If you’ve just wandered into the magical world of crochet—or maybe you’ve been hanging out on yarn TikTok or eyeing some adorable amigurumi on Pinterest—you’re probably asking the big questions like:
- What yarn do I even start with?
- Why are there so many hook sizes?
- How am I supposed to remember which row I’m on when my cat keeps sitting on my project?
I got you. Whether you’re here to make plushies, cozy blankets, or just wanna vibe with some yarn and a podcast, this post breaks down the beginner basics without the confusing craft lingo. Let’s talk tools.
Yarn Types: What’s What (and What to Start With)
Yarn is like people—it comes in all shapes, textures, and vibes. But when you’re starting out, not all yarn is your friend. Some are fussy, fuzzy, or just plain hard to work with.
Here’s a no-fuss breakdown:
| Yarn Weight | Common Label | What It’s Great For | Beginner Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1 | Lace / Fingering | Fancy shawls, tiny doll clothes | Tricky |
| 2-3 | Sport / DK | Lightweight tops, baby stuff | Okay with patience |
| 4 | Worsted / Medium | Plushies, scarves, blankets | ⭐ Best for beginners |
| 5 | Bulky | Hats, winter things | Quick & satisfying |
| 6+ | Super Bulky | Chunky scarves, rugs | Great for big, fast projects |
Start with worsted weight (#4) yarn—it’s smooth, easy to see stitches, and super forgiving. Lighter colors help, too!
Some faves I keep reaching for:
- Red Heart Super Saver – budget-friendly, tons of colors
- Caron Simply Soft – smooth and shiny
- Bernat Blanket – fluffy and fun for plushies (warning: very thicc)
Hook Sizes: Not as Scary as They Look
Crochet hooks come in sizes that sound like a mix of math and alphabet soup. But don’t stress—it’s just about finding the right size for your yarn and your hands.
Here’s a simple size guide:
| Hook Size | US Letter | Use With Yarn: |
|---|---|---|
| 2.25mm | B-1 | Tiny, laceweight yarn |
| 3.5mm | E-4 | Light/DK yarn |
| 5.0mm | H-8 | Worsted weight yarn ← Your new BFF |
| 6.5mm | K-10.5 | Bulky yarn |
| 8mm+ | L+ | Chunky yarn and thick projects |
Hot tip: Try a 5.0mm hook with medium-weight yarn for your first project. It’s the Goldilocks zone—just right.
Also, if your hands get sore easily (mine do!), try an ergonomic hook. The ones with soft grips are way comfier than the plain metal ones.
Stitch Counters: Because Yes, You Will Lose Track
Okay, real talk: crochet is peaceful… until you look up and forget which row you’re on. This is where stitch counters save your life.
Here are some super chill ways to count:
- Click counters – Digital or manual, like a little row-tracking buddy.
- Stitch markers – Clip them to your work so you know where to start/stop.
- Apps – Try “Row Counter” or “Crochet Land.”
- Pen + paper – Write it down, scribble, cross it off. Totally valid.
- Memory – Bold of you to try, but… go off.
My favorite low-budget hack? A paperclip or bobby pin = instant stitch marker. We love resourcefulness.
