What you need to learn to crochet: one good hook, beginner-friendly yarn, stitch markers and a needle to weave in your ends.
Updated October 2026 · save to pinterest
best for: Learning your first stitches
A 5 mm hook is the right size for worsted yarn. Clover Amour's soft handle is comfortable for long sessions.
best for: Hooked after your first project
Every common hook size in a zip case, for when you start trying patterns with different yarns.
best for: Several sizes for cheap
A cheap set of soft-grip hooks, good for trying out a few sizes before spending more.
best for: Practice swatches and first projects
A medium-weight (#4 worsted) acrylic yarn. Pick a light, solid color so you can see your stitches.
best for: Softer first projects
A softer worsted acrylic that's still smooth enough to see your stitches. Good for scarves and blankets.
best for: Total beginners who like video lessons
A kit for making a small stuffed animal, with chunky yarn, a hook and step-by-step video lessons.
best for: Not losing count
Clip-on markers that hold your place at the start of a round or a tricky stitch.
best for: Finishing projects neatly
Blunt, big-eye needles for weaving in yarn ends and sewing pieces together, in a little tube so you don't lose them.
best for: Your project bag
Small, sharp scissors for snipping yarn close to your work.
best for: Projects that need to fit
A flexible tape for checking gauge and measuring scarves, hats and blankets as you go.
best for: Crocheting on the go
A tote with pockets for hooks, yarn and your current project, so you can crochet anywhere.
Start with a 5 mm (H/8) hook and medium-weight #4 worsted yarn. It's big enough to see your stitches and is the size most beginner patterns call for.
A smooth, light-colored, solid worsted yarn. Avoid dark, fuzzy, or very thin yarn: it's hard to see where your stitches are.
About $35–40 gets you a good hook, a couple of skeins of yarn, stitch markers, a tapestry needle and small scissors.
