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[Sageandonion]

Having been drawn into Kirstie Allsop's world I quite fancy learning to crochet. I've found a day's course in Guildford that I'm about to book onto. You need to take 2 different sized crochet hooks and the online shop sells plastic, wooden and metal ones at different prices. Just wondering what the difference is between them, whether you use certain ones for certain yarns and whether one is better for a complete beginner than another.

 

Thank you

[Olly]

I've never used wooden ones. In my experience the smaller sizes tend to be metal, the larger ones plastic - I don't think it makes much difference, it's probably a case of personal preference for the feel of it. If you can, I'd try one out - otherwise, go for the cheaper one, I'm guessing they are not very expensve so you could possibly upgrade later? Good luck with it, I love crochet!

[bluekarin]

I started with a thin metal one from a charity shop and then have bought some larger hooks some are plastic, especially the largest one I have and some are metal. It depends what I am making tbh as to which hook I prefer. The thin metal one, however, does bend a bit as you hook away, but in a mould to your finger position kind of way. I find the yarn moves easier on metal and can squeak a bit on plastic. I would love some bamboo ones as they are meant to feel nice and be smooth. Maybe ask the course people which they would recommend. Enjoy it. I love it, but have taken a little break from it as I finished my first ever blanket just before Christmas and my fingers were a little tired. Oh, and I need more wool

[Egluntyne]

I don't like plastic at all. Metal ones are fine, and I'd say probably best for a beginner. I also have some bamboo ones that I rather like.

[HENthusiastic]

I'm not an expert but I have a mixture and I just love the wooden ones. I prefer the look and the feel of them. I'm not experienced enough for it to really make a difference. ps I learnt to crochet with Crocheting for dummies and found it really easy to follow.

[Sageandonion]

Thanks everyone - I ended up ordering metal ones - but I'm a bit confused. They have been delivered but look like small knitting needles - there is no hook on the end - is this right or have I been sent or ordered the wrong thing. I always thought crochet hooks had hooks on the end ?

[sadietoo]

I have to say that I always thought that crochet hooks had a hook on them...maybe you have cable needles???

[Olly]

There should definitely be a hook - even if its a small one! The rest of the needle is usually smooth, no k"Ooops, word censored!"s or buttons. Where did you order from - I wonder too if you have been sent cable needles or something else.

[jimnpaula]

As others have said, there should definitely be a hook.

 

Another tip I remember reading was to try different styles of hook: get a plastic one, a metal, a wood one to see which material you prefer. Also try ones with different shapes of the 'throat' - the bit right after the hook until it becomes the same diameter as the handle, as this is the bit where the loops are formed and held. Some hooks have a long throat which can be useful to keep lots of loops while you manipulate the yarn, however a short throat means the loops may not get formed too tight which means easier crocheting.

 

I am by no means an expert, most of that was a rehash from a book I've read but can't remember which one! I have Crochet for dummies, and The Happy Hooker by Debbie Stoller, and Crochet Unravelled: A Clear and Concise Guide to Learning Crochet by Claire Bojczuk. I recommend the last one to learn in UK terminology, although I'm still trying to teach myself.

 

P

[Sageandonion]

Thank you everyone. I rang them up this morning and they confirmed they'd sent me double -pointed knitting pins by mistake - whatever they are . They're sending me the right hook today hopefully

 

Thanks too for the book recommendations - will have a look at those.