having a moment here, can anyone help?

**Missy** · 01-25-2004, 06:53 PM

(Crochet question) What is the difference between "steel hooks'' and regular hooks?I know I knew the answer to this once before, now I can't remember. I am having a "Dori"moment (just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming, swimming)

**Sara Noel** · 01-25-2004, 07:02 PM

I think they used to be made of steel and are now aluminum. I don't know of any difference. Maybe Dee does. I only know they come in aluminum, plastic, wood, ivory, bone etc.

*edited to add* Maybe they are a different size internationally like when Dee posted that conversion chart.

**Missy** · 01-25-2004, 07:04 PM

That's what I was thinking too, then I saw in a pattern that specifically requires a steel hook, so that's what threw me.

I am easily confused today... LOL

**Sara Noel** · 01-25-2004, 07:05 PM

I saw this just now...
http://www.yarnfwd.com/steelhookconv.html

**SewCrafty** · 01-25-2004, 07:08 PM

Steel hooks are tiny and used for mainly thread crochet, i.e. doilies, bedspreads etc....

**SewCrafty** · 01-25-2004, 07:11 PM

The 'regular' hooks are made out of aluminum, plastic, bone or bamboo. Sizes are from a B-Q. You can use these for baby yarn to big chunky yarns.

These are the new Crystalites™ hooks.

**Sara Noel** · 01-25-2004, 07:14 PM

Wow, I wonder if I'd like working with those. I'll admit that I like aluminum and am not sure I'd like any other.

I didn't realize the smaller hooks were steel. Thanks for that.

**Missy** · 01-25-2004, 07:16 PM

does that chart mean that:

A.) Steel hooks are all tiny? 1.5mm is a sz 8 -which is what this pattern calls for, a sz 8

B.) I cannot substitute an aluminum hook for a steel hook

I am just wondering...lol because I have aluminum hooks. Except for one sz 5 steel hook of 1.9mm.

**Missy** · 01-25-2004, 07:17 PM

oooh i want the chrystalites...because i like the bright colors, lol.

**SewCrafty** · 01-25-2004, 07:21 PM

Melissa, Yes as far as I know in the states, steel hooks are always tiny and used for thread crochet.
What are you making? What type of yarn/thread are you using?

Right off hand not knowing, I would say no you can't use an aluminum hook.

**Missy** · 01-25-2004, 07:25 PM

a book mark with sz 10 crochet thread. I have the sz 5, but i don't know if it would be way too away from the size i am supposed to use ...sz 8

**SewCrafty** · 01-25-2004, 07:38 PM

You should be okay, it may be a little more of an open looking stitch when you are done is all.

If you were making a ladies top or something I would say no. The reason being in a clothing pattern (especially) you have to work the pattern gauge. Other wise your project would not come out right.

1st time crocheting with thread?

If it is, go slow, cotton thread does not have the elasticity of wool or acrylic yarns and a little hook takes some getting used to. Don't be surprised if you drop a lot of stitches and you hand cramps up.

**Missy** · 01-25-2004, 07:58 PM

should i use the smallest aluminum hook i have or the only steel hook i have?

**SewCrafty** · 01-25-2004, 08:03 PM

Originally posted by smnoel
Wow, I wonder if I'd like working with those. I'll admit that I like aluminum and am not sure I'd like any other.

I didn't realize the smaller hooks were steel. Thanks for that.

Sara, I didn't think I would like plastic either, I have always used aluminum. But while I was in the store the other day I took one of the Crystalites out of the package to see what it felt like, oooo I think I like them!

I have a pretty big hand, last night crocheting a new rug with a K hook and double strand of yarn, my hand ached so bad I had to stop. The end of the hook hits just beyond the middle of my palm and was making it sore. The new Crystalites go beyond my palm, they are about 1½" longer than the aluminum ones.

I just may be picking up a set of those, and a plus, they aren't too expensive.