A while back I posed a question: How do YOU hold your hook and yarn? After all, you’ve most likely seen one of my videos, and you know how I do it, but that doesn’t mean it’s the “right” way – it’s just *my* way! Well, I got lots and lots of emails and photos – and these are the results!
You all are amazing! I got nearly 60 submissions of photos, and I even received a video, and a gif! And they came from all over the world. Such a treat! So I didn’t want to rush it!
The first step was to sort them into virtual piles, based on how the hook is being held – knife hold vs pencil hold. At first it looked to be about 50/50… but soon one showed a clear dominance. I also got lots of photos from left handed people (some of whom crochet right handed)! Here’s a great look at left handed, knife grip crochet, by Susan Mielechowsky:
But sorting any further by how the yarn is tensioned… impossible! There are nearly as many ways to tension the yarn as there are grains of sand in the world. Okay, so that’s a slight exaggeration, but it really drives home the point that if it works…. it works!
So let’s take a look! First, the people who use the pencil grip. This is the same grip I usually use in Moogly videos (and even when no one is watching). Pencil grip, aka underhand grip, simply means that the length of the handle rests above the hand. The fingers can be in a variety of positions, and many of you mentioned that they tend to move around as you work. Here are some photos you all sent in of the pencil grip:
On the other hand (no pun intended) there’s the knife grip! Also known as the overhand grip, this position means that the length of the hook is beneath the palm of the hand holding it. Again, the fingers can be in any position – check out this variety! This was the far and away winner for popularity!
And did you see all the different ways the yarn is being tensioned? There were a couple who wrote in who hold their yarn and hook in the same hand! For some, this is just the way they learned. For others, it’s a way of dealing with dexterity problems or other hand issues. Here’s a great photo of this type of technique, sent in by Tianna Byrtus:
This one is a lot of fun too. The hands aren’t too unusual…. but Pony uses her toes to help keep the yarn flowing out of the skein! Efficient!
Not sure how the yarn and hook in the same hand can work? Here’s a gif sent in by Zindy, showing off her method!
I was also fascinated by these photos sent in by Zipporah Sutton, who uses a homemade assistive tool to help her hold the yarn! So clever!
And Jill Doucette sent me a video via Instagram – and if you’re on Instagram, you’ll want to CLICK HERE to check it out – she crochets with just her left hand, with the hook held between her knees! So impressive! Here’s a still photo (but go watch the video, it’s so great!!):
Isn’t it amazing, all the different ways we all crochet? And the most important thing to remember is that they are ALL correct. While this was by no means a scientific poll, it’s been so much fun seeing all your photos and reading all your messages. And I think we have a huge variety here to see!
If you are having fun, not in pain, and getting the stitches you want, then it’s all absolutely okay. If you are having pain in your hands, then maybe try mixing it up! Let’s keep crochet happy!
Thank you so much to everyone who sent in their photos, notes, and more. This post was put together out of the joy and generosity of everyone who reads Moogly, and I am so grateful you’re all here!
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Zarnaz says
OMG! So many people use the knife grip??? I learned how to crochet from watching your videos, and thought that I was holding the hook wrong when I saw how you do it, so I tried to use the pencil grip. But it made my hand ache so much that I had to switch back to knife grip. Now seeing all those photos I’m relieved that many people do it the same way… 😀
And thank you so much for including all those photos! We feel honoured! 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
😀 I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I was honestly expecting more 50/50, but I don’t know why – almost everyone I know who crochets in person uses the knife grip.
Ackta says
So interesting! I loved seeing all of these! It made me realize that I keep switching between both grips, depending on the yarn, stitch, hook and project. I’ll make fabric with the knife grip but amigurumi with the pencil grip; and the heavier the yarn, the more I tend towards knife grip and vice-versa. Also, I find the Furls crochet easier to knife grip and the Amour crochet easier with the pencil grip. So weird.
Tamara Kelly says
Yes, I found the same! Thank you Ackta!
