“Hey, I want to start crocheting, but what should I prepare first?”

If that’s you, don’t worry! In this post, I’ll walk you through how to get started with crochet and what you need to prepare.

From choosing yarn, to picking the right tools, to starting with simple projects, I’ve put together three key tips to help beginners get started. So, if you’re a beginner looking to start crochet, this guide is made just for you. ✨

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Table of Contents

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What is Crochet? 🪡

Crochet is a craft where you use a hook to weave yarn into all sorts of things—flat pieces, cute little items, or even stuffed animals. It’s beginner-friendly and enjoyed all over the world.

The charm of crochet is that:
・All you need is a hook and some yarn.
・It’s affordable with compact tools.
・The rhythm of stitching can be relaxing and relieve stress.

You can make anything from flat coasters to 3D amigurumi, depending on your mood and skill level.

I’m Amigo, and I’ve only been crocheting for about six months, but I want to share five things that I wish I knew when I started!

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#1: Don’t Buy Expensive Yarn Right Away 💡

I get it—you want to motivate yourself with fancy yarn! But when you’re just getting started, mistakes happen, and sometimes yarn can fray or break when you unravel it. It’s better to practice with affordable yarn first. And making mistakes is totally fine! It actually helps you improve faster.

Once you get the hang of it, you can splurge on some fancy, high-quality yarn. Japanese yarn, for example, is famous worldwide for its softness, vibrant colors, and high quality. Popular brands include Olympus, Daruma, and Hamanaka.

This yarn is all about that soft, cozy feel. Plus, it’s machine-washable, making it perfect for knitting your own clothes!

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This yarn is 100% pure wool, making it soft and really easy to knit! 🧶

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This yarn is made specifically for dyeing. Just wet the yarn, add your dye, and the color soaks right in! 🎨

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Some types of yarn are only available in Japan, and are hard to find overseas. ✨ Once you feel more confident in your crochet skills, don’t be afraid to try different kinds of yarn. That’s how you’ll figure out what works for you (and what doesn’t). And trust me—it’s even more fun crocheting with yarn you love! 😍

#2: Use Good Tools ✂️

Having tools that are comfortable to use makes a HUGE difference. Especially with crochet hooks, the way the yarn across the hook can change your whole experience. Try different hooks until you find one that fits your hands and style.

If you’re looking for something budget-friendly, DAISO is honestly a great option! Their yarn and hooks are super affordable, but surprisingly good quality. Definitely check out your local DAISO. 👀

This is the crochet hook I always use! 🧶

No DAISO nearby? No problem! You can use DEJAPAN to get Japanese yarn and tools shipped to you. ✨

#3: Start with Something Simple 🌸

Remember, you’re just a beginner! Jumping straight into a complicated project can be frustrating or even overwhelming. Start small with things like coasters or little pouches, and make sure to keep yourself motivated enough to complete the project!

A friend of mine tried to make a stuffed animal at first…and ended up giving up. 💦

My Journey…

I started out with just practicing chain stitches every day. Once I got the hang of it, I moved on to trying other stitches, and eventually started making small projects.

Starting with simple projects really helps to build your confidence. ✨ My first projects were mostly coasters, but choosing yarn in my favorite colors made it so much more fun! Using thicker yarn and a larger hook also made it easier to practice without it getting all mangled.

Next, I tried making flat pouches and character pouches. Honestly, pouches can be a bit tricky… If you mess up, you often have to go back, undo the stitches, and then do it all over again. But that’s why it feels so rewarding when you finally finish one! You realize all your hard work was actually worth it.

My latest project is a rose motif granny square. It’s basically a flat strip rolled into a 3D rose—easy, but looks so fancy! 🌹

#4: Find Your Favorite Crochet Influencers 🌟

Not sure what to make next? That’s when influencers can be a great source of inspiration!

Thanks to social media, a lot of people these days can share clear video tutorials for their crochet projects. I personally find videos more intuitive than books because you can see the movements in action. I’m a visual learner, so learning from videos is much easier for me.

Here are a few of my favorite Japanese crochet influencers:

Nukumori Crochet

Nukumori Crochet

Nukumori Crochet introduces lots of projects that are easy even for beginners. The creator is Japanese, but she lives in Canada, so the English subtitles are accurate and easy to understand!

