So, you’ve started a new hobby and you love it! Who knew crocheting could be so fun. But do you actually know why is crocheting good for you? Research shows that repetitive, relaxed motions like the ones used in crocheting and knitting can help calm the brain and body, which consequently can help your ability to cope with mental or physical illnesses. Also, crocheting and knitting can help maintain your fine motor skills keeping your hands and fingers in good shape as you age. However, being a new crocheter can be a bit confusing at the beginning because you might not really know which crochet tools you need for your projects. But today is your lucky day!
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Contents
Crochet hooks
These are the most obvious crochet tools and accessories you will need for all your projects. The hook can greatly affect your crocheting experience. Get the wrong one and you’re bound to have problems with your grip and overall performance. Fusion hooks are a good choice of knitting accessories for beginners as they are super comfortable and easy to use. They come with soft padding which makes them comfortable to hold even if you end up crocheting for hours. Another option is aluminium hooks which don’t have any form of grip and look a lot harder. This doesn’t mean they are not good to use but they might cause you to feel some hand pain if you use them for a prolonged period of time. Which one you’ll choose will depend entirely on your personal choice. If your budget allows it, you can even buy both and see for yourself which one suits you better.
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Yarn
Without yarn, knitting and crocheting would not be possible. Whether you are crocheting a blanket or amigurumi figures, using the right yarn for the project will have a huge impact on the finished product. Remember, every wool is yarn but not every yarn is wool. So, regardless of your project at hand, do a little research to find out the different types of yarns and their characteristics and choose the most appropriate for you. Not all yarns are a good choice for all projects. For example, cotton is great for amigurumi because it’s absorbent and slightly stiffer, which means it holds its shape pretty well. It’s perfect for clothing that should be washed more often.
On the other hand, acrylic yarn is cheaper and comes in various bright and funky colours. It is a good type of yarn but it has its downsides. For example, it splits easier than cotton and it’s more likely to lose its shape. These two are the most popular yarns but there are a lot more options out there so it’s good to do your research and choose one that suits your needs best.
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Needles
Choosing the right needle can help you do things right. In the beginning, you can start with plastic needles. They are great and can do the job pretty well. But, when you start working on tighter pieces they will likely start bending. Because of this, metal needles might be your safest bet.
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Stitch markers
These are not the most essential crochet accessories, but they can really make things a lot easier. As a beginner, you may find it difficult to work out one stitch from the next, so you will surely find using these markers beneficial. Using one will help you stay consistent and make sure that everything turns out straight. Do not forget to count your stitches because losing count by one stitch can alter your entire outcome. Also, these markers can help you keep your place.
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Gauge checker
The gauge checker is not exactly one of the must-have crochet tools and accessories, but it’s definitely a handy one. For new crocheters who are not familiar with this item, it’s a basic number of rows/stitches in a particular piece. For instance, the pattern will normally tell you that it requires x rows / x stitches by x inches. In order to ensure your project will turn out right, you should try to match this as close as possible. For this purpose, you can use a tape measure as well, but it will be much easier for you if you can find a gauge checker, also known as a counting frame.
There are many other tools and accessories you will need for your upcoming projects, but you need to start from somewhere. Try to find and buy these few items and you will upgrade your collection as you become more experienced. Good luck!