One of the most important things about learning to crochet is selecting the right crochet hook for the task. The size of the hook is based on the material being used to crochet. Materials can range all the way from fine string to very heavy yarn.http://en.allexperts.com/q/Knitting-2228/Definition-heavy-yarn.htm This informative page will tell you how to buy crochet hooks.

The primary item you will need before you select your hook or hooks is the crochet pattern you want to use. You can find free downloadable crochet patterns on the Internet. http://www.lionbrand.com/content-crochetPatternIndex.html The pattern itself will often tell you what hook you need, in addition to how much material to buy.

A typical crochet pattern will start with an introduction regarding the item you plan to make, like “String Rug”. http://www.sandpoint.net/~rafter4/broom.htm The text will go on to explain what material you need to buy to make the item, like Columbia-Minerva Macrame Twine, and how much of it you need. The introduction will also tell you the size of crochet hook to use to make the item. You will see an instruction that looks like this: Crochet hook Size J

Crochet hooks are given a letter to denote the size. Sometimes the hook letter is cross/referenced with a number. The size range of the hooks is almost as vast as the choice of materials. Given the size of your hook per the instructions, you will know which size to purchase. http://www.vintage-crafts-patterns-designs.com/crochet-hook.html

The easiest and best place to find a good selection of crochet hooks is at a crafts store. The larger chains typically carry the best variety, in addition to many sources of material, and crochet patterns. If you do not have access to convenient shopping and one of these stores nearby, searching online is a good idea. http://www.joanns.com/joann/catalog/category.jsp?_DARGS=/joann/catalog/supercatleftnav.jsp.2_A&_DAV=catName&_dynSessConf=-6614599321617794642&narrowSelection=true&categoryExpand=true&categoryfullPath=All+Products////product+home////knit+%26+crochet////crochet+hooks&CATID=cat2873&supercatId=cat1780&lftsuperCatName=crochet+hooks&subCatName=crochet+hooks

However, at the crafts stores, there are people on staff, craft experts, to answer your questions and to make suggestions. This can be very helpful, especially if you are a beginner. http://www.insiderpages.com/store_finder/find/joann_fabrics Also, the craft stores frequently have displays near the craft section in question, so you can see examples of items have been made from the materials there. In the yarn section, you may find a display of something that has been crocheted with the yarn. This is very helpful in making your selection of material, which will then determine the size of the hook.

One thing that is a bit confusing is that hooks vary depending which country they come from. A crochet hook from Europe may not be the same size as a hook from the United States. It is a good idea to look at a crochet hook size chart. http://www.karpstyles.com/crochet/hook-chart.html These charts cross-reference the size conversion between the US and England, for instance. There is also metric to consider.

Another variable in crochet hooks is the number, or letter, or number and letter combination sizing. Let’s say your pattern calls for a Size J hook. If you look at a conversion chart, you’ll note that that same hook, made in the US, may be number 10 ½ or K, or both. That same hook, made in the UK will be a number 3. So be sure to look and see where the hook is made. Patterns will usually specify the cross-reference, but not always.

Many crochet craft enthusiasts choose to buy a set of hooks, rather than one hook at a time. http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/184-6957224-5069050?asin=B000WV84W8&AFID=Performics_Google%20Product%20Listing%20Ads&LNM=Primary&ref=tgt_adv_XASD0001 Here’s why. A set of hooks should range from a hook so small that is only has a number, not a letter, to a very large hook. The description in one set of 23 hooks looks like this: Hook Size: 2, 8, 0, 00, I/9, E/4, D/3, K/10.5, F/6, 5, 7, 13, H/8, 6, 4, 11, 14, G/7, 12, 9, J/10, 1, 10, 3. http://www.purplekittyyarns.com/info/crochet-hook-conversion.html This set is very comprehensive. Once you see sizes that range like this, it can get quite confusing, as they migrate from numbers to letters and back. However, a set like this with 23 hooks will prepare you for almost any possibility.

The other option is to determine the precise size you need for the pattern and material you’ve chosen and just buy that one hook and start your own set. It basically depends on whether you are a crochet expert, or just trying it for the first time.