Crochet Hooks

This craft uses crochet hooks instead of needles as most crafts need some implement to help in making the loops and then in turn making the item.

The hooks can be bought as single ones or in a set with all the different sizes. The thickness of the hooks depends on the type of wool that is used.

Some types of lace can be made by crochet and will use very fine metal hooks. The larger hooks can also be made out of plastic, aluminium, bamboo or wood.

The tension is another important specification as this sets the size of the stitch.

Using different sized hooks with the same ply of wool or yarn can give a tighter feel or make the stitch pattern look more open and the look you are after perhaps.

If you liked a pattern stitch but didn't want it to be as dense then using a larger hook could open the pattern out a little.

The size of hooks begin really fine at 0.6mm and can go to 20mm and beyond.

These increase in 0.25mm up to 4mm and then increase by 0.50 after that.

The US sizes are different to the UK.

Holding the Crochet Hooks

When learning to hold a crochet hook choose one of medium thickness not one that is really fine or very chunky.

I started with a 4mm hook and double knit wool. 

Holding a crochet hook is purely a personal decision and that depends on what is comfortable for you.

Instructions say to hold it like a pencil as shown above.

The way I prefer to hold the hook is like a spoon as I feel I can get a better hold to go in and out of the stitches. I have seen some people hold the hook like a knitting needle. Totally a personal preference.  

Take time to practise

When starting a new craft and getting used to the way to hold the equipment takes time and a lot of patience.

I spent a long time just getting used to the hook and trying to hold the wool. This usually ended up with my fingers and wool getting all tangled up together but eventually I managed to get a short chain that looked somewhat even all the way along. 

Get into a good comfortable sitting position and relax while you practise. That way the process will be better.

The best stitch to start with is the chain stitch see how long you can make the chain, try and count how many are there. Then... and this will be hard for most to do.. pull it back and start again until you are confident with holding and using the crochet hooks.

Enjoy..