Georgia says
How else would they crochet but in person. lol
Jeanne B. says
I came to crochet from knitting, so holding the hook with a knife grip felt more natural to me. (I also knit continental, so I didn’t have to adjust from right-handed throwing to left-handed tensioning.) I’ve tried using pencil grip but it hurts my hand, too. I was treated for computer-induced carpal tunnel some years ago, cannot write legibly anymore, and can’t hold pencil things either. Thank goodness for knife-grip!
mary m young says
I too am a leftie and taught myself how to crochet in 1970 from a magazine article. Naturally it
taught the right handed way……. The only way I could master it was with the knife grip as well.
My mother said that way was the German way. So I moved on to knitting and had difficulty
throwing it with my right hand. I then learned the Continental way and it was a natural even though
it was my right hand. So you are not alone………..glad to know that there is someone else out
there in the world like me.
Pam says
Super interesting! Thanks for taking the time to put this post together 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
🙂 Thank you Pam!
Georgia says
Amen!
Heidi brooks says
This is great, T! I am a person who swaps back and forth between overhand & underhand to relieve stiffness & cramping from arthritis. Did very many people tell you they swapped? Or was it pretty much just people sticking to one way of holding the hook & yarn? I really enjoyed all these pictures. 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
Most people seemed to stick to one, but there were a few who mentioned they swap back and forth – including me! 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
KATHY HART says
I am a switch hooked and switch holds when switching hands…right handed is the utensil (knife or overhand…left handed is the pencil hold), but I am right dominate so the utensil hold is me…my daughter is the opposite of me, she does pencil for right and utensil for lefty…she is left dominate so utensil is her choice…
Tamara Kelly says
I think crocheting with both hands is so impressive!!
Dara says
Yay knife grip 🙂 I have tried the pencil grip but just end up fumbling the hook and dropping it LOL. Really neat to see how everyone does it!
Tammy says
This is interesting! As a life long crocheter, I’ve found that by using the knife method, I do not have the hand/wrist problems that others have who use the pencil method. The pencil method involves much more swiveling of the wrist. Plus, I know this from crocheting with other people, the knife method gives me more control and allows me to crochet much, much faster than others using the pencil method – so, I’m “Knife Hold” all the way! But, whatever works – just keep crocheting!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 I agree Tammy!
Georgia says
Fascinating! I’m a knife wielder… I mean holder.
Tracee says
Thanks for this. Many years ago I was crocheting in a hospital waiting room when two women who were sitting across from me looked at each other and said Oh my God look how she’s holding the hook and her yarn! Being self taught I thought I was doing it all wrong and refused to hook in public for years after that. Afraid of what “real crocheters” would think. Now I don’t care mostly because I’m getting older. But I’m glad that you are showing others that it’s OK! If it’s comfortable for you then it’s the right way 🙂 Hook on my beautiful crochet sisters!!
Tamara Kelly says
<3 Thank you so much Tracee!
Gina Langridge says
I was really interested to see how other people tension their yarn. It’s so varied!
Tamara Kelly says
Yes, very much so!
Tabitha says
I am so overjoyed to see so many that hold their hook and yarn in the same hand! I have never met anyone else who does that and I get a whole lot of “you crochet weird”, lol. I am so happy to find out that I am not alone. Love it!
Tamara Kelly says
Unusual, but not “wrong” and not alone! 😀
Susan says
As a long time sufferer of rheumatoid arthritis, I find that the knife grip is easier on the hand joints. I can crochet for longer times using this grip. Interestingly, I have more problems with my elbows after crocheting for many hours, actually developing tennis elbow! My physical therapist and I had to work to discover ways for me to prop up my arms to relieve tension on my arms while I crochet!
Tamara Kelly says
I’m so glad she was able to help you!
Susie says
I was developing problems with my elbow from holding my cock with a knife grip. Once I switch to pencil grip the problem went away. And thankfully, I was able to develop enough speed that I wasn’t driving myself crazy.
Tamara Kelly says
I’m so glad the switch helped you Susie!
