A crochet hook (or crochet needle) is an implement used to make loops in thread or yarn and to interlock them into crochet stitches. It is a round shaft pointed on one end, with a lateral groove behind it. The point eases the insertion of the hook through the material being crocheted and the groove makes it possible to pull a loop back through the material. The shaft is then divided into a working area that determines the hook's nominal diameter and ensures the uniform sizing of the loops formed on it, and a handle.
Crochet appeared as a distinct textile art during the early 19th century, and many crochet hooks survive from that period. These can be sorted into two groups, the one with thin steel hooks that are set into separate handles, and the other including single-piece hooks made in a variety of materials. The distinction between steel and other hooks persists to the present day, although all are now commonly of single-piece construction. A variety of coverings may be applied to the handle for ergonomic reasons. Ornate handles have also been added throughout time, with one method being scrimshaw during 19th century Europe.[1]
Crochet hooks are currently produced in diameters ranging from 0.35 mm to 25 mm. These diameters are indicated both directly in millimeters and by various numerical or literal gauge systems. Hooks under 2.0 mm are made of steel (for its strength) and are alternately termed steel-, lace- or thread hooks. Hooks of 2.00 mm or larger diameter are called yarn hooks or regular hooks. Aluminum is the predominant material from 2.0 mm to 6.0 mm (for its lighter weight). Beyond that, bamboo, wood, and plastic are the more common materials (for their even lighter weight). The indicated size boundaries between the types are, however, approximate. With the exception of the thinnest hooks, which are invariably made of steel, other materials may be encountered outside the indicated ranges.
Historical materials for handles and some one-piece hooks include bone, porcupine quill, celluloid, agate, ivory, and fossilized mammoth ivory.[2]
Longer hooks are used for Tunisian crochet to accommodate the lengthy rows of open loops characterizing that style. A form with hooks at both ends is also used for Tunisian and other types of crochet that cannot be made with the standard hook, such as cro-hooking.
While the exact origins of crochet are unknown, there is evident influence from similar crafts from the 18th century. Shepherd's knitting was popular in Europe in the late 1700 - early 1800s and used a flat hook to create what is now known as slip stitches. Tambour embroidery was also a popular practice around this time and is thought to have origins in China and made its way to Europe through trade. This practice used a hooked needle and was used to produce chain stitches. With time, hooks resembling what is often used today were created and featured a smoother taper and circular cross section. [3] [4]
Accurate knitting needle and crochet hook sizing is important for both crafts. There are, however, no uniform procedures for indicating these measurements.[5]
The Craft Yarn Council of America (CYCA), an industry trade association, has collated a table of crochet hook and knitting needle sizes from de facto industrial standards and elicited the cooperation of its member organizations in adopting them to regularize sizing in the United States. The listed gauge systems are also widely used internationally. Their broader applicability is further highlighted by their normalization with the metric system,[6] which the CYCA members have agreed to have appear prominently on their packaging.
A hook gauge is used for measuring both knitting needles and crochet hooks. The size of a crochet hook is determined by the diameter of its shaft.[7]
Standard sizes are:
| Metric diameter | US Knitting Needle Number | Corresponding Crochet Hook Size | |
|---|---|---|---|
| mm | B-1 | ||
| mm | C-2 | ||
| mm | D-3 | ||
| mm | E-4 | ||
| mm | F-5 | ||
| mm | G-6 | ||
| mm | 7 | ||
| mm | H-8 | ||
| mm | I-9 | ||
| mm | J-10 | ||
| mm | K-10.5 | ||
| mm | L-11 | ||
| mm | M/N-13 | ||
| mm | N/P-15 | ||
| mm | — | ||
| mm | P/Q | ||
| mm | — | Q | |
| mm | S | ||
| mm | T/U/X |
The two basic ways of holding a crochet hook are:
These grips are functionally equivalent and selected as a matter of personal preference, with hybrid forms being commonplace.
Adaptive crochet hooks are specialized crochet hooks intended to assist individuals with physical disabilities. Most adaptive hooks are designed with an ergonomic handle that provide a comfortable grip and reduces strain on the individual's fingers, wrists, and hands. Mainly for the benefit of those suffering from arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, ergonomic hooks can reduce hand and wrists pains caused from the repetitive motions used in all crochet stitches, for all crocheters regardless of ability.[11]
In addition to ergonomic handles, adaptive hooks may involve other features including enlarged hooks or longer handles, to provide better control and ease of use for individual with limited mobility or dexterity.[11] The increase of accessibility to different styles of hooks has made it possible to sustain a longevity for an individual's ability to crochet.
There have also been other aid devices that can be bought or made that allow for one-handed crocheting. In many cases, these tools help regulate the tension of the yarn or secure the hook in place. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who are amputees, lack function in one hand, have temporary or long term injuries, dexterity issues, etc.[12] [13]
Crochet hooks can be used in many instances where it is necessary to pull a string through a hole. For example, many knitters use them to fix dropped knitting stitches, and tailors may use a crochet hook to thread a drawstring through its casing. Their use is not limited to fiber arts; crochet hooks can be used to maintain dreadlocks by pulling stray hairs back into the main dread.