Stress Relief Through Crochet: More Women Are Choosing Yarn Over Screens - Know How To Start

Picture this: a quiet evening, a steaming cup of masala chai, and yarn rolling gently at your feet as you hook away to create a scarf, a bag, or maybe even a cosy throw. Crochet has an old-world charm, yet it feels surprisingly modern today. It's no longer just about making doilies for the living room table; it's about handmade fashion, home décor, and a slow craft that helps switch off from the daily noise.

For someone just starting, though, walking into a craft store or scrolling through online kits can feel overwhelming. So many yarn types, hook sizes, colourful accessories, where does one even begin? That's where beginner-friendly crochet kits step in. But not all kits are created equal. The right kit can feel like a trusted friend who gently guides you through your first stitches, while the wrong one may leave you tangled in yarn and frustration.

For stress relief, more women now unwind with yarn, choosing crochet over screen time for a fun, relaxing mental break. Here are 10 things to know as a beginner.

Crochet kits for beginners: Here's what you need before you start.
Photo Credit: Pexels

Essential Things To Look For In Beginner Crochet Kits

1. Yarn Quality Matters More Than Quantity

When starting out, it's tempting to grab the kit that promises the biggest bundle of yarn for the lowest price. But yarn is like food, the quality shows in the taste, or in this case, the stitches. Beginner kits should ideally come with smooth, medium-weight yarn (commonly called DK or worsted weight). This thickness makes it easier to see where your hook is going, unlike finer thread that feels like trying to pick rice grains with chopsticks.

Acrylic yarn is usually the go-to choice for starters because it's affordable, easy to clean, and comes in plenty of colours. A soft skein that doesn't split much under the hook will save a lot of sighs and undoing. Cotton yarn is another good option, especially for projects like coasters or bags, since it holds its shape well.

In short, don't be fooled by kits advertising ten different yarns in rainbow shades if they're rough, thin, or fray easily. It's better to have two balls of smooth, beginner-friendly yarn than a cupboard full of colourful chaos.

2. The Right Hook Size Can Save The Day

Imagine writing with a pen that's either too thin to hold or too chunky to control. Crochet hooks work the same way. A good beginner kit should provide a hook in the 4mm to 6mm range. These sizes pair well with medium-weight yarn and help beginners find their rhythm without straining fingers.

Hooks come in different materials, aluminium, plastic, bamboo. Aluminium hooks glide smoothly through stitches and are often the most beginner-friendly. Plastic hooks are lightweight but sometimes too bendy, while bamboo hooks feel warm and natural but may slow you down until you get the hang of things.

One hook is enough for a first kit, but a thoughtful brand may add a small set. Having a slightly bigger or smaller hook can help when your tension is off, something every newbie struggles with. A too-tight chain can feel like wrestling a stubborn jar lid, and the right hook size can loosen the fight.

3. Easy-To-Follow Instructions Are A Lifeline

Starting crochet without clear instructions is like trying to cook biryani without a recipe, possible, but frustrating. The best kits come with beginner-friendly booklets or even QR codes linking to video tutorials. Step-by-step pictures showing how to hold the yarn, make the slip knot, or work a single crochet stitch can make a world of difference.

Look out for kits that explain stitches in simple terms rather than burying you in technical jargon. Words like “yarn over” and “double crochet” can sound like riddles at first, so illustrations are golden. A kit that uses plain language and visuals feels like a friend sitting beside you, gently guiding your hands.

Bonus points for kits that include a small starter project, say a coaster or a pot holder. These bite-sized goals give that wonderful sense of achievement when the first piece is finished, no matter how wobbly it looks.

Look for crochet kits with easy-to-follow instructions
Photo Credit: Pexels

4. A Manageable First Project Keeps Motivation Alive

Ambition is wonderful, but starting with a queen-sized blanket is like signing up for a marathon before you've run around the block. The project included in a beginner's kit should be small, useful, and achievable.

Scarves, dishcloths, coasters, or even a simple bag make for perfect starter projects. They teach the basics without taking weeks to finish. Nothing kills motivation faster than a half-done piece stuffed in a cupboard. On the other hand, completing something within a few days sparks joy and makes the effort feel worthwhile.

Think of it like cooking: nobody starts with a seven-course meal. You begin with making a decent cup of tea, and from there, the possibilities open up. The same goes for crochet projects, keep it small, savour the process, and let confidence grow stitch by stitch.

5. Value For Money Without Cutting Corners

Crafting can be a soothing hobby, but the wallet doesn't always agree. Beginner crochet kits are available at many price points, from ₹500 to ₹2,000 and beyond. While the cheapest option may look tempting, think long-term. A kit that skimps on quality hooks or provides yarn that feels like plastic thread will only end up gathering dust.

