Crochet Supplies Guide: Hooks, Yarn & Tools

Welcome to your complete guide to crochet supplies! Whether you’re a beginner learning your first stitches or an experienced crocheter expanding your toolkit, understanding crochet supplies helps you choose the right materials for every project. From selecting the perfect hook to choosing yarn that brings your vision to life, the right supplies make crocheting enjoyable and your finished projects beautiful.

Crochet requires minimal supplies compared to many other crafts, making it an accessible and portable hobby. With just a hook and yarn, you can create everything from delicate doilies to cozy blankets. This guide covers essential crochet supplies, how to choose hooks and yarn, and the tools that make crocheting easier and more enjoyable.

Crochet Hooks Guide

The crochet hook is your most essential tool. Understanding hook sizes, materials, and styles helps you select hooks that feel comfortable and produce the results you want.

Understanding Hook Sizes

Crochet hooks are sized by diameter, with larger numbers indicating thicker hooks. The US and metric sizing systems differ, so patterns may list both measurements.

US Size B/1 (2.25mm)

Best For: Lace, thread crochet, delicate doilies, fine jewelry

Yarn Weight: Thread, lace weight

Projects: Delicate shawls, fine doilies, decorative edgings

US Size E/4 (3.5mm)

Best For: Lightweight garments, baby items, amigurumi

Yarn Weight: Sport, DK

Projects: Baby blankets, lightweight shawls, small toys

US Size G/6 (4.0mm) & H/8 (5.0mm)

Best For: Most common sizes for everyday projects

Yarn Weight: Worsted weight

Projects: Afghans, hats, scarves, dishcloths, most patterns

Note: These versatile sizes work with the most popular yarn weights

US Size J/10 (6.0mm) & K/10.5 (6.5mm)

Best For: Quick projects, chunky items

Yarn Weight: Chunky, bulky

Projects: Thick blankets, winter scarves, quick hats, market bags

US Size N/P/15 (10.0mm) and Larger

Best For: Super bulky projects, arm crochet alternatives

Yarn Weight: Super bulky, jumbo

Projects: Extra chunky blankets, quick home décor, statement pieces

Hook Selection Tip

Start with a US H/8 (5.0mm) hook and worsted weight yarn. This combination is perfect for learning basic stitches and works for the majority of beginner patterns.

Hook Materials

Aluminum Hooks

Pros:

Affordable and widely available
Smooth surface for easy yarn gliding
Lightweight and durable
Available in all sizes
Good for beginners

Cons:

Can feel cold to the touch
May cause hand fatigue during long sessions
Basic grip without ergonomic features

Best For: Beginners, general use, budget-conscious crafters

Ergonomic Hooks

Pros:

Cushioned grips reduce hand strain
Wider handles prevent cramping
Ideal for extended crochet sessions
Available in bright colors for easy identification
Excellent for those with arthritis or hand pain

Cons:

More expensive than basic hooks
Bulkier to store and transport

Best For: Frequent crocheters, those with hand issues, long projects

Bamboo/Wood Hooks

Pros:

Warm, natural feel
Slight grip prevents yarn from sliding excessively
Lightweight
Beautiful aesthetic
Gentle on hands

Cons:

Can break with rough handling
May develop rough spots over time
More expensive than aluminum
Limited size range

Best For: Slippery yarns, experienced crocheters, natural material preferences

Steel Hooks

Pros:

Very fine sizes for thread work
Extremely durable
Smooth finish
Precise for detailed work

Cons:

Only available in small sizes
Can be hard to see
Requires more precision

Best For: Thread crochet, lace doilies, fine detail work

Hook Anatomy

Understanding hook parts helps you evaluate quality and find the right fit:

Throat: The groove that catches yarn; should be smooth and properly sized
Head: The point that enters stitches; pointed heads work for tight stitches, rounded heads for loose
Shaft: Determines stitch size; should be consistent diameter
Handle: Where you grip; ergonomic handles reduce fatigue

Choosing Yarn for Crochet

Different Yarn Types for Crochet Projects

While you can crochet with any yarn designed for knitting, certain characteristics make some yarns better suited for crochet projects. Understanding these differences helps you choose yarn that works well with your hook and produces beautiful results.

