When you start with the craft of crochet or get introduced by another crafter, you generally begin your journey with single-ended crochet hook. The traditional crochet hooks have a hook on one end and a stopper at another. But, later when expanding your crochet repertoire, you need to get other tools and accessories. Here, in this blog post let’s meet the double-ended crochet hook and see the various uses.
A double-ended crochet hook is a specialty tool. They are used for advanced-level crocheting. Like all crochet hooks, they are available in a standard range of sizes in different materials. Our crochet hooks are available in bamboo, wood, steel, aluminium and acrylic. The double-ended crochet hooks have two hooks on each end. The crochet hook comes with different hook sizes, basically the next corresponding number on the size chart on either end and also in options of the same hook size on both ends. The double ended crochet hooks with two different size hooks are two-in-one tools that allow crocheting with both ends. You get two sizes in one. Having them in your tool kit is a bonus.
The other option of a double-ended crochet hook, the one with the same size on both ends is useful for techniques derived from Tunisian Crochet. If you have not come across this unique crochet method, our previous blog on Tunisian crochet covers all the basics you need to know. They are longer than the typical single-ended hooks, as long as 30 cm which is perfect for Tunisian crochet techniques. If you are just starting with Tunisian crochet, read our previous blog on choosing Tunisian crochet hooks. And, in times when you need to have a double-ended crochet hook with the same size on either ends, you can also use the interchangeable Tunisian crochet hooks by joining two hooks with a cable.
If you are new to crochet and have only single-ended crochet hooks, you can look at our blog on the basic crochet stitches. Now with your double-ended crochet hooks, let’s look at what they can help with.
Multiple Projects
So, with double-ended crochet hooks of two sizes, you have the option to crochet multiple projects. You can start with crocheting a gauge swatch and if you want a size bigger or smaller, you have the option handy. A double ended crochet hook set is all the more
With Tunisian Double-Ended Crochet Hook
Tunisian Crochet in the Round
Let’s say you want to Tunisian crochet a cowl, hat, or even a sweater in rounds without seams, the Tunisian double-ended crochet hook will be perfect for you. Crochet hooks on either ends help to pick up a loop in each stitch across before you can work them off the hook in the return pass.
Two-Color Tunisian Crochet
Working on two colours on a Tunisian technique gets easier with the double-ended hook. You can work the Tunisian forward pass on the front hook and the return pass on the back hook in the same colour and different shades to create incredible colourwork patterns.
No Curling
The double-ended Tunisian crochet hook creates stitches that doesn’t curl like regular Tunisian crochet. As you are working from both sides of your project work so the natural curling is counter-acted.
Fully Reversible Projects
In comparison to regular Tunisian crochet hooks, the double ended hook is preferred because you won’t have an obvious “back”. The back of a regular Tunisian is lackluster many times but not when you have double hooks.
As we discussed above, the double-ended hook is of great help when working with two different colours. This also helps you make a reversible fabric with one side predominantly one colour while the other side is predominantly another. But, you don’t have to stop there, you can crochet other wonders. You can also make a project with one crochet stitch on one side with a different stitch on the other so you have two separate looks.
To conclude, let’s end with the thought that it is always great to learn new things and expand your repertoire. If you are still at the beginning of your crocheting journey, it may be advisable to try different hooks of good quality in order to test which type and style feel more comfortable. Very soon you will find yourself slowly easing into your own, unique crocheting style.
Happy crocheting!