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Gathering the Essentials
Hi, friend! Have you set your sights on crocheting? Or have you just learned? Are you falling deep into the I-can’t-NOT-be-crocheting lifestyle and building your yarn stash at a faster rate than you can crank out beanies for all your friends?
GOOD! Welcome to crochet life. When I first started out I had a pencil case full of hooks, a pile of yarn in the corner, and no idea what stitch markers were. I hope this short list can get you off on the right foot early on in your crochet journey! (These also make great gifts for the new yarnie in your life, *hint hint*)
1. Crochet Hooks
The most essential things you need are a hook and yarn. I suggest getting a range between 4 to 5 mm (G-H) for projects like baby blankets and clothing accessories, and larger hook size around 6 to 8 mm (J-M) for projects such as throw blankets and other home decor items, or for chunky winter accessories. If you’re starting with amigurimi, go with 2 to 3 mm (B-F).
Clover Amour hooks are my personal favorites. They have ergonomic handles and come in a set of 8 for about $30 on Amazon (although the price will vary with the merchant). You’ll see them retailing for around $80 at craft stores, so this is an insane deal. And you get a great array of hook sizes for beginner friendly projects.
2. Stitch markers
Stitch markers get “hung” on a stitch and are used for a variety of things: to mark a specific stitch that may be hard to find later, to help keep count of rows or chains, to mark the “right” side of a project, etc. They come in a couple different variations, from very simple plastic ones all the way through adorable personalized ones from Etsy shops.
For starters I recommend the Clover locking stitch markers: they have a great multi-pack with different sizes, and they are guaranteed to stay on your project!
3 Beginner-Friendly Crochet Blanket Patterns:
3. Project Bag
Whether you have kids, pets or just like to keep things neat, a convenient home for your work-in-progress is a must. If you’re like me you’ll want to take it everywhere you go anyway, so you might as well get a cute tote for it all! If you want to support other makers, you can check out DeBrosse NYC and All About Ami’s shops. They have clever yarn themed tote bags they’ve designed themselves!
My favorite for traveling is JanetBasket’s Mary Poppins style bags and baskets. You can find them at Joann’s or Amazon!
4. Tapestry Needles
Even if you crochet a simple beginner project, you’ll need a tapestry needle to weave in your ends. You’ll end up with loose ends whenever you change colors, start another skein of yarn, or finish the whole thing! Personally I prefer the metal needles (as opposed to plastic). They glide through your stitches very smoothly.
You can get short or long ones, as well as ones with bent tips (easy to insert).
5. YouTube
This one isn’t really a “thing,” maybe an entity? Either way, YouTube is an endless resource for tutorials on basic stitches, techniques, colorwork, entire patterns – seriously endless. I spent much of my free time on my deployment watching soooo many YouTube videos and learning all kinds of new stitches. A couple great places to start are:
- Basic crochet stitches – The Crochet Crowd
- Complete pattern tutorials/walk-throughs – Sewrella
- Tunisian crochet – TL Yarn Crafts
- Every other stitch imaginable – Daisy Farm Crafts
Go Forth and Crochet!
So there’s my short list. Amazon Prime that stuff to doorstep, or take a treat yo’self date to Joann’s and get started! And while you’re at it link up with me on Instagram @thetravelinghooker to show me what you make!
Pin me!
Is there any tip on how to notice which loop is at the end of a row, and at the beginning. This has been the thorn in my side for years, and I love the act of crocheting.
Thank you!
Yes! Stitch markers are perfect for that. You can put one on the first stitch of the row so when you get back to it you know where to insert your hook 🙂