Page 71 - Simply Crochet - Issue 93 2020

F o a C

What is the pencil grip?

Startbytryingoutthepopularpencilgrip...

This is the most popular way to hold a crochet hook, but it’s not right of scrap paper if you like. Now replace the pencil with a crochet hook
for everyone. Start by picking up your crochet hook in your dominant and you’ll be doing the pencil grip. The shank should rest in front of
hand. It’s best to hold your hook with the hand that you write with your hand as you look at it. Try not to grip the hook too tightly – aim
– so right-handers hold it in the right hand, left-handers in the left. for your hand and fingers to feel relaxed. The hook should be
Step 1 To try out the pencil grip, hold the hook in your hand, placing pointing towards you or slightly downward – it shouldn’t be facing
your hand underneath the hook. Place your fingers approx 3-5cm up or away from you.
(1-2in) from the hooked end, as if you’re about to write with it like a With this pencil (or pen) style of grip, most of the crocheting
pencil. If your hook has a flattened area, hold it here. movement will be done with your fingertips. Some crocheters find
Step 2 If you’re not sure whether you’re doing it right, try picking up the pencil grip enables their movements to be more fluid, which
a pencil and holding it – you could even write a few words on a piece means that they can crochet more quickly.

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what is the knife GRIP?

Discoverthebene!tsoftheknifegrip…

Many crocheters (including me!) prefer knife grip, so try this one too. grip the hook too tightly – aim for your hand to feel relaxed. The hook
Step 1 Pick up the crochet hook in your dominant hand (right or left) should be pointing towards you or slightly downward, not facing up
and hold the hook in your hand, with your hand on top. Place your or away from you.
fingers approx 3-5cm (1-2in) from the hooked end, in the same way With this style of grip, most of the crochet action will be done with
that you would hold a knife. If your hook has a flattened area, place your wrist. Some crocheters find the knife grip gives more control and
your thumb here and place your index finger further down the hook, flexibility in the range of motion, which helps when you advance to
a small distance away from the thumb. more complex stitches and techniques. You can also vary this grip by
Step 2 If you’re not sure whether you’re doing it right, try picking up using the fingertips as well as the wrist to guide the hook.
a dinner knife and holding it. Now carefully replace the knife with a Tip Why not try out both the pencil and knife methods of holding the
hook and you’ll be doing the knife grip. The shank should rest against hook, and see which one feels more natural? Feel free to adapt the
the palm of your hand, behind your hand as you look at it. Try not to grip to find a method that feels right for you when crocheting.

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LetBeckysolveyourhookyconundrums!

Crochet Unravelled aims to deep dive into the techniques, tutorials and terminology that will make you a better
hookster. Have you got a question you want Becky to unravel? Send it in to us at simplycrochet@immediate.co.uk

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