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05.11 How to Use Crochet Hooks

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To use crochet hooks, you will need a crochet hook and a ball of yarn.

Choosing the Right Crochet Hook

Crochet hooks come in a variety of sizes, which are designated by letters or numbers. The size of the hook you need will depend on the weight of yarn you are using. Heavier yarns require larger hooks, while lighter yarns require smaller hooks. Most yarn labels will recommend a hook size to use with that yarn.

Holding the Crochet Hook

There are two main ways to hold a crochet hook: the knife grip and the pencil grip.

  • Knife grip: Hold the hook like you would a knife, with your thumb and index finger on the grip and your other three fingers curled around the shaft of the hook.
  • Pencil grip: Hold the hook like you would a pencil, with your thumb and index finger on the grip and your other three fingers extended.

Making a Chain Stitch

The chain stitch is the foundation for all other crochet stitches. To make a chain stitch:

  1. Make a slip knot in the end of the yarn and place it on the hook. Insert the hook point first into the knot.
  2. Hook the yarn inside the crochet hook and then bring the yarn over the back of the hook towards you, or back to front.
  3. Pull the yarn through the slip knot.
  4. You now have one chain stitch on your hook.
  5. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to make more chain stitches.

Crochet Patterns

Once you have learned the basic crochet stitches, you can start crocheting patterns. Crochet patterns are instructions that tell you how to make a specific crochet project, such as a scarf, hat, or blanket. Crochet patterns can be found in books, magazines, and online.