A first kit needs one hook in the size your yarn asks for, a ball of smooth, light-colored medium yarn, a yarn needle, scissors and a few stitch markers. Buy them one by one, or start from a hook set that includes the extras.
| Item | Why you need it | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| A hook | Makes every stitch | The millimeter size on your yarn label; about 5 to 6 mm for medium (worsted) yarn |
| Yarn | Your first chains and rows | Smooth, light-colored medium weight (category 4), so the stitches show |
| Yarn needle | Weaves in the ends | A blunt tip and an eye big enough for the yarn |
| Scissors | Cuts the yarn | Any small sharp pair |
| Stitch markers | Mark the first and last stitch of a row | Locking or opening markers that come out of finished work |
Buying separately lets you choose the exact hook size for your yarn and a yarn you like; it is usually the better start for one first project. A set makes sense when you know you will try several yarn weights: it saves buying hooks one at a time and often includes needles and a case. Kits sold with yarn and a pattern for one project, such as a toy, are convenient but tie you to that project’s yarn; we haven’t reviewed one yet.
Tulip
You want hooks from 2.0 to 6.0 mm, plus scissors, yarn needles and a case. Add yarn separately to make it a complete starter gift.
Tulip
You want a compact set of fine to medium hooks, with matte tips that don’t catch the light.
Susan Bates
Four small inline hooks without extras: a lower-cost way to try an inline head in light yarn.
Lion Brand
Smooth medium cotton that shows every stitch; good for a first washcloth.
Lion Brand
A soft medium acrylic for a first scarf or blanket squares.
Clover
You switch between yarn thicknesses and want small, medium and large locking markers in one set.
Clover
Measures your swatch and checks the size of an unmarked hook.
Use the hook size printed on the yarn label you choose; the cotton above suggests 4 mm and the acrylic 6 mm. A single hook in that size is enough to start.
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