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Sakura.Crochet

sakura.crochet / サクラクロシェ

Sakura.Crochet posts videos showcasing all sorts of cute, frilly projects, with almost all of them featuring flowers. In particular, their cherry blossom (sakura) motifs really give their projects that Japanese charm. ✨

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Knitting Japan

Knitting Japan ニッティングジャパン

Knitting Japan focuses more on knitting rather than crochet (obviously). But this YouTube channel walks you through various knitting techniques based on different knit patterns. The close-up shots of the hands make it especially easy to follow!

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“Why should I follow influencers?”

Following these influencers (or any other crochet influencer) can be both fun and helpful.
You can get:
・New project ideas 💡
・Step-by-step guidance for tricky stitches
・A little extra motivation to pick up your hook (or needles!) and yarn 🎉

Even on days when you’re feeling a bit lazy, watching a short video can fill you with inspiration and make it easier to start your next project.

#5: Share Your Creations 📸

Crochet isn’t just for yourself, you know. Sharing your creations with others makes it even more fun! On social media platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok, many people show off their projects using hashtags like, #crochetbeginner or #crochet.

Amigurumi/Crochet Vertin from Reverse: 1999#amigurumi #crochet #fiberart #art #handmade #Reverse1999 #Vertin pic.twitter.com/6IV4BZ6p9M

— Banini (@baniiniie) September 17, 2025

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完成です💕💕#ブーケブランケット #ハマナカアメリーエフ#crochet pic.twitter.com/TCsiKIVQbA

— ROSY (@musashimam) September 18, 2025

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@desireemony Crochet tutorial for my current favourite stitch combo! I love that this creates an opaque and modern looking fabric. #crochettutorial #crochetbeginner #crochettips #crochet #crochetersoftiktok #crochetsweater #crochetcardigan #crochetideas #crochetinspo #crochettiktok #crochetproject #crochetfashion ♬ original sound – desireemony

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@carolinemcfaddenart Anwering some of my frequently asked questions! I use 8/8 cotton yarn from @hobbii_yarn and a 4mm hook 🧶 #freeformcrochet #crochet #art #fiberart #tutorial ♬ som original – Z3.

But why should you share your work with others, anyway? Well, in my experience, sharing your work comes with all kinds of benefits.
・You’ll get compliments like “So cute!” or “Wow, that’s amazing!”
・You can connect with fellow crochet enthusiasts
・You might get ideas for your next project

Still not really into posting online? Try giving your creations to family or friends and ask for their feedback instead. I once gave my mom a little dog pouch—she loved it! Hearing things like, “It’s so cute!” or “I want one too!” really boosted my confidence and made me even more excited to keep creating.

Recommended Projects by Skill Level

Beginner: Flowers (Bouquet) 🌷

Flowers are easy to make. All you need is yarn for the flowers, and some wire for the stems. Tulips are especially beginner-friendly. Simply crochet a pouch, stuff it with some polyfill or cotton stuffing, and tie the tip with two strands of yarn. Done!

Once you’re comfortable, try making some other flower designs and create your own unique bouquet! 💐

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Intermediate: Plush Toy Clothes 👔

If you’re into nuikatsu and are active in the plush toy fan communities, handmade clothes for your stuffed animals are great projects to try! (Once you’ve gained a little skill, of course.) Because they’re small, they’re pretty quick to make. Even 3D designs are relatively easy.

What’s more special than dressing up your plush toys with clothes handmade by you? 💖
You can read more about nuikatsu in our blog post here!

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Advanced: Amigurumi (Crochet Plush Toys) 🎀

Amigurumi is a Japanese word that combines “crochet/knit” and “stuffing.” With it, you can bring cute characters and animals to life in 3D. It can be a little tricky at first, but the sense of accomplishment is incredible.

Once you learn the basics, you can start making your favorite animals—or even anime-inspired characters! Traditional Japanese motifs are also quite popular.

👉 And if you’re not really confident in your crochet skills yet, don’t worry—you don’t have to make your own amigurumi just yet. Official character amigurumi and limited editions are available to buy through DEJAPAN. We can hook you up with your favorite plushies! 🎁

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Conclusion

Compared to other hobbies, I’ve found that crochet is pretty easy to pick up, and the joy of finishing your first project is truly something special. Start small, choose tools that feel comfortable in your hands, and save the fancy yarn for later. And don’t forget to find some influencers you trust and share your lovely creations, too!

And let’s not forget the best part—with DEJAPAN, you can explore Japanese yarns and amigurumi, no matter where you are in the world!

Why not dive into the colorful world of Japanese yarns and character amigurumi, and begin your own crochet adventure? 🎀🌸🧸

*All product prices are as of September 19, 2025.