Best Yarn Characteristics for Crochet

Medium twist: Not too loose (splits easily) or too tight (hard to work with)
Smooth texture: Textured yarns can hide stitch definition
Appropriate weight: Match yarn weight to hook size and pattern
Good stitch definition: Shows your beautiful stitches clearly
Consistent thickness: Even stitches require consistent yarn

Popular Yarn Choices for Crochet

Acrylic Yarn

Why Crocheters Love It:

Most affordable option for large projects
Machine washable and dryable
Wide color selection
Great stitch definition
Perfect for blankets and afghans

Best For: Practice projects, afghans, dishcloths, items needing frequent washing

Popular Brands: Red Heart Super Saver, Caron Simply Soft, Lion Brand Pound of Love

Cotton Yarn

Why Crocheters Love It:

Excellent stitch definition shows complex patterns
Breathable for summer garments
Absorbent for kitchen items
Machine washable
Gets softer with washing

Best For: Dishcloths, market bags, summer tops, amigurumi, baby items

Note: Lacks elasticity; projects may stretch over time

Wool and Wool Blends

Why Crocheters Love It:

Natural elasticity creates even stitches
Warm and insulating
Blocks beautifully for shaping
Excellent for garments
Durable and long-lasting

Best For: Winter accessories, sweaters, shawls, heirloom projects

Care: Often requires hand washing unless labeled superwash

Chenille Yarn

Why Crocheters Love It:

Soft, velvety texture
Luxurious look and feel
Great for baby blankets
Cozy and warm

Challenges:

Can split while working
May worm (fibers pull out)
Hides stitch definition
Not ideal for beginners

Best For: Simple stitch patterns, blankets, scarves (experienced crocheters)

Yarn Weight for Crochet Projects

Matching yarn weight to project type ensures success. For detailed information about yarn weights and fiber types, see our comprehensive yarn guide.

Lace/Thread: Delicate doilies, fine shawls, decorative edgings
Sport/DK: Lightweight garments, baby items, detailed work
Worsted: Most versatile; afghans, hats, scarves, dishcloths
Chunky/Bulky: Quick blankets, thick scarves, winter hats
Super Bulky: Super quick projects, arm crochet alternatives, statement pieces

Essential Crochet Tools

Beyond hooks and yarn, several tools make crocheting easier, faster, and more enjoyable.

      Basic Crochet Toolkit
      Crochet hooks: Set with common sizes G/6, H/8, I/9, J/10
Yarn needles: Large-eye needles for weaving in ends
Scissors: Sharp scissors dedicated to yarn
Stitch markers: Mark beginning of rounds or pattern repeats
Measuring tape: Check gauge and project dimensions
Row counter: Track rows and pattern repeats
Yarn bowl or bag: Keep yarn clean and tangle-free

    

Must-Have Accessories

Yarn Needles (Tapestry Needles)

Purpose: Weaving in ends, seaming pieces together, adding embroidery details

Types: Bent tip or straight, various eye sizes

Tip: Keep multiple sizes for different yarn weights

Stitch Markers

Purpose: Mark beginning of rounds, track pattern repeats, identify specific stitches

Types: Locking markers (clip onto stitches), ring markers (slide onto hook), removable safety pins

DIY Option: Use small safety pins or contrasting yarn scraps

Blocking Tools

Purpose: Shape and size finished projects, even out stitches, open up lace patterns

Essential Items: Blocking mats, rust-proof pins, spray bottle

When to Block: Garments, doilies, shawls, any project needing shaping

Yarn Bowl or Project Bag

Purpose: Keep yarn clean, prevent tangling, maintain consistent tension

Options: Wooden yarn bowls with spiral cutout, ceramic bowls, dedicated project bags with yarn feed holes

Benefit: Especially helpful for multi-color projects

Nice-to-Have Tools

Hook organizer: Keep hooks sorted and protected
Yarn swift and ball winder: Create center-pull balls from hanks
Crochet gauge tool: Measure hook sizes and check gauge
Ergonomic hook grips: Add comfort to standard hooks
Pattern holder: Keep patterns visible and clean
Good lighting: Essential for seeing stitches clearly, especially with dark yarn
Magnification: Helpful for fine work or those with vision challenges

Getting Started with Crochet

Ready to begin your crochet journey? Here’s how to set yourself up for success with the right supplies and approach.

