Every crochet journey starts the same way: a mix of excitement and mild confusion standing in the yarn aisle wondering why there are dozens of different hook sizes and what “weight 4” even means. I get it. I was there too. So let’s cut through the noise and talk about what you actually need to get started and where to begin once you have it.
The Tools You Need Out the Gate
You don’t need a full craft room to start crocheting. Here’s the short list:
- A size 4mm, 5mm and 6mm crochet hook — these three sizes cover most beginner projects and yarn weights, so you’re not guessing every time you pick up a new skein.
- Stitch markers — small but mighty. They keep you from losing your place, especially when you’re working in the round.
- Yarn — obviously…but the right yarn for the hook matters more than people realize.
- A tapestry needle — for weaving in ends and sewing pieces together.
- Scissors — any pair will do, just keep them close because you’ll use them constantly.
Matching Your Hook to Your Yarn
This is the part that trips up a lot of new crocheters, so let’s make it simple. Yarn comes in weights, and each weight pairs best with a certain hook size to get proper gauge:
- A 4mm hook works well with DK or light worsted weight yarn (weight 3)
- A 5mm hook is a solid match for medium weight yarn (weight 4)
- A 6mm hook can handle worsted or Aran weight yarn (also weight 4) as well as light bulky yarn (weight 5)
Get these three hooks and you’ll be equipped for the vast majority of beginner and even intermediate patterns without needing to buy something new every time.
Where To Actually Start
Here’s where the advice usually splits. Most people will tell you to start with granny squares, and there’s a good reason for it since they teach you the fundamentals. Basic stitches, tension, turning, joining. It’s a genuinely great foundation.
But I didn’t start there. I taught myself to crochet through amigurumi, and honestly, small plushies is where I fell in love with the craft. I learned from The Woobles on YouTube and bought their Zero to Hero Bundle as my very first kit. My first creation was Pierre the Penguin, and he was far from perfect…a little lopsided, a stitch or two out of place, but I was having fun and picking up the skills faster than I expected. One thing I really appreciated about The Woobles is that their videos are made for both right and left handed crocheters, which isn’t something you find everywhere.
To this day, amigurumi and plushies are still one of my favorite things to make.
That said, I’ve come around on granny squares too. Over time I’ve grown to genuinely love them, and some of my favorite pieces I’ve ever made, from blankets to totes, started as a simple granny square. If you want to go that traditional route, there are some great tutorials out there:
- JustBCrafty’s step by step photo guide
- Family Style Schooling’s granny square tutorial
- Yeezhee’s granny square patterns
The Real Advice
There’s no single right way in. Whether you start with a granny square or a slightly lopsided penguin, the goal is the same, learn the stitches, build the muscle memory and find the kind of project that makes you want to keep going. That’s really all it takes.
If you’re just getting your tools together or working through your first project, I’d love to hear what you’re making.
