Crochet for Beginners: My Favorite Tools, Apps & Patterns
Learn crochet for beginners with my favorite tools, apps, starter kits, and easy patterns that helped me learn and fall in love with crocheting.
I recently got into crocheting, and I honestly didn’t expect to love it as much as I do! I’ve been sharing some of my projects on Instagram, and I keep getting questions about how I learned, what I use, and where I find my patterns. So I decided to put everything in one place! If you’re new to crochet too, I’m sharing my favorite beginner tools, apps, patterns, and everything that has helped me learn along the way.
1. How I Got Into Crocheting
I’ve always loved crafts and had been wanting to learn how to crochet for a while. I was gifted a Woobles kit, and since my boys love stuffed animals, I loved the idea of making them unique little animals and characters we couldn’t just buy at the store. It definitely didn’t click right away it took me about four months of starting and stopping before I finally got the hang of it. I’m so glad I stuck with it and kept learning!
2. The Best Way to Learn Crochet as a Beginner
I started with Woobles yarn because it’s really easy and best for crochet for beginners to work with and makes it easier to see and count each stitch. I spent one whole night just making a magic ring, taking it apart, and making it again until I understood it! That’s actually one of the things I love about crocheting you can easily pull it apart and start over when you mess up. I did the same thing as I learned each of the basic stitches. Woobles kits are amazing for beginners because they come with step-by-step videos, but you can also find their tutorials for free on YouTube. My biggest tip is to be patient with yourself and pick something you’re actually excited to make!
3. The Best Crochet Starter Kit I Used
If you’re starting from zero, I think a Woobles crochet kit specifically the penguin is the best place to start. The penguin is simple enough for your first project while still teaching you the basic skills you’ll use in future projects. Everything you need comes in the kit, and the yarn is especially great for learning because it’s easy to work with and makes each stitch easy to see and count. The step-by-step videos let you pause, rewind, and practice as many times as you need. Plus, you actually end up with something cute when you’re finished!
Shop the Penguin Beginner Crochet Kit: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/8WAZ1
4. My Favorite Crochet Tools & Supplies
Once I started crocheting more, I slowly added a few supplies that have made it so much easier. You definitely don’t need everything when you’re first starting, but these are the things I use the most:
- Crochet Hooks
- Beginner Yarn
- Stitch Markers
- Yarn Needles
- Stuffing
- Safety Eyes
- Small Scissors
- Crochet/Project Bag
5. My Favorite Crochet App
Yarn Pals is probably my favorite crochet app! I pay for the yearly subscription to get unlimited patterns, and I’ve definitely gotten my money’s worth. They have tons of cute patterns, from stuffed animals (my favorite!) to blankets, clothing, and more. I also love that they have an AI chat to help when you get stuck, and some patterns even include video tutorials. It’s been such a helpful resource while I’m learning!
6. Where I Find Crochet Patterns
I find the majority of my crochet patterns on Etsy! Most patterns are really affordable, and I usually never pay more than $10 for one. It’s my favorite place to search when I have a specific character I want to make, and it’s also great for finding cute ideas for baby gifts or new projects. There are also some really great crochet books filled with patterns if you prefer having everything in one place. I’ve gotten so many ideas just from browsing! I shared some of my favorite Etsy patterns and crochet books below.
7. My Favorite Etsy Crochet Patterns I’ve Made
8. Crochet Terms I Had to Learn
When I first looked at a crochet pattern, I felt like I was reading another language! Once you learn the basic abbreviations, though, patterns become SO much easier to follow. These are some of the terms I see the most:
- CH – Chain
- SC – Single Crochet
- HDC – Half Double Crochet
- DC – Double Crochet
- SL ST – Slip Stitch
- INC – Increase
- DEC – Decrease
- FLO – Front Loop Only
- BLO – Back Loop Only
- FO – Fasten Off
Don’t feel like you have to memorize everything before you start. I still look up stitches or abbreviations when I don’t know what something means!
9. Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Crocheting
There was definitely a learning curve when I first started! These are a few things I wish I knew from the beginning:
- Use stitch markers! Especially when working in rounds. They make it so much easier to know where your round starts and ends.
- Count your stitches after every round. It’s much easier to catch a mistake right away than several rounds later.
- Don’t be afraid to pull it apart. This is actually one of my favorite things about crochet! If you mess up, you can unravel a few stitches or rounds and try again.
- Your tension will get better with practice. Mine definitely wasn’t consistent when I first started, and that’s okay.
- Start with easy-to-see yarn. I loved learning with Woobles yarn because I could clearly see each individual stitch.
- Look things up when you’re confused. I still use videos and tutorials when I come across a stitch or technique I haven’t done before.
- Pick something you’re excited to make. Learning is so much more fun when you actually want the finished project!
- Be patient with yourself. It took me months of starting and stopping before crochet finally clicked. Keep practicing!
I can’t wait to see what you make! 🧶🤍 If you try any of these patterns or start your own crochet project, make sure to tag me @cocoscaravan so I can see your creations. Happy crocheting!
Looking for more creative hobbies?
I also put together a list of my favorite summer crafts and activities, including crochet, bracelet making, weaving, and more.
You Might Also Like