12 Essential Crochet Tools + Notions
Are you brand new to crochet and don’t know where to start? Getting the right crochet tools and notions is the best place to start. Pick up the goodies mentioned on this list and you’ll be ready to stitch all day and night.
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Crochet tools are the hooks and other devices we use to move yarn around. Notions are the small accessories and gadgets that make the process easier and/or more fun. Many tools and notions can be used by crocheters, knitters, and other makers in the yarn community, while others are specific just to crocheters. Find your favorites when you visit our blog sponsor, WeCrochet.
WeCrochet offers hundreds of notions, tools, books, and yarn specifically for crocheters. Explore their full selection with these links:
12 Essential Crochet Tools & Notions
Watch the rundown of my favorite crochet accessories available from WeCrochet:
Enjoyed this video? Check these out: 25+ Crochet Hacks for Beginners and 25+ Crochet Hacks for Beginners, Pt. 2.
Score These Crochet Accessories
These are the tools I love from WeCrochet. Which are your favorites? Let me know in the comments!
1 // Crochet Hooks
Quality crochet hooks are a must, especially when learning to crochet. It’s tough to get crocheters to agree on their favorites, but Clover Amour crochet hooks always find their way to the top. Get a full set and you’ll have what you need for most yarn weights. You can also purchase these hooks individually here, or at your local craft store. Learn more in my Crochet Hooks 101 post HERE.
2 // Scissors
Crochet means lots of little snips, so a pair of sharp, portable scissors is essential. Try these foldable scissors – they’re small, stainless steel and fold into a travel-ready shape, housing the blades inside the handles to keep your hands safe.
3 // Tapestry Needles
Tapestry needles are an absolute necessity when finishing your crochet projects. The main use for them is to help weave in ends. But they’re also useful for applying pom poms, tassels, beads, and buttons.
4 // Tape Measure
When it comes to tape measures, the more, the merrier. This one from WeCrochet comes in a bright color, so it’s easy to spot in your bag. The retractable tape measure is 72″ long with metric and imperial measurements.
5 // Rigid Ruler
While a tape measure is great for measuring your body, a rigid ruler is the best tool for measuring gauge. WeCrochet offers a cute acrylic ruler that measures only 4″ on one side and 10cm on the other side, which is ideal for getting the perfect gauge.
6 // Gauge Ruler
If you’re ready to master gauge, a ruler like this is invaluable. This handy tool has an open area that can measure your stitch gauge and row gauge at the same time. As an added bonus, this gauge ruler let’s you check the size of your crochet hooks if needed.
7 // Stitch Markers
Locking stitch markers are a crocheter’s best friend. One moment they’re counting your chains when starting a big blanket, and the next minute they’re holding your live loop when you store that big blanket project. If it needs to be marked, these locking stitch markers will do the job.
8 // Notebook
Every crocheter is an artist and you need somewhere special to put your bright ideas. Try these notebooks. Spiral bound with kraft paper covers, they’re ready for your bright ideas inside and a bit of doodling outside.
9 // Project Bag
For the maker on the go, get a roomy project bag like this one. The faux-leather exterior makes it easy to clean, and the roomy interior holds everything from your latest project to your groceries and school books.
10 // Notions Pouch
Now that you have a bag for the big stuff, how about the little things? Store your tape measures, tapestry needles, and other accessories in this adorable pouch.
11 // Chart Reader
Chart readers don’t come up a lot in conversation, but any maker who’s used one knows how infinitely practical they are. Use this magnetic folder to hold charts and crochet patterns so you can keep your place and track your progress. It helps that this one is so cute – look at those little crochet hooks!
12 // Row Counter
Easily keep track of your rows with this handy row counter. Simply press the large button to count your rows. With each click, you’ll hear that familiar “kacha,” letting you know another row is done! Reset by manually turning the wheels on the side.
Honorable Mention: Blocking Supplies
Try as I might, it’s an uphill battle to get the crochet community to agree that blocking is a necessity. Blocking is the process of introducing water to your finished project in the form of steam, a bath, spray, or some other method, to relax the stitches. Blocking also cleanses the project, making it softer in most cases. If you’re still iffy about blocking, take before and after photos of a shawl and let me know what you think.
Crochet Tools + Notions Q&A
What do you need for crochet?
The main items you need to learn crochet are yarn and crochet hooks. Beyond that, it’s helpful to also have tapestry needles, scissors, and a tape measure. There are a plethora of crochet tools and notions available on the market, catering to those looking for practical accessories that are also fun and beautiful. After you’ve acquired the basics, don’t be afraid to look for special tools and notions from independent makers and small businesses.
