Essential Crochet Materials

Interested in learning this technique? Here's everything you will need to get started

Crochet has made a strong comeback over recent years. Not only has this technique been revived, but new exponents have given it a modern twist.

Alicia Recio Rodríguez (@alimaravillas) is part of a group of creators who have managed to put their stamp on their work which they share on social media. There, her work has attracted lots of people who are eager to learn her techniques. If you are also keen to make something with your own hands and develop your unique style, Alicia lists the basic materials that you will need to start crocheting:

Crochet Needles

Needles are the tools that help us to weave the fabric that will give shape to our project. They come in a range of styles and sizes. Your choice depends on the thickness of the wool you use for our project or the way we want it to drape.

Some needles have handles, and others don’t; some are more ergonomic and others less so. Alicia, our expert, prefers the brand Tulip since "they are best for your project's texture and finish," she says. This brand’s secret is that the needles are a little more pointed at the tip, allowing a smoother knitting process.

When you’re starting out–and until you reach the point of knowing you really do like crochet–Alicia recommends buying individual needles to save money. It’s only when you know for certain that crochet is something you want to do more long-term should you invest in a more complete set of needles with different sizes.

Needle Case

These will usually contain needles with different numbers, allowing us to find the perfect needle for a particular texture we want to create. Ali usually works with needles "from three and a half to six and a half," she says.

Yarn

There are different types of yarn made of different materials and blends. You can buy them in skeins, balls, and cones.

Hank: Hanks are a good option, but they require extra work: they must be unraveled and rewound when you use them. This means that you and the external person who helps you will have to put in an extra manual effort. Getting the reeling and winding machines is another expense.

Balls: These are usually used the most as they come ready to use and do not require much work.

Cones: You can start weaving straight away from a cone. However, as their format is more organized than a ball, it can be a little difficult to undo them, and the yarn tends to get a bit twisted.

Weight (thickness):

The weight (thickness) of the yarn you use will depend on the type of project you want to make or how you want it to drape. Fingering yarn, for example, is usually used for socks or shawls. There are also sport-weight yarns or DK, weights that are often used for sweaters.

Just because your yarn is light-weight, it doesn’t mean it will be less warm: this is down to the quality of the yarn, not the weight. Bulkier weights (thicker yarns) allow us to advance with our project much faster. This is best for when we are starting out. If we begin with a light-weight yarn, it can take a long time to see the results, and we can lose motivation. This type of thickness also allows us to identify where we have made a mistake and fix it.

Stitch Markers

They are so often forgotten, yet they are so important. Stitch markers work like a compass. When you've been crocheting for a while, you will know your weave and find it easy to count your rows. However, when you're just starting out, markers are here to guide you. You can get very thin ones that are great because they don't leave marks. There are a range of different types that come if different. You can also get closed markers. The latter is used for needles.

Scissors

You will want a small pair that can cut thread, which will make it easier to carry your work around with you. According to Alicia, as soon as you start enjoying crochet, you will want it to be easy to transport so you can take it with you wherever you go.

Tape measure

It's handy to have one of these in your needle case for taking measurements.

Needles for Wool

It is important to always have them handy. They are the ones we will use to sew the pieces we have assembled with the crochet techniques.

Pencil and pad of paper

Use these to write down the ideas you have.

Needle threader

These are very useful on those days when you’re finding this task especially difficult.

Alicia recommends starting out with these materials when you begin your crochet journey. Fancy giving it a go? Learn to make your own creations in her course, Creating Garments Using Crochet.

English version by @eloiseedgington.

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