How to hold a crochet hook and yarn

As a crochet beginner, one of the first things you’ll need to learn is how to get a grip on your crochet tools. The wonderful thing about crochet is that you only need 2 things – a hook and some yarn. If you’re right-handed, hold the hook in your right hand and yarn in the other. If you’re left-handed, switch sides.

How to hold a crochet hook

There are 2 ways to hold a crochet hook. Use the way thats most comfortable for you. Either way, point the tip of the crochet hook towards you, and maintain a firm but not overly tight hold.

Overhand grip

Hold the hook as though you were holding a knife.

Pencil grip

Hold the hook as though you were holding a pencil, resting the hook on your middle finger and in between your thumb and forefinger.

How to hold yarn

Hold the yarn in your non-dominant hand. There are multiple ways to hold yarn; the way described below is the way my mother taught me. Regardless of which method you choose to use, it’s most important to maintain constant tension with the yarn, so that your stitches come out even.

Before we begin, some terminology:

tail - the end of the yarn

working yarn - the yarn that will be used to make more stitches

1. Turn the palm of your non-dominant hand to face you. Loop your work or, if you’re just starting your piece, the tail end of the yarn, from the front to the back of your pinky.

2. Loop the yarn around your pinky again.

3. Bring the yarn up the back of your fingers and in front of your index finger.

4. Grip your work with your middle finger and thumb. Adjust the angle of your forefinger to control the yarn tension.

Putting it all together

Once you’ve learned how to hold a crochet hook and yarn at the same time, it should look a little something like this: