Best crochet kits for beginners - what do you need to crochet?

We've all got to start somewhere, and if you want to learn how to crochet but have never even picked up a crochet hook before, don't worry! Here you'll find everything you need in a crochet kit for beginners, including advice on everything from the basic equipment to buying crochet kits! Whether you want to assemble your own kit or buy a pre-made crochet kit for beginners, there's loads of different types of crochet kits for beginners available - but when you strip it down to the crochet essentials, you only need three things...

What do you need to crochet?

What do you need to start crocheting? Just these three things... it's pretty simple

• A crochet hook
• Yarn
• Scissors

The simplicity and small amount of equipment needed is one of the things that many people really enjoy about crochet - you can just grab a ball of yarn and a hook and get started straight away. Once you've got yourself some hooks and yarn, then check out our crochet for beginners guide and start stitching today!

Although you don't need a lot of equipment to start crocheting, there are quite a lot of different options when it comes to buying your crochet tools. Below you'll find some handy information about each of these items to get your started, or if you fancy trying out a crochet for beginners kit, you can use these links to jump to the sort of kits you're looking for!

Best crochet starter sets for beginners (tools only)

Best crochet kits for beginners - complete beginners

Best crochet kits for beginners - small projects for adventurous beginners

Best crochet kits for beginners - Bigger projects for those wanting a challenge

Crochet Hooks

It might seem obvious, but you can't crochet without a crochet hook! Hooks come in a range of shapes and sizes, so knowing what's best for a beginner can be challenging. We'd recommend starting off with a 4mm or 5mm hook to start off with - they're a good medium size for beginners to get to grips with. If you're in the US, these may be referred to as G6 or H8 size hooks. You might also want to take a look at our round-up of the best crochet hooks.

Beginners can struggle with getting the hang of pulling your hook through loops, initially your hook is probably going to be under quite a lot of pressure until you perfect your tension. For this reason a metal hook is the best type to include in a crochet kit for beginners (plus they're usually the cheapest option). Once you've got the hang of it, try experimenting with different hook materials to see what sort is your favourite.

Yarn

You'll need some yarn to get started with, but again there's an awful lot of choice out there! You'll want to start with something that's not too fine, and not too thick - a DK (double knitting) or Aran weight yarn is probably the best choice.

If you're picking up the crochet hook for the first time, it might be tempting to get some special yarn to start with - but we'd suggest holding off for a bit while you master the basics! You will make mistakes on your first attempts and have to undo your work quite a bit, and you don't want to waste any of that special yarn. Picking up some cheap acrylic yarn is a good choice, not only for price but also because it's normally very even and good for practicing with - If you want some inspiration check out our pick of the best acrylic yarns!

You can easily buy yarn online from retailers such as LoveCrafts (check out our guide on Best places to buy yarn online for more options), but don't forget to check out your local charity shops or thrift stores for second hand yarn too!

If you want to find out more about yarn types and weights, you can find everything you need to know in our 'What are yarn weights and which yarn should I use' guide

Scissors

Ok so technically you don't need these for the actual crocheting part, but once you come to an end of your practice piece (or if you get yourself in a big knot) then you'll need a good pair of scissors. You may see people just breaking yarn by pulling it apart with their hands - you can do this, but as well as damaging the yarn, it can also hurt your hands with certain yarns!

And that's all you need to get started

While technically you don't need anything else, there are a few more crochet accessories that you might need once you really start to catch the crochet bug! If you're looking for more options and information about crochet accessories, you'll find plenty in our pick of the top crochet accessories.

Other useful crochet tools

A Yarn Needle

Once you've got to the end of your project, you need to do a bit of tidying up! Even if you're making the most basic of shapes, you'll have two yarn ends left over that you'll need to sew into your work - your starting end and your finishing end. A yarn needle is different to a sewing needle, in that it's bigger and has a big enough eye for you to get your yarn through. There's a few different types of needles available, from metal to plastic, and even ones with loops which make attaching your yarn a bit easier. You can find out more on how to fasten off and weave in your crochet ends here.

