A. Hold the hook between your index finger and thumb the way you hold a pencil. This method, which uses your wrist, is most often used when working with thread of light-weight yarns.

B. Hold the hook between your index finger and thumb the way you hold a knife to spread butter or cut meat. This method, which uses your shoulder muscles, is most often used when working with yarn.

Note: Whether you are crocheting with thread of yarn, use the method which is the most comfortable for you. There are no hard and fast rules about which method is correct.

1. Creating a Slip Knot

You will start your crochet project with a slip knot. To begin, slide the hook into the knot, pull the two ends of thread to tighten the knot and form a loop (1).

2. Holding the Thread

Hold the hook (which has been placed through the slip knot) in your right hand. Hold the bottom of the knot with your left thumb and index finger (2).

Hold the thread in your left hand so that it runs over the index finger, under the middle finger, over the ring finger and under the pinkie finger. Use the thread between the thumb and index finger to make the crochet stitches.

3. Yarn Over

Refers to catching the thread in the groove of the hook by bringing the thread over the top of the hook from back to front (3).

Note: All the illustrations shown are for a right-handed crocheter.