How to Start Crochet and What You Actually Need as a beginner

So you’ve been seeing those dreamy crochet tops, cozy blankets, or adorable little stuffed toys all over your feed and thought, “Wait… could I make that?”

The short answer is yes, absolutely.

The longer answer? With just a little practice, some basic tools, and a pinch of patience, you can crochet your own things way faster than you probably imagine. And I’m going to walk you through it like your big sister who’s already gone down the yarn rabbit hole and lived to tell the tale.

I know starting a new hobby can feel overwhelming. Crochet looks kind of mysterious, right? A single hook, some yarn, and suddenly—poof—a bag or sweater appears? Magic. But I promise you, once you understand the basics, you’ll realize crochet is less “wizardry” and more like learning a handful of simple moves you repeat in different ways.

Let’s get into it.

Why Crochet? (Besides Looking Super Cool)

First off, why even bother picking up a hook? Let me give you the real reasons people fall in love with it:

• It chills you out. Seriously, something about the rhythm of looping yarn is chef’s kiss relaxing.

• It’s portable. You can crochet on the bus, in a café, or curled up on your couch. It fits in your bag better than knitting needles do.

• You actually make stuff. No more “scrolling for hours” hobbies—you’ll end up with scarves, bags, blankets, or gifts that make people go, “Wait, you made this?!”

• It’s affordable. Compared to a lot of hobbies, yarn and a hook are pretty cheap to get started.

So yeah… crochet is basically therapy + creativity + bragging rights rolled into one.

The Tools You Actually Need

Alright, let’s talk shopping list. You don’t need an entire craft store in your living room to begin. Just a few basics:

1. A Crochet Hook

Your new best friend. Hooks come in different sizes and materials, but don’t panic. For clothing or plushie projects start with a 5 mm hook (sometimes labeled H/8). It’s a nice middle ground—not too tiny, not too chunky. Although if you want to try amigurumis (what is an amigurumi), or crochet flowers, my favourite thing to do, you should work with a smaller hook, 2.5mm.

Big sister tip: If you can, grab one with a soft, ergonomic handle. Your hands will thank you later.

Some options from amazon (recommend to get sets of various so you can work different types of projects): normal crochet hooks, ergonomic crochet hooks, full kit with many hooks, needle and stitch marker

2. Yarn (The Fun Part)

This is where beginners usually get tripped up. You want yarn that’s easy to see and easy to work with.

• Pick a medium weight yarn (category 4, also called worsted weight). Here is an option. This is perfect for making an amigurumi plushie with the 5mm hook. See this blog for the yarn-hook calculator to see that type of hook you should use for each size of yarn.

• Go for a light color—it’s way easier to see your stitches. Dark yarn hides mistakes.

• Fiber? Acrylic or cotton are beginner-friendly.

So, skip the fancy fuzzy stuff for now (I know it’s tempting, but trust me—you’ll just fight with it).

3. Scissors

Nothing fancy, just something sharp enough to snip yarn.

4. Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle)

This is for weaving in your yarn tails at the end. Think of it like tying up loose ends in your life… except yarn ones.

5. Stitch Markers

Optional but super helpful. They keep track of where you are, especially in round projects. If you don’t have them, a safety pin or even a paperclip works.

Here is a kit with yarn needles and stitch markers from amazon

6. Measuring Tape

Eventually, you’ll want this for projects that need size (like hats or bags).

That’s it. No giant list. Just hook + yarn + scissors + needle. Boom—you’re officially ready to start.

The First Stitches You’ll Learn

Okay, tools are ready, yarn is calling your name—what now? Let’s cover the “alphabet” of crochet. These stitches are the foundation for literally everything.

1. Slip Knot – Your very first move. This is how you attach yarn to your hook.

2. Chain (ch) – Think of this as the backbone. You’ll use chains to start most projects.

3. Single Crochet (sc) – Short, solid stitch. Great for sturdy projects.

4. Half Double Crochet (hdc) – A little taller than single, a little shorter than double.

5. Double Crochet (dc) – Taller and looser, perfect for scarves and blankets.

With just these, you can already make scarves, dishcloths, and granny squares. No need to know a hundred stitches to get started.

Reading Patterns Without Crying

I know crochet patterns can look like a secret code. sc 10, ch 3, dc in next st… Huh?!

Here’s the good news: once you learn the abbreviations, it’s just shorthand. Like texting but for yarn.

• ch 10 = chain 10

• sc in next st = single crochet in the next stitch

• dc 5 = make 5 double crochets

Patterns usually come with explanations or even charts. And once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to whip through them like a pro.

And here’s where I’ve got your back: I make beginner-friendly PDF crochet patterns with step-by-step instructions and visuals. No scary jargon, no confusion—just hand-holding all the way through. Think of them as training wheels for your crochet bike.

Your First Project: Start Small (Trust Me)

Please don’t start with a sweater. I’m begging you.

The key to sticking with how to crochet as a beginner is finishing something early on. That little victory will give you confidence to keep going.

Here are some perfect “first project” ideas:

• Dishcloths or washcloths – Straight rows, no stress.

• A scarf – Repetition builds muscle memory.

• Granny squares – The building blocks of blankets and bags. Got this granny square kit with 50 patterns for beginners you can try. It comes with all the materials needed, 100% recommended for beginners.

• A simple tote bag – Useful and stylish.

Each of these teaches you the basics without taking forever. Then, once you’re comfortable, you can level up to hats, sweaters, or even amigurumi (crochet plushies).

This was my first crochet project result

My Honest how to Beginner crocheter Tips

Okay, real talk: here are the things I wish someone had told me when I first started:

• Your tension will be weird at first. Too tight, too loose… it’s normal. It evens out with practice.

• Don’t be afraid to undo. “Frogging” (yep, that’s what it’s called) is part of the process. Better to redo than stay frustrated.

• Count your stitches. Seriously. Beginners often end up with projects that mysteriously shrink or grow. Counting saves you.

• Stretch your hands. Crochet is fun, but hand cramps are not. Take breaks.

• Enjoy the process. Your first project doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to exist.

How Long Until You’re “Good”?

This is the question everyone asks. Here’s the truth: if you spend just 15–20 minutes a day, you’ll have the basics down in a week or two. In a month, you’ll be reading simple patterns and finishing small projects. In a few months? People will be asking you to make them gifts.

Crochet isn’t about speed. It’s about relaxing into it and letting your skills grow naturally.

Why My PDF Patterns Can Help You

So, yes, you can watch YouTube tutorials and scroll Pinterest forever. But let me be that big sister again and tell you why having a clear, beginner-friendly PDF pattern makes your life easier:

• No guessing. Everything you need is laid out step by step.

• Designed for beginners. No overly complicated stitches or confusing instructions.

• Portable. Download it, print it, or keep it on your phone/tablet.

• Professional results. You’ll actually finish with something you’re proud of.

Basically, I made the patterns I wish I had when I started.

Plus, you can find free patterns on my website to get started right away!

Final Pep Talk

If you take nothing else from this guide, take this: crochet is not scary. You need one hook, some yarn, and the willingness to try. That’s it.

You don’t have to be “crafty” or “artsy.” You don’t have to be perfect. Your stitches don’t have to look like mine. Every crocheter started exactly where you are now—making wobbly little chains and feeling both excited and confused.

But if you stick with it, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you’ll go from “beginner” to “I made this bag myself.”

So grab that hook, pick your yarn, and let’s start your crochet journey. And if you’d like a little extra help, my beginner-friendly PDF patterns are here to guide you every step of the way.

Trust me—your future self (and maybe your future handmade wardrobe) will thank you.