A Tape Measure or Large Ruler

While you might not need this for simpler projects, if you're thinking about taking on a garment project or something that needs to be made to a specific size, then you'll definitely need a tape measure or ruler. You should alway remember to do a tension square when a pattern advises - this is how you test that your stitches are coming out as the same required for the design. You can find our tutorial on how to make a tension square here!

Stitch Markers

Stitch markers are an important tool for new and experienced crocheters alike! As the name suggests, you use them for marking specific stitches - most commonly the first stitch in a round if you're making crochet circles using the spiral method (where you don't join at the end of the round), but also for when you're making complicated shapes or divides in your crochet fabric.

Toy Stuffing

Of course you only need this if you're making toys or amigurumi, but it's a vital resource for any crocheter. Toy stuffing is normally pretty cheap, but if you just need a very small amount of stuffing you could try using left over yarn ends or cotton wool instead.

Safety eyes

Again one for the amigurumi makers! (New to amigurumi? Then check out our 'What is Amigurumi' guide!) The range of safety eyes available is huge, and they're much safer than sewing on buttons (even for adults, once the back of a safety eyes is attached it's virtually impossible to remove). Keep in mind though that if you're making toys for a baby or young toddler, safety eyes should be avoided - there's always the chance that the whole safety eye could be pulled out and be swallowed, it's safer to use a bit of embroidery thread and securely sew an eye on instead.

Pen and Paper (or an app)

Once you get onto starting a project, it's important that you keep count of your rows and rounds. Having a notebook handy to keep track of your progress is a good habit to get into (some people will tick off rows on a pattern with a pen - but this does mean you'll struggle to use that pattern again). There are also a couple of counting apps out there that can help with crocheters to keep track of their rows, or you could always use one of those handheld tally counters used by bouncers and sport coaches!

Now that you know the main tools you need, you can start building up your collection of crochet hooks and tools piece by piece. Alternatively, you could treat yourself to a crochet starter kit like the ones below to make sure you're properly equipped for your journey into crochet - and buying a crochet for beginners kit can often work out cheaper than buying all of the individual items!

Once you've been crocheting for a while and are definitely 'hooked' - there's a few more crochet accessories that are great for advanced crocheters.

Click here to jump to our advanced accessories section.

Crochet Starter Sets for Beginners

Luxebell Crochet starter set from Amazon

This handy and affordable crochet starter kit is a great way to set yourself up with the crochet essentials. Containing 11 metal crochet hooks with rubber soft grips in sizes from 2mm to 8mm, plus scissor snips, stitch markers, tape measure, tapestry needles, thread-cutting ring, a row counter and a handy storage bag to keep it all in!

Buy the Luxebell crochet starter set from Amazon

Crochet starter set from Stitching me Softly

If you fancy treating yourself (or a friend), then this crochet starter set from Stitching Me Softly is a lovely way to start. This crochet starter set comes as a box containing 12 bamboo crochet hooks in sizes 3mm - 10mm, a pair of stork embroidery scissors and a set of 3 exclusive laser cut Stitching Me Softly stitch markers!

Buy the Crochet starter set from Stitching me Softly on Etsy

Crochet Essentials Pack from TheSecretCrocheter

If you fancy a crochet starter kit with all those little extra bits included too, such as tapestry needles, buttons and tape measures - then you might like this crochet essentials pack from TheSecretCrocheter. As well as getting to choose whether you would like metal, soft grip or bamboo crochet hooks, it also comes with a personalised case to keep them in too!

Buy the Crochet Essentials Pack from TheSecretCrocheter on Etsy

Now that you've got your basic tools sorted (or treated yourself to a crochet starter kit), you can start learning stitches. Why not check out our crochet for beginners guide, or head straight to our how to crochet tutorials.

Best crochet kits for beginners

If you're not feeling confident with buying yourself some yarn and hooks just yet (or would like to buy a gift for a loved one who's always wanted to crochet), then buying a crochet for beginners kit might be the best option for you! They're perfect if you want to just give crochet a try, and normally come with everything you need to complete a whole project. Crochet kits come in lots of different types and suited to a wide range of abilities. To make things easy for you, we've selected 10 kits for beginners which we think are perfect for those just starting their adventure into crochet. We've selected kits that are all described as suitable for beginners, but remember if you need any help with crochet, you can always check out our how to crochet section.