Why is crochet so popular?
Crochet has recently gained much attention through pop culture references and die-hard makers. JW Anderson’s famous patchwork cardigan (made famous by Harry Styles) went viral on TikTok a few years ago, inspiring thousands of new crocheters. With so many niches within crochet, there’s an obsession for everyone.
What type of tool is used in crochet?
The crochet hook is the main tool used to manipulate yarn in crochet. The hooked tool grabs the yarn to make an intricate series of knots. These knots combine into a fabric. The combination of yarn, tension, and style dictates what that fabric is used for and how it looks.
Is crocheting an expensive hobby?
In short, it can be. Like any longstanding hobby, luxury brands have found their way into the yarn arts. Crochet hooks can be handmade with adornments. Tape measures can be in the shape of different animals like sheep and cats. Electronics like tablets and digital notebooks aid crocheters with accessing and using their patterns. The truly necessary tools and materials of crochet are typically very inexpensive. But there is the opportunity to upgrade and personalize your crochet experience if your pocketbook allows.
Thank you for all you do for those of us new, relatively new, and intermediate crocheters. Your work & dedication does not go unnoticed. You’re appreciated 🙂
10,000!! 🎊 Wow! Congrats 😊
Amazing!
That project bag is SO CUTE! Might have to get that one!
Can we all just talk about the chart reader and row counter for a minute… I mean absolute genius!! I had no idea either of those items existed and now I need them both in my life. Thank you!!!
It’s only been four days, but the amount of information I have learned is literally priceless! I have been crocheting for over 20 years and I have learned new things in these past few days that I will definitely carry with me forever. thank you Toni, you’re amazing!
10,000! Yay! You are amazing! Thank you!!
You are amazing! No wonder how you got 10,000 views! Thank you for all the lessons!
10k is awesome! So sad the adorable llama notions bag is sold out… but I just ordered the magnetic reader and the gauge tool. So cool.
My favorite hooks are my Tulips. Hands down. Now I need to play with Tunisian hooks. The long aluminum ones are heavy!
Thank you so much for all this wonderful content!
Ready, set, go! I have all the yarn, crochet hooks, and notions. 👍
Ok, spending spree for me. New tools!
Hey Toni, Great blog on notions!! Love it! I appreciate the row cou ter and the stitch gauge ruler. Perfect for a bag!
Thank you so much for all your hard work! Croching has been a very good hobby for me. I’m amazed at how much I’ve learned so far! Along with 10,000!!! You are the best my dear!😊😉😸❤💜💙💚💛💗💝💕💖🐈🌼🌻🌺🌹🏵💮🌸🌷💐
I’m so glad I’m here cause I’m learning so much to better my craft and I’m here for it all. I feel like a sponge in water!!! Keep pour more information so I can soak it all in.
Wow! That was very interesting. I really like the gauge ruler and the chart reader! Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge! Very helpful ❤️
Honestly had never heard of chart keeper until today but HOLY BUCKETS THAT MAKES SO SENSE. Thank you for sharing your wisdom
Thanks! I’m learning so much even though I thought I was an experienced crocheter. I love the gauge ruler as well as the chart reader. I’ve used a chart reader for cross stitch but never thought to use one for crochet. Duh.
Can’t wait to get into the actual business of crocheting. Have a great evening!
I hadn’t considered the notion bag, the notebook, and the chart holder. You’ve got me considering their usefulness now, thank you so much friend! 💜
Hi Toni – thanks so much for this! I need the gauge ruler in my life for sure! I’ve just started making wearables and can attest to the blocking making items look much better.
I didn’t know I needed a chart reader until today. Now I’m obsessed and looking at all the options after googling it. Thanks, Toni
Stitch markers are everything! And be prepared to find them everywhere (like in your couch cushions or bra…) And that chart reader?! I’m gifting myself an upgrade from my taped-together-post-it ”tool”. Thanks!!
Speaking of pricier notions– yarn bowls. Some are absolutely gorgeous, but you can also just use a cleaned coffee can or large yogurt container with a hole poked in the top 🙂 Great post Toni!
Congratulations on 10,000 views!!!🎊🎊❤❤ The video on crochet tools was amazing! I never heard of a chart reader and I must have it. Even though I’ve been crocheting for years, I feel like a newbie. Thank you so much Toni!!❤❤
Hi Toni,
Beginner crocheter here, first time but I’m loving this whole blog vibe and I’m learning so many different pieces to becoming more experienced in crocheting. I do have a question. Is it harmful to store hooks in plastic storage bags? I use to store yarn projects until you advised better and why. Thank you.
