Choose the Right Hook for Miniature Crochet
PROFILE
Hi! I’m Bing. I am a fine jewelry designer living in Melbourne, Australia. My making journey started when I was 12. Crochet, knitting, sewing, embroidery, wire and bead work, carving, drawing…
Making is a big part of my life. Not only it provides a sense of achievement but also a process of discovery. Working with metals is fascinating. But working with threads provides me a different arena to play with soft constructions. I constantly study how to apply colors to projects; how to present texture; how to improve durability; how to feel good when touch…so to discover the true beauty of pure thread art. Another challenge I wish to conquer is how to simplify the process. There are always better ways to make! Here I am, to share and to learn alongside you.
crochet basics mini series #4
Miniature crochet flowers are the most enchanting way to showcase the art of creation and the hand craft techniques.
To make these little bundles of joy lively and to work efficiently, choosing the right type and size of crochet hooks is the first and foremost step to lay the foundation right.
Please note in this article I will discuss options around a crochet hook size of 1.0mm or less, given we are only talking about very fine makings.
Types of crochet hooks
What kind of crochet hook to use is very personal. Generally these are the 4 main factors to consider when choosing your ideal crochet hooks.
1. Material/made
Common materials used for crochet hooks (not handle) are:
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Plastic
- Bamboo
- Wood
Usually the harder the material the smaller the hook size. A bamboo hook at a size of 0.75mm would be easily broken off. Therefore you don’t normally find smaller sizes available in bamboo or plastic. Common crochet, i.e. when you are working with standard cotton or wool, steel or aluminum hooks are good because these threads are reasonably durable. When you work with fragile materials, such as fine silk or metal wires, steel hooks may cause problems. If you are interested in learning alternative crochet arts, please read my article on crochet jewelry.
Materials of crochet hooks are overlooked by many. Do not be overly distracted by color, durability, price, etc. It is about how you feel on your hand. I personally prefer softer hooks if it’s suitable for the project.
2. Style
From standard style to new and combined materials used to make crochet hooks, we are spoiled with the options on the market.
- All metal
- All plastic
- All wood/bamboo
- Metal hook with other material handle
In terms of handles, there are flat grip or ergonomic; sandalwood or bull’s horn; patterned or personalized…you can have it illuminated or diamond encrusted LOL… the imagination is seriously endless! Personally I don’t like extra width on the shank when it comes to miniature crochet. So mostly I use all metal hooks. But because I have sweaty hands in humid days a sandalwood handle would help to reduce slippery. I just need to sand it down to the width I’m used to. You can definitely choose the best material for you and customize accordingly.
3. Size
| Are crochet hook sizes universal? Unfortunately no. Crochet hook sizes can be confusing due to lack of standardization. For example, a hook measurement of 2.0mm, is size B in US, size 14 in UK, size 2/0 in Japan, size 5 in China… Some manufacturers now adopted metric measurements instead of a size number or letter. There is an artificial division of general crochet and lace crochet hook sizes from 2.0mm. Sizes smaller than 2.0mm are lace crochet hooks. They have different sizing systems again. It is really unnecessary to remember any of these sizing conversions, neither to worry too much about yarn weight. Remember there are simple ways to make! The size I use the most in my tutorials is 1.0mm. I will use metric sizes in all my patterns and lessons. My golden rule is to choose a hook size similar to the diameter of the yarn, which is determined by the finished size of your project. |
4. Quality
I cannot recommend more of the quality of a crochet hook. Even if you bought the most expensive one, it will not break the bank! And my, they last! I have never broken a single hook in my entire crochet life😊 My hooks do disappear though but that’s because as soon as I found a better quality one, I will replace the former.
Take a look at this picture. The one on the right (0.75mm) with a golden plated tip is brand new. There is a visible curve on the shaft. The tapering is uneven. The tip has nearly a flat cut to the throat, makes it almost impossible to hold thread. Again, at such a small size the point at the very top is doubled the one to the left (1.0mm). It may come cheap but don’t go for it please. Not worth the hassle!
CONCLUSION
Miniature crochet is more challenging for small scale details and higher level of accuracy. Choosing the right crochet hook becomes more or less a matter of succeed or failure. Physically examine the shape of the hook, feel the gripping and the material of the handle, try out a few stitches, etc. are the best ways to guarantee a quality purchase. However this is not always practical, especially buying online. The alternative is to buy from reputable brands or recommendations from experts. I am constantly in searching for high quality and low price crochet tools so I can supply the best kits for my students and customers.
MINIATURE CROCHET HOOK PURCHASE CHECKLIST
- If available, choose aluminum over steel
- Shorter tapered shaft over longer tapered shaft
- Pointier tip over rounder tip
- Moderate concave hook over flatter hook
- Evenly and well polished overall
CROCHET HOOKS TO CONSIDER
- Clover – soft touch hook set steel
- Tulip Etimo – lavender steel No 6 1.0mm, lavender steel set No 0-14 1.75 – 0.5mm
- Boye
- Birch
- Susan Bates
- Bergere De France
HANDFUL LIST OF COURSES TO MASTER CROCHET
- How to crochet natural curves
- How to manage shapes
- How to crochet textures
- Understand structures
- How to manage color variations
- Art of arrangements
- Crochet threads selection
- Crochet treatments and finishing
- How to estimate cost of crochet projects
- How to crochet a bell shape
- How to crochet frills
- How to use recycled materials
- Crochet packaging design
PROJECTS FOR SHARPENING UP YOUR SKILLS
1. Daisy (Level 3)
[Daisy Crochet Pattern] buy it now
[Daisy Step by Step Video Tutorial] buy it now
Daisy has a simple structure but impactful appearance. They will bring a lot of joy to you as a beginner project. Starting from something like this you will build up your confidence undoubtedly.
2. Dandelion Flower (Level 1)
[Dandelion Flower Crochet Pattern] download here
[Dandelion Flower Step by Step Video Tutorial] download here
Wild flowers tend to take the formation of repetition. Dandelion flower, like its famous “sibling” the dandelion, is an excellent example. Rather than a challenge for crochet skills, it’s more of a work of structure. Use the finest thread you could handle for the best result.
3. Lavender (Level 2)
[Lavender Crochet Pattern] buy it now
[Lavender Step by Step Video Tutorial] buy it now
Like the many varieties Lavender has, there are many crochet styles of this romantic flower. This beginner pattern is really simple to follow. The unique color combo and simplicity make it an eye-catching decoration on any blouses.
4. Lily of the valley (Level 3)
[Lily of the Valley Crochet Pattern] buy it now
[Lily of the Valley Step by Step Video Tutorial] buy it now
These adorable tiny blooms are hugely popular amongst crocheters. The best advantage of white flowers is they are the perfect complement to any outfit. You can try out this pattern to practice how to crochet a bell shape. Bell is one of those basic but very useful shapes constantly found in more complicated patterns.
