How to Hold a Crochet Hook and Yarn: Pencil vs Knife Grip
There are two ways to hold a crochet hook — like a pencil or like a knife — and both are correct. How each works, how to wrap the yarn in your other hand for steady tension, and how to choose the grip that won't tire your hand.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Beginner
- Time
- 10 minutes
You'll need
- 5 mm (H-8) hook
- Smooth worsted (#4) yarn in a light colour
In this post
Hold a crochet hook like a pencil (between thumb and index finger, resting on your middle finger) or like a knife (overhand, with the handle under your palm). Both grips are correct; use the one that feels natural. Your other hand does as much work: it feeds the yarn with steady tension, usually by wrapping it once around the little finger and over the raised index finger, while the thumb and middle finger pinch the work just below the hook.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
Pencil vs knife grip
| Pencil grip | Knife grip | |
|---|---|---|
| How | Like a pen: thumb and index finger on the thumb rest | Overhand: handle under the palm, index finger on top |
| Movement | Small finger movements | Wrist and forearm |
| Good for | Detailed work, small hooks, amigurumi | Big hooks, chunky yarn, long sessions |
| Watch out for | Squeezing the hook | Bending the wrist |
Holding the yarn, step by step
- Hold your non-hook hand palm up. Lay the yarn (ball end) across your palm.
- Wrap it once around your little finger — this is your tension control.
- Bring it up and over the back of your index finger.
- Raise your index finger slightly: the yarn runs from the index finger to the hook.
- Pinch the work just below the hook with your thumb and middle finger, and move the pinch up as the row grows.
- Let the yarn slide through your fingers as you work — if it doesn't, unwrap the little finger.
Common grip problems
- Stitches too tight: You're squeezing the yarn — see why crochet is tight.
- Hand ache: Try the other grip or an ergonomic hook — see crochet hand pain.
- Left-handed? Mirror everything: hook in the left hand, yarn in the right. See left-handed crochet.
Next steps: the slip knot, then crochet for beginners.
Common questions
Which crochet hook grip is correct?
Both. The pencil and knife grips are equally correct; choose the one that's comfortable and gives you even stitches.
How should I hold the yarn when crocheting?
Wrap it once around your little finger and over your index finger, and pinch the work with your thumb and middle finger. The little finger controls tension.
Can I change my grip later?
Yes. Many crocheters switch to the knife grip for big hooks or when their hand gets tired.
Pencil or knife — which are you? ✏️🔪
Stuck on a step? Crochet Help & Fixes answers the most common problems — curling, shrinking, wavy circles and more.
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YarnBloom shares cozy, beginner-friendly crochet patterns written in clear US terms, with a stitch count on every round and tips for the tricky bits. Grab your hook — let’s make something lovely.
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