How to Crochet for Absolute Beginners

Today is the day! You are finally going to learn how to crochet (really, you’re going to successfully learn this time!).

Crochet has had a major resurgence within the past several years, and it is no longer just a “granny hobby”. It’s modern, it’s young, it’s artistic. So many young people are taking on this craft and giving it a new life in today’s society! Are you ready to join us crazy crafters?!

This blog post will provide all the information needed to be ready to learn to crochet, plus provide you 4 BASIC, beginner friendly crochet patterns that you can jump right into literally today – no joke. I’ve designed these patterns *specifically* with the beginner crocheter in mind to be able to succeed.

But before we get too far, let’s slide back to the beginning. The absolute basics.

MATERIALS

To learn how to crochet, you will need some scrap yarn, a crochet hook, a pair of scissors, and a yarn needle. Let’s dive into each of these materials individually.

YARN

There’s a decent chance that you already have some scrap yarn lying around your house. I’m going to take a wild guess and say that it is worsted weight acrylic yarn (that is the most common type of yarn). Does it look something like this?

This kind of yarn is *perfect* for learning just the basics, especially if it’s something you already have.

As a general rule, I recommend learning with any worsted weight yarn, becuase it’s easiest to come by and it’s the most average/commonly used size of yarn! How do you know if it’s worsted weight yarn? Flip the skein of yarn to the back of the label. You should find a skein of yarn icon on the back with a number in it. Worsted weight is represented with the number 4.

But, at the end of the day, you can really learn with any yarn weight! The techniques are the same regardless of the weight used.

HOOK

The hook size needed will depend on the yarn weight you are using. If you are using worsted weight yarn, you can use a 5.0mm or 5.5mm hook. If you are using a different weight, or if you have the skein label to the yarn you are using, flip to the back to locate the crochet hook icon. There will be a mm size suggestion for that exact yarn there!

The Susan Bates brand is my favorite. Here is the Susan Bates 5.0mm hook from Amazon, but these can also be purchased from Walmart or your local craft store.

SCISSORS

Any ole scissors will do! You just need something to cut off your yarn at the end. Once you get more into crochet, I recommend carrying around a pair of mini scissors with you for easy project snipping on the go.

YARN NEEDLE

Once you are done with your project (or a learning swatch, in this case) you will need a needle to weave in your ends. Why do you need a yarn needle, specifically? Yarn needles are typically plastic and have a large eye to thread your yarn through, rather than a tiny sewing needle with a tiny eye. Now, if you have a metal needle with a large eye, then that’s great!

Here’s a small pack of yarn needles to get you started – also available at your local store.

OKAY! Now that you have your materials ready, you can continue on to the video tutorial! You’ve got this!!

PSSST! When you’ve watched through the tutorial, and ready to start your first pattern, come back here to this blog post for my Top 4 Basic Crochet Patterns for the Absolute Beginner.

Congratulations!! You can crochet now! Cross that off your bucket list. Now, I bet you’re ready to put your new skills to the test and work on a real project that you can show off!

Here are my TOP 4 pattern suggestions for the absolute beginner:

The Mayfield Baby Blanket

This baby blanket is squishy, chunky, and full of perfect, delicate texture for any sweet newborn. The pattern features just two simple stitches: single crochet (which you just learned) and treble crochet (which the pattern fully explains how to do!). That’s it! 1 comfortable skill + 1 new skill = the perfect baby!

Check out the free Mayfield Baby Blanket pattern here.

The Symsonia Earwarmer

This earwarmer features loads of texture in a simple, 1 row repeat, and the bulky weight yarn will make this a speedy crochet project! Plus, you can make one for the whole family! The pattern provides sizing guidelines for Toddlers – Adult Large, with extra tips for adapting the pattern to literally any size you might need!

Check out the free Symsonia Earwarmer pattern here.

The Mayfield Washcloth

Featuring the same stitch pattern as the Mayfield Baby Blanket, this washcloth features a simple 2 row repeat, including just 2 simple crochet stitches that create a subtle, “bobblette” texture. This is the perfect, quick project to get your feet wet and make a function crocheted item!

Check out the free Mayfield Washcloth pattern here.

The Sedalia Scarf

Any crocheter, new or seasoned, will find gratification with this quick and cozy make. The Sedalia scarf uses just ONE stitch throughout the project, yet still gives off an aesthetically pleasing finished product! This scarf also makes the perfect giftable item.

Check out the free Sedalia Scarf pattern here.

Did all 4 patterns catch your eye?!

Good news for you! I’ve created a pattern bundle with all 4 of these *absolute beginner* crochet patterns. The bundle contains a PDF for all 4 patterns that are printer-friendly, so that you can add them to your forever pattern stash and keep coming back to them again and again!

Grab the Bare Basics Pattern Bundle here for 40% off today!

I’m so glad you stopped by today! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for more pattern releases, sales, updates, and more!

What else will you create today?