Lesson 2: All about Hooks
I am often asked to teach people to crochet, but to begin crocheting you first have to understand the basics. The first thing you need a good understanding of hook sizes. Crochet hooks range in size from B1-T!
Traditionally, the US used an alphabetic system to identify the different hook sizes. Each letter corresponds to a different milimeter size which is the preferred identification method in other countries. Now adays, most hooks sold have both the alphabetic size and the millimeter size. However, if you have some older hooks US hooks, they may only have the alphabet identifier on them. No need to worry because a quick google search you can find a chart that will show all of the alphabetic and the corresponding millimeter sizes.
Your hook size is very important because it will help with gauging your project. The gauge is a fancy way for saying the size of your project. Many individuals like to create a swatch, or a small sample of stitches, of their project before jumping in to ensure they have the proper materials, and tension so their project comes out to the recommended size.
If someone is using a hook size that is larger than what is asked for in their pattern, then they may have to adjust the amount of rows/stitches on their project to make sure that it stays on gauge. The opposite is true too, if they are using a hook that is smaller than what is recommended in the pattern, they may have to add rows or stitches to ensure that they remain on gauge.
Not only is having the correct hook size important for the pattern you are following, the hook size is also selected based on the size/weight of your yarn.
When it comes to selecting your hook, you can always look to your ball of yarn for guidance. All skeins of yarns that I have purchased, usually have a suggestion on the label telling you what size hook the yarn manufacture recommends. For instance, it would be very difficult to use a size B1 hook with a chunky/ size 6 weight yarn because the hook would be too small to hold the strand of yarn. Just like using a size T hook with a weight 1 yarn would not be ideal as the hook would be able to hold the yarn, but it would cause the stitches to be loose to stay together. (Don’t worry, we will be doing a deep dive into yarn weights and sizes in the next section 😊)
In addition to the size of the hooks there are different types of hooks as well. There are inline hooks and tapered hooks also distinguished by the manufactures Bates and Boye. Boye hooks, which are the ones I mostly use, are tapered hooks. Meaning the head of the hook is not inline with the shaft, the shaft remains rounded as it tapers towards the hook. The inline hooks, commonly manufactured by Susan Bates, the hook is inline with the shaft and there is a flatter part of the shaft which leading to the hook.
I learned how to crochet on a tapered hook so I don’t have too much experience with an inline hook. I find that the tapered hook is easier for me to use probably due to its familiarity. However some may argue that an inline hook is better for a beginner because of the flat portion of the shaft of the hook grabs the yarn better and keeps it from falling off the hook.
There are also other types of hooks that are designed to be more ergonomic to prevent cramps and other long term issues like carpal tunnel syndrome.
With all of that being said, you are probably wondering what hook do I use the most? Well I prefer a size G or H tapered hook. Mostly because I work with worsted weight/ size 3 yarn and this hook fits the best in my hand for my projects. I do not use an ergonomically hook, which I will probably regret later in life, but mostly because I have a hard time controlling ergonomically hooks.
To hook it all up, the most important thing to remember is that you need to choose the appropriate hook for your project to make sure that your project remains on gague and you remain comfortable when making your project. You can ensure that you have the right size hook by checking the back of your yarn label to see what the yarn manufacturer suggest. You could check your pattern to see what size hook the pattern maker suggest, and you should also swatch your pattern to make sure that you have an idea before you start of what you need to do to stay on gauge.
