Crochet · Complete beginner guide

Crochet for beginners

Everything you need to start crocheting — what to buy, which stitch to learn first, the right first project, and how to avoid the UK/US pattern confusion that trips up most beginners.

J Jo King

Find a crochet class

Quick answer: Start with a 5mm hook and Aran weight yarn (under £12 total). Learn the chain and double crochet (UK) — you can make a dishcloth in your first session. Note: always check whether a pattern is UK or US terms before starting. Browse our curated crochet classes →

✓ One hook, one stitch

Unlike knitting, only one stitch is active at a time — nothing falls off. Easier to put down and pick up.

✓ Very low startup cost

A hook (£2–£5) and a ball of yarn (£3–£7) is all you need to start. Under £12 total.

✓ Fast visible progress

A dishcloth or small square in your first session. A scarf in a week. Satisfying from day one.

What to buy to get started

Item	What to get	Cost	Where
Crochet hook	5mm aluminium or ergonomic grip hook — ideal for Aran yarn	£2–£8	Hobbycraft, Amazon, LoveCrafts
Yarn	Aran weight (worsted), 100% acrylic or wool-acrylic blend, 100–200g	£3–£7 per ball	Hobbycraft, LoveCrafts, local yarn shops
Stitch markers	Locking markers that clip into stitches — for counting and marking round starts	£2–£5 for a pack	Hobbycraft, Amazon
Tapestry needle	Blunt-tipped, large-eye needle for weaving in ends	£1–£3	Hobbycraft, Amazon
Scissors	Any small, sharp scissors for cutting yarn	£2–£5	Already own

Total to get started: approximately £8–£20. Don't buy a hook set yet — one 5mm hook is all you need for the first month.

A beginner crochet class gives you technique feedback and pattern guidance in person — no UK/US confusion guaranteed.

Find a class

! The UK/US pattern name problem

UK and US crochet patterns use the same words to mean different stitches. A US "double crochet" is a UK "treble crochet" — completely different. Always check whether a pattern is written in UK or US terms before you start, or your stitch count will be wrong from row one.

UK term

Double crochet (dc)

= US single crochet (sc)

UK term

Treble crochet (tr)

Full UK/US conversion table → crochet stitches guide

The stitches to learn in order

Learn these in sequence — each one builds on the last. All UK terms.

Chain stitch (ch)

The foundation of every project. Practice until your chains are even and consistent.

30 mins

Slip stitch (sl st)

Used to join rounds and move across stitches without adding height.

15 mins

Double crochet (dc)

The most important beginner stitch — the building block of most beginner patterns. (US: single crochet)

1–2 hrs to feel comfortable

Half treble crochet (htr)

Taller than double crochet, shorter than treble — creates a soft, drapey fabric. Great for hats. (US: half double crochet)

30 mins once you know dc

Treble crochet (tr)

The tallest common stitch — produces an open, light fabric. Used in granny squares, shawls, and many garments. (US: double crochet)

30 mins once you know htr

Full step-by-step stitch instructions → crochet stitches guide

Best first crochet projects

Start here

Dishcloth / tension square

1–2 hrs

Rows of double crochet in a rectangle. Teaches you to count stitches, turn at the end of rows, and keep tension consistent. No shaping required.

First week

Simple scarf

3–6 hrs

Long rectangle — same as the dishcloth but longer. A chance to practice tension over many rows. Choose a chunky yarn for faster results.

First month

Granny square

30–60 mins each

Introduces working in the round and the treble crochet. Classic pattern, very satisfying. Make multiples and join for a cushion or blanket.

First month

Simple beanie hat

3–5 hrs

Introduces increasing, decreasing, and working in a continuous spiral. A completed wearable garment — huge confidence boost.

Learn the fundamentals with an instructor — crochet classes across the UK from £20.

ClassBento CraftCourses

FAQs

Everything you need to know before you book.

What do I need to start crocheting as a complete beginner?

A 5mm crochet hook and a ball of Aran weight yarn (100–200g) — that's it. Total cost: £5–£12 from Hobbycraft or Amazon. You don't need a kit, a course, or anything else to make your first chain and practice stitches. Once you know you enjoy it, add stitch markers and a blunt tapestry needle. Or start in a beginner class where all equipment is provided — browse crochet classes →

Is crochet hard to learn?

The very basics — chain stitch and single crochet — can be picked up in one sitting. The challenge is consistency: keeping tension even and understanding pattern abbreviations. Most beginners can complete a simple rectangular project (dishcloth, scarf) within their first week of regular practice. Browse beginner crochet classes →

What is the best crochet stitch for beginners?

The double crochet (UK) — called single crochet in US patterns — is the most important beginner stitch. It's used in the majority of beginner patterns, creates a tight, sturdy fabric, and teaches you the fundamental hook motion. Learn this one stitch well before moving on.

How do I read a crochet pattern?

UK and US crochet patterns use different stitch names — "double crochet" in UK = "single crochet" in US. This trips up most beginners. Always check whether a pattern is written in UK or US terms before starting. Numbers in brackets give stitch counts per row; asterisks mark sections to repeat. See our crochet stitches guide for the full UK/US conversion table.

What yarn weight should beginners use?

Aran weight (also called worsted weight in US patterns) is ideal — it's thick enough to see your stitches clearly, works up quickly, and pairs with a 5mm hook that's easy to hold and control. Avoid very fine yarn (4ply, laceweight) until your tension is consistent. Browse beginner crochet classes →