Q&A for How to Hold Yarn for Crochet

Loop the yarn once around your pinkie before passing it under the third and middle fingers and over the index finger.

One way to keep your tension even is to make sure you’re holding the yarn and hook comfortably. Make sure the hook is in your dominant hand and the yarn is in your non-dominant hand. Pull your yarn from the center of the skein as you work, and wind your yarn into a cake before you start. You can also use a tension regulator (a crocheted tube that fits around your index finger) to help control the tension. You’ll pull the yarn for your project through the regulator as you work.

This can happen if your crochet is either too loose or too tight. Using a tensioner may help prevent this. You can also ensure more even tension by using a hook that’s appropriately sized for the yarn you’re using.

It depends a bit on your personal preference. Ideally, hold your hands in a way that feels comfortable to you. For example, you might try pinching the yarn between your middle and pointer fingers, while gripping the crocheted portion of the yarn between the tips of your thumb, middle, and ring fingers. Experiment around to find a technique that feels comfortable to you.