Crocheting is one of the most relaxing activities a person can do. The rhythmic movement of the hands and the constant motion give you a sense of calmness. Plus, the final result will bring so much satisfaction knowing that you did something on your own, with your two own hands. You don’t need much to start this hobby. Just a few essentials can get you going.
Needles and Hooks
Needles and hooks are the most basic tools that you use to create your yarn works of art. They come in several sizes and types. All of them are made for different levels of experience and different purposes. You don’t have to own all of them, you could use one well-designed and durable crocheting needle to make wonderful creations.
You can find two main types of hooks: tapered and inline. They may look the same at first glance but there are small differences between them that will affect the way you crochet. Inline hooks feature a defined lip and a deeper mouth. They can fit into narrower places and are ideal for uniform stitching. They’re mainly used for making scarves and gloves.
Tapered hooks feature a shallow mouth and a rounder head. This makes them ideal for crocheting blankets. The other three categories of hooks are knook, ergonomic, and Tunisian. Used for special tasks, the Tunisian one is longer and features a stopper at the end. The ergonomic one is made to ease hand pain and it has a larger needle and the knook hooks are good for projects similar to knitting.
Hooks can be made of several materials. Steel ones are the most common. They’re meant to lace crochet and to make fine patterns and delicate stitches. Wooden hooks are also an option. They’re smooth and often made of bamboo, rosewood or birch. Plastic hooks are the newest addition. They’re hollow, lightweight and comfortable to hold. This makes them perfect for beginners.
Once you reach the end of your project (whatever it may be) you’ll need darning needles. They’re also known as tapestry needles. You can use them to sew the yarn and the fabric together. Buying them as a set is a good investment. They’re not expensive and are a great tool to have at hand. The blunt-tipped ones will finish off the seams, while the sharp-tipped ones will stitch the ends.
Yarn
Choosing the yarn is the exciting part of the whole preparation process. It comes in so many colours, weights, materials, levels of durability and textures. Sometimes it’s very hard to choose the right one for your project. They can also vary in price. Wool, cotton, silk, acrylic and a blend of some of these, are the most common yarn materials. Cotton blends are the strongest and can withstand a lot of cycles in the washing machine.
Animal wool, on the other hand, will feel really cosy and nice on your skin. In case you’re making something for a baby, always go for a softer type of yarn. If you’re crocheting a cloth, a sturdier material will be just fine. If you’re a beginner, stay away from fluffy or slippery materials. Get something smooth and stretchy in a lighter colour that won’t confuse you while working with your crocheting needle.
Stitch Markers
Stitch markers are a very practical piece of crocheting tool. They’re very helpful when you need to set a project aside for a while. When you’re not working on something for some time you might forget where you were. The stitch markers can help you. You attach them to the stitches and make sure they don’t get loose. It’ll keep them in place.
Some crocheting enthusiasts use them to mark where a new pattern begins or ends. These markers can be made of plastic or steel and come in several shapes and sizes. If you want to invest in some, make sure you buy multiple, because you might need several of them at the same time.
Scissors
Crocheting scissors are not ordinary scissors. They’re specifically made for this purpose and are also known as yarn snippers. You probably won’t use them as much as crochet hooks, but they’re nice to have when you need the right tool to cut the tails of the yarn when you finish the project. They can cut through any yarn material with great precision. Plus, they’re a once-in-a-lifetime investment if you take good care of them and don’t use them to cut other materials.
Blocking Mat
Blocking mats are a practical tool that will give you space where you can pin and shape your knitted pieces. You can use it to measure the dimensions of the piece and alter it accordingly. These mats are very versatile and often interlock so you can use them for projects of different sizes.
If you decide to buy them, the first thing to consider is the material. Foam is the most common choice because it’s durable and can hold pins. Size is also important. This mainly depends on the size of the projects you’re working on and the floor space you have available. Most of them are interlocking so you can easily customise the size.
Look for a mat with a lightly textured surface. This way your knitting won’t slip when you’re pinning it into shape. The thickness also matters. A thinner mat is of course, more durable and has more pin depth. The grit lines will help you align your work and take precise measurements. Last but not least, make sure the mat is heat-resistant. You’ll need this when you’re steaming during the blocking process.