So you want to learn to crochet? Maybe you've seen someone working away on a blanket and thought it looked satisfying. Maybe you already cross stitch and you're curious whether crochet might be just as enjoyable. Or maybe someone handed you a crochet kit and you're not quite sure what to do next.
Whatever brought you here, you're in the right place. Crochet is one of those crafts that looks complicated from the outside but makes a lot more sense once you have it in your hands. You'll probably feel a bit clumsy for the first few sessions. That's completely normal, and it passes quickly.
This guide covers everything you need to know to get started; what to buy, what to do with it, and what to do when it goes a bit wrong (because it will, and that's fine).
What is crochet and why give it a go?
Crochet is a way of making fabric using a single hook and yarn. You pull loops of yarn through other loops, building up rows or rounds of stitches until you have something finished. That something could be a blanket, a scarf, a hat, a bag, a granny square, or a small stuffed creature (those are called amigurumi, and they're enormously satisfying to make).
Unlike knitting, which uses two needles and holds all your stitches at once, crochet only ever has one active loop on the hook at a time. This makes it very easy to put down mid-row without anything unravelling. It's a good craft for people who stitch in short bursts; on a lunch break, in front of the TV, or on a train.
If you already cross stitch, you'll find that some of the patience and focus you've built up transfers well. Both crafts reward you for slowing down and working carefully, and both produce something tangible at the end.
What you need to get started
One of the best things about crochet is that you genuinely don't need much. A hook and some yarn will get you started. Everything else is optional, at least to begin with.
Crochet hooks
Crochet hooks in the UK are measured in millimetres, and that's the only measurement you need to pay attention to. For a beginner, a 4mm or 5mm hook is a good starting point. These sizes work well with the most beginner-friendly yarn weights (more on that below), and they're large enough to handle comfortably without being unwieldy.
Hooks come in different materials: metal, plastic, and wood or bamboo are the most common. Metal hooks are smooth and let yarn glide easily. Plastic is lightweight and inexpensive. Wood and bamboo offer a little more grip, which some people find helpful when they're still getting used to tension. None of these is objectively better; it comes down to what feels good in your hand.
If you buy a crochet kit, the hook is included, so you don't need to think about this at all to get started.
Yarn
The yarn you choose as a beginner matters more than most people realise. Get it right and learning feels manageable. Get it wrong and you'll spend more time wrestling with the yarn than actually crocheting.
Here's what to look for:
Weight: DK (double knit) is ideal for beginners. It's not too thin and not too thick, and the stitches show up clearly so you can see what you're doing. Chunky yarn can seem appealing because it works up quickly, but it can be harder to control at first.
Texture: Go smooth. Fluffy, textured, or hairy yarns (like mohair or bouclé) are genuinely difficult to work with even for experienced crocheters because you can't see the individual stitches. Save those for later. A plain, smooth yarn like acrylic or cotton is much easier to learn with.
Colour: Lighter colours show up the stitches better than dark ones. A pale grey or cream makes it much easier to see where your hook needs to go, which matters a lot when you're just starting out.
Other bits you'll need
- A pair of scissors
- A tapestry needle (for weaving in ends once your project is finished)
- Stitch markers (optional, but genuinely useful; a safety pin works perfectly well if you don't have proper ones)
That's it. You don't need a big kit to start.
Before you pick up the hook: the UK vs US terminology issue
This section might save you a lot of confusion, so it's worth reading before you look at any patterns.
Here's the situation: there are two versions of crochet terminology in the English-speaking world: UK terms and US terms, and they use the same words to mean different things. This trips up a huge number of beginners (and plenty of experienced crocheters too), especially because a lot of the most widely shared tutorials and patterns online are written in US terms.
The key differences look like this:
UK term
- Double crochet (dc)
- Half treble crochet (htr)
- Treble crochet (tr)
- Double treble (dtr)
US term
- Single crochet (sc)
- Half double crochet (hdc)
- Double crochet (dc)
- Treble crochet (tr)
What this means in practice: if a pattern says "single crochet" anywhere, it's written in US terms. If it says "double crochet" and it's meant to be a short, simple stitch, it's probably also US terms. Always check which system a pattern uses before you begin; the pattern should state this clearly, and most do.
