Crochet 101

Are you ready for a new adventure?

Starting out on a journey is always pretty exciting, but sometimes it can feel overwhelming, too, right? Well, whether you're picking up the hook for the very first time or returning after a long break, this page is your cozy little corner of the internet for getting started with crochet!

You'll find beginner-friendly resources, free handouts, video tutorials, and curated links to help you build skills, confidence, and maybe even your very first project. (Do you know what you want to make yet?)

Let's begin!

What You'll Need: Basic Crochet Supplies

Everything you need to get started crocheting, from hooks to yarn to those little extras that make life easier (yes, we're looking at you, stitch markers).

Essentials:

Yarn, of course! Medium (4) worsted weight yarn in a solid, smooth, light color is best
Crochet hooks come in many shapes and sizes. Check your yarn label to match the recommended hook size—and then get one size smaller and one size larger!
Scissors
Darning needle(s)

Optional:

Stitch markers
Measuring tape
Notions pouch and/or project bag

There are lots of other goodies you can get, too, but these are a great place to start.

Psst, get my Crochet Supplies Checklist with shoppable links here! (COMING SOON)

Getting Started: A Gentle Introduction

I have a great set of handouts that I like to share with my new crocheters in the classes I teach; I'd like you to have them, too! Download the New Crocheter Handouts.

If you're looking for a comprehensive online course that will walk you step-by-step through everything you need to know to begin crocheting and more, I just happen to have one of those, too. Check out my Crochet Basics: From Skein to Scarf class on Skillshare (that link should get you your first month free if you're a new member, and they do have lots of other great classes, too).

Now. How about we jump in with a few videos?

Basic Crochet Stitches

A quick note: I'll be demonstrating these stitches with a knife/overhand hook hold using my right hand and a fairly tightly tensioned yarn hold. This is NOT the only way to do things! Experiment with the way you hold both your yarn and hook until you find what works best for you. Oh and if you're left-handed? Try these tutorials from the CGOA.

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02:27

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Tools + Materials Deep Dive

Want to get nerdy about gear? Here's where I break down my favorite beginner-friendly supplies (plus a few of those nice-to-haves, too):

Yarn for Beginner Crocheters (COMING SOON)
My Favorite Crochet Hooks (COMING SOON)
What's in Your Notions Pouch? (COMING SOON)
Crochet Bags + Storage (COMING SOON)

Practice With Purpose

One of my favorite resources to share with new crocheters is Warm Up America! They're such a great organization, working together across the nation to assemble blankets that are donated to homeless shelters, hospitals, nursing homes, and more.

Making 7" x 9" rectangles for WUA is a great way for you to learn and practice new stitches without committing to a huge project or having to be perfect AND you get to make a difference, too! It feels like a win win to me.

Here's a great resource from Edie Eckman to help you make Perfectly Sized Warm Up America! Sections.

A Few More Resources

Feeling a little overwhelmed with pattern reading? Take a look at How to Read a Crochet Pattern, written by Jean Leinhauser for the Craft Yarn Council. It really is kind of like learning a new language! But with a little practice, I know you'll get it. You can do this!
How about all those care symbols on the yarn labels? Mystifying?? Here you go!
Speaking of yarn labels, here's another guide from the CYC about the Standard Yarn Weight System and suggested hook sizes.
There are lots and lots of great video tutorials out there for crocheters. Tamara Kelly of Moogly is one of my favorites! Bella Coco is another great one, especially for left-handed crocheters. Just don't fall into the rabbit hole when you go browsing YouTube for crochet stitches and techniques! Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't include a link to my own video tutorials, but most of them are simply made to supplement my patterns. Don't be afraid to look around; find a teacher who explains things in a way that makes sense to YOU and then go watch everything they've got!
Don't forget to check out my Skillshare classes. I have a couple fun patterns there for when you're ready to move beyond the basic stitches!

What's Next?

Go explore! Practice the stitches you've learned. Make something. Celebrate it. Give it away. Frog it. (That means to unravel it.) Burn it in a bonfire if you must. Just go MAKE something!

If you've enjoyed our time together, I'd love for you to consider signing up for my weeklyish newsletter or joining me on Patreon. I'm forever seeking out inspiration all around me, dabbling in my favorite mediums (mostly crocheting and painting these days), and hoping to share and spark a little bit of joy in others.

Have an AMAZING time on this creative journey. Enjoy the path it takes you on and don't ever be afraid to reach out, either to me or someone else that you know who crochets, if you have a question.

I can't wait to see what you make.

Cheers!

-Connie

P.S. Would you like to see a Crochet 102 page? Do you have a request for a specific tutorial that you haven't found yet? Drop me a line below and I'll see what I can do!