So you want to learn to crochet — but every tutorial you find assumes you already know what you're doing. We get it. That's exactly why we built MONTII.
This guide is for absolute beginners. No jargon, no assumptions, no "just do a magic ring" without explaining what that means. Let's start from the very beginning.
What Is Crochet, Exactly?
Crochet is a craft where you use a single hook to loop yarn into fabric or 3D shapes. Unlike knitting (which uses two needles), crochet only needs one hook — which makes it easier to pick up, put down, and carry around.
The word comes from the French word for "small hook." And that's basically it: one hook, some yarn, and you can make almost anything.
What You Need to Start Crocheting
The good news: you don't need much. Here's the minimum starter list:
- A crochet hook — Size 5.0mm (H/8) is perfect for beginners. Not too small, not too big.
- Yarn — Medium weight (worsted, labeled as "4" on the skein). Smooth, light-colored yarn is easiest to see your stitches.
- Scissors — Any will do.
- A yarn needle — For weaving in ends when you finish.
- Patience — Your first attempts will look rough. That's normal. Everyone's did.
Pro tip: If you'd rather skip the guesswork, the MONTII Beginner Kit includes everything above, pre-selected for beginners, in one box.
The 3 Stitches Every Beginner Must Know
You don't need to know 50 stitches to crochet. You need to know 3. Master these and you can make almost anything:
1. The Chain Stitch (ch)
This is the foundation of almost every crochet project. It's how you start. Make a slip knot, put it on your hook, and pull a loop of yarn through. That's one chain. Repeat. You'll do this hundreds of times and it gets automatic fast.
2. The Single Crochet (sc)
The most basic actual stitch. Insert your hook into a stitch, pull up a loop, pull the yarn through both loops on your hook. Done. This stitch alone can make dishcloths, bags, scarves, and most amigurumi characters.
3. The Slip Stitch (sl st)
Used mostly to join rounds or move across stitches without adding height. Insert hook, pull yarn through both the stitch and the loop on your hook in one motion. Quick and simple.
Your First Project: Think Small
The single biggest mistake beginners make is starting too big. A blanket sounds cool — until you're three hours in with no end in sight and you quit.
Start with something you can finish in one afternoon. A small character, a simple square, a tiny bag. Finishing is the skill you need to build first. Everything else follows from there.
That's the whole idea behind MONTII kits: we designed them specifically so a complete beginner can finish their first character the same day they start. No half-finished projects gathering dust.
Common Beginner Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Tension too tight: If your hook is hard to pull through, loosen your grip on the yarn. Relax your hands.
- Losing count: Use stitch markers (or a piece of different-colored yarn) to mark the first stitch of each round.
- Not counting stitches: Count every round. If your count changes unexpectedly, you missed or added a stitch somewhere.
- Quitting too early: The first 30 minutes are the hardest. Your hands are learning something new. Push through — it clicks suddenly.
How Long Does It Take to Learn?
Most people can do a basic single crochet within their first hour. A simple project in their first afternoon. Something they're proud of within their first week.
It's not a skill that takes years to get started with. It takes an afternoon to get the basics — and then it's just practice from there.
Ready to Start?
If you want to skip the research phase and just start crocheting, the MONTII Beginner Crochet Kit gives you everything in one box — the right hook, the right yarn, and step-by-step video tutorials designed for people who have never crocheted before.
Less setup. More making.