15 Must-Have Crochet Tools Every Crocheter Needs

15 Must-Have Crochet Tools Every Crocheter Needs

1. Crochet Hooks

Let's start with the most obvious tool—crochet hooks!

Crochet hooks come in many sizes, materials, and styles. You'll find aluminum, plastic, bamboo, wooden, and ergonomic options.

The hook size you need will depend primarily on the yarn you're using and the type of project you're making.

If you're a beginner, purchasing a crochet hook set with several sizes can be more economical than buying hooks individually. As you crochet more, you'll probably discover that you have a few favorite sizes that you reach for again and again.

Ergonomic crochet hooks are also worth considering if you spend long periods crocheting because the larger handles can provide a more comfortable grip.

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Riley House Crafts Tip: Always check the recommended hook size for your pattern, but remember that your individual tension can affect which hook gives you the best result.

2. Stitch Markers

If you crochet in the round, make amigurumi, create bags, or work with repeating stitch patterns, stitch markers are incredibly helpful.

They can be used to mark:

  • The beginning of a round
  • Important increases and decreases
  • Pattern repeats
  • The right or wrong side of your work
  • Places where pieces need to be joined

Locking stitch markers are one of my favorite options because they're easy to attach and remove.

They're also inexpensive, so keeping a container of them in your crochet supplies is definitely worthwhile.

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3. Sharp Craft Scissors

Every crochet bag needs a dependable pair of scissors.

You don't necessarily need large sewing scissors. A small pair of sharp craft or embroidery scissors is usually perfect for cutting yarn.

Look for scissors that are compact enough to fit inside your project bag but sharp enough to make a clean cut.

You may even want to keep one pair at home and another inside your crochet project bag.

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4. Yarn Needles

You've finished your last stitch, fastened off and you're ready to celebrate.

But wait...

Those yarn ends still need to be woven in!

That's where yarn needles—also called tapestry needles or darning needles—come in.

Unlike traditional sewing needles, yarn needles typically have a larger eye that makes threading yarn much easier.

Metal yarn needles are especially useful because they're durable and glide easily through crochet stitches.

I recommend purchasing a set containing several sizes so you can use them with everything from lightweight cotton to bulky yarn.

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5. Measuring Tape

A flexible measuring tape is one of those simple crochet tools you'll use more often than you expect.

It's especially important when you're making:

  • Hats
  • Sweaters
  • Cardigans
  • Scarves
  • Bags
  • Home décor
  • Wearable accessories

Measurements help ensure your finished project matches the pattern specifications—or your customer's requested dimensions if you're creating custom items.

Retractable measuring tapes are particularly convenient because they're small enough to toss into a project bag.

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6. Blocking Mats

Want to give your crochet projects a more polished, professional appearance?

Blocking can make a big difference.

Blocking helps shape your crochet pieces and can help even out stitches and straighten edges.

Foam blocking mats are especially useful because you can arrange them in different configurations depending on the size of your project.

They're excellent for:

  • Granny squares
  • Shawls
  • Scarves
  • Garments
  • Blankets
  • Crochet motifs

You'll usually want blocking pins to go along with your mats.

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7. Yarn Bowl

Have you ever watched your yarn roll across the floor while you're crocheting?

A yarn bowl may become your new best friend.

Yarn bowls hold your yarn while allowing the strand to feed through a curved opening as you crochet.

Besides helping prevent runaway yarn balls, they can keep your yarn cleaner and your workspace more organized.

You'll find beautiful yarn bowls made from:

  • Wood
  • Ceramic
  • Resin
  • Plastic

They're functional, but they can also make a cute addition to your crochet space.

And because they're both useful and decorative, yarn bowls make great gifts for crocheters.

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8. Crochet Project Bag

If you're anything like me, you probably don't have just one crochet project going at a time!

A good crochet project bag keeps your yarn, hooks, pattern and accessories together so you aren't searching for everything when you're ready to crochet.

Look for one with several pockets or compartments so you can separate your yarn from smaller supplies such as stitch markers, scissors and hooks.

A project bag is especially useful if you like crocheting while traveling, sitting at appointments, visiting family or simply moving from room to room.

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9. Row Counter

"Wait...was that row 17 or 18?"

We've all been there.

A row counter can help you keep track of your progress without constantly counting your rows.

You can choose from traditional manual counters, digital counters or even wearable counters that fit around your finger.

They're particularly useful when working on projects with lots of repeated rows.

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10. Stitch Counter or Crochet Gauge Tool

A crochet gauge tool helps you determine how many stitches and rows you have within a specific measurement.

Why does that matter?

Because gauge can determine the final size of your project.

It's especially important when crocheting garments or anything that needs to meet specific measurements.

Many gauge tools also include hook-sizing holes, making them a convenient multi-purpose addition to your crochet toolkit.

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11. Yarn Winder

Once your yarn collection starts growing, a yarn winder can be incredibly useful.

Yarn winders transform skeins or hanks into neat yarn cakes that are easier to store and use.

They're also helpful when you need to rewind leftover yarn after finishing a project.

If you frequently purchase yarn in hanks, consider pairing a yarn winder with a yarn swift.

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12. Crochet Hook Organizer

When your collection grows from three crochet hooks to fifteen—or maybe thirty—keeping track of them becomes a challenge.

A crochet hook organizer gives every hook a designated place.

Look for organizers with extra pockets for your:

  • Stitch markers
  • Scissors
  • Measuring tape
  • Yarn needles
  • Row counter

A zippered organizer is especially convenient if you crochet away from home.

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13. Yarn Storage

One skein becomes five.

Five becomes twenty.

And suddenly you're trying to figure out where all this yarn came from!

Good yarn storage helps keep your craft space organized while also making it easier to see what you already own.

Depending on your space, you might use:

  • Cube storage
  • Clear storage bins
  • Rolling carts
  • Baskets
  • Yarn organizers
  • Hanging storage

Clear containers are especially helpful because you can see your yarn colors without opening every container.

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14. Blocking Pins

If you're investing in blocking mats, you'll also want a good set of blocking pins.

Traditional T-pins work well, but specialized knit blockers can make blocking straight edges much faster.

Whichever style you choose, look for rust-resistant options since blocking often involves moisture.

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15. Good Lighting

This one is easy to overlook!

Good lighting can make crocheting much more enjoyable, particularly when you're working with dark-colored yarn, smaller stitches or detailed patterns.

A bright adjustable craft lamp can illuminate your stitches without requiring you to light up the entire room.

You can also find neck lights designed for crafting, reading and other close-up activities.

A rechargeable neck light is especially convenient if you like crocheting on the couch, in bed or while traveling.

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My Crochet Tool Essentials

If you're just getting started, don't feel like you need to purchase everything on this list at once.

Start with the essentials:

Crochet hooks + yarn + scissors + stitch markers + yarn needles + measuring tape

Then build your crochet toolkit as you take on different projects.

For example, if you fall in love with granny squares, blocking mats might move to the top of your list. If you start crocheting on the go, a good project bag might become your favorite accessory.

And if your yarn collection starts taking over the house...

Well, welcome to the club. You may want to look at those storage options. 😄

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this article may be affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

Looking for Your Next Crochet Project?

Once you've stocked your crochet toolkit, it's time for the fun part—making something!

Explore Riley House Crafts for crochet inspiration, handmade crochet pieces, patterns, tutorials and more.

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BROWSE CROCHET PATTERNS → Coming Soon

WATCH CROCHET TUTORIALS →

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