Crochet Hook

A crochet hook (or crochet needle) is a type of needle with a hook at one end used to draw thread through knotted loops. Only one crochet hook is needed to make crochet stitches. The crochet hook's earliest use appears to have been in the late 18th century or early 19th century.

Typical materials for crochet hooks are wood, plastic, casein, or aluminum. Historical examples also include bone, steel, porcupine quill, celluloid, agate, ivory, and fossilized mammoth ivory. They can have decorative handles. The handle may be shaped to fit the hand for easier use. Some hooks are made with wooden or plastic handles with the hook made of metal and inserted into the handle. For sufferers of arthritis, special hooks with a ball in place of a straight handle may be used.

An alternative form is the Tunisian crochet hook, which is much longer than a regular crochet hook, in order to accommodate the multiple loops used in Tunisian crochet. A type of crochet needle with a hook at each end, known as a cro-hook, is used to make double-sided crochet pieces.

Crochet hooks are not specifically for right or left handed people, either one can use them. Everyone crochets a little differently so the hooks and their size are up to personal preference. Two ways of holding a crochet hook are:

• The "Pencil" Grip: Hold the crochet hook like you would hold a pencil.
• The "Knife" Grip: Hold the crochet hook in an overhand grip, sort of like you would hold a knife.

Either one is just fine, there is not a "better" way to do it; sometimes switching back and forth between the two helps from having your hands get tired.

When using crochet hooks you can use just about any type of yarn or Thread (yarn) to start to crochet.