So You Want to Crochet: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Hooked

Crocheting can seem a little intimidating at first—there’s a lot of yarn lingo, hooks of all shapes and sizes and patterns that look like secret codes. (SC into BLO? Excuse me?) But I promise: once you start, it’s the coziest kind of creative rabbit hole you’ll ever fall into.

If you’re itching to try your hand at it, here’s what you actually need to get started—no overwhelm, no perfection required.

✨ The Essentials:

1. Yarn (but not the fancy kind)
Skip the expensive, hand-dyed stuff for now. Look for a medium-weight yarn—labeled as worsted weight or #4 on the label. Acrylic is a great beginner choice: affordable, forgiving and easy to work with while you learn.

2. A Crochet Hook (just one to start)
Start with a size H/8 (5.0 mm) or I/9 (5.5 mm) hook. Aluminum, bamboo, ergonomic—whatever feels comfy in your hand. (You’ll learn quickly if you have a preference, I promise.) I love these Prym crochet hooks.

3. Scissors
Any pair will do. Just don’t use your kitchen scissors unless you like getting side-eye from the rest of your household. These scissors are great, plus they have such pretty detail.

4. Yarn Needle (a.k.a. tapestry needle)
This little plastic or metal tool is used for weaving in your ends when you finish a project. It’s like tucking your creation into bed. This set of needles is perfect for all weights of yarns and uses.

5. A Simple Pattern
Start with something small and forgiving—like a dishcloth, scarf or rectangle-shaped baby blanket. Look for beginner patterns with written instructions and video tutorials (I lived on YouTube when I was starting out).

I also have beginner-friendly patterns in my shop and I'm adding new ones all the time - feel free to check those out here.

💡 Bonus Tips from a Left-Handed Crocheter (Hi, it’s me):

• If you're a lefty, search for left-handed tutorials—they’re out there, and they’re lifesavers. I highly recommend starting with creating amigurumi (crocheted stuffed toys) and follow The Woobles tutorials for lefties.

• Don’t worry if your tension is weird at first. It gets better.

• Frogging (ripping out stitches) is totally normal. The name is even cute. 🐸

• Making the same mistake multiple times in a row? Congrats, you’re officially crocheting.

🧶 The Most Important Thing:

You do not need to be perfect. You don’t need a giant yarn stash. You don’t even need to know the difference between a single and a double crochet yet. All you need is a bit of curiosity, a comfy seat and the willingness to try something new.

Crocheting isn’t just about making stuff—it’s about slowing down, creating with your hands and giving your brain a cozy break. And trust me: once you finish your first project (wonky edges and all), you’ll feel like a total yarn wizard.

So go grab a hook and some yarn, friend. Your next favorite hobby is waiting.

Every stitch tells a story. Can’t wait to see where yours begins.
— Kate 💛