Best crochet kits for beginners - complete beginners

Learn to crochet kit from Nautilus Crochet

This 'Learn to Crochet' kit from Nautilus Crochet is a brilliant crochet kit for beginners. It comes with 6 balls of luxury cotton yarn (in a colour of your choice), a soft grip aluminium crochet hook, stitch markers, buttons and yarn needle - plus a 12 Page fully illustrated, step by step instruction and pattern book which contains 6 easy patterns you can try - from a DIY crochet hook case to a pretty purse!

Buy Learn to crochet kit from Nautilus Crochet on Etsy

Learn to crochet kit from TheSecretCrocheter

If you're wanting to get into crochet so that you can make your own accessories, then why not start with this fab 'Learn to crochet' kit from TheSecretCrocheter. It includes everything you need to make a cute cowl, including written instructions with video links - but it also includes an extra 50g of yarn to practice with, which we think is a clever little extra in a crochet kit for beginners!

Buy the Learn to crochet kit from TheSecretCrocheter on Etsy

Learn to crochet kit from LittleCraftBoxCo

This cute crochet kit for beginners from LittleCraftBoxCo comes with 2 balls of yarn (in your choice of colours), plus a crochet hook and yarn needle, as well as detailed instructions and videos to help you make some sweet coasters and trinket bowls for your first crochet projects! It even comes with a tea bag and some biscuits so you can really get relaxed with your crochet!

Buy the Learn to crochet kit from LittleCraftBoxCo on Etsy

Learn to crochet kit from BeaconCraftsShop

If you like the idea of a crochet starter kit, but aren't feeling very confident (or have tried before and struggled), then here's a crochet for beginners kit which will support you all the way! Not only does this kit from Beacon Crafts come with enough yarn and tools to make some simple granny square projects like a cushion or small blanket, but you will also receive full support from Beacon Crafts (who have been teaching crochet for over 10 years). As well as written instructions and handy video tutorials, there's also a dedicated private facebook group where you can chat and get help from other learners, as well as 100% support from Helen of Beacon Crafts via email or Facebook messenger, and you can even book a 1 hour zoom session with her for free at a time to suit if you need any extra help - now that's proper customer support!

Buy the Learn to crochet kit from BeaconCraftsShop on Etsy

Best crochet kits for beginners - small projects for adventurous beginners

Little Conkers Egg Crochet Kit

This cute kit from Little Conkers is a fab eco-friendly make that would also make a fabulous gift for someone who wants to learn how to crochet. With clear illustrated instructions, it's also the perfect project for getting to grips with working in the round - the key to many crochet projects including amigurumi.

• Buy it now (Etsy, from £15.99)

DMC plant pot holders crochet kit

If you fancy a practical project for your first crochet make, then you might enjoy this plant pot holder crochet kit from DMC. Containing 3 balls of their gorgeous baby cotton yarn, plus a 3.5mm crochet hook, tapestry needle and instructions, it's a crochet kit that teaches you not only the basics but some extra techniques too, such as crocheting in the round and how to change colours.

• Buy it now (LoveCrafts, £20)

Toft mini elephant crochet kit

Fancy trying your hand at amigurumi, but don't want anything too big for your first project, then maybe this mini elephant crochet kit from TOFT might b perfect for you! These mini kits still come with absolutely everything you need to make Bridget the Elephant, including a crochet hook, yarn needle and toy stuffing. These mini kits are a great starting point for those interested in amigurumi, and TOFT also do larger kits and other animals too for when you're ready to take your next step.

• Buy it now (John Lewis, £15)

Luxury bunny family crochet kit

This luxury bunny family kit is a great starting point if you fancy getting into amigurumi and soft toys. It comes with 3 balls of lovely soft 100% lambswool, crochet hook, stuffing, darning needle, stitch marker, yarn for the nose, as well as easy to follow instructions with a stitch guide and clear images to guide you through.

• Buy it now (Not on the high street, £28)

Hooked Giraffe Eco kit

This giraffe kit by Hoooked is a great crochet kit for beginners, and as well as coming with everything you need to make it, the Eco Barbante yarn is made from 100% recycled cotton! Great fun for you, and great for the planet too!

