(1) Classification of crochet hooks
- Material: There are many types of crochet hook materials, including metal, plastic, bamboo, etc. Metal crochet hooks are sturdy and durable, suitable for long-term use; Plastic crochet hooks are lightweight and relatively inexpensive; Bamboo crochet hooks have a comfortable hand feel and a certain artistic sense.
- Style: There are two types of crochet hooks: single ended crochet hooks and double ended crochet hooks. Single ended crochet hooks are widely used and suitable for most crochet projects; Double ended crochet hooks can switch between different hook heads according to different crochet needs, increasing flexibility. In addition, there is a pen style crochet hook with a handle for easy grip, suitable for beginners to use.
- Thickness: Generally, the thickness of crochet hooks is indicated by the model, such as 2/0 size, 3/0 size, etc. The larger the number of lace needles, the thinner the needle axis; Crochet hooks with extra thick hooks are indicated in millimeters after size 10/0. Novices can choose the appropriate crochet hook model based on their crochet project. Generally speaking, for crocheting small items such as hair clips and small dolls, thinner crochet hooks can be chosen, while for crocheting large items such as blankets and pillows, thicker crochet hooks are required.
(2) Suture needle
The sewing needle is thicker than a regular sewing needle, with blunt stitches to avoid hooking the crochet thread. Choose the appropriate thickness of suture needle according to the specifications of the crochet thread, or choose a suture needle with a bent tip. Suture needles are mainly used to stitch and connect various parts of the crochet fabric, and can also be used to hide thread ends.
(3) Marking buckle
Marking buckle is a very practical small tool in crochet. It can be hung on fabric for easy confirmation of the number of rows woven, etc. The most common marking buckles are safety pins or rings made of waste wire, without coils, etc. Marking buckles range from cheap plastic to beautiful handmade bead combinations. Choose a marking buckle that is slightly larger than a needle, can slide smoothly, and the beads will not hang on the fabric. It is particularly important for beginners to prepare some marking buckles when crocheting complex objects. If you have a safety pin or other small item that can pass through the needle and is not easy to slip off, it can also replace the marker buckle.
(4) Scissors
Recommend using scissors with thinner front-end and sharper edges to prevent damage to the artwork. Scissors are mainly used to break threads when a part is finished, or to handle excess thread ends after crochet is completed.
(5) Woolen yarn - Types: There are many types of yarn, including cotton thread, baby cotton, milk cotton, silk cotton, lace thread, hemp thread, mohair thread, etc. Different types of yarn are suitable for different crochet projects. For example, lace thread is suitable for crocheting small dolls, and the larger the size, the thinner the thread; Thicker wires such as ice strips, chenille, and coral fleece are suitable for crochet pillows, seat cushions, and other large items.
- Selection factors:
◦ Work size: The thicker the wire, the larger the work. If you want to make dolls, you usually choose thinner wires such as lace thread; If you want to make pillows, floor mats, etc., you need to use thicker wires.
◦ Type of work: In winter, make scarves, gloves, sweaters, etc., using warm wires such as cotton thread and wool thread; When making thinner and smaller items, choose lace or other thinner wires.
In short, when choosing crochet materials, one should choose the appropriate crochet hooks, sewing needles, marking buckles, scissors, and yarn according to their own needs and preferences, in order to prepare for creating exquisite crochet works.