Whether you're just learning to crochet or knit or have been making for years, one of the questions I hear most often is, "What tools do you actually use?"
The truth is, you don't need a room full of supplies to get started. There are a handful of tools I reach for project after project. These are the ones that have earned a permanent place in my project bags because they make creating easier, more enjoyable, and a little less frustrating.
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Quick Shopping List
These are the crochet and knitting tools I personally use and recommend. Keep reading for more details about why I use each one and who it may be best for - after the list.
My Crochet and Knitting Essentials
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Crochet Hook Set: Lewhoo Ergonomic Crochet Hooks Set with Case
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Locking Stitch Markers for Crochet: 300-Piece Crochet Marker Set
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Closed Stitch Markers for Knitting: Colorful Heart Stitch Markers in Tin
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Flexible Measuring Tapes: Two-Pack Measuring Tape Set
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Needles for Sewing Pieces Together: Large-Eye Blunt Needle Set
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Needles for Weaving in Ends: Large-Eye Finishing Yarn Needles
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Small Scissors: Small Scissors with Protective Cover
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Project Bag: Travel Project Bag
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Finger Yarn Guides: Boye Finger Guides
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Blocking Mats: Blocking Mats
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Knit Blockers: Rainbow Knit Blockers Set
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Project Light: Around-the-Neck Light
Nice-to-Have Extras
These aren’t tools everyone needs, but they can be especially helpful for certain projects or crafting styles.
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Granny Square Blocking Board: Crochet Granny Square Blocking Board
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Yarn Bowl: Basic Yarn Bowl
What About a Row Counter?
I don’t personally recommend buying a physical row counter. I read my patterns using the KnitCompanion app, which includes row counters. There are also plenty of free row-counter apps available.
I could never keep track of the physical counters—or remember to update them—so a digital counter works much better for me!
Why I Use These Crochet & Knitting Tools
The quick list above gives you an easy place to find each recommendation. Below, I’m sharing more about how I use each tool, why it has earned a place in my project bags, and who I think will find it most helpful.
1. Crochet Hook Set
Whether you're just learning or have been crocheting for years, a quality hook set makes a huge difference. Having multiple sizes together means you're always ready for whatever yarn your next pattern calls for.
Why I use it: I often am switching between projects requiring different hook sizes. I have my fancy special hooks but often they are in some project bag somewhere plus I often am on the go & don't want to risk them. This lets me travel easy without lots of hunting for the right size hook. The added grip is also huge for comfort in crocheting.
Best for: Beginners and experienced crocheters who want one organized set instead of buying hooks one at a time.
My recommendation: Lewhoo Ergonomic Crochet Hooks Set with Case, 13 Size Crochet Hooks for Arthritic Hands 2.0mm -10.0mm (B-N)
I actually bought this for myself earlier this year & then got my daughter a set as her crochet journey gets started!
2. Stitch Markers
These tiny little helpers have so many uses! They can save you from constantly counting stitches; mark rounds, increases, decreases, or other places you know you'll need to come back to later; AND they are fantastic for when starting out in crochet to keep track of where a row starts and ends.
Why I use it: They help prevent mistakes before they happen.
Best for: Every crocheter or knitter—especially anyone just learning, working on garments, amigurumi, or lace.
My recommendations:
For crochet: 300 Pcs Crochet Markers - for crochet you need a locking marker since it will get worked into the project. You can use other styles which have an opening, although I like one which closes to ensure it stays put until I want to remove it!
For knitting: 50 piece Colorful Heart Stitch Markers in Tin - for knitting you can use the locking kind or closed stitch markers as well - although for different things. Locking markers are needed if being used to track a shaping row or other area you are working past & leaving the marker in place for. Closed markers are great for staying on the needle to keep track of stitch count or mark a certain set of stitches. You do need to ensure your markers are larger than the needles in use if intending to use them to track stitches on the needle.
3. Flexible Measuring Tape
You'll use this far more often than you expect. From checking gauge to measuring finished pieces, it's one of those tools you always want within reach.
Why I use it: Accurate measurements help projects fit the way they're supposed to (also sometimes I need to check my own measurements before deciding what size to make).
Best for: Everyone! Gauge swatches are essential if you want the end result to be the intended size.
My recommendation: 2 Pack Measuring Tape - I like this pack because it comes with 2 kinds, so you can see which you prefer, one you roll up or a retractable one.
4. Tapestry Needles
Finishing is often the least exciting part of a project, but good tapestry needles make weaving in ends much easier.
Why I use it: Large eyes make threading yarn simple, and blunt tips help avoid splitting stitches. I actually LOVE the second type listed for weaving in ends though - I don't see as many people using them but they give me the easiest end weaving experience; while they don't work as well for when pieces need to be sewn together.
