Beginner’s Guide to Crochet Tools: What You Need for Your First Knitting Project

Beginner’s Guide to Buying Crochet Materials: Where to Start and What to Consider

As a crochet novice, it can be daunting to choose the right materials. With so many options available, where do you begin? Should you invest in a beginner’s crochet kit? Here’s some advice based on my experience:

1. Know What You Want to Make: Before diving into buying materials, decide what you want to create. Having a project in mind will guide your material choices.
2. Start Simple: If you’re unsure where to begin, consider starting with crochet dolls. They often use basic techniques and are great for beginners.
3. Essential Materials: When starting out, you’ll need basic crochet materials such as yarn and hooks.
4. Yarn Selection: Choose yarn suitable for your project. For crochet dolls, opt for soft, medium-weight yarn in various colors.
5. Hook Selection: Invest in a set of crochet hooks in different sizes. Beginners typically start with medium-sized hooks suitable for the chosen yarn weight.
6. Consider a Beginner’s Kit: Beginner crochet kits often include essential materials and basic patterns, making them a convenient option for newcomers.
7. Learn and Practice: Once you have your materials, start learning! Follow crochet patterns and tutorials on platforms like YouTube to build your skills.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to start your crochet journey with confidence. Happy crocheting!

1. What Factors to Consider When Choosing Crochet Hooks?

Choosing crochet hooks based on: gauge or diameter (in mm)

When it comes to crochet hooks, the diameter refers to the length of the section behind the hook head. Crochet hook diameter and size numbers can correspond to each other, so when purchasing crochet hooks, you can refer to either the size number or the diameter. However, different countries have different specifications, so you must pay attention to which country’s standards the crochet hooks you are purchasing follow to avoid buying the wrong size.

The more systematic country specifications available on the market include those from the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Taiwan, and Chaozhou, China. It’s important to note that the Korean specification is equivalent to the Japanese specification, and the Canadian specification is equivalent to the British specification. If you want detailed information about crochet hook sizes in each country, you can visit the article.

Types of Crochet Hooks

In terms of comfort, it is recommended to buy soft-grip > bamboo handle > metal handle crochet hooks. Soft-grip handles offer the most comfortable grip and are suitable for extended use, while bamboo handles are lighter and require less effort. Metal handles are the hardest, and I have personally experienced calluses on the side of my right index finger from using them daily. Therefore, if you plan to crochet for long periods, it’s best to choose the other two options.

However, metal handle hooks still have their advantages. 1. Some metal handle hooks are designed with dual ends, effectively giving you two hooks in one, making them economical. 2. Metal handle hooks are solid and durable since they are made from a single piece of metal and are less likely to break.

How to Choose Crochet Hook Sizes

Beginners commonly use crochet hook sizes ranging from 2.5mm to 3.5mm, with larger numbers indicating thicker hooks.

When beginners are not yet accustomed to crochet hook techniques and handling yarn, they often encounter problems such as uneven hook sizes and difficulty in passing through stitches. This is because they are not yet proficient in controlling the tension of the yarn, resulting in varying levels of force applied. In addition to reminding oneself not to pull the yarn too tightly, if the hook does not easily pass through the stitches, one can use a smaller hook to work the foundation chain and slip stitch, then switch back to the original hook to continue crocheting. This can help improve the situation.

Describe Free Tutorial on Youtube

Should You Buy a Complete Set of Crochet Hooks or Individual Hooks?

Whether you’re shopping online or in a physical store, you might come across complete sets of crochet hooks, which can be quite tempting. However, the reality is that “you only need a few hooks for your regular use,” especially considering that you typically stick to a few types of yarn, right? Therefore, I recommend beginners to purchase just 1-2 crochet hooks, which should be sufficient for your needs. As you progress and want to tackle more projects that require different yarn weights, you can then invest in additional hooks as needed.

2. Recommended Yarn for Crochet

Types of yarn are plentiful, and if you’re seeking cheaper options specifically for doll-making, it’s important to ensure that both the yarn and crochet hook are suitable. Yarn that is too thick or too thin can be challenging to work with and may result in less appealing finished products. For beginners, it’s recommended to choose yarn around 2-4mm in thickness.

Characteristics of yarn suitable for beginners include clear and distinct stitches, making it easier to count rows. When looking for more affordable yarn options, pay attention to the weight, measured in grams, to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. Don’t solely focus on the unit price when making your decision!

Not Suitable Yarn for Beginners

Yarn that is too thin or has a lot of fuzz is not recommended for beginners. Imagine you’re working stitch by stitch, but each stitch looks very small or hard to distinguish. It can be quite tiring! If you’re still figuring things out, it’s better to choose the yarn recommended above.

3. Yarn Needles(Tapestry needles)

Tapestry needles, similar in appearance to sewing needles but thicker with larger eyes, are used for threading yarn. Dolls are typically not made in one piece; instead, individual parts are crocheted separately and then sewn together. This is where yarn needles come in handy.

Tapestry needles come in two main materials: plastic and metal. Plastic needles typically have larger eyes, while metal needles have smaller eyes and are available in a wider variety of sizes.

There is another type of needle commonly used for sewing.

Comparing them, you’ll notice that the size of a Tapestry needle is significantly larger than that of a household sewing needle.

Sewing Needle Matching Threads: Embroidery Thread and Regular Sewing Thread

When weaving dolls, this type of thread is usually used for decoration, such as eyebrows, blush, claws, and so on. Choose the thread you want to use based on your needs.

4. Safety Pins

Safety pins are used to secure body parts for sewing, making them great companions for sewing noses, mouths, or arms.

Safety pins also come in different sizes. The common type is the larger one on the left, while the one on the right is called a bead pin, which is particularly suitable when knitting with lace yarn.

5. Dolls’ Eyes

The size of the eyes is chosen based on the size of your doll. The reason I initially choose insert eyes is that they are easier to align and attach without worrying about sewing mistakes, and they are also more affordable. By the way, insert eyes like these are not only used in knitting but are also commonly used in needle felting dolls, so they have a wide range of applications!

Insertion Eyes

Beads

6. Cotton Stuffing

I usually make sure to order most of the materials online in one go, but sometimes I run out of cotton stuffing. In such cases, I simply head to the stationery store to purchase it. I typically buy 200g or more since I make dolls regularly, so buying in bulk is more cost-effective.

7. Scissors and Glue

Scissors can be chosen based on personal preference or accessibility. Choose the one you are most comfortable with!

Glue is mainly used to stick on the eyes. Just apply it on the back of the eyes and then stick them on. Please choose a glue with a pointed tip and use the pointed end to apply. In addition to glue, you can also use transparent adhesive. Prepare cotton swabs to assist with sticking. Dip a bit of glue on the back of the eyes and then use tweezers to hold them, as it’s easy to get glue on your hands or apply too much. Be especially careful with this.

8. Tweezers

Tweezers are very useful for stuffing cotton and gripping small parts (such as eyes) when filling, helping you push items into narrow spaces. I recommend purchasing this tool.

Materials List for Crochet Beginners

• Crochet Hooks: 1-2 (2.5-3.5mm)
• Yarn: Several skeins (2-4mm gauge)
• Tapestry needles: Several
• Sewing Needles: Several
• Sewing Thread or Embroidery Thread (choose one)
• Safety Pins: One box
• Doll Eyes: Several pairs
• Cotton Stuffing
• Scissors
• Glue
• Tweezers (optional)

❈ Read more ❈

Six Basic Crochet Stitches for beginners

Usage of Stitch Markers & Effective Joining Methods for Changing Yarn and Colors