Throughout this guide, we use UK terms. If you go on to use patterns from other sources, just pause and check before starting. It's a five-second job that will save you from unpicking a whole project halfway through.
How to hold your hook and yarn
There's no single correct way to hold a crochet hook. Most people use one of two grips:
The pencil grip: Hold the hook as you'd hold a pencil, with your thumb and index finger resting near the flat section of the hook. Many people find this more comfortable for long sessions.
The knife grip: Hold the hook from above, like you're holding a knife to spread butter. This gives some people more control, especially with thicker yarn.
Try both and see which feels more natural. If you watch other people crochet, you'll notice that everyone holds the hook slightly differently. Don't worry about doing it "correctly", worry about whether it feels comfortable and gives you some control over the yarn.
Your non-dominant hand holds the yarn and controls the tension. This is the bit that feels most awkward at first. Tension in crochet means how tightly or loosely you hold the working yarn as you stitch. Too tight, and your stitches will be hard to work into. Too loose, and the fabric will look uneven.
Here's the honest truth about tension: it will be inconsistent when you start, and that's completely normal. It improves with practice almost without you noticing. The best thing you can do is relax your hands, avoid gripping the hook too tightly, and give yourself a few sessions before you judge the results.
The basic stitches every beginner needs
Every crochet project starts from the same building blocks. Once you have these, you can follow most beginner patterns.
The slip knot
Every crochet project begins with a slip knot attached to the hook. Here's how:
- Make a loop with your yarn, with the tail end underneath the working yarn.
- Reach through the loop and pull up a new loop of the working yarn.
- Place this new loop on your hook and pull the tail gently to tighten it. It should be snug on the hook but not so tight you can't slide it.
The chain stitch
The chain stitch forms the foundation of most crochet projects. It's also used within patterns to create spaces and height.
- With the slip knot on your hook, hold the tail of the yarn between your thumb and middle finger.
- Bring the working yarn over the hook from back to front (this is called a yarn over).
- Pull the yarn through the loop on your hook. You now have one chain stitch.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 for as many chains as your pattern requires.
A common beginner problem: the foundation chain comes out too tight to work into on the next row. If this happens, try going up one hook size just for the starting chain, then switching back to your usual size. It makes a noticeable difference.
Double crochet (UK)
Double crochet is the most beginner-friendly stitch in UK crochet. It's short, sturdy, and appears in countless beginner patterns. (Remember: this is called single crochet in US patterns.)
- Make a foundation chain to the length your pattern requires.
- Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook.
- Yarn over and pull through the chain. You now have two loops on your hook.
- Yarn over again and pull through both loops. One double crochet was made.
- Insert your hook into the next chain and repeat.
At the end of the row, chain one (this is your turning chain), then turn your work. Insert your hook into the first stitch of the new row; not into the turning chain itself.
The most common beginner mistake with double crochet is missing the last stitch of a row, which causes your work to get narrower over time. Count your stitches at the end of each row until it becomes second nature. A stitch marker placed in the last stitch of each row can help.
Treble crochet (UK)
Treble crochet is a taller stitch that gives a slightly more open, drapey fabric. Once you're comfortable with double crochet, this is a natural next step.
- Yarn over before inserting your hook into the stitch.
- Insert your hook into the stitch and yarn over again.
- Pull through the stitch; you now have three loops on your hook.
- Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. Two loops remain.
- Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops. One treble crochet was made.
The turning chain for treble crochet is three chains (compared to one for double crochet). This turning chain usually counts as the first stitch, so skip the first stitch of the row when you start. Your pattern should make this clear.
Your first project
Once you've got the basics down, it's tempting to jump straight into something ambitious. The honest advice is: don't. Start small.
A tension square (a small, flat square worked in rows of double crochet) is genuinely the best first project. It sounds boring, but it teaches you everything at once; how to start a row, how to end a row, and how to keep the same number of stitches throughout. By the time you've made three or four of those, your hands will know what they're doing.
