The Right Crochet Hook + The Right Thread = Success
Crochet really has only one tool - the crochet hook. Learning to crochet is fairly easy, but choosing which hook to use with vintage crochet patterns can be difficult. The problem with older patterns is that many supplies may not be currently available. Use this guide to help know which hook you should really use with those older patterns. Choosing the Correct HookCrochet hooks range in size from 2–16 mm. However, the sizing system varies between countries, and even between manufactures. Some companies make hooks with a smaller size and a low number; with others the low numbers are the larger size. Regular size hooks can be used with yarns ranging from fine silk yarn to rug yarn. A jumbo hook - larger hook sizes - is used for bulky items. A jiffy hook - a very large size hook - is made for use with rug yarn or fabric strips. Now, here's the trick in vintage patterns. Many of the supplies that are listed in the pattern are no longer available. So what I have found useful, is to take as much information as you know, and guess the rest. Here's an example. In the
Grape Doily Vintage Crochet Pattern
, the materials are Coats & Clark Knit-Cro-Sheen Crochet Cotton The following conversion chart will help you choose which hook to use: If you know the... If neither the thread, nor the hook is available, then use the thread size to help you pick the correct hook for that particular pattern. So, if for example, you are using a size J hook, your yarn should be close to 6 mm thick. Crochet Hook Conversion Chart
Wooden, Steel, Aluminum, and Plastic - What's Up With That?Crochet hooks can be made of many different materials, and often it is just a matter of which material you prefer. However, there is one primary difference you should be aware of. Steel hooks are used with thread, and wood, aluminum, and plastic are used with thick thread and yarn.
The primary difference between wood, aluminum, and plastic hooks is the feel. They are all made in bigger sizes. Plastic is lighter weight, but personally, I don't like the feel of them. I usually use aluminum myself. My favorite, however, is
wooden crochet hooks.
Specialty HooksNow that you've got the basics mastered, here's some more information about specialty hooks you may encounter in vintage crochet patterns. First, the For more information, and a good tutorial and cro-hook and double-sided crochet patterns, look here:
http://serendipity.gpvm.com/crohook.html
Afghan or Tunisian Hooks form a stitch similar to knitting, and can be used to make afghans. These hooks have a knob at one end (stitches won't fall off), and they are typically longer than regular crochet hooks. You can find out more on our Tunisian Crochet Hooks page. Another interesting hook is the Double-ended or Travel Hooks have a different size hook on each end, thus reducing the number of hooks needed for your collection. The Hairpin Lace Loom, Crochet Fork, or Maltese Crochet is a specialized crochet tool that makes looped lace with a central row of crochet stitches. And finally, Jiffy Lace Needles are jumbo knitting needles which are with a crochet hook to create broomstick lace. The Tools Vintage Crochet Stitches - Instructions and Illustrations Vintage Crochet Patterns Learn to Crochet - Free eCourse and ebooks! Crochet Tips and Tricks Create the Perfect Crocheted Edgings for Your Unique Project
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