What are Crochet Hooks?

Crochet hooks are a type of needles with a hook on its tip, which is used to draw the string inwards to form knotted loops in crochet or knitting. Hooks for crochet and knitting were used in the late 17th century. Most of hooks during that time were made from plastic, wood, aluminum, and casein. Some were even made of bones, ivory, steel, celluloid, porcupine quill and even mammoth ivory. Today, most crochet hooks are made from stainless steel and comes in different sizes.

The difference in hook size depends on hook brand, country, and crochet patter pattern. The size of the hook is usually measured in millimeters, which determines the thickness of the hook. For crochet hooks, the smallest size is 2.00mm and .6mm for steel hooks. While the biggest hook size are 15.75mm and 3mm respectively. Also, the size of the hook and its thickness is related on the type of thread being used. Since yarns are thick threads, crochet hooks are a bit bigger than hooks used for knitting.

Due to health reasons, hook manufacturers designed various types of hooks for people with arthritis. Some hooks are designed to avoid cramping, while others are made of bamboo and other lightweight materials because this type of hook makes slippery threads easy to crochet. With the new types of crochet hooks, crocheting and knitting are not only for healthy people, but also for any interested individuals even those with health concerns

Most beginners purchase steel hooks, eventually buying other hooks as their ability in crochet improves.

Choose the Right Crochet Thread

People new to the world of crochet and knitting are having a difficult time choosing which crochet thread to buy. True, choosing which thread can be quite tricky at first but the more you crochet, the easier the picking process will be for you. To make things simpler for you, here are 3 tips on how to buy the right crochet thread.

Tip #1. Choose crochet patterns which include a list of thread to use. When you buy a pattern or look up a certain pattern online, there will be a list of threads that you’ll need. Patterns which come with instructions including a list of needed threads are ideal for beginners.

Tip #2. Choose threads according to your desired crochet product. If your project is a colorful vest for your toddler, mid-sized threads are good; if you are working on finger puppets, thin threads are the best. Thread size is not the only concern. As you choose the thread according to your desired pattern, you also have to consider the purpose of your product. If the end product is for your baby, then, you must also choose the thread that is designed for babies.

Tip #3. Use the brand of thread most trusted or is widely used; because these brands have already established a reputation for quality.

Basically, choosing which thread depends on the kind of crochet you will be doing. Just keep these tips in mind, and soon enough you will learn how to choose the right crochet thread for your project.