What's the best type of yarn and hooks for beginners learning how to crochet?

Question

I'm giving a crocheting workshop and was wondering what size hooks and what type of yarn to buy. Thank you! Please give a detailed explanation!

Answer 1

I'd recommend a worsted weight acrylic in a light colour (I learned to knit and crochet on Patons Canadiana). If you use a slightly oversized hook it's easier to insert the hook into the stitches, especially for people like me who hold the yarn far too tightly. I'd go with maybe a 5.5mm or so. Nothing smaller than a 4.5.

If you are going to go with a bulky yarn then make sure it's fairly tightly spun. The main criterion for yarn for beginners is that it's smooth, and a lot of novelty chunky yarns are loose enough that they split to the point where you lose the benefit of it being smooth.

Answer 2

I have had two types of students. One group prefers a really large hook, like an N hook, for success (they like to see the makeup of the stitches in large detail). The other uses a regular, but on the larger end - like I or J to begin. I would suggest if you are providing the materials to have a variety of hooks available. If the student is providing his or her own material and you need to list a particular size, I would go with I or J as that is in-between and I think most could handle it.

Remember you also have to make a choice as to type of hook - are you going to go with aluminum, plastic or something else... For a beginning class I'd go with Boye or Bates simple aluminum hook. It is inexpensive and easy to find. If you are providing, then I'd have a few of both as if a student has trouble with Boye, they might do better with Bates and vice versa. Most crocheters have a preference. (I'm Bates) Explain the difference between them - rounded as opposed to inline etc.

You might have a selection of specialty hooks if you have that available so they can see the variety of hooks available should they catch HAS (Hook Acquisition Syndrome). I have a bad case. LOL

As to yarn - a smooth, light colored, acrylic yarn would work best. IMHO. Cotton doesn't move as smoothly over hook (although that depends on the material of the hook to a degree), and new students cannot see the stitches as well in dark colors nor in yarn that is knobby such as homespun. I would let them know the varieties (perhaps have samples - I am big on samples) but for actual work, use the smooth light yarn.

Check my teaching crochet tutorial

http://www.crochetcabana.com/tutorials/t...

If you can't read pdf files, and want to see it, just holler out to me. There is an e-mail on the home page.

Answer 3

Recommended size for beginners are H, G, or I size hooks as smaller hook sizes are much harder to handle.

As for yarn don't get wool or chenille they're also harder to handle. Personally I like cotton but can be a bit rough on the hands whereas acrylic is softer and cheaper.