Crochet hook

Crochet appeared as a distinct textile art during the early 19th century, and many crochet hooks survive from that period. These can be sorted into two groups, the one with thin steel hooks that are set into separate handles, and the other including single-piece hooks made in a variety of materials. The distinction between steel and other hooks persists to the present day, although all are now commonly of single-piece construction. A variety of coverings may be applied to the handle for ergonomic reasons. Ornate handles have been made for their decorative value, throughout.

Crochet hooks are currently produced in diameters ranging from 0.35 mm to 25 mm. These diameters are indicated both directly in millimeters and by various numerical or literal gauge systems. Hooks under 2.0 mm are made of steel (for its strength) and are alternately termed steel-, lace- or thread hooks. Hooks of 2.00 mm or larger diameter are called yarn hooks or regular hooks. Aluminum is the predominant material from 2.0 mm to 6.0 mm (for its lighter weight). Beyond that, bamboo, wood, and plastic are the more common materials (for their even lighter weight). The indicated size boundaries between the types are, however, approximate. With the exception of the thinnest hooks, which are invariably made of steel, other materials may be encountered outside the indicated ranges.

Historical materials for handles and some one-piece hooks include bone, porcupine quill, celluloid, agate, ivory, and fossilized mammoth ivory.[1]

Longer hooks are used for Tunisian crochet to accommodate the lengthy rows of open loops characterizing that style. A form with hooks at both ends is also used for Tunisian and other types of crochet that cannot be made with the standard hook, such as cro-hooking.

Please refer to List of United States standard crochet hook and knitting needle sizes for a comparison chart of crochet hook sizes.

• A Knook is a type of crochet hook whose one end is a crochet hook and the other end has an eye-hole for attaching a cord.[2] The cord allows for placing multiple live knit and purl stitches on the hook, which are then slid off and onto the cord when going to the next row.

The two basic ways of holding a crochet hook are:

• the pencil grip, with the hook going over the crotch of the thumb, resembling a pencil,
• the knife grip, with the hook under the palm of the hand, resembling a knife held when held overhand.

These grips are functionally equivalent and selected as a matter of personal preference, with hybrid forms being commonplace.

Adaptive crochet hooks are specialized crochet hooks intended to assist individuals with physical disabilities. Most adaptive hooks are designed with an ergonomic handle that provide a comfortable grip and reduces strain on the individual's fingers, wrists, and hands. Mainly for the benefit of those suffering from arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, ergonomic hooks can reduce hand and wrists pains caused from the repetitive motions used in all crochet stitches, for all crocheters regardless of ability.[3]

In addition to ergonomic handles, adaptive hooks may involve other features including enlarged hooks or longer handles, to provide better control and ease of use for individual with limited mobility or dexterity.[3] The increase of accessibility to different styles of hooks has made it possible to sustain a longevity for an individual's ability to crochet.

Crochet hooks can be used in many instances where it is necessary to pull a string through a hole. For example, many knitters use them to fix dropped knitting stitches, and tailors may use a crochet hook to thread a drawstring through its casing. Their use is not limited to fiber arts; crochet hooks can be used to maintain dreadlocks by pulling stray hairs back into the main dread.

• Buttonhook
• Hook gauge