Whether you’re diving into your very first skein or coming back after years away, one question always comes first: What do you need to crochet? Crochet is one of the most relaxing and rewarding hobbies out there—and the best part is, you don’t need a ton of tools to get started. This guide will walk you through every essential item (and a few fun extras!) so you can confidently begin your crochet journey.

What Do You Really Need to Start Crocheting?

Let’s break it down to the absolute must-haves:

Everything else is just a bonus. You don’t need to spend a lot to get started—just a hook, some yarn, and a little guidance. Let’s break it down:

1. Yarn (Your Crochet Canvas)

Yarn is the heart of every crochet project. It comes in many weights, colors, textures, and fibers, and choosing the right kind depends on your project and skill level.

Beginner-Friendly Yarn Options

If you're brand new to crochet, bulky or super bulky chenille yarn (like Okey Dokeys' plush yarns) or worsted weight yarns (medium #4) are easier to work with than thinner or textured yarns. They let you clearly see your stitches and work them without too much fuss.

Yarn Fiber Types

• Acrylic – Affordable, easy to care for, and comes in tons of colors.
  
  

• Cotton – Great for dishcloths and summer wear; holds its shape well.
  
  

• Polyester chenille – Super soft and ideal for amigurumi (crocheted plushies).
  
  

• Wool – Warm and elastic, good for garments but can be trickier for beginners.
  
  

Make sure to check the yarn label for:

• Yarn weight (e.g., worsted, bulky, super bulky)
  
  

• Recommended hook size
  
  

• Washing instructions
  
  

2. Crochet Hooks (Your Main Tool)

A crochet hook is what you'll use to pull yarn through loops to make stitches. Hooks come in many sizes and materials, and your pattern or yarn label will tell you which size to use.

Common Hook Sizes for Beginners:

• 5.0mm (H-8) – Great for worsted yarn
  
  

• 6.5mm (K-10.5) – Works well with bulky yarn
  
  

• 8.0mm+ – Best for super bulky yarns like plush chenille
  
  

Hook Materials:

• Aluminum – Durable and smooth; ideal for beginners.
  
  

• Plastic – Lightweight and budget-friendly.
  
  

• Wood/Bamboo – Grippier texture, great for slippery yarns.
  
  

For most new crocheters, a mid-size aluminum hook is the easiest to start with.

3. Scissors (For Cutting Your Yarn)

While you don’t need fancy scissors, a small, sharp pair is super helpful for trimming yarn and weaving in ends cleanly. Look for crafting scissors or embroidery scissors that are easy to store and precise.

4. Yarn Needle (Also Called a Tapestry or Darning Needle)

When you’re done crocheting, you’ll need a yarn needle to weave in the ends and tidy up your piece. These needles have a large eye to accommodate thick yarn and a blunt tip to weave through stitches without splitting the yarn.

Metal or plastic yarn needles both work well. Curved needles can make weaving in ends even easier for plush or tightly stitched items.

5. Stitch Markers (Your New Best Friend)

Crochet doesn't always use a "row counter" like knitting does, especially in amigurumi. Stitch markers help you:

• Track your rounds
  
  

• Mark the beginning or end of rows
  
  

• Keep count when increasing or decreasing
  
  

You can use official stitch markers, safety pins, or even a scrap of yarn looped into a stitch.

6. A Pattern or Tutorial to Follow

If you're just starting out, you don’t need to wing it. A clear crochet pattern (PDF or printed) or video tutorial will help you follow each step and learn as you go. Look for:

• Beginner-friendly language
  
  

• Basic stitches only (like chain, single crochet, half-double crochet)
  
  

• Clear visuals or videos
  
  

Check out Okey Dokeys' free crochet patterns or YouTube tutorials to get started!

7. Measuring Tape or Ruler (Optional but Helpful)

If you're making wearables or projects that need to hit a certain size (like hats, scarves, or bags), a flexible measuring tape helps you stay on track. Measuring gauge (stitches per inch) is also a key part of following patterns accurately.

8. A Bag or Basket to Store Your Supplies

Crochet projects tend to grow, and so do your supplies! A project bag, storage box, or yarn basket will keep your hooks, yarn, and patterns organized and easy to grab when inspiration strikes. Look for ones with pockets or compartments for tools.

9. Optional Extras for the Enthusiastic Beginner

While not essential, these extras can make your crochet life easier and more fun:

• Row counters – For tracking rows without needing to write anything down
  
  

• Hook grips – For ergonomic comfort during long crochet sessions
  
  

• Blocking mats and pins – For shaping garments or blankets after finishing
  
  

• Lighted hooks – Great if you crochet at night or in low light
  
  

• Digital apps – Some apps let you track patterns, stitch counts, or even design your own projects!
  
  

Beginner Kits Make It Easier

If gathering supplies sounds overwhelming, a crochet kit is the easiest way to get everything you need in one box. Okey Dokeys crochet kits include:

• Step-by-step video tutorials
  
  

• Yarn
  
  

• Hook
  
  

• Safety eyes
  
  

• Stuffing
  
  

• Stitch markers
  
  

• Yarn needle
  
  

• PDF pattern
  
  

Perfect for beginners and kids alike, these kits are designed to be frustration-free with no magic ring required.

Crocheting doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with the basics—just a hook and yarn—and see where your creativity takes you. As you gain confidence, you’ll naturally expand your toolkit and try more advanced projects.

The best part? You can do it from your couch, with your favorite playlist or show on in the background. Crochet is calming, creative, and completely beginner-friendly.

So grab your yarn, pick up a hook, and start stitching your way to something amazing.