Lesley says
I remember crocheting while waiting for a bus in Japan. An older lady came up and tried to help me, (I taught myself how to crochet so I seem very awkward while doing it) of course I didn’t understand a word she said. It was really nice of her to help the gaijin though!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 What a fun memory! Thank you Lesley!
Karla Cook says
I use the pencil grip. I can do the knife grip but it feels “wrong” to me, and I think I hook faster with the pencil grip. I would have guessed the knife grip is more common because I do occasionally get comments on how I hold my hook.
Tamara Kelly says
I really think it’s up to the individual! 🙂 And even then, it can change over a lifetime!
Dallas says
I was interested to see that almost everyone in the photos uses their index finger to tension their yarn. I’ve never seen anyone do that here in Australia. We all seem to use our middle finger. Is it a ‘Northern Hemisphere’ thing do you think?
Tamara Kelly says
How interesting!! That could certainly be the case… Maybe it’s because the middle finger is used for rude gestures and we don’t want to accidentally “flip off” others while we crochet lol!
Zindy says
Well, I’m Australian at least! But, I’ve seen people tensioning with index finger too. Maybe it’s a regional thing for you?
Laurine says
My mother taught me to crochet int the early 1970’s. She always used the delicate pencil grip. I never could get it to feel normal. Not matter how hard I tried. Whether I was using steel or aluminum hooks. It know it frustrated her, but she finally left me alone about it. I still love to crochet and I don’t believe there is a right or wrong way to make something that brings so much joy, to me and my friends and family!!!!!
Tamara Kelly says
I’m so glad you persevered Laurine! 😀 Nowadays someone’s just as likely to tell the pencil gripper they’re wrong!
Annissa Chheng says
What a wonderful share. I crochet in public and use the knife grip. I’ve had strangers tell me I’m doing it all wrong. LOL So fun seeing everyone’s hold!!
Tamara Kelly says
Nope, if anything, you might be in the majority! 😀 Thank you!
pam FAirchild says
THANK YOU so much for posting. I had strokes (20) in March and am doing well but I have been frustrated because I hold my yarn & tension it with my left hand. I’ve yet to find a way to make it work but this gives me hope that I’ll find a new way if I can’t get my hand to work like it use to.
Tamara Kelly says
Oh my gosh! I’m so impressed with your tenacity Pam! ♥
Angel says
Great post! Luv seeing all the different methods. Thank you!!
Tamara Kelly says
🙂 Thank you Angel!
Laura says
Love this! Holding the hook and yarn in the same hand; so cool!
My son, who just turned three, told me the other day that he wanted to crochet. I tried to get him to finger crochet but no, he wanted a hook. The green one. (Thankfully a 6.5mm with a hefty handle.) I got out some bright yellow scrap yarn and held the hook over his hand and just slowly went through the motions of chaining a bit and the single crocheting to make a “scarf”. After a while it dissolved into him holding the hook straight up and me maneuvering the yarn and swatch around it. I was quite surprised at how quickly I adapted and the work didn’t look to bad! Had to share my story after seeing the woman who holds the hook with her knees. =) I have also seen a tutorial where the lady was missing all or most of almost all of her fingers and her work looked great! Get’er done!
Tamara Kelly says
♥ What a great day for you and your son! I loved reading that, thank you!
Maria Andrade says
Hello from Portugal.
Do you know the portuguese method of knitting?
My two hooks are like crochet hooks, and the yarn comes from your neck.
And my crochet is pencil!
Maria
Tamara Kelly says
Hello Maria! I’ve heard of Portuguese knitting, but I have yet to see it in action. It sounds amazing!
Maria Andrade says
Thank you for your attention.
