Typical materials for crochet hooks are wood, plastic, casein, or aluminum. Historical examples also include bone, steel, porcupine quill, celluloid, agate, ivory, and fossilized mammoth ivory. Crochet hooks often have decorative handles. The handle may be shaped to fit the hand for easier use. Some hooks are made with wooden or plastic handles with the hook made of metal and inserted into the handle. There are many ergonomic approaches to hook handles. One approach, for sufferers of arthritis, hooks have a ball in place of a straight handle.
An alternative form of crochet hook is the Tunisian crochet hook, which is much longer than a regular crochet hook, in order to accommodate the multiple loops used in Tunisian crochet. A type of crochet hook with hooks at each end, known as a cro-hook, is used to make double-sided crochet pieces.
Crochet hooks are not specifically for right or left handed people, either one can use them. Everyone crochets a little differently so the hook designs and their configurations are up to personal preference.
Two ways of holding a crochet hook are:
- The "Pencil" Grip: Holding the crochet hook like you would hold a pencil.
- The "Knife" Grip: Holding the crochet hook in an overhand grip, sort of like you would hold a knife.
There is not a "better" way to do it; sometimes switching back and forth between the two prevents hand fatigue.
When using crochet hooks almost any type of yarn or Thread (yarn) can be used, depending on the type of project. Crochet hooks are designed to manage fibers from thread to rope in thickness.
