I first started crocheting when I was 13 years old, but it wasn’t until my late 20’s that I really started spending time in craft stores. There’s truly nothing like meandering the aisles of a freshly stocked JoAnn Fabrics (especially when you have a coupon!). Long before my craft room got the way it is now, I was struggling to find out what tools I’d need on a regular basis. If you’re brand new to crochet or putting together a gift basket for someone just learning, here are 11 of my favorite tools that are always within arm’s reach.
This post contains affiliate links.
#1: The Ultimate Crochet Hook
Finding the perfect hook is a constant journey for most crocheters (Ok, maybe it’s just me!). But once you land on the hook with the perfect length, material, hook head shape, and shaping, you’ll want to get plenty more. When it comes to commercially available crochet hooks, I always reach for my Clover Amours. They’re available in every size you need and you can find them in most local craft stores.
Clover Amours: $6-$11 on Amazon.
#2: A Travel Hook Set
If you do a lot of travelling, you’ll want a hook set that packs easily and won’t get flagged by TSA. The Tulip Etimo Hook Set is it! Included sizes range from 3.0mm to 6.0mm, and it even comes with a darning needle, TSA approved scissors, and a small ruler.
Tulip Etimo Crochet Hook Set: $50.55 on Amazon.
#3: Tunisian Crochet Hooks
If you’re ready to get serious about Tunisian crochet, the Denise Interchangeable set is the way to go. It comes with the most sizes that you’ll see in any hook set and it is incredibly easy to use.
Denise Interchangeable Hooks: $44.95-$49.95 on Amazon.
#4: Your Go-To Tote Bag
The only way to carry around all those WIPs is with a project bag that can handle it. Try this adorable Otter Project Tote. It has internal and external pockets, sturdy handles, and a knitting otter. What’s not to love?
Otter Project Tote: $28 from Lion Brand
#5: Metal Darning Needles
When it’s time to put the finishing touches on a project, having the right darning needle saves time and frustration. Go with metal (over plastic) in a range of sizes, like these ones from Outus.
Outus Large-Eye Steel Yarn Needles: $5.99 on Amazon
#6: Perfectly Cute Scissors
Having decent scissors when you’re crocheting is a given, but pretty scissors makes your project more fun (take my word for it). These vintage style embroidery scissors from BIHRTC are lovely yet durable and travel easily.
BIHRTC Vintage Style Scissors: $7.99 on Amazon
#7: A Place for Bright Ideas
Creating with crochet leads to lots of bright ideas. Make sure you have a handy place to write them down! I go for a no-frills dot grid notebook, which lends to my creative note-taking style. Try this notebook 2-pack from Miliko.
Miliko Dot Grid Notebooks: $12.99 on Amazon
#8: Mark It Up!
Mark up your patterns and notebook with these FriXon gel pens. And the best part? They’re erasable! These pens use the power of friction to remove the ink with out any eraser residue. Don’t believe me? Try them yourself!
Pilot FriXon Gel Pens: $7.09 on Amazon
#9: Measuring Success
You won’t know that you need a tape measure until the time comes. Be prepared (and adorable!) with this Sock Monkey Tape Measure in your crochet bag.
Sock Monkey Tape Measure: $12.99 from Lion Brand
#10: Staying Moisturized, Part 1
The feel of a good wool running over your fingers can be heavenly, but it will dry out your hands in a heartbeat. Keep those digits smooth with the right hand cream. I love the O’Keeffe line of products. They’re not cute, but they work better than anything else I’ve tried.
O’Keeffe Hand Cream, 3-pack: $19.65 on Amazon
#11: Staying Moisturized, Part 2
Am I the only one who turns on a book on tape and crochets for hours? Anyone? After a crochet marathon, drink plenty of water and reach for some tinted lip balm. Your lips will thank you.
Hey Toni. I love your work! Am in Kenya and would love to get the 11 supply…can I PLEASE?
Hi Eunice! Thanks for stopping by my blog. There are links to each product right under the photograph 🙂
the link to the tunisian crochet hooks now goes to knitting needles. It doesn’t appear that they carry the hooks anymore
Great catch, Lori! I just updated the link!
Hello there dear Toni 👋👋👋
First time here but just had to share with you just how we are so much alike! All the way to the lip balm. I fell in love with your sweet baby gingham blanket so I ordered my first set of denise hooks and currently on my second row of blocks. So far so good with the exception of 2 places I noticed a whoopsie daisy. I’m loving the pattern and how the blanket is coming. 4th grandbaby is already scheduled for Oct 5th but I think I can get it all done. I’m noticing a lot of that curling action you talked about and never blocking before I began to look up some of your tools and so here I am.
Love love love your patterns, tutorials, and bubbly personality!!!
Karen
I’m so glad I’ve got the resources you need to make such a special gift for your new grandbabe. And congrats!!
Hi Toni! I’ve been subscribed to your YouTube channel for quite a while now and love your videos. Now I’ve found your blog! ☺️ Thanks for this blog about your favorite crochet-related items.I have the Clover and Tulip hooks and love them both! I’m checking out your other items…. I hear them calling my name. 😊 I love these types of blogs and videos…. I love seeing designers’ favorites. Gives me great ideas!I just watched your video about your favorite crochet books and I’m sure I’ll get some of them! I also noticed you’re a cat lover, like me! I want to make my cat, Lily, some crocheted toys that she’ll actually play with! She’s so picky!😸 Thanks for all your videos and for always being so happy and upbeat! You really uplift the spirits of anyone watching your videos! They can’t help themselves!🙂 Please take care and stay safe and kiss your kitties for me! Char from Phoenix 🏜️🌄🌵
Found your blog via Pinterest when looking for ways to crochet with dry hands! I fortunately already have some of the O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Cream in the round tin, so I’ll use that for now. It is great. I burned my hand with water decades ago, but my hand has never been the same. They dry out so much in the winter. I will have to look for your YouTube Channel and subscribe. The other ‘Tool Kit items’ are GREAT suggestions! I will also probably get the needles. I need to have some on hand just for finishing projects. Yes, I just started using some 100% cotton yarn and my hands are so dried out that the yarn keeps slipping out of my hands and it is so frustrating. I can’t wait to see some of your projects. I’m a semi-beginner. LOL! Be Well!
You’re talking my language – my hands get so very dry from playing with yarn all day. I recently added a lotion bar to my regimen and keep it near my desk. I got an organic one from SouthfulEarthHerbals.com. They’re local (Michigan) and the bar smells lovely. It’s the Spiced Mint scent.