How to Learn to Crochet

Betho null
May 7, 2023
5 min read

Updated: May 8, 2023

Some tips for an enjoyable start to learning the art of crochet.

I started crocheting in grad school and it’s been an amazing artistic outlet for stress. I have chronic pain in my hands, so I was very worried that it would aggravate my joints. Luckily, the right crochet hooks, taking breaks and stretching help. I started with less than $20- you only need a hook and yarn ☺️ Check out my checklist for what you need to get started.

Here’s my advice on how to start crochet with minimal cost and while keeping your hands pain-free.

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#1 - Find your best hook

Unless you buy very fancy yarn, this will probably be your largest purchase. Put as much or as little thought into this as you’d like. Personally, I was looking for a ergonomic hook that was cheap and would come to me. I’ve been completely satisfied with my inexpensive hooks from Amazon but you can certainly buy your best fitting hook for this. If you’re buying yarn at the same time, be sure that your hook size is compatible with your yarn!

Personally, I opted for a full set (2.25 mm to 10.0 mm) metal crochet hooks with a grip and these have worked great for years with all different types of yarn. This set also comes with other accessories you may need that are great to keep on hand- stitch markers, tapestry needles, measuring tape, and a bag to hold everything. These are the hooks I originally bought and still use. Less than $15 from Amazon- affiliate link below.

If you don’t need hooks larger than 6.0 mm (for size 4 yarn), this is a smaller set for less than $11.

It’s important to note that there are many small businesses that will probably make your favorite crochet hook. You should follow crochet-related accounts on Instagram- we’ll teach you basics, new stitches, how to make your favorite items, and will sell you the products of your dreams!

I’ve recently been obsessing over Ophire, Co. crochet hooks. I just ordered some and hope that they feel as nice as they look! Each hook sells For around $15.

I opted for Amazon for quickness and price. You can also find at least most sizes of hooks at JOANN Fabric and Craft and Michaels. You can do a lot with just one hook, but there are also affordable options for a whole set. My favorite hook sizes are 10.0 mm, 6.0 mm, and 4.5 mm.

#2 - Find your yarn

Some might say this is the first step. I think hooks are more important as they’re a long-term decision. Regardless, you’ll need yarn to crochet. Unless you have a specific pattern you like that calls for a certain yarn or you already have yarn at home, I’d start with 100% acrylic yarn of weight 4 or medium. This doesn’t fray very easily, is cheap, accessible, and comes in most any color you can think of. Cotton yarn is a good option if you want to be natural and recycled or thrifted yarn is generally the most eco-friendly. You can even thrift a crocheted or knitted blanket to frog.

I usually pick this up in person- my JOANN has the most gorgeous wall of 100% acrylic wt. 4 for around $3/skein (wrapping of yarn)- but you can stock up online, too. Many craft shops may have a small swatch which helps in choosing the best option. There are also small businesses that sell online, so keep an eye out!

I’d recommend sticking to this yarn at least until you’re comfortable with it. I typically make all my first projects with this yarn because it’s so easy to work with. Cotton or wool is better for clothing unless you have gaps in the stitching as 100% acrylic doesn’t really breathe. There are gorgeous variations of all types of yarns- it’s a great texture element to play with!

"Yarn choice is a very underrated part of any crochet project- it’s what it’s made of! 👍🏻" – BETHO specialist

#3 - Learn to make a stitch

I was very lucky to have someone in person to help me learn to stitch. I am a right handed person and learned from a right handed person. Yes, you can crochet left handed.

It’s time for an important aside about your learning style. For example if you’ve read this whole thing, you’re likely a read/write learner 😂 I joke. But it’s an important insight to have. The VARK questionnaire can help you find out your learning style and is free. There are plenty of YouTube videos that are perfect for Visual and Aural learners (for righties and lefties). For Read/Write learners, I’d suggest buying a crochet book for beginners- look for one that explains how to do the different types of stitches. For Kinesthetic learners, practice makes perfect! Also, just keep in mind that if it’s hard to learn something, you can try harder, quit, or try another way. See #5.

For Righties!

For Lefties!

The cover of 101 Crochet Stitches with samples of colorful stitches and a flower

I’d recommend practicing a 6 inch wide rectangle until you feel comfortable with the foundation chain and stitches, going back and forth and turning appropriately. Remember, it’s okay and sometimes helps with frustration to pull your string and start over.

#4 - Make a thing

Bonus points if you make a thing from a pattern. I understood how to crochet much better by reading from a book. I started with beginner’s amigurumi and now enjoy books on various stitch techniques, granny squares, and different amigurumi figurines. This taught me how to make a magic circle, crochet in round, and to precisely follow a pattern.

If you learn to make a granny square, you can make a lot of things. I’m currently working on a few patterns that use granny squares but look for others online!

#5 - Strong resolve

Fellow disabled people, you know what I mean when I say you must persevere (see: Capitol Crawl). It will be difficult, you will stick you hook in places that you’ll find out weeks later was the wrong spot. You’ll fray a lot of yarn. One lovely thing about crochet is that you can easily pull the yarn and undo the whole thing (it’s called frogging).

Breaks are always necessary and remember that you’re also training your body to do a new thing. This requires that you listen to your body about when to take breaks, drink water, and find your favorite reputable teacher for stretching exercises. This is the first video in a series about crochet exercises by a crochet artist. Using an ergonomic crochet hook is a good first step.

Final Tips

It doesn’t cost much to learn to crochet. For under $20, you can get a hook set with accessories and yarn. This is a craft that takes practice, but it’s so worth it in the end. Once you learn, keep an eye out for patterns in my blog or shop. How did you learn to crochet? What tips would you give new crochet-ers? Please comment down below.

Here’s your final checklist: ☑️