An idea of how it is , see
https://youtu.be/Ti6DhWYBfrk
the 2 hooks are not like mine, but it works.
kiss from Portugal 🙂
Maria Andrade says
Sorry for a new reply
To purl is very easy and quick in lhe portuguese method ( not so much in knitting)
https://youtu.be/VK5hYxupNcM
Maria
Kim domingue says
Tamara, Thanks for taking the time to put this post together and thanks to everyone who took the time to send in photos and videos. It was fascinating to see how many variations there are and lots of fun looking to see if anybody holds their hook just like me ( that would be a “no” by the way). I use a knife grip but if you can imagine a baby clutching a spoon when she’s first learning how to feed herself…..that will give you a fairly good mental image of how I hold my hook. I do have to admit that I was surprised that the knife hold seems to be more popular…..I would have bet good money that more folks used the pencil hold! I’ve tried repeatedly to use the pencil hold but my hand just goes stupid on me and refuses to cooperate! I do find that the fingers of the hook holding hand do not stay in a static position as I crochet though. They are constantly adjusting as I stitch. Does everyone else find that their fingers shift constantly?
Anyway, stitch on in whatever way suits you best and make beautiful things!
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much Kim! I know my fingers shift a lot too – I think it helps prevent some hand fatigue, but honestly, at least for myself, it’s not really a conscious choice to move it around. 🙂
Nina says
I learned to crochet using the pencil grip almost 50 years ago and using the knife grip feels very foreign to me. I’ve tried it many time, but it just doesn’t work.
If my hands are tired or if I think of it when I start crocheting, I wear those stretchy orange or blue gloves and they seem to keep my hands and wrists from aching.
Marrie says
Please post more like these! This is fun to share how we master Crochet art ♥ DO MORE ♥
barb says
Yarn and hook in same hand looks like a knitter learning to crochet. So many knitters I know say they cannot learn to crochet!
Lynda Nelson says
I missed the survey on how we hold our crochet hooks but I do have something a little unique to add. I do use the knife methog and have been using it for over 60 years. I found this little helpful Hannah, made the pattern (have made several more for different projects) and find it very useful for my arthritic hands.
It is called the Even Easier Crocheter’s Finger Saver and you can find it at here: A pattern for thread crochet by Cara Louise Reitbauer, Heritage Heartcraft, http://www.HeritageHeartcraft.com
Please check it out as it might be a really nice alternative for us older slightly handicapped crocheters to use.
Tamara Kelly says
Great resource, thank you Lynda!
Wendy Smolinsky says
I’m with Zindy. Same hand and wrap it over. ?
Michelle melfi says
Thanks for sharing all these different ways for holding a hook! I just purchased 4 Furls hooks for my birthday last month too! I can’t wait to try them!!!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 I hope you enjoy them Michelle! Happy belated birthday!
Andy Chen says
I know a couple of people who hold their hook and yarn in their right hand, it looks like throwing in knitting. I personally hold my yarn in my left and hook in my right. Even though I use the knife grip, there’s actually MORE wrist movement in both hands than if I were to do a pencil grip. It doesn’t bother me though and I do occasionally switch if I happen to be crocheting for a long time, which I rarely do. Hey, I live in NYC, got stuff to do!
Tamara Kelly says
The Knife holders I know are very fast crocheters! 🙂
Jimmye Dorman says
My mom taught me to crochet when I was about 7. She always used the pencil grip, but I still (at 51) use the knife grip. I have taught a few friends and two of my daughters to crochet and I think they all use the knife method. One actually says she holds her hook like a club! Anyway, I figure what ever works is good.
Tina says
Nice to see I’m not the only one who crooks a finger to control my yarn tension. I can do the finger wrapping that most do.
Karen thomas cedergren says
I am a lefty. I use the knife grip with my left hand and also hold my yarn in the same hand. I tried learning 1,000 years ago from by very proper Brit grandmother who was right handed. I could not make the mirror image work. I finally bought a Coats & Clark learn how book for the then price of 10 cents and taught myself. It isn’t pretty, but the things I make are! Taught myself to knit with the same book. I have been knitting and crocheting for 57 years! The one thing I wish I had kept track of was how many yards of yarn and thread I have gone through in my lifetime. I wonder if I would have had enough yards to go around the world?