Best for: Every knitter and crocheter.
My recommendations:
For sewing pieces together: Large-Eye Blunt Needle Set
For weaving in ends: Large Eye Finishing Yarn Needles
5. Small Embroidery Scissors
A sharp pair of small scissors is one tool I own multiples of because they seem to disappear into project bags. My aunt gave me a few purple ones from Knit Picks some years ago - they are spread amongst many little notions bags & ALWAYS used!
I like ones with a plastic cover I know has "clicked" on so the point doesn't get me when diving into my notions bag.
Why I use it: Clean cuts and easy portability.
Best for: Keeping in every knitting or crochet bag.
My recommendation: Small Scissors with Cover
6. Project Bag
Having a dedicated project bag keeps everything together—yarn, pattern, hooks or needles, notions, and works in progress.
Why I use it: It makes it easy to take projects wherever I go. I prefer the variety with 1 loop as I can easily work on a project with the bag on my arm (aka....walk & knitting options!). I never end up using if they have a hole to feed yarn through, because then you are a bit stuck to the bag & I change things around too often - if you stick to one project per bag until it is done, it can be helpful for the yarn to be less tangly.
Best for: Anyone who likes crafting while traveling, waiting for appointments, or relaxing outside the house.
My recommendation: Travel Project Bag
7. Finger Yarn Guides
If you've ever found your yarn rubbing against your finger or struggled to keep even tension while crocheting or knitting, a finger yarn guide is worth trying. It slips onto your finger and helps guide the yarn smoothly as you work.
Why I use it: I never use for knitting - always use for crochet & am often hunting them down around the house or re-buying when lost! Crocheting often the way I wrap the yarn for tension ends up being really rough on my index finger and this solves that! There are pretty ring versions - but these are the only ones I've found which actually fit my fingers (which are tiny).
Best for: Crocheters and knitters who experience finger soreness, struggle with consistent tension, or simply want to make stitching feel a little smoother.
My recommendation: Boye Finger Guides
8. Row Counter
Some patterns are easy to memorize...until someone asks you a question halfway through a row.
A row counter saves me from trying to remember if I just finished row 18 or row 19.
Why I use it: It keeps complex projects organized.
Best for: Sweaters, shawls, blankets, and any pattern with repeated sections.
My recommendation: Here I wouldn't actually buy - I read my patterns of an app, KnitCompanion, which has row counters. There are TONs of free row counter apps - I never could keep track of the physical ones or remember to update them!
9. Blocking Mats
Blocking can completely transform a finished project by helping stitches relax and creating crisp, even edges.
Why I use it: It gives finished projects a polished, professional look.
Best for: Shawls, sweaters, lace projects, granny squares, and garments.
My recommendation: Blocking Mats
Now, I don't have one of these, but if you crochet granny squares often, this would be super helpful for easier blocking: Crochet Granny Square Blocking Board
Also highly recommend Knit Blockers over T-Pins: Rainbow Knit Blockers Set
10. Good Project Light
Lighting is one of the most overlooked crafting tools. Good light makes it much easier to see stitch definition and reduces eye strain during longer crafting sessions.
Why I use it: My family likes having the lights off for movie watching. I have tried a few, a friend gifted me this one & it has worked really well for me where others didn't!
Best for: Anyone who enjoys knitting or crocheting after work or during the winter months.
My recommendation: Around neck Light
11. Yarn Bowl
Okay, this one is not essential. And I have a few I don't really use that much, more pretty decor in case I happen to sit in my office & work on a project (which is pretty rare).
A yarn bowl keeps your yarn from rolling across the room or collecting pet hair and dust while you work.
It is essential for it to be smooth so yarn doesn't catch on it and I always prefer one with an opening the yarn can be slide into rather than a hole as - you guessed it, I will move with that project & need to take it out while the yarn & work is still connected!
Why I use it: My yarn stays clean, untangled, and right where I left it.
Best for: Anyone who likes working from a center-pull cake or yarn ball.
My recommendation: Basic Yarn Bowl
Final Thoughts
You certainly don't need every gadget on the market to enjoy knitting or crochet - you don't even need all 11 of these! If you're just getting started, I'd begin with a good hook or needle set, stitch markers, a measuring tape, tapestry needles, and a project bag. As your skills and projects grow, you'll naturally discover which extras make your crafting experience even more enjoyable.
These are the tools I find myself reaching for again and again because they simply work—and that's always the best recommendation I can give.
If you already knit or crochet - I'd love to know, what is one tool you can't live without? Did I include it or forget it?