Crocheting is a wonderful hobby that allows you to create beautiful and unique items with just a simple hook and some yarn. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, having the right supplies is essential to make your projects a success. In this ultimate guide, we will explore the must-have crochet supplies, the best crochet kits for beginners, the cost of starting this hobby, and more.
What Supplies Do You Need to Start Crocheting?
Before you dive into the world of crochet, it’s important to gather the essential supplies. Here are some of the the must-haves:
- Crochet Hooks. You might be thinking, What is the best crochet hook for beginners? But reality is, there is no simple answer to this. Hooks come in various sizes and materials, beginners should start with a medium-sized hook made of aluminium or plastic. Yep, that’s right! Just any hook you can get your hands on that’s between 4 – 6mm in size. While ergonomic hooks are better for your hands and your health, you might not want to splurge on a set of fancy ergonomic hooks when just starting out. Many budget stores such as Poundland and Home Bargains have cheap hooks and hook sets that are good when just starting out. Just remember to upgrade when the crocheting addiction takes over – we want you in the Cool Crocheters Club for a good time AND a long time!
- Yarn. Choose a soft and medium-weight yarn in a colour that inspires you. Light, solid colours are great for beginners as it’s easier to see the stitches when using lighter tones. Acrylic yarn is a great option for beginners as it is affordable and easy to work with. Just remember to look for good quality acrylic that has a nice feel to it – there’s nothing worse than scratchy cheap acrylic yarn burning your hands as you’re working with it! Cotton is also on the affordable side and very soft to the touch but splits far easier than acrylic, making it slightly more challenging to work with.
- Tapestry Needle. This is used for weaving in loose ends and sewing pieces together. Most crocheters would tell you to look for a blunt-tipped needle that won’t split the yarn. But you know what? As long as you have any sort of needle to weave the ends, you’re fine. There’s really no point in going out of your way to seek out new needles for a hobby you don’t even know if you’re going to like. And sharp needles can actually be quite good for weaving in the ends – splitting the yarn and weaving the ends through the yarn makes for a stronger bond. You can ensure durability in your makes and save some money at the same time, it’s a win no matter what!
- Scissors. A sharp pair of scissors is essential for cutting yarn and trimming loose ends. But do you really need special scissors for the haberdashery section? No, not really. Extra sharp scissors that are reserved for fabrics or yarns only are great but not necessary for beginners. You can use your office or kitchen scissors if need be. Heck, even nail clippers work in a pinch!
Is Crochet a Cheap Hobby?
One of the great things about crochet is that it can be a relatively inexpensive hobby. While there are high-end yarns and fancy hooks available, you can still create beautiful projects without breaking the bank. Acrylic yarn, which is widely available and affordable, is a fantastic option for beginners. Additionally, basic crochet hooks are relatively inexpensive, and you can gradually invest in higher-quality tools as you progress in your crocheting journey. You can set your own budget and work within said budget fairly easily.
How Much Money Do You Need to Start Crocheting?
The cost of starting crochet can vary depending on the quality of supplies you choose and the projects you want to tackle. On average, you can expect to spend around £15 to £30 for a basic crochet starter kit, which includes hooks, yarn, and other essential tools. However, if you opt for higher-end materials or more advanced patterns, the cost can increase. If you’re really on a budget, you can get a ball of yarn for £1 from Poundland and a crochet hook to go with it – that’s really all you need to try out the basics. Remember, crochet is a hobby that you can tailor to fit your budget, so don’t feel pressured to spend more than you’re comfortable with.
What Are Crochet Stitch Markers?
Crochet stitch markers are small tools used to mark specific stitches or sections in your work. They are especially helpful when working on complex patterns or projects that require counting stitches. You can place a stitch marker in every 5th or 10th stitch to make counting easy-peasy and ensure your piece turns out just the way you want it to. Stitch markers come in various forms, such as plastic rings or locking clips. By placing them in the designated spots, you can easily keep track of your progress and avoid mistakes so they are quite helpful little tools to have around. However, you definitely do not need them when just starting out. You can use things such as bobby pins, hair grips, paper clips or even pieces of scrap yarn instead! Once you’re sure you like crocheting as a hobby and will continue doing it for the foreseeable future, you can ditch the budget versions and invest in beautiful stitch markers instead.
What Is a Row Counter?
A row counter is a handy tool that helps you keep track of the number of rows or rounds in your crochet project. It ensures accuracy and consistency in your work, helping you follow the pattern correctly without losing your place. This can be especially helpful for beginners as new crocheters often struggle counting rows since they’re not yet familiar with how a full row looks like in crocheted fabric. It’s especially hard considering all stitches look different. Do you absolutely need a row counter when just starting out, though? Of course not! There are free apps that do the exact same thing. Or my favourite option – marking your rows down on a spare sticky note. You can splurge on fancy tools when you’re a bit more sure you’ll stick to crocheting!
What Is a Blocking Board?
A board or mat used for blocking crochet projects. Blocking is the process of shaping and setting your finished crochet items by pinning them in place and applying moisture or steam. Once the project dries, it will then keep the shape in which you pinned it in – this can be especially helpful when shaping granny squares. Blocking improves the appearance and drape of your projects, giving them a more polished and professional look. But I do have more good news, you don’t need a blocking board as a beginner! If you want to block your granny squares or other projects, you can use simple things you probably already have around the house – pushpins and a cardboard box. It’s really as simple and as cheap as that!
What Is a Yarn Bowl?
A yarn bowl is container designed to hold your yarn while you crochet, preventing it from rolling around and becoming tangled. It keeps your yarn clean, organised, and untangled, making the crocheting process smoother and more enjoyable. While a smooth crocheting experience is incredibly nice, you don’t need to spend heaps of money on a fancy yarn bowl when just starting out. If you really want a yarn bowl but can’t justify splurging on one just yet, try a mixing bowl instead! Chances are, you have one in your kitchen cupboard already. Just make sure to clean it both before and after using it as a yarn bowl – you don’t want any old pancake batter in your yarn or yarn fluff in your pancake batter.
What Is a Yarn Winder?
A tool that winds yarn from a skein into a neat, centre-pull cake. Similarly to a yarn bowl, it helps prevent yarn tangles and makes it easier to work with your yarn. It also allows you to see the colours and textures in the yarn better. I will say, I do absolutely love my yarn winder but once again, it’s not a necessity. While it improves the crocheting experience immensely, you probably won’t have a smooth experience until you’re actually comfortable with all the crochet stitches anyway. Hold off for a bit until you’re absolutely sure you’ll continue with crocheting as your hobby and treat yourself to a fancy new winder when you’re ready to celebrate ace-ing your practice swatches!
What Is a Tension Ring?
A tension ring is a tool that can be placed on the finger to maintain consistent tension in the yarn while crocheting. It helps ensure uniformity in stitch size, which is crucial for maintaining the overall appearance and fit of your project. While I do know people who love their tension rings and couldn’t crochet without one, I’ve never got along with them. I guess it depends on your crochet style, perhaps? If you think a tension ring might help you, it might be worth investing in one as soon as possible. You can get your hands on more affordable tension ring options for less than £5 after all, so it might just be worth taking your chances to see if it helps you on your crocheting journey.
Conclusion
While fancy tools may not be strictly necessary for beginners, they can enhance the crocheting experience and improve the quality of your projects. Beginners can gradually explore and incorporate these tools based on their preferences and the complexity of their projects as they go along. All you really need to get started is a ball of yarn and a matching crochet hook – everything else can be added later.
