Crochet · starter kit
What you need to start crochet
Three things — or four if you’re sewing. Total cost: ~£16. Everything you need to follow our top course pick, with budget swaps if you’re not sure yet.
Matched to our top course
Following Complete Beginner Crochet? You’ll need the specific items below. That’s the whole point — no generic “best of” list, just the exact kit for the course we recommend.
The top-pick kit
What we'd buy for a friend starting today.
Total: ~£16. These are the specific items we use and recommend — not the cheapest, not the fanciest, just the ones that get out of your way.
Clover Amour 5mm Hook
Our pickSoft-grip handle, smooth aluminium head. Makes tension much easier while you learn.
Paintbox Simply DK yarn (any colour)
Smooth, affordable, easy to see your stitches. Perfect practice yarn.
Locking stitch markers (set of 20)
Small clips that help you count rows. You'll use them constantly.
Total to start: ~£16
See all on AmazonSome links on this page are affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we’d use ourselves.
On a tight budget?
Under £8 if you go for the swaps.
These will absolutely get you through your first course. The top-pick kit is nicer, but the budget kit works while you’re finding out if this is your thing.
Basic aluminium hook (no grip)
instead of Clover Amour
Marriner DK yarn
instead of Paintbox
Safety pins as markers
instead of locking markers
What to skip
What we wouldn't recommend
Cheap multi-hook sets (10+ hooks for under £5)
You’ll see these all over Amazon — a pouch with 12 colourful hooks for £4.99. The heads are rough, the sizing is often inaccurate, and you only need one hook to start. Buy one good hook in the right size rather than a bag of mediocre ones you won’t use.
Got your kit?
Now pick your course.
We’ve reviewed the best beginner crochet courses — find the one that suits how you like to learn.
Starter-kit questions
- What's the absolute minimum I need to start?
- The three items in the kit above. Anything else is optional — fancy accessories can wait until you know you're sticking with crochet.
- Can I use supplies I already have?
- Yes, where you can. Our budget kit lists the household swaps that work. The only things we'd replace are anything that would actively frustrate you while you're learning.
- Why do you recommend this specific brand?
- Because we've used it. Each pick is the one we'd buy for a friend starting from zero — not the cheapest, not the most expensive, just the one that gets out of your way and lets you focus on the craft.
Ready when you are
You’ve got the kit. Now make something.
Pick your course and you’ll be making something real within a week.