of inspiration through social media and create challenges throughout the year to foster community and creativity!
Joann
They ALWAYS have coupons, have their own yarn brand called Big Twist, which also happens to be my favorite acrylic yarn to purchase from them. They also carry other supplies for my other undiscovered new hobbies so I never leave empty-handed.
Premier
Probably one of the softest acrylic yarns I have used. Found them in Dollar Tree, very affordable.
3. Scissors
Pretty self explanatory… you need something to cut your yarn. All do the same thing and I wouldn’t necessarily recommend one pair over another. However, if your wrists or hands are sensitive/you’re cutting a bunch of yarn for let’s say a pom pom, I love using thread snips for less grip pressure.
4. Darning Needle
Darning needles will be how you weave in your ends when you finish fastening off a project. Think of them as a bigger and duller version of a sewing needle. I typically use a sewing needle with a big eye for extra security, but that definitely results in a lot more stabbing and bleeding fingers. If you’re a beginner or just sane, I’d go with the darning needle. Some come straight, others curved. I don’t a huge difference in the final result, though I do prefer the curved as I find it easier to weave in my crochet projects with it.
5. Stitch Markers
Stitch markers are an essential I didn’t know I needed until I started working in the round. (if that doesn’t make sense yet don’t worry it will soon!) I cannot live without them and use them practically everyday. I lose these little suckers quickly so my collection of stitch markers has grown over time. Now while I consider these an essential, they can be easily substituted with items you have lying around your house if you don’t feel like purchasing them. Try hoop earrings, safety pins, paper clips, heck even a string of yarn works!
6. Measuring Tape
This is another essential item that probably might already be lying around your house. Nothing special about this item, and you’ll most likely use them for crochet projects that you design yourself (if you get into that) or patterns that use measuring instead of stitch count. Nevertheless, it’s a good item to have in your arsenal when crocheting.
On to the exciting part… Nice to haves!
1. Yarn Winder
This is game changer! I honestly wish I bought this sooner than I did. As you get more into crocheting, you’ll find yourself at a point where you might be purchasing yarn at an alarming rate, much faster than you can use them…(someone relate to this lol). Or perhaps more realistically, you have some collection of half used yarn, too floppy to store upright, too much yarn left to add it to your scrap collection. If this is you, then the yarn winder will be your best friend. It allowed me to consolidate my used yarn stash and simultaneously create a more functional storage system. It saves space, and keeps all my skeins/cakes the same size!
2. Yarn Carrier
Not a necessity and only for those who show their obsessions in public. HAHA I feel like this blogpost is just me calling myself out for my addictions. Anyways if you crochet in public or like to take your projects with you while you’re out and about…you know running errands, at a coffee shop, or just walking… you need this magical hamster ball. It’s a clear yarn carrier that holds your yarn like a purse and has a tiny silicone stand so it won’t roll away. I also support carrying an emotional tote bag with 23984 projects you know won’t get done in the time you are outside of your house but bring anyways
3. Yarn Bowl
This is great if you’re tired of your yarn constantly rolling around while you’re crocheting. I will be one hundred percent honest with you always… I currently use my yarn bowl as a catch-all tray for random things like stitch markers, coins, scrunchies, a thrifted fancy spoon, pins, etc. Did I ever use it for its intended purpose? Yes. Do I find it more functional now as a junk bowl? Also yes. This is why I wouldn’t classify a yarn bowl as an essential and definitely as a nice to have!
4. Safety Eyes
If you see yourself getting into making toys and stuffed animals, safety eyes are amazing! They’re super easy to add to your projects and in my humble opinion elevate the quality of your toys. Disclaimer that contrary to their name, safety eyes can be a choking hazard, if you intend to sell or make items for babies or pets please do not leave them unsupervised with toys containing safety eyes. You can glue them on for extra security or replace them with embroidered eyes to prevent the hazard all together. I love the look of safety eyes and absolutely recommend them, but throwing out that warning because I am a responsible person.
5. Polyfil Polyester Stuffing
Essential for making toys or stuffed animals. I have it under “nice to have” because I don’t imagine someone starting out with stuffing toys as their first project as an absolute beginner.
6. Pom Pom Makers
Make perfect pom poms EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I use to DIY card stock pom pom makers, and while they work, it was more tedious and did not have a consistent look. Will always recommend these, I’m obsessed and it’s so fast to add pom poms to your crochet hats with them!
7. Crochet Books
This is what everyone on my social media platforms are obsessing over! If you didn’t know not only can you buy a pattern for a specific project, you can buy whole books with a collection of patterns that include photos and instructions on how to make your own! There are limitless free patterns online if you look for them, but if you’re anything like me and can’t stop thinking about a specific item until you get it, then purchasing patterns might be for you!
8. Storage Cart
There are so many ways you can store your yarn. I’ve yet to find a system I’m completely happy with. As someone who has a minimalist aesthetic with maxamilist? hobbies, I find my room is being overpopulated with a lot of craft supplies. Using a yarn winder and a storage cart has helped me keep my yarn collection “contained” and mobile. I can wheel this baby around wherever I need to.
Some of these links contain affiliate links. That means I get rewarded for referring you to a specific site/product. It is at no cost to you, and helps support me and my future content!
