Here are some things to consider before you begin crocheting:

  1. Yarn color- Dark yarns such as black, navy blue, dark plum, etc can be very hard to see the stitches, and therefore, hard to learn with. On the other end of the spectrum, white or very light colors can pose the same problems.

  2. Yarn texture- a smoother yarn will be better to learn with. The fuzzier or the more variation in size/texture the yarn has, the harder it will be to learn with. A multiple ply yarn with a tighter spin can also be easier to learn with compared to a single ply or loosely spun yarn.

  3. Yarn size- The smaller the yarn, the harder it will be to see, but if you get yarn that is too thick, it can be fiddly, and not easy to learn with. I tend to prefer size 3 or 4 to learn with. Size 4 is the most common size, and comes in a variety of brands, colors, and materials.

  4. Crochet hook- the size of the hook that you use for a pattern can vary depending on your crochet style and the gauge of the pattern, but to learn the basics, it is most important to find one that feels nice in your hand and is about the same size around as the yarn you’ll be using. I suggest either using the recommended size on the yarn label or going up/down a size to begin with. The cheapest hooks are generally the multiple pack of aluminum, but there are individual hooks, plastic hooks, bamboo hooks, wood composite, ergonomic, etc. Choose the option that will be best to learn with, especially if you’re not sure if you’ll like crocheting.