Everything You Need to start Crocheting

Here is a list of things you need both tools wise and knowledge wise in order to begin your crochet journey!

---

Materials

Yarn

My personal favorite yarn is Joann Fabrics' "Big Twist" collection. It's softer than most brands and is the perfect thickness for garments, small plushies, and more. However, as we know, Joann's is going out of business, so below are more recommendations!

Acrylic-

As a beginner, I recommend weight 4 acrylic; it's the cheapest and easiest to handle. Great for garments, plushies, hats, bags, etc. It does stretch and is not as breathable as cotton, but the pros outweigh the cons.

Plushie/blanket yarn/chenille-

Harder to see, and more difficult to keep an even grip on. Heavy, requires a larger hook size, works up quickly. Ideal for plushies, blankets, outerwear, etc. If you are starting with plushie making, my favorite yarn to use is listed down below!

Animal fibers- much more expensive, but nice to use in garments such as sweaters, or even to mix with another type of yarn (e.g., mohair and acrylic).

Cotton fibers-

A common yarn used for beginners, I would try to steer clear of heavier weight cotton yarns; they are much more bothersome to use. Instead, if you truly desire, pick one that is lighter in weight, such as Hobbii Yarns Cotton Friends or I Love This Yarn Cotton instead of Sugar 'n Cream.

yarn recommendations

Hobby Lobby: "I love this Yarn"

Hobbi brand: "Friends cotton"

Hobby lobby: "I love this yarn cotton"

Michaels: "Loops and threads" weight 4 acrylic

Michaels: "Loops and thread skinny chenille"

Overall, when choosing your yarn, keep in mind your project. If you are making a garment, do you want it to be heavy or breathable? How much money do you want to spend on it? Do you care if it's scratchy or soft?

Tools

Hooks

Your hook size is ultimately up to you—it's primarily dependent on what you want to make. I make a lot of clothing with weight 4 acrylic, and I prefer to do so with a 4.5 mm hook. That size is great to start with, along with a 5 mm. The larger the yarn size, the larger the hook you'll need; the thinner the yarn, the smaller the hook. On the yarn's label, it will also recommend a hook size. I always say to go down one size from that.

Tip- Purchase a hook with a wider handle—it's more ergonomic and easier on your wrist, allowing you to crochet for longer with less finger/wrist pain. You could also purchase an all-metal hook and use oven-bake clay to form your own handle, or cut a hole into a tennis ball and put the hook through!

Other tools

scissors- Any scissors work; if you plan to crochet on the road or when flying on a plane, I recommend safety scissors or fabric thread scissors. They are allowed through TSA and are easy to carry/store when on the road.

Yarn needle- Not necessary, but extremely helpful. If crocheting clothing, a yarn needle comes in handy to tie in those loose ends; in plushie making, you can use it to add faces, sew pieces together, and finish off a project. They would be located in the needle art section of a craft store.

Stitch Markers-

Another little tool that comes in handy: stitch markers are used to keep track of where you are/what you are doing in a project. In plushie making, as mentioned, the yarn can make it difficult to see stitches. Having a stitch marker signifies where the beginning/increase is. The same applies to clothing construction; a stitch marker can tell you where to increase/decrease or where the start/end are.

You do not need the fancy colored stitch markers from the store; a bobby pin, safety pin, or paper clip all work perfectly fine!

Terminology (US)

Stitch (St)- in a pattern, it signifies the space where you crochet

Rows- each layer of your work

Chain- forms the foundation of a project that you work a stitch into

Slip Stitch (Sl st)- used to join rounds, create decorative edges, and occasionally as the main stitch

Single Crochet (SC)- most basic stitch, takes a long time to work up, often used in plushie making

Half Double Crochet (HDC)- one of the most common stitches, quick, easy

Double Crochet (DC)- another common stitch, easy and works up quickly.

Decrease - crocheting two or more stitches together to decrease the number of stitches in a project

• In some patterns, the author may refer to a decrease as "sc2tog," which means single crochet together, or "dc2tog" (double crochet together), etc.

Increase- adding two or more stitches in one space to increase the overall number of stitches in your project

Magic Ring/Magic Loop/Magic Circle- method used to start a project, usually in headwear or plushies (amigurumi).

Back Loop (Bl/blo)- crocheting into the side of the stitch furthest from you

Front Loop (Fl/flo)- crocheting into the side of the stitch closest to you

• Tip- think of each stitch as a "V"; the side closest to you is the front, the side far away is the back.

Beginner Projects

Clothing/Accessories

Bucket Hat- These were my first projects. Will need to practice magic circles, fun to create different brims and colorways. YouTube Tutorial: VivCrochets

Beanie- Similar to the bucket hat, just without a brim. Can use this base to create other hats! - YouTube Tutorial: VivCrochets

Cat Beanie- Quick and easy, I have a beginner-friendly tutorial on my TikTok @ Jaimieswrld

Raglan Sweater- Fun for a first big project, can work up quick (8 hrs+), works on increases. YouTube tutorial: it's erin b.

Tube Top- Quick and easy, great to practice holding the yarn/tension. YouTube tutorial: Zoë-Rose

Bikini Top- Quick and easy. YouTube tutorial: Krystal Everdeen

Plushies

Bee- Practicing working in a magic ring, sewing on other pieces

Duck- Practicing working in a magic ring, bobble stitch, color changing

• You can find patterns/tutorials for both on my TikTok @ Jaimieswrld