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 (step-by-step with photos)

There are two ways to hold a crochet hook. Do what’s comfiest for you:

1. Overhand grip
Hold the hook like a knife.		2. Pencil grip
Or hold the hook like a pencil, resting the hook on your middle finger and holding it between your thumb and pointer finger.


How to hold crochet yarn (step-by-step with photos)

Hold the yarn with your right hand. There are lots of ways to hold yarn—the way I hold it is the way my mom taught me. Just like with the hook grip, do what’s comfiest for you. The most important thing is to keep constant tension with the working yarn, so that your stitches come out evenly. Did you read that last sentence and wonder—does my yarn have a 9-to-5 job? Let’s pause and cover some terminology:

WORKING YARN: The yarn connected to the ball. It’s the yarn you’ll literally “work” with to crochet.
TAIL: The end of the yarn.
1.Turn your left palm to face you. Hold your piece in front of your hand.
2. Wrap the working yarn once around your pinky, so that the piece ends up behind your hand.
3. Bring the piece up the back of your hand until you can drape it over your pointer finger.
4. Hold onto the piece with your thumb and middle finger. Move the yarn tail behind your piece. To tighten or loosen the tension of the working yarn, move your pointer finger towards or away from you. The loop for the hook should be in the upper right-hand corner, and your next stitch will be crocheted to the right.

TIP

If your working yarn is super loose after following these steps, try doing step 2 as close as possible to your piece.

When you put it all together, the hook should be in front of your working yarn. Your final crocheting position should look something like this:

Still have questions?

You can buy crochet hooks and yarn at a variety of places. Some popular options include craft stores like Michael's or Jo-Ann, online retailers like Amazon or Etsy, and even big-box stores like Walmart or Target. You can also check out your local yarn store. They'll have a wide selection of yarns and crochet hooks. You can also buy crochet hooks and yarns online on websites like LoveCrafts.

The Woobles' Easy Peasy yarn is a custom-made yarn that's perfect for new crocheters. It won't fray or snag, which makes it an ideal option for beginners who are still getting the hang of crocheting. It's also a great choice for experienced crocheters who want a hassle-free yarn that they can work with.

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