Written by: Kristen Moore

Published on 01/22/23 | Updated on 01/26/24

Picture this:

You’re headed to the craft store, all pumped up because you decided to learn how to crochet! So fun, right!? But when you get there, you quickly become overwhelmed with all of the options, and end up leaving the store frustrated saying, “Next time.”

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While totally fun and exciting, learning how to crochet can become overwhelming VERY quickly. I mean, there are walls and walls of different types of colorful yarn and supplies. However, just as with any new skill or project, if you’re wanting to learn how to crochet it’s important to know where to begin and to have a plan.

If you’re interested in crocheting and don’t know where to start, I’m going to briefly go over the first two basic steps you’ll want to know: finding a crochet hook, and picking out your first skein of yarn! Let’s jump in!

1. Finding your first crochet hook

Okay, so you’re at the craft store. Where should you head first? I would suggest heading to look at the crochet hooks/tools section first. It’s usually located around the yarn section, but you can also ask an employee who I’m sure would love to point you in the right direction.

Of course, to learn how to crochet you’ll first need a crochet hook! Crochet hook sizes are measured by millimeters. There is a pretty wide range of hooks you can use, from 2.25mm all the way to 30mm. Some sizes are definitely used more often in the crochet community compared to others. Usually the size you choose will simply depend on which pattern you’re following, and the specific yarn required for that pattern.

But typically, the finer the yarn, the smaller the hook you’ll use. The thicker the yarn, the larger the hook you’ll use. I know how overwhelming that can seem when you’re just beginning to learn, though. So if you’re really serious about diving in to the world of crochet, you could totally go out and purchase an entire set of hooks. It could be more cost efficient in the long run by deciding to purchase a whole set, if you’re really committed to learning the craft.

However, if you’re only wanting to test the waters and learn the basics, I would recommend beginning by purchasing one or two hooks in one of these three sizes: H-8 (5.00 mm), I (5.50 mm), or I-9 (6.00 mm hook). They are commonly used to make many different projects, and typically work best with a medium weight yarn - which is what I’m going to talk about next. Just check the package or label near the hooks and it’ll let you know which size is which!

2. Picking out your yarn

Now that you’ve found the best crochet hook to use as a beginner, you shouldn’t be far from the gorgeous yarn displays. Before getting overwhelmed, allow yourself to marvel at the beauty sitting in front of you. So many types of fibers, textures, colorways, sizes – it’s a TOTAL experience. I definitely feel like a kid in a candy shop every time I’m in the yarn section of a craft store. Honestly, I still get overwhelmed looking through all the yarn at times, so don’t feel stressed if you’re the same. What helps best is going into it with a plan - and this is where I come in!

First, you’ll want to check the label for the yarn weight. It should read one of seven options, along with its corresponding number:

Superfine (1)
Fine (2)
Light (3)
Medium (4)
Bulky (5)
Super Bulky (6)
Jumbo (7)

Here’s a photo example of what a a typical yarn label looks like. See that cute little skein of yarn with a #4 inside? That means this skein of yarn is a size 4, medium weight yarn! The perfect type to begin with.

Just like the crochet hooks, every yarn weight is best used for certain projects – some more common than others! They also range in price depending on the fiber it’s made from. Acrylic is typically on the more affordable side, while a 100% wool would be a bit pricier. If you’re really stuck, or find some yarn you’re just dying to use, you can always check the yarn label and it will tell you all the info you need to know: What it’s made from, how much is included in the skein, and the recommended hook size that goes best with that specific yarn. Super helpful, right?!

But, if you’re just testing the waters like we talked about before, you may not want to spend money on yarn you’re not sure is the easiest to learn with. That’s why my recommendation, along with any of the hook sizes I recommended (5.00mm, 5.50mm, or 6.00mm), is to begin with a skein of a basic medium (4), worsted weight yarn. There should be plenty to choose from! So check the label, make sure it’s labeled as a medium weight yarn, and go ahead and pick whichever color catches your eye.

You did it! You should now be able to proudly walk through that craft store knowing you have exactly what you need to practice learning the basics of crochet.

Your next step is to practice, practice, practice! The first three skills you’ll want to learn are how to make a slip knot, a chain stitch, and the single crochet stitch. Follow me on Instagram (@junebugandjames) for some short tutorials on how to do these foundational stitches!

Once you have these down, you can begin by making a simple project like a wash cloth or a scarf! However, before jumping into a pattern, I would recommend getting as comfortable with maneuvering your crochet hook and yarn as you can. This will be incredibly helpful when beginning to work a pattern, and keep you from getting overwhelmed too quickly.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this post today! I truly hope it was helpful, and encouraged you to pick up that crochet hook and get started. There really is nothing like creating something with your hands, and adding your own art and beauty to the world.