Page 70 - Simply Crochet - Issue 93 2020

F g j crochet a A

Unravelled
Unravelled

With
Becky Skuse

What’s the proper way to hold my hook?

Brush up on your technique with our hook-apedia…

Whether you’re brand new to crochet or you’ve been crocheting for pencil grip and the knife grip. We’ll show you how each one works,
decades, it all starts with a hook. But are you holding your hook in the and the pros and cons, so you can try both and see what suits. It’s
best way to achieve top crochet results, as well as avoiding aches, really important to feel comfortable holding the hook, as holding it
pains and strains? There’s no such thing as ‘one size fits all’ in crochet in the wrong way for you can cause pain in your hand and wrist. So,
and every crocheter seems to hold the hook and yarn slightly even if you’re a seasoned hookster, treat yourself to a bit of time to
differently! There tends to be two general methods though: the refresh your grip and see if you enjoy quicker and easier crocheting.

What’s the best sort of hook?

To start with, you need a hook. Crocheters plus a metal section for the hook, neck and the right hook size for your yarn – the yarn’s
tend to use a 4mm hook the most, so start shank. A grip hook can be easier to grasp. label (3) should state a recommended hook
with this size in a low-cost metal or plastic. Finally, you need to know about hook sizes, or needle size (circled in pink below).
Basic hooks, like the one annotated below (1), which refers to the diameter of the shank in A smaller hook will create a tighter fabric,
have a fairly straight shape and are great for millimetres (mm) – our hook below for while a larger hook will make a looser fabric.
most techniques. Alternatively, a grip hook example, is 4mm. Some hooks are labelled Tip For a slippery yarn, try using a wooden or
(2) combines the grip and handle into one with traditional UK or US sizes but you can bamboo hook. The natural material will offer
section, made of wood or moulded plastic, convert these on page 92. You need to use slightly more resistance, for extra grip.

5ïX
Grip 01

Use this to catch the yarn
A flattened area where and draw it through
Handle you hold the hook with 4mm loops to form stitches
your thumb and finger
The handle sits in
the hand and helps
to control the hook. ;RPX
This is the narrowest part of
@UN[X the hook – this is where a
new loop of yarn sits as it’s
Active loops sit here while pulled through the other
you’re working a stitch – it’s loops already on the hook.
important not to leave active
03
loops in the throat section

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