Anatomy of a Crochet Hook

Welcome to the first in a series of posts dedicated to crochet hooks. Yip, I know, I know, it’s just some stick with a hook… but, it’s so much more than that. The magic you can create with the humble crochet hook and some yarn is only limited by your imagination—in the realm of creating fabulous clothes, accessories, and homeware, that is.

If you’re new to the wonderful and often confusing world of crochet, you may have wondered what on earth that wee hook does. In this first post, I’m going to introduce you to the anatomy of a crochet hook. This way, not only will you have an understanding of what’s being talked about in later, more in-depth posts, but you’ll understand just what it does.

Ready? Cool, let’s jump in.

Even though the hooks in the images above are different, the sections are the same. These sections are the:

• Head/point
• Throat
• Shaft/shank
• Grip/thumb rest
• Handle

Head

The head, also known as the point, is the part of the hook that inserts into a previously made stitch. The tip can be either pointed (found on inline hooks) or rounded (found on tapered hooks like the ones pictured). Of the two types of heads, neither one is better or worse than the other. And no pattern will dictate which one to use. It’s purely a matter of which you prefer or have access to.

Throat

The throat is the slopey part on the inside of the hook–where the hooked part is. This slope allows the yarn to slide into the groove of the hook, catching the yarn as you pull it through a stitch.

Shaft

The shaft, also known as the shank, is what determines the size of the hook and therefore the size of the stitches.

Grip

The grip or thumb rest, is as you might guess where you grip the hook as you work on your project. This area is also where you’ll find the hook size on a metal hook.

Handle

Handles come in a variety of lengths, girths, and finishes catering to most tastes and physical abilities. As you can see below, I opted for a silicone wrapped set for an upper limb disability.

Wrapping Up

From determining stitch sizes to making stitches that complete your new handmade beret, the simple crochet hook is an amazing tool.