How to choose a hook for yarn?

If the hook is not selected correctly, problems arise with tying the loops; they are too tight. This primarily applies to overly thin products. Using excessively thick ones may disrupt the pattern. Because of it, the tension of the thread weakens, so the product turns out loose and not so beautiful. To avoid such troubles and do the job perfectly, you need to take a responsible approach to purchasing tools. So, how to choose a hook for yarn?

Which material is better?

The answer to this question depends on the type of knitting, budget and yarn used. If the threads are woolen, thick and not too dense, then you should purchase a plastic or wooden tool. The latter is also useful when creating shawls and stoles. Well, with the help of metal, small complex patterns are created from silk and cotton threads.

Important! The bamboo hook has the best reviews. The handle does not slip, it is comfortable to hold, and it also absorbs sweat from the palms.However, such a product is more expensive than most analogues.

An openwork fabric will not work when using a plastic hook. It is not flexible and durable enough for this. Most likely it will break while being pulled through the loop. This is usually preceded by an unpleasant creaking noise. If a phenomenon occurs, it is worth replacing the tool with a model made of a different material.

At the same time, the plastic tool also has attractive characteristics:

• easy;
• costs less than other options;
• there are no problems with choosing the size and length (the range is very wide, available in all existing and required variations).

Important! A plastic hook can electrify yarn.

The aluminum hook also boasts affordable prices. This is the cheapest of metal tools, but at the same time it has most of the key advantages of products in its category:

• good glide;
• the ability to create complex patterns;
• a wide range of.

Among the shortcomings we can highlight fragility of very small and thin knitting devices. They bend as the loops are pulled through. This does not happen with steel. However, it costs more, and many needlewomen do not like the shape of the handle. For products of a combined type - steel head, handle made of another material - no such claims are made.

Important! It is worth buying combination hooks only from reliable and trusted manufacturers. Otherwise, you may stumble upon a tool whose head will fall off after a short period of use. The fault for the breakdown will not lie with the needlewoman. If the parts are initially poorly connected, then an unpleasant surprise cannot be avoided.

Criteria for choosing the right hook

1. Length. A short hook – 12–15 cm – is considered universal.Suitable for hats, toys, blankets, scarves, sweaters, suits, skirts and dresses. A long hook - more than 20 cm - has a narrow application. They are mainly used by those who practice Tunisian knitting.
2. Thickness. Ultra-thin (0.5-1 mm) are suitable for creating decorations for clothes, collars, and napkins. Thin (1–2 mm) are ideal for lightweight summer clothes, cotton and viscose. They are often used in the manufacture of children's clothing. Medium hooks (2–5 mm) are considered universal. They are used when knitting accessories and warm wardrobe items. Thick ones (6 mm or more) are perfect for dense and insulated items, and they can also be used to create capes and rugs. Most universal size: 4 mm.
3. Availability of fishing line. It is mainly in demand with the Tunisian knitting technique.
4. Head shape and quality. It should not have nicks, scratches or protrusions. Spicy is necessary, but only moderate. A dull hook will not pry well, and an overly pointed hook will tear the yarn.

Two ways to select a hook for yarn

First method:

• place the thread in the notch of the hook, pull slightly;
• look at whether the thread has filled the entire space of the recess;
• if it fills or even goes beyond the edges, then the hook is too thin;
• if there is a lot of space left to the wall, then it is too thick.

The correct hook will be the one that fits neatly and evenly into the recess. Does not protrude beyond its borders, but lightly touches them.

The second method reduces the entire process to determining the thickness of the hook by type of yarn. Memo:

• 0.5-1 mm is suitable for a thread with a length of 1600–2000 m (hereinafter calculated per 100 g of yarn);
• 1-1.5 mm is suitable for thread length 600–1500 m;
• 2-2.5 mm is suitable for thread 300–500 m long;
• 3-3.5 mm is suitable for thread length 250-350 m;
• 3–4 mm is suitable for 200 m long thread;
• 5–6 mm – for a thread with a length of 100 m or less.

Important! Large hooks are ideal for loose knitting. They are intended for half-wool and wool yarns.

Tips for a beginner knitter

1. It is very important to consider personal technology. If you knit too tightly, then you need to buy a tool 0.5-1 mm larger than recommended. Due to this, the work will proceed more quickly, hooking and pulling through loops will require less effort. It will be possible to create things that are loose in structure.
2. If the thread tension is usually weakened, that is, you knit more loosely than necessary, then you should take a closer look at hooks 0.5-1 mm less than the recommended value. Due to this, the problem with jumps in thread tension in different areas will disappear, and the finished fabric will come out much denser and more uniform.
3. It is also important to take into account that thick yarn - for example, plush - in combination with a very large hook will create “holes” - there will be a large space between adjacent threads. With some types of fancy yarn, especially long pile yarns, alternating empty spaces and tight knots can look unsightly.

Another important point - plastic hooks very often by numbers do not correspond to the classical classification. In their case, manual selection is required based on a specific thread. An even better solution would be to purchase 2-3 sets. With this approach, you will receive all the necessary equipment for the job. You won’t have to hesitate in the store and the suitable option will always be at hand.

Even if the manufacturer does not consider it necessary to adhere to the norms of the usual classification, which will become clear when knitting a trial flap, this will not lead to the regret of purchasing an incorrectly selected instrument.