Learn to crochet
How to hold a crochet hook and yarn
Hold the crochet hook in your dominant hand with a pencil grip or a knife grip, whichever keeps your wrist relaxed. Weave the working yarn through the fingers of your other hand so it feeds out evenly, and pinch the fabric just below the hook with that hand's thumb and middle finger. Both grips are correct.
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Should you use a pencil grip or a knife grip?
Neither grip is better; crocheters make beautiful fabric with both, so choose the one that feels natural and doesn't strain your hand after half an hour.
| Grip | How to hold it | Tends to suit |
|---|---|---|
| Pencil grip | Hook rests between thumb and index finger like a pen, shaft over the web of the hand | Fine thread, small hooks and detailed work |
| Knife grip | Hand over the hook like holding a table knife, index finger along the top | Larger hooks, chunky yarn and long sessions |
How do you hold the yarn for even tension?
Tension comes from the yarn hand, not the hook hand. The yarn should run through your fingers with a little drag, so every loop comes out the same size.
- Hold your yarn hand palm up with the working yarn coming from the ball behind it.
- Pass the yarn between your little finger and ring finger, then wrap it once around the little finger.
- Take the yarn under your ring and middle fingers and over the top of your index finger.
- Raise or lower your index finger to add or release tension as you work.
- Pinch the work between your thumb and middle finger, about an inch below the hook, and move this pinch up every few stitches.
- If the yarn feels too tight, skip the little-finger wrap; if it is too loose, add a second wrap.
How do left-handed crocheters hold the hook?
Left-handed crocheters hold the hook in the left hand and the yarn in the right, using the same pencil or knife grip, and work from left to right along the row. Stitches look the same; only diagrams and photos appear mirrored, so hold a photo up to a mirror or flip it on screen to follow it.
Why does my hand hurt when I crochet?
Hand pain usually comes from gripping the hook too hard, holding the yarn too tightly, or crocheting for long stretches without breaks. Relax the grip until the hook could almost slide out, loosen the yarn wrap, and stop every 20–30 minutes to stretch your fingers and wrists. A hook with a thicker ergonomic handle spreads the pressure across the hand. See a doctor if pain, numbness or tingling continues after rest.
Patterns to practise on
How to crochet a classic granny square
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 35 yd
Free pattern
Easy moss stitch crochet dishcloth
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 100 yd
Free pattern
Simple half double crochet baby beanie in the round
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 130 yd
Free pattern
Quick round crochet coaster in cotton
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 4.5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 18 yd
Free pattern
Frequently asked questions
Which hand holds the crochet hook?
Your dominant hand holds the hook and the other hand controls the yarn and holds the work.
Is it wrong to hold a crochet hook like a knife?
No. The knife grip is one of the two standard grips and many experienced crocheters use it.
Why are my stitches too tight?
Usually the yarn is wrapped too tightly or pulled after each stitch. Loosen the yarn wrap and form loops on the full width of the hook shaft, not the narrow throat.