Part 1 of 3: The "Where to Start" Crochet Guide
Let me tell you something, sweetheart. I've been teaching crochet for a good while, and the question I get most often isn't "how does that even work?" It's "where do I even begin?" and "what do I need to start?" You wouldn't believe how many times someone has approached me while I'm crocheting in public to tell me how difficult it looks, confessing that they tried and failed to learn, or that they were interested but gave up because it seemed too daunting. I am not a gatekeeper, so pull up a chair, get your notepad, and let's talk about setting yourself up for success before your hook ever touches yarn.
Why Crochet Is Your Slow Fashion Salvation
You know what I love most about crochet? In a world where people buy cheap clothes that fall apart after three washes, crochet is basically a protest against that. It’s the most rewarding fashion statement. Every stitch made by your own two hands, built to last, and carrying a piece of your soul. While it looks similar to knitting, where you're juggling two needles and can drop stitches as easily as breadcrumbs, crochet uses just one hook, and each stitch locks into place. You make a mistake? You simply unravel back and fix it. No stress, no drama.
When I crochet a blanket, a hat, or ambitiously start a sweater, I know it'll outlive me. That's an incredibly powerful thought. That's taking control of what you wear and what you create.
This craft is famously cyclical. Although we are currently seeing it peak in popularity, crochet was a cultural staple long before colour TV was even widespread in Jamaica. It defined the 1960s-70s bohemian movement with its iconic granny square vests and maxi dresses. After a brief lull in the 90s, it resurfaced in the early 2000s through festival fashion and beachwear
In the 2020s, online platforms transformed crochet from being labelled as “granny’s pastime” into a booming creative industry that everyone seems to be gravitating towards. Especially since there was enough time to learn it, or rediscover an old one, while having to stay inside for so long. Today, it stands as the ultimate fashion statement because it is sustainable, soulful, and entirely your own.
The Essential Starter Kit: Less Is More
Now, before you run to the online stores and spend half your paycheck on shipping and clearing carts, listen to me carefully. You don't need much to start, and practically all the supplies you need are available locally. That's the beauty of it.
Buying that ‘Jus Right’ Hook
If you buy only one hook to start, make it a 5.0mm. Why? Because it's not too small (which makes beginners struggle to see what they're doing) and not too large (which can feel clumsy). It's just right. I recommend ergonomic hooks with rubber grips. After an hour of practice, your hands will appreciate the thicker base.
Yarn 101: Start Smart
Here's where people make their first mistake. They see a gorgeous variegated yarn in deep purples and blacks and think "that's the one!" No, baby. No. They will want to go on Amazon and buy alpaca wool with a hint of sheep or any of that ‘fancy shmancy’. I do not recommend investing in any novelty yarns or expensive materials when you are just starting out.
Start with:
- Weight: Medium weight, called "worsted" or labelled "4" on the yarn label
- Material: Acrylic or cotton (both washable and forgiving)
- Colour: Light! Cream, pale yellow, light blue; something where you can actually SEE your stitches
I know bright white sounds boring, but you're learning to read your work like I'm reading this page. Once you've got your technique down, then you can dive into those gorgeous sunset colours. Buy two or three skeins to start. A single skein of worsted weight runs about 170-220 yards, enough for a good-sized practice swatch and a first small project.
The “Accessories”
Don't skimp out on these seemingly optional items; they really help you when you are starting out.
- Stitch markers: Little plastic rings or safety pins to mark your spot. When you're counting rounds on a beach bag, these save your sanity.
- Yarn needle: A blunt, large-eyed needle for weaving in ends and sewing pieces together. Metal ones last forever.
- Sharp scissors: Not your kitchen shears, please. Small, sharp embroidery scissors that cut yarn cleanly.
Total investment? About JMD$2000-$4000 to start. Around the price of a meal at a fancy Chinese Restaurant, but this'll give you months of entertainment. The best news is that you do not have to go online; everything you need can be bought at your local Ping’s Fabrics.
Setting Up Your Space: Comfort Is Key
I learned this lesson the hard way after spending six hours crocheting a tablecloth and not being able to move my neck for two days. Here's what you need:
Good lighting: Natural light is best, but if you're crocheting in the evening (like I do when the heat dies down), get yourself a good lamp. You should be able to see each stitch clearly without squinting. It is best to avoid poor lighting when doing these activities, because it can be damaging to your eyes
Proper seating: A chair with back support. Pro-tip: If you have a swinging or rocking chair, the slight movement keeps the shoulders from tensing up.
Arm support: Rest your elbows on armrests or pillows. Your arms shouldn't be floating in the air like you're conducting an orchestra.
Take breaks: Every 20-30 minutes, put down the hook, flex your fingers, and roll your shoulders. Enjoy the process and do not overanticipate the end product. I've seen too many eager beginners push through pain and then give up entirely because they associate the craft with discomfort.
Your First Milestone: Define the Win
Here's where I need you to listen very carefully, because this is where most beginners set themselves up for disappointment. Your first goal is NOT to make a blanket. It's NOT to make a sweater. It's not even to make a dishcloth.
Your first goal is to make a swatch. This is a simple rectangle about 6 inches by 6 inches, with stitches relatively even and the pattern forming. It might seem boring to start out making squares, but it is absolutely necessary. Label it as a small win
When you can look at that swatch and recognise each stitch, when your edges are relatively straight (they don't have to be perfect, darling), and when your tension is consistent enough that it doesn't look like three different people put it together, that's when you celebrate. Frame it, keep it, and show it to your family and friends so they can celebrate with you (even if they don’t get it). That swatch represents you learning a skill that people have practised for centuries.
What's Your Starting Colour?
Now I want to hear from you. For my non-beginners, when you went to pick out your first skein of yarn. Did you play it safe with cream or white? Going for a sunny yellow that keeps you refreshed? Maybe a soft blue like our shallow waters? Let me know.
For beginners, feel free to choose any colour that appeals to you! You can choose any colour under the sun, but keep the following factors in mind when selecting your yarn:
- Visibility is key: Opt for bright colours.
- Avoid speciality yarns: Yarns like "All-in-One Granny Square Yarns" require precise tension knowledge to achieve the desired results and are best avoided initially.
- Steer clear of black: Trust me—it's nearly impossible to see your stitches with black yarn.
In Part 2, we're diving into the actual mechanics like the slip knot, the foundation chain, and how to hold everything without feeling like you’ve just gotten hands for the first time. Until then, get your supplies ready. Your crochet journey starts now.
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Coming up in Part 2: The technical deep dive—how to actually hold the hook, create your foundation, and why your first attempts might look like they were made by someone wearing oven mitts (and why that's completely normal).