Crochet hook?

Oh, by the way, most online patterns and youtube videos use American stitch terminology. I am now bilingual in crochet language.

Crochet Kim makes good video tutorials. I learnt a lot from watching her.
I taught myself tunisian crochet with the help of Kim. I think her surname is Guzman. She also has patterns on Ravelry.

It really depends upon the pattern and what I'm making. For DK I tend to use a 4mm or 4.5mm crochet hook.
I've been having problems with my thumbs so I bought myself a set of hooks with chunky handles.
This is my 4mm hook.

For DK I use a 4mm hook with a chunky handle as the thin metal ones make my hand seize up.

I’ve been known to pad out a metal one with insulating tape.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202308/medium-285653-moorland.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202308/medium-121643-moorland-edge.jpg

Hook 4mm, 4.5mm or 5mm for DK depending on your tension and how much drape you want in the pieces. I use Clover Amour hooks which have a soft grip which is better ergonomically, especially if you intend to crochet a lot.

I am not a fan of the granny square although many are. I would urge new crocheters to learn how to work in a straight line. It is much easier and rhythmic, creates a softer fabric, gives you much more scope to play with stripes and stitch patterns and make other things plus less or even no joining.

Work a loose chain the desired length or stitch count plus one. Work your chosen stitch into the bumps on the back of the chain until the end. Turn. Chain one. Work the first stitch of the new row into the stitch at the base of the chain one i.e. the last stitch of the previous row. I never bother with the instruction in many patterns which tell you to work three chains (say) to count as a treble (US double). It isn’t necessary and you get a much straighter edge without it.

I am a big fan of Lucy who blogs as Attic24. She had a great eye for colour and, as she uses mostly Stylecraft Special DK, the best budget acrylic imo - her projects are inexpensive to make. I’m working her Moorland blanket at the moment on 4.5mm.

I like the KnitPro knitting needles too.

Here's a link to the continuous JAYG method:

www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DkKsb_1YTV4I&ved=2ahUKEwjIzqOEs_WAAxUNh1wKHS3UCkIQwqsBegQIEBAB&usg=AOvVaw3mLwpPmgTEHZGaiprEKqhU

I agree with the others, 4mm is about right for crochet squares using DK yarn.

I went from the standard thin Aero type hooks to KnitPro Waves hooks about 15 years ago and much prefer them. They have a nice thick shaft in different colours for sizes and my late Mum went over to them when she was late 80s and loved them.

nanna8

I am not an expert by any means but I have made several throw rugs where you don’t have to join up squares- all in one, stripes or whatever. I have a strong dislike of sewing up things I have knitted or crocheted !

I use the Join As You Go method for joining up squares as I dislike sewing up.
It's a lovely, soothing way of joining squares.

JAYG by Hooked by Robin is a helpful video.

Baggs

I generally use a 4.00mm hook for double knitting yarn. I've only ever used the old-fashioned 'thin' hooks so can't help on that front. Good luck!

Yes. The size of hook and knitting needles is usually stated on the yarn band.

I can't use the straight crochet hooks but then it could be because I don't hold it as I should, being self-taught.

The brands which I find most comfortable to use are Clover Amour and Knitpro Waves.

I am not an expert by any means but I have made several throw rugs where you don’t have to join up squares- all in one, stripes or whatever. I have a strong dislike of sewing up things I have knitted or crocheted !

The ones I have come with a lid, like a pencil. So You can put the lid on the other end which makes for a thicker handle or leave it off for a thinner size. The chunkier ones are more comfortable if you're doing longer stints.

I hope to teach my 9-year-old DGD next time I see her.

Thanks everyone.

4mm for dk, sometimes 4.5mm if the designer suggests it. That's for flat things.
3mm if you're doing amigurumi, i.e. small toys, so that the stuffing doesn't poke through.

I use Knitpro hooks, which have an aluminium hook and a softish handle. The important thing for me is that the handle has a flat bit on it to rest my thumb on while I work.
You can get many more and prettier handles if you hold your hook like a pen and don't need the flat bit!

Google Bella Coco Crochet, and follow her instructions, you'll soon have work flying off your hook!
Also, have a look at Attic24, Lucy's work is gorgeous, and she does lots of 'little pretty things' for you to try out!
Have fun!

I use 4mm for DK and I much prefer a 'chunky handle'
Happy crocheting - my 17 year old granddaughter has just taken up this hobby, didn't need any advice from nana, she watched tutorials and is doing really well.

On the ball band of the wool it should tell you which knitting needle size and crochet hook size is usual for that wool.

However I tend to 3.5mm for double knit (I tend to crochet quite loosely). I think one of the women at our crochet group uses a 4mm as she crochets tighter and beautifully.

Not a crocheter myself but my wife is a very keen practitioner. She says the thicker is easier to hold and handle, it is what she uses. A size 4 hook is her choice. She is making squares as I type this. Hope this helps.

I generally use a 4.00mm hook for double knitting yarn. I've only ever used the old-fashioned 'thin' hooks so can't help on that front. Good luck!