Thanks for such an interesting survey!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 I’m so glad you enjoyed it Karen! And I’m glad you were able to figure it out eventually!
Linda says
This is such a delight to see, I have always crocheted with hook and yarn in the same hand and have thought for years I was wrong. I’m so pleased there are others like me….yipeee! I’m not weird :o)
Diane S says
To add my two cents worth; I also use the overhand grip and women in my group have changed from the pencil to overhand which eased their wrist and hand pain.
mary m young says
I am wondering if the pencil grip is a traditional way of doing it and the knife wielding way is new fangled in the last
50 years? I remember seeing older ladies crochet the pencil grip when I was young……….just a thought.
Tamara Kelly says
That’s an interesting thought, and could very well be! I would think that the knife grip would be used first, because it’s closer to how you hold knitting needles, and of course knitting is much older, but that’s just a wild guess!
NINA says
I learned many years ago using the pencil grip and I have a tough time using the knife grip. I am ready to buy my first Furls hook, and I see where you commented on it being easier with the knife grip. Is there a huge difference? Does it lose much by using the pencil grip?
I am ready to purchase it, but I want to make sure that I will be able to take advantage of it qualities only using the pencil grip.
Tamara Kelly says
I use it with the pencil grip all the time! 🙂
Nina says
Thanks Tamara. I didn’t see your reply and I just posted basically the same question. I wasn’t notified of your reply.
Anyone else using the pencil hold????
Nina says
I am a pencil hold gal for 40+ years. I think that older crocheters were taught to use that hold as I was. At some point in time after that, people started using the knife hold. I find it difficult to use the knife hold – I’ve tried and tried, but have always stayed with the pencil hold.
I am waiting for my Furls wooden hooks to arrive and I am hoping that they will be comfortable with the pencil hold.
Are any of you using a Furls hook using the pencil hold … or did you have to switch to the knife hold for comfort and ease of using it?
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO MY FELLOW HOOKERS.
Peta says
Just found this. Brilliant. I was playing with the method uses this morning, before I saw the video. Having knitted for so long, I’m habituated and my left hand really gets sore holding the thread. Also do you Zipporah would be willing to give me the DIY for the thread holder. I think it’s brilliant and would be so helpful for people with arthritis. Really happy I found you.
Tamara Kelly says
🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed it Peta!
Pat says
I learned to knit as a child holding the needle under my palm so when I started teaching myself to crochet I held the hook in the same fashion. I noticed, however, that my wrist tired more quickly crocheting than knitting. I realized that it was partly due to the fact that knitting I hold the yarn on the right and use my fingers to wrap the yarn around the needle. Crocheting I hold the yarn on the left and was doing much more hand/wrist movement when wrapping the yarn. So I gave it a try holding the hook pencil style and found I then used my fingers more for the hook movement that wraps the yarn and my wrist doesn’t tire as quickly. So you can add one more to the pencil tally. 😉
Tamara Kelly says
😀 I’m so glad you found a method that helped with the pain and made it more enjoyable for you! Thank you!
April says
I use the knife grip and for the first time last week my carpal tunnel flared up after just a short time of crocheting (granted I am trying to quickly finish a blanket for my son so there have been some very loooong crochet sessions each day) and the pain lasted for several days. Are there a specific set of ergonomic hooks that work well for people who use the knife grip?
Tamara Kelly says
That’s a great question! There are three basic kinds of ergonomic hook – padded, shaped, and flat. NOTE: These are my own names for them, not any sort of official classification!
The padded ones are basically just thicker handles – like a boye or bates with a bigger but still round handle on them. A good example would be Ergo Hooks, or Clover Amour Hooks.
The shaped ones are the ones like Furls, or Addi Swings, where the handle has a specific shape that is supposed to be ergonomic.
The flat ones have handles that are a bit thicker than the boye or bates, but wider and flat. A good example would be Clover Soft Touch.
