All about crochet hooks

The density of knitting and the quality of the finished work depend on the correct choice of crochet hook. From the material in this article, you will learn what they are, how to determine the right size and what to look for when buying the right option.

Despite the apparent versatility, the properties of a crochet hook depend on the material of manufacture. Today they are made from wood, plastic, bamboo, steel, aluminum.

Each needlewoman gives preference to a specific type, taking into account the quality of processing, requirements for convenience and cost.

Plastic hooks are classified as budget type products. Plastic is the most common material for production due to its low cost. They are always available at handicraft stores.

Plastic hooks differ in a wide range of sizes, shapes, shades. They are lightweight, compact, designed primarily for knitting from thick threads. Fits comfortably in the hand.

Along with this, they also have disadvantages: they often not only bend when knitting, but also break. They show themselves differently when knitting with different threads. In addition, they squeak during work and electrify the yarn.

Metal rods with a steel eyelet make the thinnest. They are strong enough, strong, durable, do not bend or break, regardless of the type of threads used.

They are inert to the formation of rust, do not electrify the threads, vary in size and cost. Suitable for working with yarns of any thickness and texture.They do not creak or oxidize during operation.

Supplied to the domestic market in natural gray. Over time, they do not darken, they have a smooth, slightly glossy surface. They weigh more than analogs from other materials.

In addition to the advantages, they have several disadvantages. They cost more than hooks made of cheap materials. They do not always have a comfortable eyelet, which can complicate knitting.

Aluminum products have a number of advantages, including their price. They weigh less than steel grades, do not corrode and are environmentally friendly products that do not harm human health.

They have a characteristic metallic luster and good thread glide during work. However, due to the low density coefficient, such modifications have low strength. It is sufficient only in thick varieties designed to work with thick threads and cords. Thin items tend to deform and bend during knitting.

Wood products can boast of their naturalness and pleasant tactile sensations. Bamboo varieties are a new trend in needlework. They are taken for a low price and environmental friendliness.

However, in practice, they are not as practical and durable. In most cases, they do not withstand pressure and break. In addition, they often have poor-quality performance.

Roughness and notches make them completely unsuitable for needlework. In terms of their strength, the hooks are about the same as the plastic modifications. They do not withstand high pressure, are suitable for openwork knitting (for example, from mohair).

Acrylic products are in demand due to their cost. However, they are impractical and inconvenient for knitting fine threads. They are bought mainly for classic knitting from thick threads.

Craftsmen do not recommend taking them due to insufficient slipping of the thread along the hook. The lack of slipping complicates the work with the polymer tool, makes it necessary to apply more effort. With tight knitting, an unpleasant creak is noted.

Bone hooks are optimally strong and durable. If handled correctly, they last over 10 years. Smooth enough to allow the yarn to slide over the core without bending or breaking.

You can knit anything with them; with the right choice of threads, their possibilities are not limited. The products are small in size and weight. In comparison with other analogs, they differ in a more pointed shape of the head and a rod thickening towards the base.

Crochet hooks are monolithic, made of one material, and combined. Handles of metal products can be rubberized, plastic. In this case, aluminum or steel is used as a working part.

Some models have an enamel finish on top of the aluminum. The shape of the hooks is smooth and with a flattened part for the fingers. In addition to standard one-sided, they can also be double-sided. In this case, the dimensions of the heads on both sides may differ. These products have 2 beds with the indicated head sizes. In some variants, the stock is combined into one elongated one.

The illuminated crochet hook is designed to supplement the light in dark rooms. The illuminated part is the upper part with a hooked head. It is transparent, made of modern plastic.

The hook size is slightly larger than usual. The product is designed to work with dark yarns, including in complete darkness. It looks unusual, it glows pointwise due to the built-in LED.

Powered by batteries, illuminates with light directed along the rod. Has a soft glow that does not irritate the user's eyes. Suitable for working with medium yarns. It is rechargeable and has a removable tip.

These varieties differ from traditional ones by the presence of an eyelet on the opposite end of the accessory. They are made of metal, purchased for special needlework techniques, in which, in addition to the hook, knitting needles are used.

A warp thread is threaded into the hole. Depending on the dimensions, they have a different ear size and hole size. Used for knitting dense fabrics.

The length of the crochet hooks varies. There are classic and shortened models on sale.

Standard varieties include products whose length is 15-20 cm. The parameters of others are 12-16 cm with a diameter of 0.5-12 mm.

The diameter of the thin varieties is 3-4 mm. Medium-sized heads - 5, 6, 7 mm. Large - about 10 mm or more. For example, the most voluminous options are jute hooks and thick braided cords.

Models for Tunisian knitting are 35-40 cm in length. In addition, they can be lengthened by a special line located at the end of the hook.

The size of the hook determines the size of the pattern. However, sizing systems can vary.

For example, American uses a combination of numbers and letters. In continental parameters are indicated in millimeters. In the English system, only numbers are indicated.

