10 Must-Have Crochet Tools + Notions from a Pro Pattern Designer
I’ve been crocheting for over 20 years and running my pattern design business for nearly 10. With that level of dedication, I need the right tools by my side at all times. I like to balance form and function, adding a touch of luxury to my everyday stitching. Today, I’m sharing 10 of my personal favorite crochet tools and notions you might want to check out.
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Common Crochet Tools + Notions
One of the best things about crochet is how inexpensive it is to adopt this hobby. To start, all you need is a crochet hook, scissors, and a bit of yarn. I strongly recommend crochet beginners invest in a good crochet hook (find out why), but there’s no need to break the bank on the other supplies.
Check out this video if you’re curious about what items you may need in your crochet toolkit. I shared 12 essential items to have on hand so you can crochet anything.
Toni’s Favorite Things
Once you’re ready to take your relationship with crochet to the next level, it’s time to upgrade your tools and notions. I’ve spent the last 10 years trying different crochet hooks, scissors, tape measures, and project bags to develop a sizeable craft supply collection. There are a few items I reach for over and over, though. Here’s a list of my absolute favorite crochet tools and notions from my stash.
1 // BQueen Collection Crochet Hooks
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – BQueen Collection makes some of the most magnificent indie hooks out there. Makenzie and her husband lovingly hand-turn various kinds of wood into handles and insert Clover brushed aluminum hook heads. The “crown” of the hook is customizable and is designed to look like a chess piece. Though on the pricy side, I consider these an investment. BQueen has a shop update once per month – follow them on Instagram for news to get your hands on these hooks.
Update 5/4/2023: After a devastating house fire, BQueen Collection is no longer in operation. I still use my beloved hooks, but they cannot be purchased anymore. Check out this blog post for more info on my favorite hooks from big companies and indie makers.
2 // Folding Scissors
From the couch to the airplane, my project bag goes with me everywhere. That means I need supplies that will breeze through a security checkpoint. Enter folding stainless steel scissors. These little snips are sharp and sturdy and come in various finishes. I go for the classic silver look but poke around the internet for black, gold, and even unicorn colors.
Get the Scissors: WeCrochet
3 // Paisley & Gold Sewing Hamilton Project Bag
Every crocheter has a preferred project bag maker, and Erika of Paisley & Gold Sewing is mine. Erika and I met while I was living in Ohio, where I convinced her to add maker project bags to her inventory. It was a selfish request, but she obliged and continues to come out with some of the most amazing bag styles. Each one is equally practical and gorgeous, it’s hard not to get one of each. I’m especially partial to the Hamilton Bags – they fold flat, expand with the help of a bottom gusset, and come in three convenient sizes.
Update 5/4/2022: Paisley & Gold Sewing officially closed their shop in February of this year. You can still find some bags at local yarn stores. If you need another go-to bag seller, check out Beautiful Syster, based in Chicago. This sister duo handmakes lovely project bags in unique styles and fun fabrics. Shop their in-stock selection here.
4 // Furls Silver Streamline Metal
It’s no secret – I’ve been a fan of Furls crochet hooks since I first scraped the pennies together to get one. They’re beautifully shaped and designed with crocheter’s hand health in mind. They’re best known for their Odyssey hooks, but the Streamline collection has welcomed some viable contenders. Namely, the Streamline Metal hooks, which made their debut earlier this year. These hooks mimic the classic Streamline hook look, but are made from 100% aluminum. They are sold out as of writing this blog post, but I have it on good authority that you can expect to see metal Streamline hooks again in the coming months (maybe even in different colors!). Click “Notify Me When Available” to be the first to know about a restock.
Get the Hooks: Furls
5 // Metal Tapestry Needle
It might seem insignificant, but it pays to put some thought into your tapestry needle style. Weaving in ends is despised by crocheters worldwide. Make the process easier by using a blunt metal tapestry needle. When compared to plastic tapestry needles, metal needles glide through stitches, making it easy to tuck those ends and move on with your project. Pro Tip: I store my tapestry needles on a magnet for easy access.
Get the Needles: Amazon
6 // Organic Lotion Bar from Soulful Earth Herbals
A sweet gift from my friends at Woven Art Yarn Shop introduced me to one of my favorite new products. The constant rubbing of yarn over your hands can leave those digits dry as the Sahara. The Organic Lotion Bar from Soulful Earth Herbals is here to save you. This was my first introduction to formed lotion bars, and I may never go back. Choose from multiple scents, and look forward to the bar providing months of much-needed moisture.
Get the Bar: Soulful Earth Herbals (online or in-store)
7 // Apple iPad
Inspiration strikes at a moment’s notice, so I keep my Apple iPad ready. I use it to jot down notes, research blog and YouTube video ideas, and communicate with my friends and colleagues. I initially transitioned from a traditional notebook to a tablet to streamline my processes and cut down on my paper waste. Now I can’t live without it! A few accessories were necessary: a case, pencil, and a special screen protector, making it feel like you’re writing on paper. In case you were wondering, I use the Notability app to house my notes and pattern designs.
Get the Tablet: Amazon
8 // Crochet Hooks from CroChic Styles
If you’ve made it this far down on the list, then you’re in for a real treat. These handmade resin hooks from CroChic Styles are one of the latest editions to my hook set and I don’t know how I went so long without them. Where BQueen hooks are timeless and sophisticated, CroChic Styles hooks are playful and lighthearted. This handmade hook company is run by another dynamic married duo – Patty and Paul. Their website has a lovely collection of hooks, but I went the custom route, and it was worth every penny.
Get the Hooks: CroChic Styles
9 // Clover Tape Measure
My tape measure was intentionally chosen like everything else in my notions bag. The Clover Shiro tape measure isn’t cheap, but it will likely be the last one you need to buy. It has a sleek design with a handy loop for attaching to bags and keychains. It extends to the standard 60″ and has an easy-press button to retract the tape. Another fun fact is that this tape measure has fiberglass woven into the tape threads to prevent it from stretching over time. With that much care put into a tape measure, it has to be good.
Get the Tape Measure: Amazon
10 // Gauge Ruler
Gauge rulers are a dime a dozen and are often handed out as freebies from local yarn stores. But I love this one from Knitter’s Pride since it offers so many great benefits. First, you measure the size of your hooks by dropping them into the slot instead of pushing them into a hole. I’ve had more than one hook get stuck in old gauge rulers, so finding this one was a relief. On top of that, you get a thread cutter, 2″ and 4″ options to check gauge, and hook sizes in all pertinent measurements. Drop this handy tool in your notions pouch ASAP.
Get the Ruler: Amazon
Each crocheter is as individual as the notions in their bag. What crochet tools do you like to keep close at hand when you’re stitching? Let us know in the comments!
