So, you want to start crocheting but don’t know what to get or where to begin? Well, I’ve got you covered!

I started crocheting at the beginning of COVID when my friend and I decided we needed a hobby to keep our mental health in check. One day, during a weekly drive, we pulled into a Walmart so my friend could answer a work call. I wandered inside, and when I saw that yarn was on sale, I figured—why not?

I had worked with yarn before—my mom got my sister and me looms for Christmas when we were younger so we could make leg warmers for dance—but I had never crocheted. At the time, amigurumi projects were all over TikTok, and they looked so beautiful that I thought, I’m doing it.

I bought a hook and some yarn and dove into the deep end. Unfortunately, I chose one of the hardest projects ever—a big amigurumi dinosaur. It took me forever, and I quickly realized two things:

A) I should have researched the proper supplies.

B) I should have started with something smaller.

To help you avoid my beginner mistakes, I’ve put together a list of must-haves that will make your crochet experience as calming as you hope it will be. I’ve also included three tips to help you start your first project with confidence!

Essential Crochet Supplies

There are both expensive and inexpensive versions of these supplies. While some are necessary—like a hook—you don’t need everything on this list right away. If you’re unsure whether crochet will become your new hyperfixation, the first item is really all you need to start!

1 - The Right Hooks

While Walmart is great for craft supplies, the hooks I first bought were my nemesis. I personally hated the stainless steel hooks—they were hard to hold, and my yarn kept slipping off. I eventually ordered a set of rubber-handled hooks on Amazon, and they were a total game-changer. The rubber handles make gripping the hook easier and more comfortable, and my yarn stays put when I set my project down.

There are ergonomic hooks available, but I actually find them less ergonomic. That’s just my experience—your preference may differ!

2 - Stitch Markers

This may seem obvious, but trust me—I tried every alternative. Bobby pins, scrap yarn… nothing worked as well as actual stitch markers. There are plenty of inexpensive options on Amazon, and they’re worth every penny.

3 - Yarn Bowl

When a friend from my old job gave me a yarn bowl for Secret Santa, I was skeptical. Before that, I let my yarn roll around freely. But once I used it, I was hooked (pun intended). No more pulling, untangling, or shaking knots loose.

There are many types of yarn bowls—wooden or ceramic, small or large. While I love the one my friend made, it’s small and best suited for smaller skeins. If you work with chunky yarns, look for a larger bowl with multiple holes for feeding different strands through. If you opt for a wooden one, make sure it’s well-sanded so your yarn doesn’t snag.

4 - Yarn Baller

A yarn baller (or yarn winder) is a lifesaver. Many yarn skeins are wrapped in a figure-eight pattern, which leads to tangles and knots. Winding your yarn into balls may take time, but it saves you from hours of frustration later.

5 - Blocking Board

If you’re making granny squares, a blocking board (or peg board) is key. Blocking helps squares maintain their shape by stretching them while damp. However, this method works best with natural fibers like wool—synthetic yarns don’t hold their shape the same way.

For synthetic yarns, you can use an iron, but it requires careful technique to avoid melting the fibers. (Let me know if you’d like a guide on that!)

6 - Yarn Bag

My mom got me a yarn bag for Christmas last year, and it was the best gift. I’d wanted one for ages because it’s the perfect way to keep projects organized—especially on the go. The one I have has eyelets to thread yarn through, which is great when I don’t have my yarn bowl handy.

It’s also a must-have if you have pets (cough yarn thieves cough). Plus, it has compartments for hooks, scissors, and stitch markers. Highly recommend!

7 - Darning Needles

These are essential for weaving in ends and finishing projects, especially for amigurumi. Some hook sets come with darning needles, but they’re often flimsy. I prefer a sturdy set, like this one that comes with both darning needles and stitch markers!

8 - Yarn Swatch Card

This might sound unnecessary, but hear me out. If you’re making a multi-colored project, it helps to have a sample of each yarn. Many patterns label colors as Yarn A, Yarn B, etc., which can get confusing.

Punch holes in a piece of cardboard, thread a strand of each yarn through, and label them. I reuse mine by adding new labels over previous ones. It’s a simple trick, but it makes a huge difference in keeping things organized—especially for projects like crochet-alongs.

3 Tips for Your First Crochet Project

1 - Learn the Stitches & Terms

Before starting, check whether your pattern uses US or UK terms. These systems are not interchangeable, and switching between them can be confusing at first.

For example, a UK double crochet (dc) is a US single crochet (sc). If you follow a UK pattern and then switch to a US pattern without realizing it, your project could turn out way bigger than expected.

Here’s a quick conversion chart to help:

UK Terms US Terms

Double Crochet (dc) Single Crochet (sc)

Half Treble (htr) Half Double (hdc)

Treble (tr) Double Crochet (dc)

Double Treble (dtr) Treble (tr)

Some patterns don’t specify which terminology they use, so if that happens, try zooming in on photos to determine the stitch type.

2 - Start Small

I made the mistake of choosing a complicated pattern right away. While I can now easily increase, decrease, and read patterns, I wish I had practiced with small swatches first.

Before starting your first project, try making small practice squares using different stitches (e.g., UK double crochet/US single crochet, half trebles, etc.). This will help you get comfortable with tension, hook positioning, and stitch placement—saving you from unnecessary frustration.

3 - Find the Right Learning Resource

Learning crochet can feel overwhelming, but the right resources make all the difference.

If you’re a visual learner, YouTube tutorials are invaluable. I found this video super helpful when I was starting out. If you prefer written instructions, there are great beginner crochet books available too.

Crochet can be such a fun and rewarding hobby once you get the hang of it! It might seem tricky at first, but finding what works best for you will make the learning process much smoother.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be posting a few beginner-friendly crochet patterns. Want to be the first to see them? Subscribe to my newsletter so you don’t miss out!

That’s all from me today—have an Artful day!

Rebecca

The Artful Chapter

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This post contains photos made using digital tools to reflect the aesthetic of my brand and are not the products Linked in my post.

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