So you’ve been eyeing those gorgeous crocheted blankets, adorable amigurumi animals, and cozy sweaters all over Pinterest — and you’ve finally decided: I want to learn how to do that. Crochet is one of those skills that feels like magic once it clicks, and the best part? You only need one hook (I recommend a 5mm for beginners) and some yarn to get started.
What Even IS Crochet?
Crochet is a craft where you use a single hooked needle to loop yarn into a series of interlocking stitches. Unlike knitting, which uses two needles and has both stitches on the needle at once, crochet works with just one active stitch at a time — which makes it much easier to learn and much harder to unravel by accident. Most beginners pick up basic crochet stitches within their first sitting. Win!
What You Need to Get Started
One of the best things about crochet is how affordable and minimal the startup costs are. You really only need a hook and some yarn. You can use scissors you already have and the needle is optional.
A Crochet Hook
I recommend starting with a 5mm (H/8) hook. In my opinion, it’s the Goldilocks size. Not too big, not too small. Susan Bates brand is the best. The hooks have a point on the end that makes it easier to get into stitches. You can find this pack for around $10 at Walmart.
Yarn
To start, I would recommend a #4 medium yarn (sometimes called worsted weight). Just look for the #4 symbol on the yarn label. Medium-weight yarn is easiest for beginners to see and work with. Walmart’s Red Heart yarn is #4, with plenty of colors to choose from.
Tip: start with light colored yarn. Dark colors like black make it really hard to see your loops. Trust me on this one.
Scissors and a Tapestry Needle
Any scissors will do! You’ll use them to cut your yarn when finishing a project. A tapestry needle is used for weaving in your yarn ends after you’ve finished your project. I recommend the ones that are curved. In a pinch, I’ve even used my crochet hook to weave them in.
You Only Need to Learn 3 Stitches to get Started!
Crochet has dozens of stitches, but the truth is — almost everything you see is built from just a handful of basics. Master these three and you can make so much stuff, including blankets, scarfs, wash cloths, bags and more!
Tip: Want to learn amigurumi? Learn the Magic Circle instead of the Slip Knot.
I’ll let you in on a little secret:
Crochet is all about muscle memory. The first 20 stitches feel awkward and slow. The next 50 feel more natural. By the time you finish your first little square, your hands will start to just… know what to do. Don’t give up in those first 20 stitches — that’s normal for everyone!
1. The Slip Knot
Most every crochet project starts the same way, with a slip knot. (The only exception is if you are crocheting in a circle for things like amigurumi.)
2. The Chain Stitch (ch)
The slip knot is always followed by a foundation chain. Think of the chain as your starting line — your base row of loops that everything else builds on.
3. The Single Crochet (sc)
The single crochet is the most basic “real” stitch in crochet — short, sturdy, and satisfying. Scarves, bags, dishcloths, and amigurumi all use it heavily.
Your Perfect First Project
Every crocheter has a first project that didn’t quite go according to plan — and that’s completely fine. But if you want my opinion, start with a simple, small project. You will learn so much and it will be fun to look back at your very first project a year later!
My Recommendations:
🧣 A Simple Scarf
Just chains + single crochets, back and forth. No shaping, no counting rounds. Pure relaxing repetition.
🟫 A Small Swatch Square
Make a 4×4 inch square just to practice. No pressure, no purpose — just getting comfortable with your hook.
🧺 A Dishcloth
Small, functional, and quick to finish. Nothing beats the satisfaction of using something you made yourself!
Tip: use cotton yarn so it’s easily washable.
You Got This!
My best advice for beginners is to stay loose, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and have fun! A hobby is not suppose to be stressful. It’s completely normal to make mistakes when learning something new. That’s all part of the challenge.
If you would like to learn more about crocheting left-handed, subscribe to my youtube channel, or check out more of my blog posts.
