Hi, my lovely crocheters!
If you are a beginner in crocheting and think that all you need for crocheting is some yarn and a hook, then you are wrong my friend! It’s true that the hook and the yarn are essential ones, but there is a lot of fun things that you might need when crocheting as well. I’ve created a short list of some interesting things, that I think are the one you would need. You can find them in your local craft store or in one of your craft drawers at home.
So let’s start!
Scissors
Why? To cut the yarn, of course. Use small and sharp scissors. I prefer the ones that I can put into my toolbox and are always there when I need them. Choose a pair with a long pointy end rather than ones with the rounded tip as this will make it easier to separate out just one strand of yarn. Keep them away from your little ones and never cut the paper with them because that can blunt the blades.
Tape measure
Use the tape measure to determine the measurements of various parts of your project, such as gauge, scarf length, sole length, sleeve length… Fabric tapes can stretch over the years, making measurements inaccurate, so check it regularly and buy a new one if necessary. Choose a tape measure with both imperial (inches) and metric (cm) measurements, so you do not have to bother with conversions.
Dressmaker’s pins
Are used to hold pieces of crochet together when sewing, for marking stitches and rows in a gauge swatch, for pining pieces out for blocking or pressing. Try to find in the long ones with colored heads in your local craft store so it would be easier to find them in the crochet fabric.
Project bag or box
Where you can put all your work and save it for later in one place.
Tapestry needle
Tapestry needles, also known as sewing, darning, and yarn needles, look like large sewing needles and have a blunt point so it will not split the yarn. These needles are often used to sew pieces of crocheted fabric together and weave in yarn ends.
Stitch markers
Stitch markers or in my case lifesavers. Little clips that can be attached to a piece of crochet to mark the beginning of the row or round. Available in any color you want. I usually buy them on eBay. A package of 50 or more. Why I need them so many? Because I keep losing them all the time. Some people prefer to use a string of the yarn in contrasting color to mark the beginning of the row or round.
Row counter
What is the row counter? It’s a small device, analog or digital that courts your rows or rounds. But you must remember to turn the dial at the end of each row or round.
Hook gauge
You can come across the hook with no size marked on it. It could be because it is handmade, could be a manufacturer choice or has worn off. In that case, you can use a hook gauge to determine its size. Find the smallest hole that the shaft of the hook fits into. The number next to the hole indicates the size of the hook.
The list could go on and on …
There is a tone of small things that can make crochet easier, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t live without them.
Please share with us what is in your crochet project box or bag in the comment below! 🙂
Have a wonderful day and happy crocheting!
Doroteja
