The Right Crochet Hook + The Right Thread = Success

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 Hook

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.

Here's an example. In the Grape Doily Vintage Crochet Pattern , the materials are Knit-Cro-Sheen Crochet Cotton thread, which is still available, and a , no. 7. Milward hooks are hard to find, and since you may not be sure what size that hook really is, you may not be able to substitute another brand size 7 hook. So buy your thread first, then choose a hook to match.

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.

You will find a conversion chart at the bottom of the page.

Wooden, Steel, Aluminum, and Plastic - What's Up With That?

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, are wooden hooks.

Specialty Crochet

First, the, used to make double-sided crochet. Personally, I have never used one. But its on my list of things to learn!

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 Hooks page.

Another interesting hook is the . This hook allows you to combine crochet and tatting.

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.

Crochet Hook Conversion Chart