Struggling to manage your yarn, hooks, and other crochet supplies? Avoid buying stuff you don’t need with this guide to the best crochet tools. Learn what you really need and some of my favorite tools and brands that I always keep on hand.

Do these sound like you?

• You’ve finally gotten around to organizing your yarn stash but you have no way to efficiently store it.
• Even though you have multiple crochet hooks in a vast array of sizes, you’ve somehow misplaced that one special hook.
• Just like coins lost in the couch, it never seems to matter how many you have. You never have enough when you need them.

Every crocheter has experienced one or all of these scenarios. Believe me, there are plenty more where those came from.

I’m here to help! 

Having the right crochet tools is super important. Creating a stress-free crafting environment also includes having the right storage solutions to ensure you have what you need at all times.

What Crochet Tools Do You Actually Need?

Top Crochet Tools You Should Have in Your Crochet Toolkit

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Crochet hooks

Good crochet hooks are the most important crochet tools, as they’re the foundation for your entire crochet journey. There are so many brands, styles and materials available. So how do you choose the best crochet hook to use?

Most crochet hooks fall into one of two styles: Inline and tapered. This article from Skillshare describes both styles in detail, as a few other specialty styles like Tunisian and ergonomic hooks. They’re made from various materials—aluminum, wood, plastic, and more—each of which plays differently with different yarns.

With all the options available, finding the right hook can be difficult and may take some trial and error. Remember, the best crochet hook for you is the one that you like to use. So, be patient with the process. Here are a few trusted brands you may want to try:

• Inline Hooks: My personal favorite are Susan Bates Aluminum Hooks. These classic inline hooks are made from polished aluminum and the yarn slides over them beautifully as you work.
• Tapered Hooks: If you prefer a tapered hook, Clover Amour Ergonomic Hooks are a popular brand which have soft, easy-to-grip handles.
• Tunisian Hooks: If you want to try out Tunisian crochet, you can’t go wrong with the Radiant Tunisian Crochet Hook Set from WeCrochet. They’re made with beautiful laminated birch in brilliant colors. You can interchange the different hook sizes and cable lengths to create a hook that’s perfect for your next Tunisian crochet project!
• Ergonomic Hooks: Furls Crochet Hooks are high-end and very popular because of their ergonomic design. However, before investing in them, try one to see if you like it.

Crafting Scissors

Not only do you need a pair to cut your yarn, but it’s always helpful to have several pairs in various sizes for opening packages, snipping yarn ends, and taking projects on the go. Some different sizes and styles that are helpful to have include:

• Full-size scissors: I keep a pair of Fiskars All Purpose Scissors hanging in my craft room. It’s especially useful when I get a shipment of yarn!
• Crafting scissors: This size is a must if you take your crochet with you like I do. These stainless steel craft scissors with sheath are perfect for travel. If you’re flying within the United States, these scissors can be packed in your carry-on luggage, as their blades are well under the TSA’s limit of 4 inches from the pivot point.
• Thread snips: Gingher is one of the leading manufacturers of scissors for sewing. Their Featherweight Thread Clippers are high quality and a great size to slip in your project bag.

Tape Measure

A lot of us (including me) hate dealing with crochet gauge. But to avoid the hassle of your project coming out the wrong size, it’s really important to measure and adjust as necessary. That’s why you should come to think of your tape measure as a trusted companion. Pop one of these options in your project bag and you’ll never be without one of these essential crochet tools. Remember, a tape measure stretches over time so replace it at regular intervals.

• Large tape measure: This larger tape measure is great for keeping at your sewing machine or craft table.
• Retractable travel tape measure: Keep one of these in your crochet bag and take it with you everywhere. This portable and retractable one from WeCrochet is just one option, but there are so many fun versions. Try searching on Etsy to find a huge variety of different cases and covers.

Stitch Markers

These little work horses are good for so many things – marking a specific spot, counting long foundation chains, keeping track of rows or rounds. In addition to traditional stitch markers, you can also use safety pins, bobby pins, or even small pieces of yarn. This Craftsy article gives several ideas for homemade stitch markers. But if you want to treat yourself to an inexpensive luxury, try one of these:

• Clover Locking Stitch Markers: These plastic stitch markers are the most popular and commonly available wherever yarn is sold.
• 300 piece Safety Bulb Pins: These metal safety pins are a great alternative to plastic and come in multiple colors.

Tapestry/darning needles

Essential crochet tools for weaving in ends and sewing seams, your tapestry needles are a must-have. Here are my favorites.

