Crochet Tools and Accessories Guide
One of the most exciting parts of taking up a new hobby is discovering all the fun tools involved! In this guide to crochet accessories you'll learn about what you need to make everything from basic granny squares to adorable amigurumi.
Contents
Basic Crochet Tools
Wondering what tools you need for crocheting? There's some good news here. There are just a few essential crochet supplies, and they're available at budget-friendly prices. Here are the absolutely essential tools to start crocheting:
Crochet Hooks
Crochet hooks come in different sizes, ranging from a tiny 1.8mm to a jumbo 10mm or even more. The size of the hook you need depends on the project you're going to be working on. Many crocheters eventually buy a set of matching hooks in different sizes, but if you're brand new, you might prefer to just pick up one hook at a time for now.
Hooks are made of many different materials. Metal hooks are budget-friendly and very light, and are often a good starting point for beginners. Yarn slides smoothly over them - but they can also be slippery in your fingers, unless you have quite dry hands. Their lack of flexibility can make give some crocheters wrist pain. The same is true of plastic hooks, but they are less durable. Bamboo or wooden hooks are gentler on the wrists, but yarn will not slide as smoothly over them. Ergonomic crochet hooks by Furls have a unique shape are an excellent choice if you have wrist problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis or repetitive strain injury.
Yarn
Of course, this is the other essential thing you need! Yarns come in many different colours, weights (which refers to thickness), and fibres, and you can learn more about that here. For beginners, a thicker yarn is often easier to use - try aran/worsted or bulky, and stay away from the laceweight until you're feeling confident. It's important to get the fibre content right for the item you're going to make. For example, merino wool is soft and bouncy, which is ideal for a cosy scarf or jumper, but it'll be too floppy for amigurumi or a hat. These are better made with cotton, which is inelastic. Take a look at our range of yarns to find the right one for your project.
Recommended Crochet Tools
As you get more into the hobby, you'll find crochet accessories that are not essential, but can make your life a lot easier. Some of these accessories for crocheting can be very decorative, so they often make a great gift for the crafter in your life!
Tape Measures for Crochet
You'll use your tape measure to check your stitch gauge and body measurements, and measure the size of your project as you work. For convenience, retractable tape measures are a good choice as they fold up easily, and many come in stylish or cute cases. Choose a tape measure with both centimetres and inches so you can crochet patterns from around the world.
Unique Crochet Stitch Markers
Stitch markers are very useful to keep track of patterns as you work. Unlike knitting stitch markers, stitch markers for crochet cannot be closed rings. Open or split ring markers are the fastest to attach to your stitches, while lockable or lobster clasp markers are more secure. Choose a multicoloured set if you need to mark multiple things at the same time, such as pattern repeats, increase or decrease points, and so on. Some stitch markers are simple, while others are fitted with charms, beadwork or other decorative details, making them works of art.
Crafting Scissors
A pair of dedicated crafting scissors will make your life a lot easier, as you won't have to rummage through the kitchen drawers to find them. Choose high quality stainless steel. Smaller scissors allow you to get close to your work to trim your ends more neatly. A small pair will also fit into your accessory case or project bag, so it'll be easier to keep your scissors to hand.
Crochet Project Bags
Look stylish when you're stitching on the go! A good project bag will keep your yarn, work in progress and any accessories together neatly. They make it easier to crochet in public, to separate things if you're working on multiple projects at the same time, and to keep your home crafting space neat. A project bag is a great way to keep things organised. If you're working from a paper pattern, you can tuck it away inside, along with a pen to mark your place and note any alterations you've made.
Darning Needles
You'll use these crocheting tools to weave in your ends when you finish crocheting. They are usually available in metal or plastic, and are much thicker than regular sewing needles, allowing you to thread your yarn.
Wool Wash
If you're working with wool, then wool wash will help keep your finished objects clean and fresh. It's helpful for blocking your project, which helps to set your stitches and give your item that polished, professional look. A gently scented wool wash leaves your work smelling as good as it looks!
Crochet Pattern Books
Pattern books and crochet magazines come with a selection of patterns. There's something for crafters of every level, from total beginners to experienced fibre artists. Some focus on a particular category, such as toy animals or shawls, while others have a range of different patterns.
Luxury Crochet Accessories
What can you get the crochet expert in your life? These luxury tools for crochet are the crème de la crème of the craft world. They make a great special gift, and they're also an excellent choice if you want to treat yourself to something special.
Yarn Swifts and Winders
Yarn sold in skeins must be wound into a ball before it can be used. This includes most hand-dyed yarn, particularly from indie dyers, which many crocheters prefer to use. Winding yarn into a ball by hand takes a lot of time. For a faster, tangle-free experience use a wool winder or yarn swift. Usually made from wood, these odd-looking contraptions will wind your ball in no time.
Yarn Bowls
These are an essential crochet tool if you have cats! When you're working from a round ball of yarn, it will often roll away from you. A yarn bowl holds it steady, and comes complete with a specially shaped hole in the side to let your yarn out. Yarn bowls aren't just functional, they are also often works of art. Many are handmade and have beautiful design that makes them real ornaments. For colourwork, having two yarn bowls to hold your different yarns will help stop tangling.
Crochet Accessory Bags
The more you crochet, the more accessories you'll acquire. A crochet accessory bag helps keep them all in order. Look for bags with special spaces for all your hooks, as well as other tools like your stitch markers, hook gauge, scissors and more.
It doesn't take a lot to start crocheting - but if you really get into the hobby, you'll find plenty of fun accessories to make your crafting life easier. Check out our selection of crochet tools for everything you need!
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