Crochet Hooks

Crochet Hooks

Crochet hooks are fiber arts tools that have a slim handle and small hook at the end used to create stitches by pulling yarn through loops and interlocking them together. There are over 25 different crochet hook sizes; the size of a crochet hook is established by the diameter of its handle. They are made from a variety of different materials, the most common being aluminum and plastic.

• Aluminum - A large range of crochet hook sizes are made with this metal. These are lightweight, and yarn glides smoothly on them.
• Steel - Smaller sizes of crochet hooks are usually made with steel. They are used to work with fine thread crochet.
• Plastic - You can find different sizes made of plastic, including jumbo. Plastic crochet hooks are hollow and lightweight.
• Bamboo - These create a warm feel in your hands while being used. They can be found in all sizes, except smallest and jumbo.
• Glass - Usually handcrafted from strong Pyrex glass, crochet hooks made from glass are rare. They stay warm in your hands and are very smooth.

Crochet hooks can be constructed entirely of one type of material, or they can be a combination of materials. An example of this is an aluminum hook with a rubber handle.

American-made crochet hooks use a lettering system to indicate different sizes. Smaller crochet hooks get letters lower in the alphabet while larger ones get letters appearing later in the alphabet. The sizes range from B in 2.25 millimeter to Q in 16 millimeter. You can find the size stamped on the grip.

• It is recommended that those new to crocheting start with a size H aluminum crochet hook. You want a crochet hook that is easy to hold in your hands. You also want one that creates stitches large enough so that you can see the individual stitches. The H crochet hooks works with standard weight crochet yarn. This metal will help the material glide smoothly along the handle as you make stitches.
• The labels of yarn skeins will suggest a crochet hook size. They will also include the number of single crochet stitches in an inch when crocheting with that size. The rule of thumb is that bulkier yarns require larger hook sizes while finer materials require smaller hooks.
• While working, if you find that the stitches are too loose, try using a smaller crochet hook size.
• Depending on the type and texture of fibers, some crochet hook materials may be more suitable while paired with certain yarns. For instance, if working with a slippery fiber, consider a crochet hook material that has a more grip-like surface.

• Head/Tip: Gets inserted into stitches, can be rounded or pointed
• Throat: Used to catch fibers and pull the material through stitches
• Shaft/Shank: Determines size of hook
• Grip/Thumb rest: Can be thin, thick, or ergonomic
• Handle: Can be shorter, longer, or ergonomic