If you’re a beginner to crochet, the first question you’ll ask after, how do I learn to crochet? Is probably, what hook and yarn size should I use?
With so many different types of yarn, and even the subtle differences in hooks, it can be a little daunting knowing how to set yourself up for success. When I first started, I had no idea there was even a difference in hooks! I just used whatever hook I came across… which means whatever my Grandmother had available to me. I’m a lot more experienced now with over 25 years of crocheting under my proverbial belt. So, let me share some tips with you!
What yarn should I use?
Especially when you’re first starting, it’s a good idea to use a yarn with very little “halo”. That’s the fuzz around the yarn. The more of it there is, the more it tends to make it difficult to see what you’re doing.
I personally liked using a cotton yarn to start with, since cotton tends to be smooth, and is easily frogged (what crocheters call pulling your stitches out). You can get more info on crochet terms here.
Some cotton yarns aren’t wound very tightly, and can split, or get caught, if you’re not careful, so I would choose one that looks like it’s twisted well. Here’s a picture of what you’re looking for versus what you don’t want as a beginner.
If you’re interested in crochet, you’ve probably seen the Woobles kits. I’ve never used them personally, because they seem very expensive to me. However, they do come with everything you need, plus a pattern and video instructions. I tried out a similar type of yarn by Yarn Bee, from Hobby Lobby, and it was fantastic for stitch definition and ease of use. I even frogged a project just to see if it would snag or cause me issues and I had no problems at all. This yarn is a cotton nylon blend, just like the ones in the Woobles kit, so it was probably Hobby Lobby’s dupe for it.
You can of course use regular acrylic like Red Heart Super Savers. Many of us crocheters started with that because it’s usually cheaper. They have a ton of colors, but if your skin is sensitive then you might want to steer clear because it can be rough until you wash it a couple times.
What hook should I use?
This is matter of preference, but let me show you the main differences between the hooks.
The Tapered type of hook is my personal favorite. It’s rounder and doesn’t split your yarn as easily because it doesn’t have any sharp edges. This hook is associated with the brand Boye.
The inline hook is much more pointed and has a much deeper notch for the yarn. It’s a good hook to help you push through a tighter stitch with it’s pointer top. This type of hook is associated with the brand Susan Bates.
High-breed hooks are a fantastic middle ground if you’re unsure of where to start. Most have a pointer tip, a deeper notch, and a more tapered shaft. Furls streamline metal hooks would be a good representation of them.
More about hooks
Regardless of the type of hook you like, I would highly recommend getting an ergonomic hook once you’re sure that you want to invest in crochet as a hobby. There’s a few that I’ve tried and had good luck with. It just depends on your budget and what type of projects you predominately make.
If smaller amigurumi projects are your thing you’re going to love these. Check out my review of Clover Amour Ergonomic Hooks. I have had this set for years, they’re comfortable and have a nice feel with the yarn. However, if you have larger hands, they are on the short side. I got mine at Joann’s with a coupon ages ago, but you can check on amazon.
If you like a longer hook that has a nice feel and weight in your hand, you may want to try Furls crochet hooks. You can see my review of Furls Streamline Zodiac Crochet Hook here. They also have full metal, wood, and other types of resin hooks. Furls is a favorite of mine, however they are on the expensive side and are definitely considered a luxury brand. Visit the Furls Crochet website here!
If you have a Hobby Lobby near by, these are cheaper ergonomic hooks. They even got me back into crocheting after pain prevented me from crocheting for a few years. You can read about that and more in my review of Yarnology Ergonomic Crochet Hooks! You can check them out here at the hobby lobby website
How do I put my hook and yarn together?
Now that you know about the different types of hooks and yarn that there are, how do you put them together?
There’s one surefire way, and that is to look at the label on the yarn that you’re using to see what hook they can recommend. I have a full tutorial on how to read a yarn label, here if you’re interested. But this picture should show you where the hook guide is.
Because, while this yarn does say it’s a number 4 medium weight yarn. I found it to be on the thicker side, which is why the 6.5mm or K hook makes sense.
Now, if you’d like to change the hook size to fit, your style better, that’s perfectly fine! Maybe you’re a looser crocheter, so you need a size down on the hook. Maybe you’re a tighter crocheter, so you need a hook size up or more. All that is good too! I would just suggest doing a small repeat of the pattern you’re going to do, which is called swatching, before you commit to a larger project. This is all under the category of checking your gauge or tension. Which is actually way more important then you might think.
If you want to see just how important it is, you might like to check out one of my crochet experiments at the end of this post here: The Crochet Wattle Stitch Tutorial
Okay, we’ll I think that’s a wrap! If you have any more questions, drop them in the comments section. And be sure to check out some of my crochet basics series tutorials! I hope you liked this article and found it helpful! If it was, please show your support by liking this post and following my blog, so you’re alerted whenever I make a new one. You can also sign up for The Crocheting Owl Monthly Newsletter for free patterns, updates, yarny bonuses, and more!
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