So, you want to start crocheting?

Welcome to Loops & Olive — I’m so glad you’re here 🧶

If you’re anything like me, you’ve seen something handmade and thought, “mm, I could make that.” 

I started crocheting because I needed something to do with my hands while watching TV (hi, ADHD). What I didn’t expect was how grounding it would feel to make something from yarn, one loop at a time. Now, fiber arts are my favorite way to slow down, express myself, and occasionally gift someone something squishy, personalized, and made with all the love.

This blog is part portfolio, part cozy resource pile — and if you’re looking for a place to start with crochet, this post is for you.

🧵 What you actually need to get started

You don’t need much! Here’s what I recommend for your very first project:

• Crochet Hooks: I started with the Clover Amour set and still use them every day. They’re comfy, smooth, and not wildly expensive.

• Yarn: My favorite beginner yarn is Big Twist — soft, easy to work with, and comes in great colors. (RIP Joann, but you can still find it online!)

  • Try a light and solid color — multicolored or dark yarn can look pretty, but it can make stitches hard to see.

• Scissors: Any small, sharp pair works. Bonus points if they’re cute.

• Stitch Markers: Not mandatory, but these little guys save me so much frustration when I lose count. Or use paper clips if you're not ready to commit- no judgment here.

Optional but fun:

• Yarn Winder: Helps wrangle your skeins into cakes when they get deflated

• Yarn Holder: Can help keep things tidy if you get hooked (pun fully intended).

• Row Counter: Super helpful when working in the round or trying to stay on track with large projects, such as blankets or amigurumi. I keep one in every project bag!

Note: Some of these are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I genuinely use and love.

🌿 First stitches: what to try

Start with the chain stitch (ch) — it’s the foundation of basically everything. Once that feels comfortable, move on to:

• Single crochet (sc): dense and easy to work with

• Double crochet (dc): taller, more flowy stitch

• Slip stitch (sl st): used for joining or edging

There are tons of tutorials online (YouTube is your best friend), and if you're a visual learner, seeing it in motion can be a game-changer. You’ll mess up. That’s fine. I still do. Unraveling something and starting again is just part of the process.

🧶 A little encouragement

The first thing I made was a very wonky square that was meant to be a washcloth. It looked like a sea slug and had vibes, but I was so proud of it.

Just like any craft, crochet takes time, patience, and a little trial and error. You’ll forget where you are in the pattern. You’ll curse your yarn. Then you’ll suddenly look down and realize you made a thing — and it’s the best feeling.

Thanks for being here. I’ll be sharing more tutorials, patterns, and project inspo soon. In the meantime, say hi in the comments, poke around the Favorite Tools page, or keep stitching wherever you are.

🧵 With loops and love,

Hannah (and Miso & Olive 🐾)