Reading through some posts from Fiber Arts Friday last week I noticed some questions from folks new to crochet. The question: How do you hold your work and control tension?
Since I’m still working on my alpaca shawl I thought I’d grab a couple of photos to show how I hold my work.
I like to run the yarn over my index, under my middle and over my ring and pinky. I found this method works the best for me both knitting continental style and for crochet. If I tried any other combination I ended up having to take my wedding band off because the yarn would get stuck in it.
For crochet I let the yarn stay far back on my index finger. I like to reach for the yarn and snag it with the hook. If I’m continental knitting I’ll move the yarn up past the 1st knuckle so I can control it easier and move my finger back and forth so I can knit and purl without having to change positions.
Starting Chain Tip: If you’re new to crochet and have problem with your initial chain and then attempting the next row try this. Use a hook 2x as big as what you will be using on your project for the initial chain. That will prevent you from making the tension in your starting chain too tight and make your 2nd row much easier to complete.
Hope this helps!
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I could’ve really used your description when I was learning! My Mom is left handed and I’m not, so it made how to hold the hooks and thread way more difficult than it needed to be!
It looks beautiful and you have great tutorial shots! I personally struggle with photography so I like to admire the work of others!
Thank you so much for the great info. I love the starting chain tip. I am a tight crocheter and working into the starting chain has always been a headache.
I’m not a crocheter, but the shawl is very beautiful!
The shawl looks great! I knit english style, so hold it totally different. As far as crochet, I’m a leftie, so obviously use a different hand, but I grip the yarn with my pointer finger.
Lovely shawl and thanks for the tutorial.
I’m thinking of becoming a hooker also but I wasn’t even sure if I was holding the yarn right. Your post reminded me that just like with knitting, no way is the wrong way as long as it’s comfortable and the stitches are done correctly. Thanks so much!!!!
Your shawl looks really pretty. I just started knitting again after only crocheting for awhile and I’ve decided I really have to learn continental. This whole throwing with my right is driving me crazy.
The shawl is looking lovely! I hold my yarn the same way for crocheting and knitting also, but knitting I can’t quite figure out an easy way to flit between knit and purl – something fr me to work on in future!
@Christine, I haven’t found a way to flit the yarn in between the k & p stitches either, I actually move my entire right hand — I’m a thrower.
This is interesting to read as I started crocheting last week and have been trying different ways to hold the yarn – I’ll give it a try. Your shawl is looking great BTW