Ericka🤗
Hi! Sure – you can store crochet hooks in a plastic bag. They’re not porous so you won’t have any issues with damp.
Omg I never knew they had a holder that holds your pattern that is my favorite. The notion hold is so cute as well but thanks for the information I am learning so much.
Hi Toni,
I like the row counter. In fact, I have never seen one that you wear on your finger. I think that’s very handy. The gauge chart is unique with the indicator for hook size. That would be very useful for me. Thanks for introducing these notions.
Wow 🤩 10k views!! 🎉 That is awesome and proves you are an excellent teacher!! Congratulations 🎉🎉 Really enjoy your videos, as you speak clearly and honestly. Even though I have some experience crocheting, I am so glad I joined the CA because I have been learning so much! My daughter gifted me the Clover hooks and I absolutely love them. I do have one Furls hook, but that it’s just not comfortable for me. Looking forward to trying some of the yarns you are recommending. Can’t wait to start the projects!! Please continue doing what you do 💜🧡💛💚
Those Clover Amour hooks are amazing and I’m glad I invested in them!
Thanks Toni! I ordered the Clover hook set that you recommended, through the link in your blog. I’m really looking forward to using them!
Awesome
Congratulations
As always Toni, we love you and your content! I just ordered several items (small ruler, collapsible scissors, and the chart holder – the pouch was sold out, but I found it on Amazon!) so that I can always be ready “to go” with a project. Congrats on 10K views, that is both amazing and not surprising! You are are rock star! 🌟🌟🌟
Congratulations on 10K! Also, I love a good blocking session. It’s so satisfying to steam a project and watch the stitches settle back into a beautiful fabric.
Ok Toni! The Project Reader … What the ?? OMG! I just ordered one & and it was on sale! Thank you so much for all that you do for us here in the crochet community. Wishing You Much Success !!
Wow! I did not know such a thing as a chart reader even existed! Being a novice crocheter, I think of so many times I could have used something like this instead of marking up the pattern to keep track of where I was.
I was thinking, at first, that the scissors were my favorite because they are small, can be folded, and kept with my project; But now they are #2. Need to get both, I think.
I think the chart reader is new to me and a tool I may have to look in to.
Thank you for this great information! 🙂
This is really learning the craft. This first week is so jam packed with information I didn’t know I needed. I luv your Crochet Academy. Thank you for taking the time to create all of this beautiful content.
I have never seen the chart reader and it would work so well for me. I balance patterns on the sofa arm, they wiggle and I loose my place! What a nifty item…..I must have! I would recomment Amour crochet hooks to everyone. I feel you get successful projects when using quality tools like those.
As a long time knitter new to crochet, I have all of these notions but my hook pouch looks thin and small next to my need stash. Thanks for the lead on quality hooks!
Hi Toni, you are an inspiration for this craft! I’ve been crocheting for a while but mostly gifting baby blankets and afghans to friends and family. I get excited cause you to are excited. I ordered the chart keeper, the acrylic ruler, and the gauge ruler. I must admit I’m not one to worry about gauge, I’m going to broaden by horizons and start making wearables, so I know the gauge is really important. Thanks again for the inspiration!
Thanks Toni! I took advantage of the links to order my notions. Received the Lion Brand box with four projects. Can’t wait to start.. You’re the Best! 💕
Congratulations on hitting 10000! (I am not surprised.) So nice to know there are so many looking to learn/enhance their crochet skills in such a welcoming environment.
I also use stitch markers to mark first stitch in each row. It helps me not lose a stitch on the return as I mainly use the no-chain turn. I also use color to help indicate which row is which in a pattern repeat.
CONGRATULATIOOOOOOOOOOOOON!!! 10K+ <3
The chart reader is such a smart way to keep on track and not lose your place. 😆😆😍🤓🤓🤓
A gauge ruler is indispensable! But the cat notebooks are truly adorable, might need to order those
Hi Toni: you are doing such a great job with this class. The information you provide, we can’t pay for (as the saying goes) it’s priceless.
The Gauge Ruler seems like the most important tool in your kit. The Notions Pouch runs a fast second. Stitch Markers are always good, tapestry needles, scissors and the row counter. But, the Gauge Ruler is my top pick!
Toni!!! I checked out WeCrochet and fell in love. Spent a good amount of money (I’m not a total beginner) on some cool notions and stuff. Thanks so much for mentioning them. I was able to find hook cases! Been searching all over. Much love ❤️
Blown away by the depth of information here! X
Love all the tips and information so far in your blogs! I just started using the clover hooks a year ago and have wondered where they have been the last 5 years! They are the absolute best that I’ve tried! Also didn’t about the chart counter, that will be my next purchase what a wonderful tool! Can’t wait for your next blog!