• Curved tapestry needles: I finally got this set of eight tapestry needles because of the case. Just like stitch markers, I was always losing them!
• Bent tapestry needles: The bent tips on these tapestry needles, similar to the set above, slide easily between your stitches. The set of three comes with a storage pouch.

Project bags

If you carry your crochet with you wherever you go (like I do), project bags are essential for holding all of your crochet tools and supplies. You can collect them from events you visit. Or, you can grab a beautifully crafted project bag from one of these shops.

• ThreeBagsFullStudio fabric project bags: These handmade project bags are made with the highest quality fabric and come in a variety of fun prints. I love my bags and use them all the time. You can find her shop on Etsy.
• Quilted tote bag: I love my Small Original Tote Bag by Vera Bradley! This quilted bag is the perfect size for carrying all the essentials when I’m out and about.
• Quilted cotton pencil pouch: When I’m on the go, I use one of these Vera Bradley pencil cases to carry my hooks, crafting scissors, tape measure, etc.

Hand lotion

Working with yarn can dry out your hands and damage cuticles. I make a habit of applying lotion and cuticle oil every night before I go to bed. To keep your hands and nails healthy, try these products.

• Gold Bond Cocoa Butter Hydrating Lotion: You can buy this extra strength moisturizing lotion over-the-counter at your local drug store or supermarket.
• OPI Cuticle Oil: Any beauty supply store should carry this moisturizing cuticle oil. I often order mine from Amazon just for convenience.

Neck ring light

Neck lights are essential crochet tools when your lighting is low or you’re working with black or dark yarn. I keep mine charged for those times when my power randomly goes out!

• Lumos Knitting Light: If you want to treat yourself, this handy neck light is worth the price! It fits nicely around your neck and and directs the light right where you need it.
• Glocusent Book Light: This affordable neck light also has great reviews from crocheters.

Storage for small tools

It’s so easy for your smaller crochet tools to get scattered (and lost) in your craft room. These solutions help keep things organized and safe.

• Mugs: My husband and I tend to collect mugs when we’re out and about, so I repurpose some of them to hold pencils, pens, hooks, etc.
• Storage cabinet: This 12-Drawer Wooden Vintage Apothecary Cabinet is just one example of a useful cabinet to store buttons, pins, stitch markers … anything that’s small and hard to store individually.
• Mason jars: Use mason/ball jars and decorate with either a crochet sleeve or topper, like this one from Amelia Makes.

Storage baskets

Find something decorative AND functional to store your crochet tools and turn your craft room into a beautiful crochet haven.

• Wicker baskets: This set of 3 baskets offer plenty of storage and has an interesting texture that will add visual interest to your craft room décor.
• Wire baskets: Lined wire baskets are so decorative. With this set of 3, you’re sure to find a size to fit your needs.
• Clear storage tubs: Clear storage bins allow you to quickly and easily see what’s inside. Get these in any size at your favorite hardware store or craft store.

Blocking

Blocking can be a stressful part of crochet, especially when you don’t need to do it very often. Having these crochet tools on hand will reduce your blocking anxiety.

• Blocking pins: This set of blocking T-pins is rust-resistant and comes with a convenient plastic storage case.
• Blocking combs: I use blocking combs like these, because they’re so much more convenient than placing dozens of straight pins. Plus, they do a better job of holding my project in place.
• Blocking boards: These Premium Blocking Mats are so easy to store as well as adjust to the size of my project.
• Handheld steamer: I love my Conair Handheld Garment Steamer because it’s easy to use and store. But there are plenty of handheld steamers on the market to choose from.

Bonus Crochet Tools

Winding yarn

Not all yarn comes in pull skeins or cakes. You’ll need these items for turning those hanks into beautiful cakes ready for crocheting.

• Budget-friendly yarn ball winder: This yarn ball winder from WeCrochet is very popular but it does tend to wear out.
• Premium yarn winder: While the Stanwood Yarn Winder is more expensive, its high quality means it will last much longer and ultimately save you money. It can handle larger cakes than the budget version. I’ve had mine for over 8 years with no problems at all.
• Yarn swift: I own this yarn swift in birch and really love using it.

Conclusion

When every item in your crochet toolkit is useful, you eliminate clutter and keep a manageable number of items. When you’re ready to start your next crochet project, you’ll be able to easily find what you need, when you need it. Hopefully you’ve gotten a good grasp on what crochet tools and accessories you actually need and can make confident choices about what to keep in your dream craft space!