How to Hold a Crochet Hook and Yarn (The Complete Guide)
Nich F.
•07/June/2025•7 min read
📚 Table of Contents
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Holding Your Crochet Hook
Managing Your Yarn
Getting Both Hands Working Together
Common Frustrations (and How to Fix Them)
Building the Habit
Hello everyone! Today we're talking about something that can feel really tricky when you're starting out – how to hold both your crochet hook and your yarn at the same time. I remember when I first tried to learn this, I kept thinking there had to be an easier way and it felt like I needed extra hands just to get started which was so frustrating!
But here's the thing – once you figure out a system that works for you, it becomes automatic. You won't even think about it anymore. So let's take this step by step and find what feels comfortable for your hands.
Holding Your Crochet Hook
The Two Main Grips
Let's start with your dominant hand, since that's the one that'll be doing most of the work. You've got two main options here and both work perfectly fine. Try both and see which one feels better. There's no wrong choice here – just what works for your hands.
The Pencil Grip
Hold your hook just like you'd hold a pencil when you're writing. Your thumb and index finger do most of the gripping, positioned about 2-3 inches back from the hook end. Let your middle finger curl up to support the side, and your other fingers just rest naturally underneath.
The Knife Grip
Some people prefer holding the hook more like a knife when you're cutting food. Your hand goes over the top, fingers wrapped around the shaft. If you're already a knitter this might feel more natural to you.
💡 Pro Tip:
Don't grip too tight! I know it's tempting when you're learning, but a relaxed grip will save your hand from getting tired. You want to hold it firmly enough for control, but not so tight that your knuckles turn white.
Managing Your Yarn
The Key to Consistent Stitches
Now for your other hand – this is where your yarn control happens and it's probably more important than you think. Good yarn tension makes everything so much easier, I can't even tell you!
Basic Yarn Threading
Take your working yarn and drape it over your index finger, then under your middle finger, then back over your ring finger. I know this sounds a bit complicated but this weaving creates just enough resistance to keep your yarn flowing smoothly.
Finding the Right Tension
This part takes some practice. If your yarn is too loose, your stitches will be really big and floppy. If it's too tight you'll be fighting to pull the yarn through every single stitch, and trust me, that gets old real fast. You want something in between – snug but not tight.
Getting Both Hands Working Together
Finding Your Rhythm
Here's where everything comes together and honestly, this is the part that made me want to throw my hook across the room when I was learning! Your hook hand reaches over to grab the yarn, pulls it through whatever stitch you're working on, then both hands reset for the next stitch.
The Basic Motion
Your hook catches the yarn from your yarn hand and pulls it through. Meanwhile, your yarn hand is feeding just the right amount of yarn and keeping that consistent tension we talked about.
Starting Simple
Begin with making a chain stitch – it's the easiest way to practice this coordination. Don't worry about making it perfect or fast, just focus on getting comfortable with how your hands work together.
Common Frustrations (and How to Fix Them)
Don't Worry, It's Totally Normal!
Let me be honest – this is going to feel weird at first and that's completely normal. Here are some common issues and what to do about them:
My Hands Keep Cramping
You're probably gripping everything too tight. Take a break, shake out your hands, and try again with a looser hold.
I Keep Dropping Things
Start by just practicing holding both items while you're sitting comfortably. Get used to the feel before you even try to make stitches.
My Yarn Keeps Tangling
You might be wrapping it too many times through your fingers or pulling too hard. Try loosening up the threading and letting the yarn flow more naturally.
Everything Just Feels Wrong
Take your time and be patient with yourself! Practice for short periods – maybe 10 or 15 minutes at a time. Your hands are learning a new skill, and that takes time.
Building the Habit
Every expert started exactly where you are now. We all had that phase where our hands felt clumsy and nothing seemed to work right. The difference is just practice and time.
💡 Pro Tip:
My best advice? Make a long chain while you're watching TV or listening to music. Don't focus on making it perfect – just get comfortable with the rhythm of your hands working together. Once you get that rhythm down, everything else starts to click.
Go slow. There's no rush here. I see people trying to crochet fast right from the start, but speed comes naturally once you're comfortable with the basics.
Remember, this is supposed to be enjoyable. If you're getting frustrated, it's okay to take a break and come back to it later. Your hands will remember more than you think, even after time away.
Once you get this coordination down, you'll be amazed at how natural it becomes and you'll wonder why it ever felt so hard. Just take it one stitch at a time, and be patient with yourself as you learn. Happy crafting!
