2 (Introduction) - The Crochet Hook

Crochet hooks are made from a variety of materials. There are three basic types of crochet hooks to know; the basic yarn crochet hook, a steel crochet hook, and a Tunisian crochet hook. All of these are very similar but have some very different uses.

The Yarn Hook

The yarn hook is exactly what it sounds like; it is used for crocheting yarn. This hook is the most common hook you will see and is used for the majority of clothing and household projects. Yarn hooks are usually aluminum, but can also come in plastic, bone, and wood. You can purchase ergonomic handles if you have difficulty gripping the small handle of the hook (due to arthritis or carpal tunnel). I almost always use an aluminum yarn hook. Aluminum hooks are inexpensive and durable. I never use plastic hooks because I break them easily and I have never tried bone or wood because of the cost (I lose hooks all of the time). Yarn hooks can be both inline (which means the lip of the hook is in line with the handle of the hook) or not. I prefer inline for some projects (the yarn doesn’t slip off easily), and non-inline for others (it makes it easier to move the hook through challenging stitches where you will need to drop loops). It depends on the type of yarn and the project I am working on, but I can manage any project with either hook. The aluminum ones usually come in colors to be able to tell at a glance which hook you are using.

The yarn hook comes in sizes A-Q (USA), 2mm-16mm (metric), 14-000 (UK). The smaller hooks (A in USA, 2mm in metric, and 14 in the UK) are used for socks, some fine clothing and other fine materials. The larger hooks (Q in USA, 16mm in metric, and 000 in UK) are for bulk yarns and rugs.

Steel Hooks

Steel hooks are used for thread crochet for creating items such as doilies, table cloths, and lace. These hooks are very small and made of steel for added strength. These hooks come in sizes 14-00 (USA), .6mm-3mm (metric), 6-00 (UK).

Tunisian hooks

Tunisian is a form of crochet that is very similar to knitting. As opposed to using two hooks, you use one. Like knitting, all loops for a single row remain on the hook until the row is complete. The hooks are longer and have a capped end so the loops won’t fall off. This technique is typically used for quilt making but I have used it to make purses, and some clothing items with beautiful results. The hook comes in the same sizes as the yarn hook. These hooks are also difficult to find. I order mine online, but some of the better craft stores may have a small selection in stock.

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