Essential Crochet Tools for Beginners: What You Really Need to Start Crocheting

By Nicki Byrnes – Crochet Instructor & Pattern Designer

If you’re brand new to crochet, you may be wondering: What tools do you actually need to crochet? You’re not alone! A common challenge for beginners is figuring out which crochet tools and accessories are essential—and which ones can wait.

Below, I’ve put together a beginner-friendly guide to crochet tools, yarn, and accessories. I’ve also included a list of “nice-to-have” items that make crocheting easier and more enjoyable as you progress.

These crochet essentials also make a fantastic holiday gift—perfect for someone interested in learning, anyone who loves crafting, or a friend who might fall in love with yarn.

A full list with links is included at the end of this post. Pro tip: thrift stores and creative reuse shops often have hooks, yarn, and notions at budget-friendly prices!

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1. Yarn: Your First Crochet Supply

Let’s start with the most essential (and fun!) item in your toolkit: yarn.

Best Yarn for Beginner Crocheters

For your first project, I recommend acrylic yarn. It’s affordable, easy to find, and available in many colors. You can find beginner-friendly options at Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Walmart, or online through craft stores and yarn-brand websites.

Supporting local yarn shops is also wonderful—they carry higher-end fibers, but staff can usually point you toward beginner-friendly, affordable options. And don’t overlook creative reuse centers! Perfect for beginners who don’t need multiple skeins of one color. A quick Google search will show you local options. I wrote a whole blog post about why these stores are such hidden gems—you can read it here!

I wrote a whole blog post about why these stores are such gems—you can read it here!

Why Medium (4) / Worsted Weight Yarn is Perfect

Choose a yarn labeled Medium (4), also called worsted weight. It’s the most beginner-friendly for several reasons:

• Easy to see stitches: The medium thickness makes it easier to spot mistakes. Light or neutral colors improve visibility even more.
• Good for your hands: Not too thick or heavy, making it comfortable for longer sessions.
• Versatile: Works for scarves, blankets, sweaters, toys, and more.
• Accessible: Widely available at craft and yarn stores.
• Forgiving: Smooth, balanced texture creates a sturdy but not overly dense fabric.

A Quick Guide to Yarn Labels

Yarn labels can feel overwhelming at first. Here’s what to look for:

• The number (such as “4”) tells you the yarn’s thickness.
• The crochet hook icon shows the recommended hook size for that yarn weight.
• The numbers around the hook icon represent the gauge—how many stitches and rows you can expect in a 4″ x 4″ swatch using the suggested hook and yarn.
• Labels also include other helpful details, such as laundering instructions, yardage, fiber content, and more

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2. Crochet Hooks: Your First Essential Tool

The crochet hook size you use depends on the thickness of your yarn. Thicker yarn = larger hook.

Crochet hooks list both a US size and metric size (for example: H-8 / 5.00 mm). Check your yarn label for the recommended hook.

If you’re working with Medium (4) yarn, the following hook sizes are ideal for beginners:

• H-8 / 5.00 mm
• I-9 / 5.25 mm

These sizes are comfortable, easy to learn with, and perfect for beginner projects.

Recommended Hook Options

• Individual aluminum hooks
• Aluminum crochet hook set
• Ergonomic crochet hook set (great for comfort and reduced hand strain)

All of these can be found at Michaels or online.

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3. Nice-to-Have Crochet Tools

As you grow as a crocheter, these tools can make your life easier.

Optional Crochet Tools & Accessories

• Super bulky yarn (Weight 6) — some new crocheters benefit from thicker yarn that’s easier to see. I especially find this true with younger learners who have little hands.
  • Try: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
• N / 10 mm hook for super bulky yarn
• Sharp scissors
• Heavy-duty scissors for trimming pom-poms
• Tapestry / yarn needles for weaving in ends
• Retractable measuring tape
• Stitch markers
• Clover pom-pom maker
• Project bag or tote
• Accessory pouches for hooks and notions

A Note on Project Bags and Totes

As your yarn stash and crochet supplies grow, you’ll want a way to store everything neatly. Whether that’s a shelf, a plastic bin with a lid, or a soft storage bin is up to you.

Then, I like to carry my current project in its own bag, along with:

• The crochet hook I’m using
• My accessories pouch with scissors, yarn needle, stitch markers, and measuring tape
• My pattern print-out and a pen or pencil for notes (like where I left off)
• A little extra, like hand lotion and chapstick, just because

If I’m working on multiple projects at once, I use a couple of bags to keep things organized. Everyone has their own process though, and when you’re starting out, one project bag is perfect. At least until you start making your own bags…then go crazy!

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4. Ready to Start Your First Project?

Unsure where to start once you have the tools? Check out my blog post, Where to Start When Learning to Crochet.

Ready to crochet your first crochet pattern? Start simple! My #1 recommendation is a big rectangular scarf. Just choose a width for your scarf, repeat row after row of the same number of single crochet stitches until your desired length and you will:

• Find your rhythm
• Develop consistent tension
• Count stitches so your rows stay even
• Learn how to turn at the end of each row

Or, try this easy and cute pattern (which is also very giftable!) Free Beginner Crochet Pattern: Bow Coffee Sleeve.

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5. My Full Recommended Crochet Tools Checklist

My full Recommended Crochet Tools & Accessories List is below, with links so you can see exactly what each item looks like. Feel free to share this list and my blog post!

• Worsted weight yarn
• H-8 / 5.00 mm
• I-9 / 5.25 mm
• Super bulky yarn
• N / 10 mm hook
• Aluminum crochet hook set
• Ergonomic crochet hook set or this smaller set
• Sharp scissors
• Heavy-duty scissors
• Tapestry / yarn needles
• Retractable measuring tape
• Stitch markers
• Clover pom-pom maker set
• Project bag or tote
• Accessory pouches

If you have a favorite tool I didn’t mention, leave a comment and let me know.