For the knife grip, if you turn from the wrist or arm and like to keep your hook still inside your hand, the Clover Soft Touch might be best, but if you like to move your hook around inside your hand, then one of the rounder options is more likely to help you. 🙂
I hope that helps!
Samia says
Yes, that’s good advice. And your classification is just fine, Tamara!
I have found that simply buying or making some sort of cushion is the way to go with thin or too-flat hooks. (I use pencil grip only.) When I was younger I struggled with thin hooks because that was all there was. Then I stopped crocheting for 25 years and lo and behold, look at the variety they have now.
Michele says
I know this post is old, but I want to thank you for it a million times! I have just In this last year really fallen in love with crochet. I’ve been making a bag for a friend, using cotton yarn and a small hook, going for a dense fabric. I’ve started having pain in my hand even after short crochet sessions.
This post has shown me that I can try the knife grip to ease the pain, and your comment on types of hooks is *so* helpful. I was scared I was going to have to give up crochet! Hey, I can hold the hook between my knees if I have to!
Thanks so much for all you do!
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Michele! You are so welcome! I’m glad it’s given you a direction to try – be sure to take a break and do some stretches every hour or so too. https://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/11/hand-stretches-for-knitters-and-crocheters/
EMily mac says
I’m just now Coming to this article, and I love it! I especially love seeing the different tensioning holds. I’m a left-handed knife wielder, and I hold hook and tension the exact same way as the lady holding with her toe (and I also use my toes sometimes!).
I taught myself how to crochet left-handed from a book by just mentally flipping everything L-R. I crochet all my patterns in reverse, and I’ve been doing it long enough that I forget I’m doing it, so occasionally I’ll look at a progress photo and freak out, until I remember I’m doing it backwards. XD
I love that there are many paths to achieve the same goal.
Tamara Kelly says
😀 How neat! Thank you for sharing Emily!
mandy Armstrong says
Hi…..Thank goodness I found this page!!!!! I’m in the process of teaching myself to crochet (but struggling at the moment to remember all the stiches lol!!) and being a lefty, and using the knife hold, I thought i was doing it all wrong as the majority of videos/pictures i looked at used the pencil hold. Know i know that ‘anything goes’ lol!!! Thank you so much!!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 I’m so glad you found it Mandy! Whatever works for you (and feels good!) is great – it’s just all about the stitches!
Donna says
Wow I’m in a majority with my knfe grip? I’m the only person I know who holds the hook like that. Like others I’ve tried the pencil grip but it’s awkward and makes my wrist ache so I’ve stuck with what feels natural.
I do like the idea of trying different ways to hold the yarn though, I was taught to hold it (when I was learning to knit shh) with the yarn held over my middle finger but over the years that’s changed to my index finger, I might give holding it in the same hand as the hook a go.
Thank you and all the fabulous crafty ladies who send in their pics, it’s been an eye opener.
Tamara Kelly says
I’m so glad to hear it! It really is about the end result – and your hand health! Other than that, it’s all good!
GSF says
Susan’s method of holding the yarn wrapped around her left forefinger may be my salvation. I am re-learning crochet, use a knife hold, have good tension with the “usual” holds, but my hands are double-jointed and my left forefinger was not happy. I think the forefinger wrap (using the left ring and little finger to help control tension) will work well.
Thanks so much!!!
Tamara Kelly says
Oh I’m so glad to hear this helped! 😀 Yay!!
Jean e says
I just saw this article & had to comment. I’ve been a knitter for 50+ years & only took up crochet about 4 years ago and LOVE it. I use the knife grip & really tried to stick my index finger up to tension the yarn but it seemed so foreign & uncomfortable to me so I gave up. I just lace the yarn through my fingers & hold my work with my index finger, it may be the reason my stitches are not as long as they should be, but I believe in comfort above all, I just sometimes have to do an extra row. By the way great article & people are really inventive in their crochet passion! Thank you!
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Jean! I’m so glad you enjoyed it – and that you’ve found a way to make crocheting comfortable for you! ♥