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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye
Crochet hooks come in many different sizing’s and is made of several materials. In times gone through this would include ivory and bone. Generally today you will be using thicker hooks developed of aluminium or plastic. Smaller steel hooks are used for more delicate lace work and for Filet crochet otherwise known as mesh stitch.
The size of hook should always compliment the yarn used. There is no level using a large crochet hook with thin 4 ply yarn or vice versa or to use a tiny steel hook for double knitting yarn. Generally the rule is to match the size of yarn to the hook, the smaller the hook, the thinner the yarn. Then to actually form the different crochet stitches we will use the hook at the end of the crochet hook.
Different crochet stitches are formed through inserting the tip of the hook into the work, then wrapping the yarn roughly the hook and finally by pulling the hook through the loop or loops on the crochet hooks shaft in a precise series of movements.
There are many different ways of holding your crochet hook. The majority of people, including myself hold their hook just as whenever they were holding a pen, with their thumb over the flat part on the hooks shaft. A few individuals like my husband hold his hook as if it were a knife.
Use whichever grip feels the most comfortable for you. There is no right or incorrect way to hold your crochet hook, but it should feel comfortable. As you begin to crochet you will soon work out which hold suits you more beneficial and you may find experimentation helps until you obtain a hold that suits you.
No matter what project you are going to crochet, work will always begin in the same manner and this is with a slip knot onto your hook. To do this:
1. Loop yarn round in a circle.
2. Insert the hook into the loop and catch the yarn with your hook.
3. Pull the yarn by to make the slip knot.
4. Tighten stitch on the hook.
The next stage is to hold both your crochet hook and your yarn. This becomes easier with time and is once again a matter of practice and experimentation. Hold your crochet hook in the hand you would ordinarily write with and in the fashion you prefer as described above. Then with your thumb and forefinger of your free hand hold the yarn just below the slip knot.
Try to hold the yarn between your index and ring fingers. Any grip you have on the yarn here will dictate the tension of your stitches. Then as you work, allow the yarn to slide by your fingers. Obviously as you do so you will need to keep a grip on the yarn. This will aid you make fairly tight stitches so that you can maintain your stress. This as already stated becomes easier with practice.
Each pattern will begin with a series of chain stitches, often referred to as the abbreviation ch in crochet patterns. Each project pattern will need different numbers of chain stitches so you will require referring to your pattern to see how many are needed. If first beginning to crochet just practice making a long line of chain stitches.
To do this ensure you are holding the hook and yarn as outlined above then put the hook down between the gap between your fingers and the yarn. Then take the hook under the yarn and up the other side, this will catch the yarn onto your hook, - you will now have two loops on your hook. Next draw the hook by the previous stitch on the hook though holding onto the yarn. You now have only one loop on your hook. This has formed one chain stitch. Repeat this process over and over again to crochet a row of chain stitches.
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