Best crochet kits for beginners - Bigger projects for those wanting a challenge

DMC contemplative cushion crochet kit

Quite a few of the kits we've shown you so far involve crocheting in the round, but things do get a bit trickier as your circles get bigger! But don't let that put you off, it just means you need to pay a bit more attention and make sure you keep count (a stitch marker will help if you struggle with this). However, once you get the hang of it, going round and round and focusing on your crochet can be quite a meditative process - why not try it out with this fan contemplative cushion kit from DMC.

• Buy it now (£25, Lovecrafts)

We Are Knitters Crochet Tee Kit

If making your own clothes appeals to you, then this kit from We Are Knitters is a fantastic starting point. You get everything you need to make this gorgeous cotton tee, and the pattern is simple enough that even beginners can hook it up in no time!

• Buy it now (£60, We Are Knitters)

Wool Couture Amy Slippers Crochet Kit

You'll be dancing around the house with joy once you finish hooking up these cute Amy slippers! Made in chunky merino wool, they won't take you long to make - a couple of hours should do it, even for a beginner!

• Buy it now (£25.99, Etsy)

Bilibag Crochet bag kit

If you fancy taking your crochet super-size, then how about this fab bag! It's made using cotton rope and a big hook, so as well as being hard-wearing and sturdy, it also means it will hook up nice and quick. Many beginners also find using some chunkier yarn helps them to visualise how the stitches work a bit better (but it can be tougher on your arms and hands).

• Buy it now (Etsy, £19.99)

Daydream blanket crochet kit from Wool and the gang

For those of you who really want to throw yourself into your first crochet project, then the Daydream blanket crochet kit from Wool and the Gang is a brilliant project to try. Although it makes a large colourful blanket, it only requires simple stitches so you can just sit back and enjoy the crochet! It's made in their gorgeous Shiny Happy Cotton yarn, and you can choose your favourite 6 colours of yarn to be included with the kit!

• Buy it now (£60, Wool and the Gang)

Devotion jumper crochet kit from Wool and the Gang

If you're feeling really brave, then you could try this Devotion jumper crochet kit from Wool and the Gang! We wouldn't usually recommend that beginners try tackling a crochet garment, but this jumper uses a combination of simple stitches and a drop-shoulder design to keep things nice and easy and avoid any tricky shaping that can be a bit difficult for beginners. It might take you a while, but we think it'll definitely be worth the wait!

Buy it now (£77, Wool and the Gang)

What do I need to advance

If you've well and truly caught the crochet bug, then there's some extra tools available for the more experienced crocheter!

A Blocking Board

Once you've completed your project, you may notice that your fabric curls a bit or that those edges could be a bit straighter - blocking will help with this! There's a range of solutions out there for blocking, from specifically designed boards with pegs to hold your shapes in place, to interlocking foam mats that can be used to block your larger projects. You'll also need a spray water bottle to wet your fabric with (or an iron with a steam setting if you fancy going pro!) You can find our guide to blocking here or check out our pick of the best blocking boards for knitting and crochet

Yarn Swift and Wool Winder

If you've entered the world of skeins (or hanks) of yarn, then you'll need to unwind them without getting your yarn in a big knot. Gone are the days of getting your partner or a friend to hold the loops of yarn between their hands while you manually unwind it - there are now a huge range of affordable yarn swifts and wool winders that will do the job for you. Yarn swifts can take a bit of practice to get the hang of, but once you've mastered it those lovely hand-dyed skeins of yarn will no longer cause you headaches when coming to use them! Find out more in our pick of 20 of the best yarn winder products.

A Yarn Bowl

If crochet has taken over your life and you've always got a project on the go, then a yarn bowl is a nice little treat for yourself. The beauty of a yarn bowl is that it keeps your ball in one place while you work away, and as they feature a hole or slit for you to pull your yarn through, it means that your ball doesn't keep rolling around on the floor - a must have for any crocheters with kitty's in the house! Find the perfect one for you in our pick of the best yarn bowls for knitting and crochet.

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the best crochet kits and essentials for beginners, don’t forget if you need any help with your crochet stitches you can always check out our crochet for beginners guide. And if you’re looking to treat yourself, check out our list of the best crochet hooks or take a peek at our favourite crochet gift ideas.