Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Crochet Hook Preferences -- Do You Have Any?

Until recently, I didn't have a preference for crochet hook size. I happily hooked away with whatever size I fancied or whatever hook a pattern recommended. It was all the same to me.

Currently, I'm working on three crochet projects simultaneously...another first, since I normally have only one WIP at a time. Two of the projects I'm working on involve my beloved Q hook, which I inherited from my grandmother (you can read more about the 1937 afghan I inherited from her too). The other one has me hooking away with a tiny E hook.

My grandma's old Q hook.
As much as I'm happy to be working on these projects, I have to admit I'm not loving working exclusively with an extra large or extra small crochet hook. The tiny one creates lots of work with all the tiny stitches. The large one just doesn't glide through the yarn like an average-sized hook does, making it more of a workout for my fingers. I have to say, I'm really looking forward to crocheting with my J or K hook again.

Which leads me to wonder if you have a preferred size of crochet hook. What is it and why do you prefer it? Also, do you have a favorite hook you defer to...one you inherited or received as a gift? Let's talk about hooks today! I invite you to join the conversation. And if you're in the market for some new crochet hooks or want to see my favorite, take a look at the #1 Best Seller in crochet hooks, Susan Bates Silvalume Crochet Hook Set in Pouch Sizes F, G, H, I, J, K.

15 comments:

  1. i always go for the ( I Hook ) I like the way it fit on my hand.

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    1. Thank you for responding, Dora! I like the I hook, too. If I had my druthers, it would be the smallest one I used.

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  2. Yep, my size H aluminum Susan Bates crochet hook that my Grama gave me when I was 7 years old. It's the same one she taught me with and it's my favorite. It fits perfectly in my hand and glides right through the yarn. I use all different hooks depending on the piece, but that one is my fave :)

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    1. Sentimental value can certainly sway our preferences, can't it? :)

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  3. How funny- I was just babbling away to Jess last night about hook preferences! He of course doesn't have a clue what I'm saying.

    As a general favorite: I ALWAYS instinctively reach for my H, (We have a bond. It just WANTS to be in my hands.. and I'm okay with that, because it sits so comfortably.)
    But, having been playing around with some sport weight, and fingering-weight yarns lately- I learned that [without fail], I always prefer a hook one size smaller than whatever was suggested.

    I could be wrong- but I think it's because I like to have nice tight stitches, but don't like the hand cramp that comes with it.
    When I use a smaller hook, it lets me do less tugging, but still end up with the same result... since it's a smaller/tighter stitch to begin with..

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    1. That's interesting, Rain. I think it's great that you know your stitch preference because that certainly affects the hook size you'd prefer using. Good insight! :)

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  4. I really don't mind.
    I've worked with big hooks and tiny hooks and it doesn't matter to me really. I just love hooks!! LOL

    :)

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  5. I would just like to be able to crochet again! My pups think crocheting is a game of catch the yarn! They must think they are cats or something ... sigh!!

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    1. Oh boy; that would make it difficult. How about taking your crochet to the local cafe for an hour or somewhere else where you could enjoy your craft without any "helpers"?

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  6. My Granny that me with a steel boyce hook when I was 6 and very thin cotton thread.Over the years I still used boyce but changed to the Susan Bates hooks they have that special downward slant that glides through my yarns.That's all I have now .a Hooker for 35+ years.

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  7. I thing my preferred is the E size. .. But I am not sure! this is simply the one I most use!

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    1. Hi Mary and Olivier (as I am replying directly to Olivier's post here) I also use size E the most, not sure if it's a favourite as I haven't got much experience with different yarn weights and hook sizes yet.

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  8. (Hi from Group 12 in SITSgirls!)

    My mom's a hooker (heh) and she has always had a preferred size, though I don't know what it is because try as she might, I couldn't take to crochet. But I will say that the quality of her projects improved a LOT once she started varying her hook sizes to match what she was making. From a consumer, rather than the creator, standpoint, the payoff of switching hooks is worth it.

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  9. I use the same metal "I" hook my mom gave me when I was 9. She taught me to crochet my first afghan with it. I use it so much the finish has worn off it. I have tried other hooks but this one beats them all by far. I don't know what I would do if it ever disappeared. I would cry then curse. Lol. It is my favorite.

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  10. Thank you all for your comments! It's do interesting to hear everyone's stories about the hook they use most and why. Another example of how personal crochet is. :)

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