How to Start Crocheting for Absolute Beginners (What You Actually Need First)
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
If you’re starting to learn crochet and have no idea where to begin, and it already feels a bit overwhelming, I hear you. I’ve been there.
There are so many hooks, so many yarns, and honestly… so many tutorials. It can get confusing really fast.
But the truth is, crochet is actually much simpler than it looks.
You don’t need 50 tutorials.You just need the right starting point.
In this post, I’ll show you what to focus on first so you can start without feeling lost.
What to Expect When You Start Crocheting
Before we get into what you need, I want to prepare you a little for how it might feel in the beginning because this part matters more than people think.
Holding the hook and yarn at the same time might feel awkward at first. There are a few common ways to hold them, but honestly, the most important thing is that it feels comfortable for you. There’s no right or wrong way here.
Crochet does take a bit of practice and patience. It might look easy and once you get it, it is but don’t expect your first piece to look perfect. That’s not how anyone starts.
Try not to be too hard on yourself. Your stitches might be too tight or too loose, you might skip a stitch or add an extra one… and that’s completely okay. It’s all part of learning.
You’ll probably “frog” your project (pull it apart) at some point. And that’s a good thing. The sooner you get comfortable with that, the easier everything becomes.
One thing that helps a lot is using stitch markers and counting your stitches at the end of each row. It can save you a lot of frustration later on.
Most importantly—try to enjoy the process. Crochet isn’t about making a perfect piece. Handmade things are about those perfect imperfections (I looove that phrase).
It’s your time to slow down, create something with your hands, and be able to say: I made this.
Choosing the Right Hook
The hook is connected to the yarn, but most beginners start with a 5 mm crochet hook (US: H/8).
It’s the most common size, easy to hold, and works well for many beginner projects.
I’d also recommend using an aluminum hook. It helps the yarn move smoothly, which makes learning much easier.
What's the Right Yarn
This part goes hand in hand with your hook.
Every yarn has a recommended hook size, and as a beginner, it’s best to follow that.
Since we’re starting with a 5 mm hook, the best match is medium weight yarn (worsted weight – category 4). It’s not too thin, not too thick, and you can actually see your stitches clearly, which makes a big difference when you’re learning.
When it comes to fibre, acrylic yarn is usually the easiest to work with.
It’s also a good idea to choose a solid colour at the beginning. Multicolour yarn might look beautiful, but it can make it harder to see your stitches and slow you down while learning.
3. Start with the Basic Stitches
Every crochet pattern is built from just a few stitches. Once you learn the basics, everything else becomes much easier. In many cases, it’s really just about where you place your hook.
Start with
Start with the basics here → How to Crochet for Absolute Beginner
how to make a slip knot and chain (this is the beginning of every project)
single crochet
half double crochet
double crochet
You might be surprised how many different patterns come from these simple stitches. Even stitches like Lemon Peel, Even Moss Stitch, or Moss Stitch are just variations of these basics. (I’ve linked step-by-step tutorials (with photos and videos) for each stitch, so you can follow along easily.)
You don’t need more to start. Simple stitches can still create beautiful, more advanced-looking projects.
First Crochet Projects
I know it’s tempting to jump straight into bigger projects and honestly, some people do prefer that because it keeps them motivated. But if you’re just starting, I’d suggest beginning with something simple.
This is where you practice your tension, get used to the hand movement, and really understand how crochet works.
Start with something small and repetitive, like a dishcloth, a simple scarf, or even just a small square.
There’s no need to rush into anything complicated. Starting simple will actually help you improve faster.
If you’re not sure what to make, I’ve put together a few beginner-friendly patterns here → beginner-friendly patterns.
Want Everything in One Place?
If you’d rather have everything together and not spend hours searching and trying to piece things together I created a Crochet Starter Kit for Beginners as a clear starting point.
Inside, you’ll find everything in one place:
the theory explained in a simple way (something you can always come back to—no need to memorize it all)
the basic stitches with step-by-step guidance
how to read crochet patterns
two beginner-friendly patterns to practice
You’ll also get a printable cheat sheet (2 pages) that sums up the most important things—like basic abbreviations and symbols, hook sizes in UK and US terms, yarn weights, and recommended hook sizes.
It’s all designed to help you start with clarity, not confusion. Feel free to check it out here:
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