Good kits usually balance price and quality. Spending around ₹1,000–₹1,500 can fetch a solid beginner set with smooth yarn, a sturdy hook, and clear instructions. That's about the cost of a weekend takeaway meal, but the crochet kit lasts much longer and feeds creativity in a far more satisfying way.

Consider it an investment in peace of mind and skill-building. A thoughtful kit gives more than just supplies; it gives the confidence to begin a journey that could last years.

Also Read: Crochet Essentials Guide: 5 Tools You Need To Start Your Crochet Journey At Home

6. Colour Choices Can Spark Creativity

Yarn colours aren't just about looks, they shape how motivated you feel while working. A kit that throws in dull beige and grey may not excite someone eager to learn. Bright, cheerful shades, teal, mustard, cherry red, bring energy to the process. At the same time, beginners benefit from lighter colours because stitches are easier to see.

That said, avoid kits with very dark yarns for the first attempt. Black yarn may look sleek, but under poor lighting, it's like trying to count ants on a rainy pavement. Kits that strike a balance, one light shade for practice and one brighter colour for fun, are often the most inspiring.

At the end of the day, colour has a way of influencing mood. After a long day at work, coming home to a sunny yellow yarn and the promise of a handmade scarf feels a lot more inviting than a struggle with dreary tones.

Avoid crochet kits with dark colours at the beginning
Photo Credit: Pexels

7. Handy Extras That Make Life Easier

Some kits stop at yarn and hook, while others throw in helpful extras that beginners didn't know they needed. Stitch markers, for example, act like bookmarks in your project, preventing the dreaded “where did I stop?” moment. Yarn needles help weave in loose ends neatly, giving projects a polished look.

Even a small pair of scissors or a measuring tape can make the process smoother. These little additions may not seem like much, but they save frantic searches around the house mid-project.

A beginner-friendly kit doesn't need to be bursting with accessories, but a few thoughtful ones show that the makers understand the learning curve. It's like ordering a thali and finding that the papad and pickle are included, small, but they complete the experience.

8. Comfort In Handling Counts

Crochet is meant to be relaxing, not a workout for fingers. A beginner kit should provide tools that feel comfortable to use. Ergonomic hooks with cushioned grips are especially helpful for those who tend to hold on tightly while learning. Without them, a couple of hours of practice can leave hands feeling like they've been to the gym.

Smooth yarn and a balanced hook reduce strain and make it easier to find a natural flow. Comfort is often overlooked when buying a kit, but it makes a huge difference in whether the craft feels calming or frustrating.

Think of it like choosing footwear. You wouldn't buy tight shoes just because they look good, and crochet kits work the same way, comfort matters if you want to keep coming back to it.

9. Portability Adds A Touch Of Convenience

One of crochet's charms is that it can travel with you. Long train ride? Waiting at the doctor's clinic? A project bag and a small kit can turn idle time into productive time.

Good kits often come in pouches or boxes that keep everything neatly packed. Without that, yarn balls roll around like rebellious toddlers, and hooks disappear into sofa cushions. A neatly packed kit makes it easier to carry your craft wherever life takes you.

It's surprising how much more progress happens when the tools are within easy reach. A tidy, portable kit feels less like a chore to set up and more like an invitation to pick up the hook for just ten minutes, which often turns into an hour.

Look for portable kits that are easy to carry around; Photo Credits: Pexels

10. Inspiration Matters As Much As Instructions

Finally, a beginner kit should do more than teach stitches; it should inspire. Some brands include pattern ideas, links to online communities, or small lookbooks of finished projects. These serve as gentle nudges, reminding you that this little ball of yarn can become something beautiful and personal.

Seeing what others have created from the same kit can fuel imagination. It's not about copying but about discovering possibilities. Much like flipping through a recipe book, you may not cook every dish, but just browsing sparks ideas.

The best beginner kits leave you not only with finished projects but with the hunger to keep going. They open the door to a creative world where every stitch is both calming and rewarding.

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Crochet isn't just about loops and knots; it's about slowing down, creating with your own hands, and finding small joys in everyday life. For beginners, the right kit makes all the difference. It turns a daunting hobby into a gentle, welcoming journey.

From choosing smooth yarn and a comfortable hook to looking for clear instructions and a simple first project, every detail matters. A kit that balances quality, affordability, and inspiration will keep motivation alive and encourage steady progress.

So before buying your first crochet kit, take a moment to look beyond the price tag. Pick one that feels like a companion, ready to walk beside you as you learn. After all, every expert crocheter once started with that first wobbly stitch, and with the right kit, so can you. So, if you are ready, buy a crochet kit online and explore a new hobby today.

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purpose only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.