Crochet
(pronounced
/kroshei) is a
process of creating fabric from yarn or thread using
a crochet hook. The word is derived from the Middle
French word croc or croche, meaning
hook. Crocheting, similar to knitting, consists
of pulling loops of yarn through other loops.
Crochet differs from knitting in that only one loop
is active at one time (the sole exception being
Tunisian crochet), and that a crochet hook is used
instead of knitting needles.
Crochet hooks come in many sizes.
Steel crochet hooks range from 3.5
to 0.4 millimeters in the size of
the hook, or from 00 to 16 in
American sizing. These hooks are
used for fine crochet work.
Aluminum or plastic crochet hooks
are available from 2.5 to 19
millimeters in hook size, or from B
to S in American sizing. There
are also many artisan-made hooks,
most of hand-turned wood, sometimes
decorated with semi-precious stones
or beads.
Crochet hooks used for Tunisian crochet are elongated and have a stopper at the end of the handle, while double-ended crochet hooks have a hook on both ends of the handle. There is also a double hooked apparatus called a Cro-hook that has become popular.