From there, a dishcloth, a small bookmark, or a simple square coaster are all excellent second projects. Flat, rectangular, no shaping required.
If you'd rather start with something that has a proper result at the end, our beginner crochet kits include all the materials and a step-by-step guide, so you don't need to figure out what to buy separately. The Carlos the Caterpillar Amigurumi kit is a great option once you're comfortable with the basics; small, satisfying, and genuinely fun to make.
Common mistakes and how to handle them
Every beginner makes these. Knowing they're coming makes them less frustrating.
Your work is getting narrower. You're losing stitches at the end of rows and probably missing the last stitch or accidentally working into the turning chain. Count your stitches at the end of each row and use a stitch marker to flag the last stitch.
Your stitches are too tight to work into. This is a tension issue. Relax your grip on the yarn and the hook. If the foundation chain is the problem, go up a hook size just for that row.
You've used the wrong terminology. You started a pattern assuming it was in UK terms and it was actually US terms (or the other way around). Unpick back to where you went wrong and check the pattern notation. This catches everyone out at least once.
You can't work out where to put the hook. Look at the top of each stitch and you'll see a small V shape lying on its side. Insert your hook under both legs of that V unless the pattern tells you otherwise.
Your work is curling or looking uneven. This is almost always a tension thing, and it tends to sort itself out as you get more hours of practice in. Blocking your finished piece (dampening it gently and laying it flat to dry) can also help.
The most important thing: if something goes wrong, you can always unpick it. Crochet is a very forgiving craft. Nothing is permanent until you weave in the ends.
Where to go from here
Once you've got the basics down, there's a lot to try. Granny squares are a satisfying next step; they're worked in the round rather than rows, which is a new skill but not a difficult one. From there, you might move on to simple garments, bags, or amigurumi.
Our crochet kits collection has a range of projects for different skill levels, and each kit includes step-by-step instructions so you're never left guessing. If you have questions or want to share your first project, the Facebook community is a warm, welcoming place to do that; plenty of people in there are at exactly the same stage as you.
And if you're also a cross stitcher wondering how the two crafts compare, our crochet vs cross stitch guide covers that in full.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is crochet easy to learn for complete beginners?
Yes, though it takes a few sessions to feel comfortable. The basic stitches are straightforward once you get the hang of holding the hook and managing tension. Most people find that things click somewhere between their third and fifth session. Give yourself that time before you decide whether it's for you.
What's the difference between UK and US crochet terms?
They use the same words to mean different things. In UK terms, a double crochet is a short, simple stitch. In US terms, the same stitch is called a single crochet. The UK treble is the US double crochet. Always check which system a pattern uses before you start; the pattern should state this clearly.
What hook size should a beginner use?
A 4mm or 5mm hook is a good starting point. These sizes work well with DK weight yarn, which is the easiest yarn weight to learn with. Your hook should match your yarn weight; the yarn label will usually suggest a hook size.
What's the best yarn for learning to crochet?
A smooth, plain DK weight yarn in a light colour. Avoid fluffy or textured yarns, which make it very hard to see the stitches. Acrylic or cotton yarns both work well. Many UK craft shops stock affordable options, and Caterpillar Crochet kits include yarn chosen with beginners in mind.
Why do my stitches keep getting tighter?
This usually comes down to gripping the hook or yarn too firmly, often because you're concentrating hard on a new skill. Try consciously relaxing your hands, and take a break if your hands start to cramp. Tension improves naturally with practice.
How long does it take to learn to crochet?
Most people can make something recognisable within a couple of hours of starting. Getting genuinely comfortable with tension and stitch counting usually takes a few weeks of regular practice. It doesn't have to be long sessions; 20 minutes most days will get you further than one marathon session a week.
Can I learn from written instructions, or do I need a video?
Both work, and most people find a combination best. Videos are helpful for seeing exactly how a stitch is formed. Written instructions are easier to refer back to mid-stitch without pausing and rewinding. This guide gives you the written side, and if you'd like video support alongside it, our YouTube tutorials walk you through each stage.
