A fan of colourful crochet hooks with soft grip handles in various sizes, laid out on a light wooden background

Choosing the Right Yarn and Hook Size for Crochet Beginners

Starting out in crochet is exciting — but standing in front of a wall of yarn and hooks can feel overwhelming. Don't worry, we've all been there! Here's everything you need to know to get started with confidence.

🎬 New to crochet? Watch our free video tutorials

Before you buy a thing, check out our beginner video tutorials — we walk you through everything step by step, so you can see exactly what to do before you pick up a hook. Our Giraffe Crochet Kit even comes with video tutorials included!

What hook size should I use as a beginner?

For most beginners, start with a 4mm or 5mm crochet hook — easy to hold, easy to control, and perfect for popular yarn weights. Avoid anything under 3mm to start; they're fiddly and can make learning frustrating.

Which yarn is best for beginners?

Go for a smooth, light-coloured Aran or Chunky weight yarn:

  • Smooth yarn lets you see each stitch clearly
  • Light colours make stitches easy to count
  • Aran or Chunky works up quickly — you'll see progress fast!

Avoid fluffy or textured yarns (like mohair or boucle) until you're more confident.

What about amigurumi?

For crochet animals and characters, use a slightly smaller hook than usual to keep your stitches tight. Here's a handy guide:

Yarn Weight Hook Size Good for
Aran 3.5mm Beginner projects, larger toys
Chunky 4mm Blankets, quick satisfying makes
DK 3mm Amigurumi, small detailed toys

🧶 Start with one of our Beginner Kits — everything included!

The easiest way to begin? Grab one of our Crochet Kits for Beginners. We've matched the perfect yarn, hook, and pattern for you — no guesswork, no faff. Just open the box and start making something wonderful.

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