Before you learn the basic stitches and how to read patterns, you’ll want to round up some of the basic crochet tools. Don’t stress, this is an easy guide to get you started. If you search for what you need, you will get a list a mile long. While some tools are essential, many are helpful additions that make crocheting more comfortable and enjoyable. This article will go over the main tools you need to get started. At the end, there will be a shopping list with links to affordable options and splurges.
Crochet Hooks
The most important tool in crochet is, of course, the hook. Crochet hooks come in a variety of materials, including:
- Metal – Smooth and easy to work with
- Plastic or resin – Lightweight and often colorful
- Wood or bamboo – Warm to the touch with a bit more grip
There’s no best material—comfort is what matters most. If you are learning to crochet and have a hook, just go with it. As you progress with your skills, you can try new hooks as you improve to decide which types you like best. If you are shopping for hooks, plastic, metal, and aluminum are going to be the cheapest; the next option would be hooks with hand grips added. After that, you are going to be looking at resin (which is handmade, so the price will increase) and, of course, wooden.
Be sure to check my recommended shopping list at the end of this blog post for suggested items with links for easy shopping.
Hook Sizes
Hooks are available in many sizes, and each crochet pattern will recommend a specific hook size. You may eventually find that you prefer certain sizes or materials, but one or two hooks is plenty to start. A Crochet hook size is the reference to the thickness of the hook. As you can see in the image below, the hook on the pink handle (on the far right) is much smaller than the hook on the dark blue (far left) hook.
If you are just starting and looking to order a hook, I highly recommend purchasing a ‘set of hooks’. Buying a set will give you a variety of sizes to try out, and it isn’t that much more expensive to purchase a set than a couple of individual hooks. Again, check the shopping links at the end of this post for my personal recommendations.
Stitch Markers
Stitch markers are small tools used to mark specific stitches or rows as you crochet. Some patterns call for stitch markers to help identify certain areas that you may need to reference. I recommend having some type of stitch marker when you are learning to crochet to help you mark the beginning and end of rows, and to help identify specific stitches you will need to know.
They’re helpful for:
- Marking the beginning of a round
- Keeping track of pattern repeats
- Highlighting important stitches
Stitch markers can be store-bought or improvised using safety pins, paper clips, or scraps of yarn. Trust me, I have tons of beautiful stitch markers and often grab a safety pin to use. They all do the job the same!
Tapestry or Yarn Needles
Tapestry or Yarn needles are used to:
- Weave in yarn ends
- Sew crochet pieces together
- Finish projects neatly
The most important part of the needle is that it has a large eye to accommodate the thickness of the yarn. Blunt tips are also very important to prevent splitting fibers in the yarn. You may notice that some tapestry needles have a ‘bend’ at one end. I prefer a straight needle, so keep that in mind while shopping.
Scissors
A good pair of scissors is a small but important tool. These do not need to be fancy, as long as they cut a nice and clean edge, they will do the job well!
Look for:
- Sharp blades
- Comfortable grip
- A size that fits easily in your project bag
Dedicated craft scissors can make cutting yarn easier and cleaner. I do prefer craft scissors only because of the smaller size, they are easy to put in my project bag/tote, and my kids or family members (husband-LOL) don’t use them because they don’t look like traditional paper scissors.
Measuring Tape
As you learn to crochet, it is important to have some sort of measuring tool. Eventually, you will want a flexible measuring tape, but honestly, I used a simple wooden ruler for a long time, and it works too!
Meeasuring Tapes are used for:
- Checking Gauge
- Checking pattern progress
- Ensures your project is the correct size
Not Necessary but Fun: Project Bags or Totes
While not essential, project bags and totes help keep yarn clean and tangle-free. It also allows you to pick up a project and take it with you, or put it away if needed. Obviously, this is not essential, but if you have little ones around, it can be nice to quickly stash your project away until you have some time to sit down and crochet.
They’re helpful for:
- Keeping all your tools in one handy spot
- Crocheting on the go
- Keeping supplies organized
Tools To Skip While You Are Learning
It’s easy to feel like you need every tool you see—but you really don’t. So many crochet tools are project-specific. I have been crocheting for over 30 years and still don’t own many of them. Don’t get me wrong, some splurges are fun, but make sure you know what is actually helpful or needed for your crochet goals before you go shopping.
As a beginner, you can skip:
- Multiple hook collections, yarn bowls, blocking boards and pins, pom makers
- Specialty tools, sock shapers, row counters, yarn winder, and swift
- Gadgets you don’t yet understand
Your needs will become clearer as you gain experience. Plus, these can all be great gift ideas as you develop your skills and try new things.
A Gentle Reminder
Crochet tools are meant to support your creativity—not complicate it. Start with the basics (listed below), add tools as you need them, and focus on enjoying the process.
The most important tools you bring to crochet are patience and practice.
Below, I have compiled an easy shopping list for you. I have included affordable and splurge options for every budget. Just click on the item, and it will take you to the link.
Crochet Hook Sets
- Metal Hook Set (most affordable-these are what I learned on)
- Wooden Set (mid-range)
- Comfort Grip Hook Set (splurge: these are the ones I use and love)
Stitch Markers – both options are priced similarly
- Safety Pins (most affordable because I’m sure you have some at home)
- Plastic Stitch Markers
- Bead Stitch Markers
Tapestry or Yarn Needles- both options are priced about the same
Scissors – these are priced about the same, so pick what you think you’ll like best
- Large Handle Craft Scissors
- Scissors with Cap
- Metal Scissors (these are what I use)
Measuring Tape
- Wooden Ruler (don’t order one of these-it works if you have it, but if you are buying, it is the same price to get the flexible measuring tapes below, and I recommend them over a wooden ruler)
- Basic Sewing Measuring Tape (affordable – really all you need)
- Retractable Measuring Tape (affordable – I love these and recommend!)
Project Bag & Tote
- Basic Tote with side pockets and cinch (affordable option – still keeps everything together)
- Mollie Ollie Tote (mid-price: this is my favorite and shown in the photos in this post)
- Round Zipper Tote (mid-price: good for traveling, isn’t as open as the above)
Other Items to Consider if in the budget
👉 Up next: Learning the Language of Crochet — understanding US vs UK terms, hook sizes, and yarn weights.
Keep it simple, build as you go, and enjoy discovering what works best for you
