Easy Crochet Techniques Every Beginner Needs to Know (No Overwhelm!)- Hold Yarn, Hook and Yarn Over

Basic Beginner Series: Step 4

Learning crochet is an exciting and creative journey. But to make this journey easy and enjoyable, it is very important to understand some basic crochet techniques properly. In this blog post we will talk about some basic steps of crochet technique that will make your overall crocheting experience smooth and enjoyable.

We will learn here:

• How to hold the yarn.
• How to hold the hook.
• What is yarn over

The first and most important step in crochet technique is to hold the yarn correctly. Why is it necessary to hold the yarn correctly? When you crochet, you have to make consistent stitches. If your stitches are too tight, too loose or uneven, your final crochet piece will not look beautiful and neat.

Holding the right yarn has a direct impact on your:

• Size of stitches – all stitches look similar and
• consistent Yarn tension – neither too tight nor too loose
• Speed and comfort – hands do not get tired
• you are able to crochet smoothly

The way to hold yarn is a little personal – every crocheter has their own style. But a common and helpful crochet technique is this:

• Place the yarn on the index finger of your left hand (if you are right-handed) You can also lap the yarn around your pinky finger to maintain tension.
• Keep guiding the yarn with your index finger – this will give you control.

As you practice, you will find your own comfortable grip that will balance the tension and make your stitches consistent.

After learning how to hold the yarn correctly, we will learn how to hold the hook. There is also a crochet technique to hold the hook. If you are not able to hold the hook properly, your stitches will be uneven and your hands will feel tired after some time. So, let’s understand: how to hold the hook?

You have two options – both are valid. You have to decide which one you feel more comfortable with.

Just like you hold a pencil to write:

• Place the hook between your thumb and index finger.
• The middle finger will support it from below.
• The movement is light and flexible.

👉 This is perfect for those people who like delicate and loose stitches.

Just like you would apply butter with a table knife:

• Hold the hook with your thumb and index finger, like a knife.
• The hand gives a little more control over the hook.
• Stitches become tight and consistent.

👉 This grip suits people whose hands work with a strong hold.

Imagine you are painting – you hold the brush in a comfortable way, right? The same logic applies here as well. If you hold the brush tight, the stroke will be hard, if you hold it softly, the painting will be smooth. Same with crochet hook.

There is no “one right way” to hold a crochet hook. Whatever grip suits your hands is the right one! Just stay relaxed, practice, and enjoy this handmade art.

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Next step in crochet technique is yarn over. You may have heard the term “yarn over” when watching videos of crochet projects or using a written pattern.

In simple terms, yarn over means bringing the yarn over the hook (or needle). In crochet, when you wrap the yarn around your crochet hook (mostly from back to front), that action is called yarn over.

• Hold your hook in your right hand (or whatever you are comfortable with).
• Hold the working yarn (which is connected to the ball) in your left hand.
• Take the hook below the yarn and then rotate it upwards so that the yarn comes above the hook.
• Now you can complete the stitch by pulling the yarn with the hook.

This movement is called yarn over.