Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

HOOK REVIEW – PLASTIC HOOKS

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plastic crochet hooks

Plastic crochet hooks are sometimes a harsh reality of our lives! For many years, when we needed any hook larger than a K, we had to find a plastic hook. Plastic hooks are cost effective, as in inexpensive, but they aren’t typically wonderful hooks. Some of them are prettier than others, but they all share a couple of inherent problems.

plastic Q hook crochet

The good old Q hook.
Problem #1 – finish. Most plastic hooks have mold marks. This is the line that runs around the length of each hook and can be especially problematic at the head of the hook. Fortunately, there is usually a quick fix for this problem – an emery board! I have used an emery board on every plastic hook I’ve ever purchased new. I ran across an older set of inline plastic hooks at a thrift store years ago and jumped at them since they had a silky smooth finish. No idea of brand!

crystallite plastic crochet hooks

Crystallite hooks.
Problem #2 – drag. Yarns don’t like these hooks. The old Q and S hooks were easier to use because we weren’t trying to create a closely gauged fabric. Smaller plastic hooks were more problematic. Newer plastic hooks like the Crystallites have a slicker finish that solves some of this problem. But, I still have issues with drag on any plastic hook. In those super large sizes, like Q, R, S, and T, I will spend the money for a finely finished Jenkins hook since I know they’ll last my entire lifetime and I’ll get my money’s worth out of them over time.

plastic-cro-hooks-2.gif

Lion Brand Plastic Hook.
There are plenty of other plastic hooks available at the mass marketers. They’re cheap, colorful, and have their place in your hook holder, but they’ll never replace those great metal and wood hooks that we can purchase for our tool kits.

Comments

  1. I was having the exact conversation with my friend yesterday. If I lose any of my treasured ancient hooks I find it so hard to replace them.I bought a set of crystalite hooks and gave them away as I could not use them. I struggle with some wooden hooks as the hooks aren’t properly finished off and drag on the yarn and so do not hook cleanly. I don’t expect to pay lots of money for a hook I have to emery board before I can use it plus I don’t like the over long handles with the fancy carvings on them. Come on manufacturers – make us a good hook!

  2. I wondered if rubbing the plastic hook with wax paper would help as much as it does for the metal hooks?

    Glenda

    GLENDA, what a great idea.  Why didn’t I think of this??? Will have to give it a try.  Thanks for the hint.  jd

  3. I used to work at Super Yarn Mart(I think I just dated myself) and 80% of the plastic hooks we sold were returned due to wear and tear. The necks would start thinning out from the friction of the yarn rubbing across the neck.

Have you read?

How to Crochet the Suzette Stitch: An Easy Textured Crochet Stitch for Beginners

Learning a crochet stitch is much more satisfying when you have an actual project waiting at the end of it. The Suzette stitch is especially versatile because its dense, softly textured fabric works for everything from practical cotton washcloths to cosy scarves, hats and blankets.

Here are some Suzette stitch crochet patterns worth adding to your project list.

Suzette Stitch Baby Blanket

The free Suzette Stitch Baby Blanket pattern from Premier Yarns uses the stitch to create a softly textured crochet blanket with a subtle tweed-like appearance.

This would make a lovely handmade baby shower gift, particularly when worked in a washable baby yarn. The stitch creates more visual interest than plain single crochet without introducing large holes that may catch tiny fingers.

Easy Suzette Stitch Blanket

The Suzette Stitch Blanket pattern by Stitching Together is another approachable blanket project for crocheters who enjoy a relaxing stitch repeat.

This is the sort of project you can keep beside the sofa and work on a few rows at a time. Just keep an eye on those skipped stitches—television crochet is wonderful until an extra stitch quietly sneaks in three episodes earlier.

Casey Suzette Stitch Scarf

The free Casey Scarf crochet pattern uses the Suzette stitch through most of the design, producing a cosy scarf with a softly scalloped, zigzag-like texture.

It is a good first wearable project for beginners because scarves do not require complicated shaping. You can also adjust the length fairly easily or use a self-striping yarn and let the colour changes do the decorative work for you.

Quick Suzette Crochet Scarf

For another scarf option, try this free Suzette Stitch Scarf pattern from Hooked by Robin.

The designer includes written instructions and a video tutorial, making it helpful for visual learners who prefer watching the stitch placement before beginning. It is designed as a quick project and would make a practical last-minute handmade gift.

Suzette Colour Block Scarf

The free Suzette Colour Block Scarf pattern is a cheerful option for using several coordinating yarn colours.

Colour blocking also makes this a handy stash-busting crochet project. You can use leftover yarn from other makes, although it is worth choosing yarns of the same weight and similar fibre content so the sections behave themselves after washing.

Chunky Suzette Stitch Beanie

The free Chunky Suzette Stitch Beanie crochet pattern turns the textured stitch into a warm winter hat.

Chunky yarn helps the pattern work up quickly and makes the raised texture especially noticeable. This would be a useful project for craft stalls, charity donations or quick handmade Christmas gifts.

Hazel Textured Crochet Beanie

The free Hazel Beanie crochet pattern combines simple ribbing with the Suzette stitch.

The ribbed brim gives the hat a neat, finished appearance while the Suzette stitch adds texture to the main body. It looks more complicated than a basic crochet beanie but is still built from familiar beginner stitches.

Suzette Stitch Washcloth

For a small practice project, try the free Suzette Stitch Wash Cloth pattern from The Purple Poncho.

A washcloth is one of the best ways to practise a new crochet stitch because it is small, useful and not terribly demanding. Even if the first one is slightly wonky, it will still wash perfectly well.

Use a smooth cotton yarn so the cloth is absorbent and the stitch texture remains clearly visible.

Suzette Ridge Crochet Washcloth

The free Suzette Ridge Crochet Washcloth pattern adds another layer of texture to this familiar stitch combination.

Make several in coordinating colours and pair them with handmade soap for an easy spa-style gift. They are also useful little projects for testing unfamiliar cotton yarn before committing to a larger set.

Corner-to-Corner Suzette Stitch Washcloth

The free C2C Suzette Stitch Washcloth pattern gives the stitch a slightly different construction by working it from corner to corner.

This is a good next project after you have mastered ordinary flat rows. It lets you explore increasing and decreasing while still using the familiar Suzette stitch combination.

Suzette Stitch Afghan Square

The Suzette Stitch Afghan Square pattern turns the textured stitch into a smaller crochet block.

Afghan squares are useful for charity blankets, sampler blankets and portable crochet projects. You can make the squares individually, use up leftover yarn and join everything together once you have enough—although “enough” has been known to become a surprisingly flexible number in my craft room.

More Suzette Stitch Crochet Pattern Ideas

Once you are comfortable with the basic stitch, you can also use it to make:

  • Crochet mug cosies
  • Ear warmers and headbands
  • Fingerless gloves
  • Cushion covers
  • Tote bags
  • Baby rompers
  • Crochet cardigans
  • Lap blankets
  • Double-thick potholders

You can browse additional Suzette stitch crochet patterns on Etsy, including sweaters, baby blankets, beanies, mug cosies and accessories from independent crochet designers.

When choosing a pattern, check whether it uses US or UK crochet terminology. Also check whether it uses the traditional Suzette stitch—one single crochet and one double crochet worked into the same stitch—or a designer’s variation of it. That quick check can prevent a great deal of confused unraveling later.