Behind the Line Gathering Materials: What Size Crochet Hook Do I Need?

 

   

Bamboo Handle Crochet Hooks

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. Sometimes the same crochet pattern will use 2 different sized hooks. For example, size H for the body of the hat and size G for the brim.

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.

Shop LiLphanie's Line for fun holiday hats and accessories.

Behind the Line Gathering Materials: What Kind of Yarn do I Need?

 

    I don't know about you, but grocery shopping can be so overwhelming sometimes.  This is especially true when trying a new recipe and looking for an ingredient I never even heard of before!  The same goes when it comes to shopping for yarn.  Okay, so I have my new pattern (recipe) with the cute picture or a picture in my head of what I want to make, what's next?

Now I have to find what yarn to use.

     Well first, I have to figure out where to find it.  Just like grocery stores carry different brands and specialties of food, so to do craft stores and the like carry different brands and specialties of yarn.  One store may have the brand of yarn I am looking for, but not the color or weight.  Another store that used to carry the yarn may have decided not to sell it anymore.  Also, it is possible that it is an old pattern and the yarn has been discontinued. While I sometimes order yarn online, I do prefer to purchase it from a brick and mortar. Other things that factor into finding yarn are price, if it is machine washable, and at least partly made in the USA. Once I do find the yarn I want, I check the dye lot a number on the label, that tells me these skeins came from the same batch of yarn and therefore match in shade. There are many types of yarn and which one I choose depends upon what I am making.

What do I plan to crochet?

    There are fuzzy yarns, thick yarns, soft yarns, thin yarns, it is mind boggling!  Walking into the yarn aisle or a yarn store for me is so exciting.  The balls of yarn are like candy calling me from the candy jar in the kitchen. Sometimes I just stand and stare in awe for awhile letting my eyes soak it in.
    Then I get into touch and feel mode.  If I am making a blanket, then I want something soft and cuddly.  If I am making a place mat, I head for the cotton yarn.  If I am making a light weight Spring hat, then I'll look at the baby yarn.  The fuzzy and bumpy yarns I tend to reserve for trim.  The lighter weight yarns have a better drape factor where the heavier yarns make a product stiff.  I could experiment with a small pattern, making it in various types of yarn and each would look different! Each yarn weight - ranging from 0 or lace to 7 or jumbo - has a recommended hook size. How the product looks also depends on what size hook I use.  I will discuss crochet hooks in my next post!

Shop LiLphanie's Line for fun holiday hats and accessories.