Welcome to the Crochet Journal 📝
Lesson 1: Start Here
Welcome to your first lesson! Before we make our first stitch, let's get familiar with the two most important tools you'll need: your yarn and your crochet hook. Choosing the right combination will make learning much easier.
Choosing Your Hook & Yarn Workbook
Helping you stitch with confidence, one lesson at a time.
Choosing Your Yarn
Every crochet project starts with choosing the right yarn. While there are lots of different yarns available, don't let that overwhelm you! For beginners the best choice is a smooth Double Knit (DK) yarn in a light colour. This makes it much easier to see your stitches as you learn.
We recommend using 100% acrylic DK yarn for this course because it is affordable, widely available and easy to work with. Avoid fluffy, furry or very dark yarns at the beginning as they can make it difficult to see where your hook should go.
Yarn labels hold all the important information, hook size recommendations, colour,shade & dye lot number (this always needs to match)
Maggie's Tip
Don't worry about buying the "perfect yarn". Learning is all about practice! A simple ball of DK acrylic yarn and A 4mm crochet hook are all you need to get started. Save the fancy yarns for when you're feeling more confident.
Yarn I recommend
Dk : recommended
Fluffy: not ideal for beginners
Chunky: we'll use this later
What is yarn weight?
Despite its name, yarn weight doesn't refer to how heavy the yarn is. Instead it refers to the thickness of the yarn. Thicker yarn creates larger stitches and works uo more quickly, while thinner yarn creates smaller, more detailed stitches.
There are several yarn weights available, from very fine lace yarn to super chunky yarn. For this beginner course, we'll be using Double Knit (DK) yarn, as its easy to work with and makes your stitches easier to see.
Yarn Weights
Here's a simple guide to the most common yarns you'll come across.
Choosing Hooks
Choosing the right hook Is just as important as choosing the right yarn. Crochet hooks come in a variety of sizes and materials, but for beginners, the best choices are a 4mm or 5mm ergonomic crochet hook.
Ergonomic hooks allow your yarn to glide easily, making it easier to learn new stitches and maintain an even tension. They are provide some comfort for longer crochet periods.
How Do I Know Which Hook Size to Use?
Most yarn labels include a recommended hook size. As a general rule, the thicker the yarn the larger hook you'll need.
For this course we will be using:
🧶 DK Yarn
🪝 4mm or 5mm Crochet Hook
This combination is ideal for beginners because it makes your stitches easier to see and helps you build confidence as you learn.
Maggie's Tip
Don't feel like you have to buy every hook size straight away. A good quality hook is all you need to complete this beginner course and it will become one of the most used hooks in your collection!
Hook Sizes
Crochet hooks are measured in millimeters. Choosing the correct size helps you achieve the right stitch size and tension.
My favorite hook is Clover Amour 4mm!
FAQs
What is the best yarn for beginners?
We recommend a smooth DK acrylic yarn in a light colour.
Why do you recommend a 4mm/5mm Hook?
Eother of these hooks work perfectly with DK yarn, making it the ideal combination for beginners.
Can I use a different hook size?
Yes, but using a different size may change the size and tension of your stitches. For the best learning experience we recommend sticking with the 4/5mm Hook.
Does the colour of yarn matter?
Yes! Light coloured yarnmakes it so much easier to see your stitches.
Well Done!
Congratulations on completing lesson one!
Lesson 2, Holding your Hook and Yarn, will be released soon. As a founding member, you'll automatically receive access as soon as it's published.