Crochet Foundations

Crochet Tools Every Beginner Needs

Nich F.

•21/June/2025•6 min read

A collection of beginner crochet tools including hooks, scissors, and stitch markers on a wooden table.

📚 Table of Contents

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The Absolute Essentials

Very Helpful Tools

Nice to Have (Eventually)

What You Can Skip (For Now)

Building Your Collection Smartly

Hello everyone! Today we're talking about the tools you need to get started with crochet. When I first decided to learn, I went a bit overboard and bought every gadget I could find, thinking it would somehow make me better at crocheting. Spoiler alert: it didn't! Turns out, you really don't need much to begin with.

The beauty of crochet is its simplicity when it comes to tools. You can get started with just a hook and some yarn, and add other items as you discover what's actually useful for the way you like to work. So let's talk about what you really need, what's nice to have, and what you can probably skip until later.

The Absolute Essentials

The Must-Haves to Start Crocheting Today

Crochet Hooks

Obviously, you need at least one hook. For beginners, I'd recommend starting with an H/8 (5.0mm) aluminum hook. This size works well with worsted weight yarn, which most beginner patterns use. You don't need a whole set right away; start with one or two sizes and add more as you go.

Scissors

You need something sharp to cut your yarn. While any scissors work, having a small, dedicated pair for your craft projects is really helpful for getting clean cuts. Keep them with your crochet supplies so they're always handy.

Yarn Needle

Also called a tapestry or darning needle, this is for weaving in your yarn ends and sewing pieces together. Look for ones with a blunt tip and a large eye, which makes threading the yarn much easier.

Very Helpful Tools

Not Essential, But They Make Life Easier

Stitch Markers

These little clips or rings help you keep track of your place, especially when working in rounds. I used to think I could remember my spot... that lasts about five minutes! You can buy fancy ones, or just use safety pins.

Measuring Tape

You'll need this for checking your gauge and making sure your project is the right size. A flexible fabric measuring tape is much better than a rigid ruler for most crochet tasks.

Row Counter

This can be a mechanical clicker or just a piece of paper. Trust me, keeping track of rows is much harder than you think it'll be, especially on bigger projects like blankets.

Nice to Have (Eventually)

Upgrade Your Toolkit as You Grow

Hook Organizer

As your hook collection grows, a case or roll-up holder is great for keeping them organized and easy to find.

Project Bag

A dedicated bag for your current work-in-progress keeps everything together and prevents your yarn from collecting pet hair or getting tangled.

Ergonomic Hooks

If regular hooks make your hands uncomfortable, ergonomic hooks with wider, softer handles can be a game-changer for preventing hand fatigue during long sessions.

What You Can Skip (For Now)

Don't Waste Your Money on These Yet

Blocking Mats and Pins

Blocking is a finishing technique to shape your work. It's useful for certain projects, like lace shawls, but not something you need to worry about as a beginner.

Yarn Swift and Ball Winder

These tools help you wind yarn hanks into balls, but most yarn you'll buy as a beginner comes ready to use in a skein or ball.

Building Your Collection Smartly

Start with the essentials and add tools only as you discover you actually need them. Every crocheter ends up with slightly different preferences, so what's essential for one person might not be for another.

💡 Pro Tip:

Pay attention to what frustrates you as you work. If you're constantly losing your place, buy some stitch markers. If your hands get tired, try an ergonomic hook. Let your needs guide your purchases.

It's better to have a few good-quality tools than a bunch of cheap ones that don't work well. But 'good' doesn't have to mean expensive—some of my most-used tools were very affordable.

Don't feel pressured by all the gadgets you see online. People have been making beautiful crochet work for centuries with very basic tools. Focus on learning the techniques, not on collecting equipment.

Remember, the most important tools are your hands and your patience. Everything else just makes the process a little easier. Start simple, see what you actually use, and build from there.