Learn to Crochet: Should I Buy a Kit?

You've watched others crochet for years and have finally decided you want to learn to crochet. Kits are available that contain all the supplies you would need to complete a project, but is buying a kit a good idea for a crochet beginner?

Reasons a Crochet Kit May Not Be a Good Idea

If you are just learning to crochet, you may find that a crochet kit is too much for you. Many kits are for full-sized blankets or afghans and someone new to crochet should probably start with a much smaller project. Kits also limit you to certain patterns, with stitches you may not know how to do yet. Since kits are prepackaged, you may not be able to read the pattern to see if it's one that can be completed with your skill level. Color choices in crochet kits are often limited and may not be to your liking.

A kit may or may not be less expensive than buying each item separately, but it will definitely cost more in the long run if you buy a crochet kit that will end up stashed in the closet because you don't have the know-how to finish it. Unless you're absolutely sure that you know how to do all the crochet stitches needed by the pattern in the kit and that you're ready to tackle a project of that size, you'd be better off buying a single skein of yarn and one crochet hook and making a scarf or dishcloth until you're more sure of yourself.

Reasons a Crochet Kit May Work for You

If you know basic crochet stitches and have a simple project or two under your belt, buying a crochet kit may be a good option. If you see an easy pattern in a kit with yarn colors you like, buying a kit may be simpler than roaming the aisles of your local craft store trying to choose from the many colors of yarn available.

If you have trouble coordinating colors, you may opt for the supplies pre-assembled in a kit so there will be no wondering if your own color choices will work well together. (If you need color inspiration, look here for help on choosing yarn colors).

Then there are those of us who find that every new color or fiber of yarn tends to jump into our shopping carts of its own volition. If you fit that category, buying a kit may also help you stay on task and avoid temptation, keeping your stash from multiplying exponentially.