I love all the things that you have taught. You are an amazing teacher, and I am excited to go along on this journey with you. You have made me feel that I can take my simple granny squares, look like something I can be proud of when I join my squares together. I am working on a project where I have to start my magic circle, and next row in order for my double crochet start out, now it looks like 2 or 3 double crochet have worked. Thank you so much for teaching this class. Best of wishes. Also one last comment, I loved taking when we need to get something done. I love using a timer.
Congratulations!!
The chart reader is a bucket list item for sure! My current notions bag is ome of those hard child pencil cases with the elastic holders for each marker…I have my hooks all beautifully lined up under the elastic and the other bits and bobs in the mesh pocket.
You are such an inspiration ❤
Congratulations on 10k! I’ve been crocheting for years, but have learned so much in this first week! That you for the amazing tips and content!
Toni,
Congratulations on 10,000+ great information. I need to get a blocking board. If I order it from etsy from this blog you get a commission. I want to make sure I support you.
I love all of these but especially the kitty notebooks:)
Great Information for beginners.
Hello Toni,
Thank you so much for your generosity in providing this crochet educational series for FREE! Your advice has been so helpful as I’m self taught. Congratulations on 10K+ views. I can’t wait to get started on those CALs!
It’s funny! I signed up thinking I’ll just read through quickly seeing as I’ve been crocheting since I was 7! I have learned something new with every post!!!! 😊 this has been a great experience and in that I have told MANY about! Thanks for doing this! There is a ton of info and now I’m off to buy a chart reader!!
Luckily I have most of the notions, except the llama bag (boo hoo) it’s out of stock. I am llama crazy and even have a llama crochet hook my daughter got me for my birthday. Can’t wait for today’s email. So glad I found your blog and YouTube channel.
Excellent!! Haven’t purchased anything yet for Crochet Academy and I’m already broke..LOL
I have been watching your tutorials for a few months. Pick up things as you go is the answer. Also tell how you can use on hand thing which can save money until you can get the actual product (stitch markers). I have been adding to my collection as I go along. Sa vining for that Furls hook 😉
Great info & wow! 10k! You deserve all the recognition Toni.
Congratulations on you 10K, that is amazing and well deserved. I had never even thought of a chart reader! I had to order it. Most items are already sold out, but I added them to the wish list.
Congrats on the 10,000! Have most of the notions listed, even the chart reader from Cross Stitch! Just got all my yarn in yesterday, can’t wait for all four patterns! Thank you for everything!
Clover Amour hooks, I have the and adore them. Thinking I’m gonna order the gauge checker. Enjoying the content Toni, thank you.
I am picking up the locking stitch markers and the row counter today! I think those will both be very helpful to me! Thanks!
I have most of these notions due to being a knitter. Also being a stationary nerd I have a ton of journals and field notebooks I can use for both knitting and crochet. I don’t read charts yet in terms of patterns, but the chart reader could also be used for how I work up my knitting patterns (and soon crochet patterns) on Excel so I can keep track on what row I’m on.
Thanks for the 411 on notions we might need in our crochet journey.
And I’m a sucker for a good project or notions bag…or several bags…I have a lot of bags that I use for my crafts.
Toni, I love the info you so freely share with all of us! You have a wonderful way of teaching and making things understandable and practical. You asked about what our ideas might be for favorite tools. For my notions bag I use a small see-through bag made for food storage. It’s not just a throwaway “zip lock,” but a sturdy, reusable, washable one. I love that it’s just the right size (and I could upgrade bc they come in different sizes), it stands upright, and I can see through it to determine at a glance if I have all my necessities with me, even my needles which can easily get lost.
I love everything you do for the crafting community!!
Thank you Toni!
I definitely need a pair of those foldable scissors and that chart reader!
Thanks for the information. I have most of the notions.
Great information! Love the notebooks, and that chart reader–I never knew that existed. Mother’s Day is coming up!
Thank you for another awesome post. I am learning so much. You freely give so much of your information. You are a fantastic teacher. I feel like I can tackle all now. Thank you again Toni. You are wonderful!!
I am interested in blocking. I have already done your experiment, and I adore the result. Thanks for all you do. Be blessed.
Blocking is an absolute must! It turns a humdrum finished object into one that sings and dances. You can’t beat it for shaping and getting that gorgeous drape that we want from our projects. If you have ever washed a sweater and laid it flat to dry you already know the benefits of blocking. Not every project needs to be blocked but when you have spent hours working on a gift or something for yourself don’t you want it to look its best?
