What You Need to Start
Yarn
Start with medium-weight yarn in a light colour. It is easier to see your stitches when the yarn is not too dark or fluffy.
Hook
A 4 mm, 4.5 mm or 5 mm hook is comfortable for many beginners, depending on the yarn label recommendation.
Extras
Use scissors, a yarn needle, stitch markers and a tape measure to finish projects neatly.
Beginner Skills Checklist
- Make a slip knot and place it on the hook.
- Hold the hook and yarn comfortably without gripping too tightly.
- Practise chain stitches until they are even.
- Work single crochet into a foundation chain.
- Count stitches at the end of each row.
- Fasten off and weave in yarn ends neatly.
How to Read a Simple Pattern
Most crochet patterns list the materials, hook size, abbreviations, stitch count and row instructions. Read the whole pattern before you begin so you know what is coming next.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| rep | repeat |
Beginner Tip
Do not worry if your first square looks uneven. Crochet improves quickly when you practise tension, counting and turning rows.