Determining the number you want is easy. If we are guided by the American principle of determination, the larger serial number of the letter of aluminum products corresponds to the larger size of the accessory.

For steel varieties with numerical designations, the situation is reversed. The higher the serial number, the smaller and thinner the rod.

In rare cases, the size of the hook is determined using a thread. They grab the rod around it, then unfold it and draw the appropriate conclusions. If the thread is held up without falling off, the hook is considered suitable for the selected thickness. If the thread slips, it is too thick.

To simplify your task, you can build on the type of yarn. For example, for threads:

• especially thin and cotton need accessory no. 14 and 12;
• sewing and darning options should be selected number 10 and 8;
• reel-to-reel type, it is advisable to choose No. 6;
• thin cotton and floss try to use No. 2 and 0;
• medium thickness for napkins select options 2/0, 3/0, 4/0;
• knit socks and golf take 5/0 models.

Shawls and shawls are knitted using tools no. 10/0. For mohair hooks are needed a little thinner (9/0). When using cords for knitting, select extra thick accessories (no. 20).

It is the easiest way to determine the hook number according to our system. The systems of Europeans are sometimes confusing. For example, different manufacturers in the same country may not have the same size. Somewhere it will be more, somewhere less.

This is typical for the goods of Chinese companies. Most of their brands introduce their own labeling. In fact, it does not coincide with the international one. For example, our hook number 2 for the Chinese will be marked as 1.75.

When choosing a good crochet hook, you need to consider a number of nuances. The key ones are usability, price, size, length.

When buying a version with an ergonomic handle, pay attention to its material and head. There should be no chipping or other defects on it. Knit with a defective product will not work.

The polish must be flawless. The ability of the thread to slide along the rod and head depends on this. The position of the hook in your hand should be comfortable.

The handle itself can be round or flat. Its type is selected based on their own preferences. For example, the handle can be used to stuff knitted toys. Such handles are flat plastic with a rubberized insert in the area of ​​the bed.

Some varieties have a knurled handle made of hard plastic. It does not slip during operation, it is available in yellow, blue, orange, burgundy, red, green.

The size of the product should correspond to the thickness of the yarn used. Craftsmen advise to purchase kits, with the help of which knitting is simplified and accelerated. Often, hooks of different sizes in sets are painted in different colors.

To choose the right product number, take into account its compliance with the thickness of the purchased yarn. For example, for a rope, knitted yarn or braided cords, products with a thick core and a large head are bought. For textured bedspreads, furniture covers and rugs, larger options are taken. For openwork napkins made of fine threads, appropriate products are selected.

For beginners, the easiest way is to determine the desired size of the tool by the markings indicated on the selected yarn. Manufacturers indicate on it the hook numbers recommended for the most convenient work.

If the product number is larger than necessary, the knitted fabric will turn out to be loose and sloppy even when trying to knit tightly. If the hook is small, even the lace crochet will appear tightly knit.

The hook material is selected taking into account the type of product. For example, if you plan to knit a shawl or stole, you can purchase a wooden hook.

To work with silk and cotton threads, you need an analogue made of steel or aluminum. For woolen yarn of medium thickness, you can buy a plastic version. It is also suitable for creating an openwork canvas.

The double-sided options are not suitable for everyone. Some craftswomen note that the non-working edge often scratches the hand during work.

As for the choice of form, everything is individual. With long knitting with a classic crochet, the hands get very tired. This can be avoided by using a tool with an ergonomic grip.

In addition to the recesses for the fingers, the product has a larger handle diameter. Its shape is thought out to the smallest detail. As a result, rubbing of fingers and slipping of the rod is excluded. Such models are suitable for those who devote a lot of time to knitting.

Among the huge list of crochet hooks, there are several types that are worth buying, according to professional craftswomen.

• Clover soft touch - products of the Japanese brand, characterized by impeccable workmanship. The best aluminum hooks with a flattened plastic handle and a non-slip rubber grip.
• Clover amour - models of the combined type made of steel and rubber. They have a comfortable handle shape, slightly pointed heads. They are color-graded to simplify the selection of the desired option.
• Tulip - comfortable combined models of Japanese production, distinguished by unsurpassed quality. Made of aluminum with a wide round rubberized gray handle.
• Addi - products of a German brand that supply our market with steel products with a plastic corrugated handle and a handle resembling the shape of an expensive toothbrush handle.

Firm "Gamma" offer for purchase sets of 5 knitting accessories made of plastic with a translucent texture. The price of the set is budgetary, the set is suitable for beginner needlewomen.

Products worthy of purchase are produced by the Japanese company Hanamaka. These tools fit comfortably in the hand, are reliable and durable.

Quite good crochet hooks are produced by the Indian brand Pony. The assortment of the brand includes single accessories and sets. Products are chosen for a reasonable price and stable quality.