starting with the basics...
Here are some Tools & Equipment which you'll need for crocheting:
* Scissors - a small, pointed pair to trim yarn ends and cut yarn
* Yarn Needles - with long and wide eyes to sew crochet pieces together and to weave in tails
* Other Needles - for attaching embellishments and other sewing uses
* Pins - glass-headed for blocking crochet, plastic-headed for pinning crochet pieces together, forked Japanese pins for blocking lighter pieces
* Clips - used for holding crochet pieces together when seaming
* Tape Measure - with inches and centimeters to measure your work
* Ruler - good for measuring blocks and small items
* Size Gauge - good for checking the size of your hooks
* Row Counters - helps in keeping track of how many rows you've done
* Stitch Markers - extremely helpful so you can count stitches or rows (I make my own with beads and jewelry components *s*); bobby pins or safety pins can also be used
* Notebook & Pen/Pencil - for tracking pattern changes and measurements
* Plastic Box with Compartments - for keeping all your tools organized and easy to locate
* Hook Storage - use a plastic box or zippered cosmetic bag to store your hooks; keep the metal hooks separate so they don't scuff the others
* Sock Blockers - to shape your socks once they are complete
* Quilter's Color Palette - for color design
* Iron - for blocking crochet pieces
* Scissors - a small, pointed pair to trim yarn ends and cut yarn
* Yarn Needles - with long and wide eyes to sew crochet pieces together and to weave in tails
* Other Needles - for attaching embellishments and other sewing uses
* Pins - glass-headed for blocking crochet, plastic-headed for pinning crochet pieces together, forked Japanese pins for blocking lighter pieces
* Clips - used for holding crochet pieces together when seaming
* Tape Measure - with inches and centimeters to measure your work
* Ruler - good for measuring blocks and small items
* Size Gauge - good for checking the size of your hooks
* Row Counters - helps in keeping track of how many rows you've done
* Stitch Markers - extremely helpful so you can count stitches or rows (I make my own with beads and jewelry components *s*); bobby pins or safety pins can also be used
* Notebook & Pen/Pencil - for tracking pattern changes and measurements
* Plastic Box with Compartments - for keeping all your tools organized and easy to locate
* Hook Storage - use a plastic box or zippered cosmetic bag to store your hooks; keep the metal hooks separate so they don't scuff the others
* Sock Blockers - to shape your socks once they are complete
* Quilter's Color Palette - for color design
* Iron - for blocking crochet pieces
All About Crochet Hooks
the place to start
Choosing a Hook
* the most important thing to keep in mind is how it feels in your hand
* another thing to consider is how well it works with your chosen yarn
Types of Hooks
* Aluminum - this is the most common material for crochet hooks
* Plastic - they usually come in bright colors; easy to use and are somewhat flexible
* Steel - durable; some come with plastic handles for a better grip (or you can use duct tape or felt to make a grip)
* Wooden/Bamboo - made from fine-grained bamboo or variety of hardwoods; the wooden hooks usually have decorative finials
* Japanese - these are gold-colored hooks that are slightly shorter in length than European or American hooks; good for those crocheters whom have small hands
* Double-ended hooks (cro-hook) - they have different sizes on each end
* Tunisian - a longer hook which accomodates the Tunisian crochet stitch
* Other materials - historically ivory, bone and other materials have been used
Hook Sizes
Hooks comes in many sizes based on the width of the hook (there are a few differing systems), and the size of the hook determines the gauge for a particular pattern. The best way to determine a hook's actual size is to measure the length of the shank in millimeters. Crochet hooks do vary by manufacturer. Its recommended that you try a few different brands to see which ones feel good while you crochet. (Cail's note: I tend to prefer Susan Bates over the Boye, which are the main brands you can find at crafts stores.)
* B - 2 mm
* C - 2.5 mm
* D - 3 mm
* E - 3.5 mm
* F - 4 mm
* G - 4.5 mm
* H - 5 mm
* I - 5.5 mm
* J - 5.75 mm
* K - 6 mm
* varies - 7mm
* L - 8 mm
* M - 9 mm
* N - 10 mm
Here's a great link to a chart on hook sizes!
(http://www.geocities.com/nornsneedlework/crochet/hookchart.htm)
Crochet Shopping
browse and enjoy!
Crochet Communities
Crocheters do get online when they aren't crocheting! They tend to share tips and patterns and more--a good thing if you're looking for help or ideas. ;)
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- a great and active crochet community!
Crochet Books on Amazon
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