Crochet: How to begin

Crochet hooks come in many different sizes and are made of various materials. In times gone by this would include ivory and bone. Generally today you will be using thicker hooks made of aluminum 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 point using a large crochet hook with thin 4ply yarn or vise 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 by inserting the tip of the hook into the work, then wrapping the yarn around 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 if they were holding a pen, with their thumb over the flat part on the hooks shaft. A few people like my husband holds his hook as if it were a knife.

Use whichever grip feels the most comfortable for you. There is no right or wrong 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 better and you may find experimentation helps until you find 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 through 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 normally write with and in the style 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 through your fingers. Obviously as you do so you will need to keep a grip on the yarn. This will help you make fairly tight stitches so that you can maintain your tension. 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 require different numbers of chain stitches so you will need to refer to your pattern to see how many are needed. When 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 through the previous stitch on the hook whilst 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.