The first question that arises when you just got into learning how to crochet is how to hold the hook and the yarn. This is the simple explanation for these two questions.
Let's start with the hook.
How to Hold the Crochet Hook?
Take your crochet hook in your dominant hand (that is if you're right-handed, hold it in the right hand; if you're left-handed, hold it in the left hand).
There are two ways to hold your hook.
With the first one, hold it like you would hold a pen or a pencil. Only your index finger and thumb are holding the body about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the hook and the body remains against your middle finger. The crochet hook should be turned slightly toward you, not facing up or down; and the hook should be held firmly, but not tightly.
With the second way, try to hold your hook like you would a knife. Your hand grips over the hook. Place your hand over the crochet hook with the handle resting against the palm of your hand and your thumb and third finger gripping the thumb rest. Curl your other fingers over the hook to grip the shaft. The body of the hook usually extends about 1 inch (2.5 cm) past your index finger and thumb.
See what feels the best for you personally and try both options. When you understand what is more natural for you, it'll be easier to know what yarn holds most helpful for you.
Now let's go to the yarn hold.
How to Hold the Yarn?
First of all, it should be mentioned that there is no particular way you should hold the yarn. The right way is the way that allows you to crochet comfortably and smoothly.
Hold the yarn in your non-dominant hand (you hold the hook in the dominant hand and your yarn in your non-dominant hand). The hand that holds the yarn is responsible for controlling the tension of the yarn, which is something very important but we'll discuss this later (the tension determines how loose or tight your stitches will be).
The point of all of this is that your non-dominant hand could feed the yarn to the hook while you crochet.
Overall, there are four techniques for the yarn hold.
1). One of the most common ways to hold the yarn is over your index finger. Some crochet masters call this technique the single loop hold.
With your palm facing down, place the tail end of your yarn over the index finger. Pull yarn down along the inside of the palm and with the pinky finger and ring finger grip it firmly, but not too hard, so that the yarn could easily escape into the hook. Grip the tail end of the yarn under both your ring and pinky fingers or just your pinky finger.
2). Also one of the most popular ways to hold the yarn is when it's wrapped around your pinky finger. Some masters call it the pinky hold.
Again, with your palm facing down, take the tail end of the yarn and place it between your pinky finger and ring finger. Wrap the tail end of the yarn around your little finger. This will create a loop around the pinky finger.
Then put the tail end of the yarn over the top of your ring finger, under your middle finger, and over your index finger. Afterwards pull the yarn down along the inside of your palm and grip it with the pinky finger and ring finger.
3). Another option of yarn hold is focused on the ring and index finger. Sometimes it's called over and under hold.
Face your palm down and put the yarn under your pinky finger and then over your ring finger. Afterwards place the yarn under your middle finger and over your index finger. Then pull yarn down along the inside of the palm and grip with the pinky finger and ring finger.
4). The fourth option is focused on the index finger. Sometimes it's called the hold of a pointer finger.
Face your palm down and place the tail end of the yarn around your pointer finger and among your index finger and middle finger. Then wrap the tail end of the yarn around your ring finger, which will create a loop around your index finger. After that, bring the tail end of the yarn under your middle, ring, and pinky fingers, and grip the tail end of the yarn under both your ring and pinky fingers or just your pinky finger.
These techniques are simply a good place to start when you have no idea how to hold your yarn as you are only starting to practice the skill of crochet. Always remember to listen to what is best for you personally and choose the technique that suits you best.
Please, do try out every method and maybe even create a new one. Find what works best for you and keep crocheting!
If something seems difficult, always give yourself another try and don't worry about mistakes along the way. The most important is for you to begin crochet as much and as often as possible. This way you'll gain all skills naturally and will create so many beautiful and personal things along your journey.
Have the best time with your yarn and your hook!
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