Ready to learn how to crochet? Let’s first talk about the tools of the trade, your crochet hooks! One of the first questions I always get is, “How am I supposed to hold this crochet hook?”
The next question is usually, “What kind of hook should I buy?”
So, let’s dive into talking about crochet hooks. I am going to start with my top 3 types of crochet hooks for beginners.
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Top 3 Crochet Hooks For Beginners
Susan Bates
Susan Bates brand hooks are usually the very first ones I recommend to new crocheters.
They are inexpensive, easy to find, and have a nice deep groove to hold the yarn when you are working.
The Susan Bates hooks are lightweight and great to learn how to crochet with.
Boye
Boye hooks are another great option for new crocheters. They can be found in a lot of local stores and they are usually in the same price range as Susan Bates.
The groove of the Boye hooks is more rounded, so they don’t grab the yarn as well, but they also work a little smoother.
Clover Amour
The next step up for beginners is the Clover Amour set, which includes a nice, soft handle. These are smooth hooks and have a handle which is easy to hold.
They are a little more expensive than the others and you may not find them in stores as easily, but you can order them online.
Try Each Crochet Hook Before You Buy a Set
With any hook, I always recommend that you purchase one of that brand/type first and see how you like it before you buy the whole set!
Once you get started and begin to crochet more and more, you will figure out which ones you prefer and you might even end up with a mix of hooks like me.
My motto is always that you can never have too many hooks or too much yarn!
How to Hold a Crochet Hook
There is no one right answer for this one.
Much like picking a hook, you will need to try different holds and see which one works for you and your hands.
There are two basic types of holds though – the pencil hold and the knife hold.
Need more examples and inspiration for how to hold your hook?
Moogly - How do YOU Hold Your Hook & Yarn?
I love this post because she had readers send in photos of how they hold their yarn! If you were thinking there was only one way, think again!
The Right Way to Hold a Crochet Hook
This one has some clear photos and shows both right and left hands.
How to Hold Your Crochet Hook
This is a good post that also shows a graphic of a crochet hook and all the parts.
Totally enjoyed seeing this. I didn’t know there were so many different ways of holding a crochet hook. I’ll stick with the way I learned over 60 years ago when I was a child. Thank you for sharing this.
Thanks! And yes, stick with what works for you! I love seeing how many different ways there are to hold a hook!