Essential Crochet Tools
Keep your tools simple so you can save your money for yarn. If I'm repetative about this I aplogize in advance!
The tools below are core to the craft. They help reduce frustration, improve consistency, and support your learning—without requiring a large investment.
Crochet Hooks
Crochet hooks are very personal. There are two main types: tapered and inline. I recommend trying both so you can see what feels best in your hands. I don't think I knew there were two types when I started, many years ago. After several years i tried tapered hooks and wished I had found them sooner.
For the Heirloom Afghan Sampler, you’ll want:
- 5.5 mm hook for the body of your work
- 6.0–6.5 mm hook for your foundation chain if your tension is tight
Yarniss Crochet Kit for Beginners — Tapered Hook Starter Kit 1
Includes hook sizes from 2.0 mm–10.0 mm, along with practice yarn and essential tools like stitch markers, yarn needles, and a measuring tape.
This is a strong all-in-one starting point and will give you the hook sizes needed for this project.
View Beginner Kit Option 1Yarniss Crochet Kit for Beginners — Tapered Hook Starter Kit 2
Includes hook sizes from 2.0 mm–10.0 mm, along with practice yarn and essential tools like stitch markers, yarn needles, and a measuring tape.
This is another strong all-in one kit. The handles are a bit smaller in diameter. I just tested this kit as it is the first I've seen these handles. I like the way these feel in my hand. I did use the above hooks for years, so both are good choices.
View Beginner Kit Option 2Susan Bates Inline Hooks — Add-On Set (In-line hooks)
These inline hooks give you a different feel and can help improve stitch consistency—especially when learning stitch anatomy.
This set includes a 6.5 mm hook, which is helpful when working your foundation chain for better tension and stitch visibility.
Pairing this with the beginner kit gives you both hook styles to try as you learn.
View Inline HooksMy Experience
I own and use all of the tools listed here. I started with beginner kits like this and used them for quite some time while I was learning. They can all still be found in my toolkit and videos.
After some time, I invested in a new set of hooks primarily because they are ever so much lighter and more comfortable for longer crochet sessions—not because the beginner tools weren’t effective.
If you’re just getting started, these tools will absolutely support your learning and help you build confidence without overspending.
I prefer to save my money for yarn.
Other Helpful Tools
Blocking Mats
These mats are used to "block" your finished work. Blocking is a technique that sets your finished fabric to the exact shape you want. You'll use these mats to pin down your fabric for the final shaping This pack has both round and square grids and comes with plenty of pins. They are about $13.00 less than those that I purchased.
Locking Stitch Markers
Use these to mark the first and last stitch in a row or round. This helps keep your edges straight and your stitch count accurate.
Row Counter
Helps you keep track of your progress so you can stay focused on your stitches.
Yarn Needles
Choose large-eye, blunt-tip needles for weaving in ends. Bent-tip needles can make finishing easier and more precise. Pointed needles can allow you to weave through the yarn fibers ensuring a good lock.
Small, Sharp Scissors
These scissors are very sharp which is helpful for cutting as close to your joins (nots) as possible. Their small size is perfect for on the go bags and believe me you'll need at least 2 pair.
Finishing Needles
These needles from Susan Bates are a continuous eye, so super easy to thread. This is a value pack of 10 sets. I have them everywhere!
Pillow for support (ergonomics)
This pillow wraps around you. (I know it's a mursing pillow) but it provides great support for your elbows and you can rest your work on it so you are workinhg at a good height and not exerting any extra effort by holding your work up.
Lazy Glasses (ergonomics)
You may want to try these prism glasses that allow you to hold your head up straight while looking down. They work great, and I have corrective lenses for both near and farsighted but see great with these.
Neck Light (ergonomics)
One of the most common problems crocheters report is eye strain due to insufficiant liting. This neck light is rechargeable and has 3 colors. This will also allow you to crochet in bed without disturbing your partner.
Some links may be affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend tools that support the learning process and help you build confidence in your crochet work.