What Is the Complete Set of Crochet Hooks?
The word "crochet" is derived from the French word "croche," meaning "hook." Crocheting is the art of creating a textile by interlocking loops of yarn or thread through other loops using a hook or a needle.
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History
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Crocheting was developed from a Chinese needlework technique called "tambouring," which was popular in Europe during the 18th Century. Crochet was used as a status symbol, as it was a common pastime for women of the upper class.
Hooks
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Crochet hooks are available in a variety of materials. Smaller hooks are available in steel and are generally used with crochet thread and lace-weight yarns. Larger hooks, used for garments, afghans and other crafts, are available in aluminum, plastic and wood.
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Sets
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Crochet hooks are available individually and in sets. A complete set of steel hooks would include 16 hooks, while a complete set of aluminum, plastic or wood hooks would include 17. The majority of crochet hook sets available contain between four and eight hooks of the most common sizes.
Sizes
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The size of the crochet hook should be matched to the ply, or thickness, of the thread or yarn. Steel hooks are available from size 00 to size 14. The larger the number, the smaller the hook. Aluminum, plastic and wooden hooks are sized by letter, from B to S, with size B being the smallest.
Identification
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Most patterns and yarn will specify the best size hook to use. Crochet hook manufacturers display the hook size in both metric and U.S. measurements on packaging, and often on the hook itself.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Zyada
