Build your crochet tool kit
Wait! Don’t buy anything just yet...
Let’s be real for a second. We all know that collecting hobbies can be a full-blown hobby in itself. It is so incredibly fun to dive headfirst into a new hyperfocus, research all the gadgets, and want to buy the entire craft store on day one.
If you're anything like me and have a house full of half-finished projects or a brain that gets easily swept up in shiny new ideas, I see you! I love your enthusiasm and I definitely want to help you and your little learners become just as obsessed as I am.
But before you spend a fortune, let’s protect your wallet (and your storage). Crochet is a beautifully low-cost craft to start. You only need a couple of basics to see if the magic clicks, and you can find the rest right in your house.
HOOKS
When you start browsing, you will quickly discover a dazzling galaxy of hooks.
Resist the temptation to buy a custom masterpiece or a giant 50-piece starter set just yet—to get those little hands moving, you really only need one single, reliable tool.
I start my students with a 5mm aluminium hook with an ergonomic rubber handle.
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The Perfect Starter Size: This is the absolute sweet spot for little hands. It is large enough to hold comfortably without cramping, but small enough to handle easily.
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Manageable Stitches: It creates nice, clear loops that are large enough for beginners to see, making it much easier to count rows and spot mistakes without straining their eyes.
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Why the Rubber Grip Matters: Plain metal hooks can be cold and slippery, while cheap plastic hooks often feel a bit sticky or flimsy. A soft, chunky rubber grip keeps the hook from twisting around while they are figuring out where the yarn goes.
You can pick up good quality hooks locally at places like Spotlight, or even Kmart now has some decent equipment.
If you are just giving it a red-hot go and want to spend next to nothing, try browsing the craft aisles at local variety stores like The Reject Shop, Silly Solly’s, or Choice. They often stock basic, single ergonomic hooks or super cheap multi-packs that are absolutely perfect for practicing those first few wonky rows!
If you eventually want to treat yourself or your child down the track, look out for brands like Boye, KnitPro, or Tulip.
And if you can wait a few days for delivery right now, check out Amazon—that is where I source the trusty, budget-friendly starter hooks I order for my students
YARN
Deep breath. Step away from the fluff! As tempting as it might be to buy one of every texture, you really only need one (or maybe two... definitely not three) decent balls of yarn to start off.
While there are some dirt-cheap options out there, spend just a couple of dollars more on a mid-range yarn. Ultra-cheap yarns pill quickly and fancy novelty yarns split easily. Both make it tricky to "frog" (pull out your work) to adjust little hiccups—a fast track to beginner frustration!
To keep things fun and stress-free, look for these three things:
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Goldilocks Thickness: Look for 8-ply or 10-ply yarn. It’s the "just-right" thickness for little hands and pairs perfectly with a 5mm hook.
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Bright, Solid Colours: Vibrant yellows, mint greens, or candy pinks give amazing stitch definition. Avoid dark colours like black or navy—they make stitches almost invisible.
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The Fibre Choice: Budget acrylic is standard, but if you dislike the squeaky texture or want to avoid synthetics, grab an 8-ply cotton or cotton blend. Cotton has zero fluff for unmatched stitch definition, though it can be a bit stiff on little hands.
Head to Spotlight for great mid-range options. Look for 4 Seasons Marvel, Crafter's Choice, or Flinders Cotton. My personal student favorite is 4 Seasons Spot Saver (10-ply)—it’s incredibly smooth, soft, anti-pilling, and comes in those gorgeous vibrant shades (told you I was brand biased!).
For ultra-cheap practice packs just to test the waters, hit the craft aisles at Kmart, Big W, or your local discount variety stores.
While I usually treasure a bit of solo yarn shopping, I highly recommend getting your learner involved in this bit! The yarn aisle can be a total sensory overload, so keep it focused with these quick steps:
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Shortlist Colours First: Pick a few bright favourites before you leave the house so you have a specific target.
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The Timed Squish Test: Let them touch the yarn in-store. If it feels itchy, scratchy, or just "wrong" against their skin, the project will be abandoned instantly.
Essentials
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5mm Hook with Silicone handle
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8ply (DK) yarn in bright solid colour