I like adding a stitch marker with a written tag with the size hook (and sometimes intended recipient, deadline for project, yarn brand and color, and other information I might need a reminder for). The hardware store has keyidentification tags that work well.
Hi, I’m a crochet beginner and very excited to start this adventure. All advice and suggestions are welcome. I have some yarns(of course I had no idea what I was picking out). Can you all tell me the best yarns for beginners, and what I need to get started. Thank you
Welcome to crochet! Here’s a great blog post to help you out – CLICK THIS LINK
I am thoroughly enjoying these classes. I’m so glad you offer them.
Thanks Toni!!
Ordered me a Clover Amour hook for the upcoming project and I am so excited to get it!
Yay! What hooks are you using currently?
I love the fun that many of the notions add to crocheting. I so love all the fun stitch markers out there! Some of these things I either didn’t know about or had not thought to get yet. I’ve added them to my list.
Oh yes, the ever growing wish list. I swear mine is a mile long.
Crafty notions are fun (and can be a great gift ideas for a crocheter/knitter or other fiber artist in your life!) But I’d like to point out that they are, for the most part, optional and that crochet doesn’t have to be expensive. What you really need for crocheting is yarn and a corresponding hook size. Sure if you’re making garments you’re gonna wanna have a tool to measure yourself and your gauge swatch but isn’t it the kinda thing most of us have somewhere at home anyway? Much like some kind of scissors and paper clips (excellent stitch markers!!) Sure we can have fun with all kinds of notions, but if your budget’s rather tight you can still enjoy this hobby and make great projects😍😍
Thank you
I really am enjoying. Your classes
Thanks for sharing with us all your valuable knowledge and experience. I’ve crochets for years and still am learning new things about it.
Thanks a bunch for the notions information! I could use the pattern holder in my life. Also, I really appreciate the 25 hacks video, so much info to digest.
My row counter is my favorite but it isn’t as digital wow that one is fancy and I love my stitch marker they help a lot so I don’t lose my spot but I’m loving that gauge ruler you showed us today and the pattern keeper that you move down the rows that is so cool and those cute note books. I love everything I learn I can’t wait until they finally give me disability. Because I will totally donate to your website and order the cool merchandise but I can’t work and haven’t been able to in 10 years I live with my mom she takes care of me she’s a angel from heaven after I had my stroke and started having really bad seizures and not being forgetfulness unless I wrote everything down and kept a journal. I don’t know what I would of done the forgetting has gotten better over the years but the seizures have not
I am so sorry to hear about your health issues but so glad that you can find peace in crochet. 🙂
Love this! I already have most of these things anyway for knitting. I’m definitely intrigued with blocking and look forward to learning more about it. Thank you!
An alternative to yarn bowls is a yarn holder called the Yarnit. It’s a hinged plastic ball with openings for the yarn to flow through and a little stand to help it stay flat on a table. I have two and they are a lifesaver, especially for working in the car. Keeps the yarn clean and tangle-free. Available on Amazon and Herschnerrs taht I know of.
That is a great addition. Thank you for bringing it up. 🙂
Thank you for the info. Packing up my travel crochet bag to take on a trip tomorrow. I want to be ready for the “LIVE”. I’ll be on the road with my family, but I plan on participating. I’ve been waiting for this!!!
Thank you for inormation on tools I still dont have. I am not new to crochet and crocheted a hook pouch years ago for a friend.
Wow! I’ve never heard of a chart reader! That would be so helpful. I always buy digital patterns so I just highlight the line I’m working on but it takes so long to highlight the line each time.
Trying to reuse notions that I got for a knitting class years ago (it didn’t stick…). I have straight tapestry needles 2.75in long, and these round little circles that are stich markers. Can these things be used for crochet or should I get crochet specific needles and stick markers?
Hey lovely! Makes sense to re-use what you have 🙂 The tapestry needle should work just fine, but you cannot use knit stitch markers in crochet. You need something that can open and close, like a locking stitch marker.
Great post as always Toni! The only thing I don’t think I would ever require/would probably just self-source with plastic document foils and washi tape is the pattern reader tool. Instead, for me one of the most valuable tools that changed my crochet life, is a yarn winder! I now couldn’t be without it. Thanks for the gauge ruler tip, hadn’t seen that one before and that definitely sounds very helpful…
The gauge ruler and the chart reader just rocked my world ! Wow. Kinda need these. Thank you !!
You are the bomb diggity dot com!!! 💣 💣 💣
That is high praise for this 90’s girl 🙂 Thanks for popping by, and I’m glad you enjoyed the post.