There are two accepted grips and one job for your other hand. Here is how each works, how to get even tension, and what to do when your hands ache.
By Susi, founder of Crochets · left-handed since day one · updated September 2026
There are two ways to hold a crochet hook: the pencil grip (hold it like a pencil, resting between thumb and index finger) and the knife grip (hold it like a knife, hand over the top). Neither is more correct — try both for ten minutes each and keep whichever feels steadier and does not ache. Your other hand holds the yarn and controls tension.
With the pencil grip the hook sits between your thumb and forefinger, pointing slightly down, and your movement comes from the fingers. Many people find it precise for fine work. With the knife grip your palm is over the hook and the movement comes from the wrist and arm, which a lot of crocheters find less tiring for long sessions and chunky yarn. Most people naturally prefer one; there is no wrong answer.
Your non-hook hand carries and tensions the yarn, and this is where even tension really comes from. A common wrap: take the yarn from the ball, over your little finger, under the ring and middle fingers, and over the index finger, which becomes a "yarn post" you lift to feed yarn. If your stitches are too tight, loosen this hand, not your grip on the hook.
Everything mirrors: hold the hook in your left hand and tension the yarn in your right. Hooks are symmetrical, so there is no such thing as a left-handed hook to buy. Learn from mirrored tutorials rather than flipping right-handed videos in your head — the left-handed crochet guide covers the whole thing, and every stitch in the dictionary has a left-handed video.
Aching hands usually mean you are gripping too hard or your hook handle is too thin. Loosen up, take breaks, and try an ergonomic hook with a soft, fatter handle. Warm hands cramp less. If pain persists, stop and rest — crochet should not hurt.
There are two accepted holds: the pencil grip (like holding a pencil) and the knife grip (hand over the top like holding a knife). Try both and keep whichever feels steady and comfortable; neither is more correct.
Many beginners find the knife grip less tiring because the movement comes from the wrist and arm rather than the fingers, but it is personal. Spend ten minutes with each and choose the one that does not make your hand ache.
Weave the working yarn through the fingers of your non-hook hand, commonly over the little finger, under the middle fingers and over the index finger, which you lift to feed and tension the yarn.
Usually because you are gripping too tightly or the hook handle is too thin. Loosen your grip, take regular breaks, and try an ergonomic hook with a padded handle.
No. Hooks are symmetrical and work in either hand. Left-handers simply hold the hook in the left hand and tension yarn with the right.
Pattern designer, yarn amounts, row counters and every stitch in the hand you crochet with. No card needed.
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