Behind the Line Gathering Materials: Crochet Hooks

 

Size H Tapered Crochet Hook

    The art of crochet does require a few tools. One thing that I like about crochet is that these tools are quiet and very portable. Some people take a book with them to the laundry mat, doctor's office, airport etc. I sometimes take a book too. I have also stashed a crochet project in my bag for activities that require waiting. That's difficult to do with a sewing machine or weaving loom!

One tool of the trade is the crochet hook.

    There are five basic parts to a crochet hook: the handle, thumb rest, shaft, throat, and head. 

1. The handle is the long part before the thumb rest. 
2. The thumb rest is the flattened part before the shaft. The thumb rest, or grip reminds me of a pressed penny. 
3. The shaft is between the thumb rest and throat. 
4. The throat's shape can be tapered or inline.
5.  Last, there is the head which is the hook. 

The look and feel of these parts can vary in design. Some crochet hooks even have lights in them to help you see when using dark colored yarn! Some crochet hooks are metal, some are wood, and some are a combination of the two. I currently prefer using crochet hooks with a bamboo handle and an inline throat. I have seen crochet hooks at thrift stores and garage sales. These are great places to purchase crochet hooks to try out a style to see if you like it.

   The size of the crochet hook.  

    Not only are there several styles of crochet hooks, there are also several sizes of crochet hooks. The size of the hook is often stamped on the thumb rest. This can include a number in millimeters, as well as a letter. The closer to Z the letter is, the bigger the crochet hook. The bigger the crochet hook, the looser the crochet stitches. The looser the crochet stitches, the more drape and less shape an item will have. Just as I could make the same pattern in various types of yarn and get a completely different look, I could make the same pattern using different sized hooks. There is a recommended hook size depending on the type of yarn. This will be found on the yarn label. If I am working with crochet thread, I would probably use a size D crochet hook. If I am working with rug yarn, I would most likely use a size L hook. What size hook I use also depends on what I am making and what crochet stitches are involved. For example, I usually use a size G hook to make hats with a double crochet stitch and size H for hats with a single crochet stitch.

If you are just learning to crochet, I would recommend using a medium sized hook such as a J.  Your stitches will be easier to see.

    If you are following a pattern, it will also state what size hook to use. However, if you crochet tightly, you may have to use a bigger sized hook for the item to turn out the correct size. There are two different kinds of patterns one can follow. Well, I suppose one could say three kinds including how-to videos.  I will discuss crochet patterns in the next post.

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