Best Supplies for Beginners

Beginner Shopping List

One H/8 (5.0mm) crochet hook: Aluminum or ergonomic
2-3 skeins worsted weight yarn: Light color, smooth texture (Caron Simply Soft or Red Heart Super Saver)
Yarn needle: For weaving in ends
Small scissors: For cutting yarn
Measuring tape: Check your gauge

Total Investment: $15-25 to start

Choosing Your First Project

Select beginner-friendly projects that teach fundamental skills without overwhelming you:

Dishcloth or Washcloth

Why It’s Perfect: Small, quick, practical, uses basic stitches, low stakes for mistakes

Skills Learned: Chain stitch, single crochet, turning chains, even edges

Time: 2-3 hours

Simple Scarf

Why It’s Perfect: Repetitive stitching builds muscle memory, visible progress, useful finished item

Skills Learned: Maintaining consistent width, working in rows, tension control

Time: 5-10 hours depending on length

Granny Square

Why It’s Perfect: Teaches working in rounds, classic crochet motif, can become blanket squares

Skills Learned: Working in the round, joining rounds, creating squares

Time: 30 minutes per square

Learning Resources

Take advantage of free resources to learn basic stitches:

YouTube tutorials: Visual learning for basic stitches
Free patterns online: Start with beginner-labeled patterns
Library books: Reference guides for techniques
Local classes: Many craft stores offer free or low-cost beginner workshops
Online communities: Reddit’s r/crochet, Ravelry forums, Facebook groups offer support

Crochet Success Tips

      Essential Crochet Tips
      Start with light-colored yarn: Dark colors make stitches hard to see when learning
Choose smooth yarn: Avoid fuzzy, textured, or chenille yarns as a beginner
Practice tension: Consistent tension creates even stitches; comes with practice
Count your stitches: Prevents accidental increases or decreases
Don’t stress about mistakes: Crochet is easily frogged (ripped back)
Use stitch markers: Mark first stitch of round to avoid losing your place
Take breaks: Prevent hand fatigue and maintain focus
Read pattern completely first: Understand what you’re making before starting

    

Common Beginner Mistakes

Inconsistent Tension

Problem: Stitches vary in size, creating uneven fabric

Solution: Practice! Tension improves naturally with experience. Focus on holding yarn consistently

Increasing or Decreasing Accidentally

Problem: Project gets wider or narrower

Solution: Count stitches at end of each row. Mark first and last stitch. Work into proper stitch (not space)

Tight Stitches

Problem: Difficult to insert hook, fabric curls or stiffens

Solution: Relax your grip, try larger hook, practice with looser tension

Losing Count

Problem: Unsure which row or stitch you’re on

Solution: Use row counter, write down counts, use stitch markers for pattern repeats

Building Your Skills

Progress from beginner to advanced by gradually adding new techniques:

Master basic stitches first: Chain, single crochet, double crochet
Learn to read patterns: Understand abbreviations and symbols
Practice working in the round: Opens up hat, basket, and amigurumi patterns
Try color changes: Stripes teach yarn management
Attempt texture stitches: Bobbles, popcorns, cables add visual interest
Join motifs: Combine squares into blankets
Make your first garment: Simple shawl or vest teaches shaping

Organizing Your Crochet Supplies

Good organization keeps supplies accessible and protected, making it easier to start projects and maintain your tools.

Hook Storage

Hook organizers: Roll-up cases keep hooks sorted by size
Clear containers: Easy to see what you have
Labeled slots: Prevent size confusion
Separate sets: Keep ergonomic and standard hooks in different cases

Yarn Storage

Clear bins: See colors at a glance, protect from dust
Organize by weight: Keep similar weights together
Store in cool, dry place: Prevent moth damage and mildew
Keep labels: Attach yarn labels with fiber content and dye lot info
Project bags: Dedicate bags to specific projects with all needed supplies

Tool Organization

Small containers: Keep stitch markers, yarn needles together
Portable kit: Assemble grab-and-go bag with essentials
Designated space: Create crochet corner with good lighting
Pattern storage: Use binders or digital files to organize favorite patterns

Start Your Crochet Journey

Crochet is a rewarding craft that requires minimal supplies to begin but offers endless creative possibilities. With just a hook and yarn, you can create beautiful, functional items while enjoying the meditative rhythm of stitching. The right supplies make learning easier and your finished projects more professional.

Start with basic supplies—a single hook, some worsted weight yarn, and a yarn needle—then gradually expand your collection as you discover your preferences and explore new techniques. Every crocheter develops favorite hooks, preferred yarn brands, and must-have tools over time. Don’t feel pressured to buy everything at once; build your toolkit thoughtfully as your skills grow.

Ready to start crocheting? Explore our complete selection of crochet yarn in every weight and color, discover inspiring crochet project ideas, and learn about yarn fiber types to choose the perfect materials for your projects. Whether you’re making your first dishcloth or designing an intricate shawl, the right supplies set you up for success.

Happy crocheting, and enjoy creating beautiful handmade items one stitch at a time!