Rag Rugs by Erin Choosing the Correct Crochet Hook

Choosing the correct crochet hook for your rag rug project really is a matter of personal choice and preferences.  Please let me make a few suggestions to think about:

1. The most common crochet hook sizes for rag rug making are N, O, P and Q.  In mm that will roughly translate from 10mm to 17 mm.  That depends on what conversion chart you look at.  (I am now even using a 20mm and 21mm hook that I sell on my website.) These larger hooks are good for denim and heavier or wider materials.

2. The smaller hooks like the N and O  seem to make it easier to control your stitches (especially if you are new to crochet and rag rug making) and make the weave of your rag rug tighter and more compressed. When using sheet yarn your strips should be  1.25" to 1.75" usually.  If the fabric weight is thin or heavy you should be willing to make adjustments.

3. The larger hooks like the P and Q will require sheet yarn to be 1.5" to 2.25". Again be willing to make adjustments based on fabric weight. These 2 hooks sizes are my go to sizes at present.  The handles are more comfortable in my hand and are easier on my forearm. 

4.  If you desire to work with denim, heavy fabric, upholstery, automotive grade fabric and wools etc., you should probably not use anything smaller than a Q hook. (19mm to 25mm would work best)

5. Caution when choosing an ergonomic crochet hook handle:  I have not found on the market one designed with the rag rug maker in mind.  The throat of the hooks are not long enough because I use that throat to help regulate my stitch tension and reaching for the stitches through the rug.  I had a 14 mm hook designed for me and rug making and have made it available on my website as well. Many of you will find the P and Q hook the most comfortable for longer sessions of rag rug making.

Please email me at ragrugsbyerin@gmail.com for ideas or suggestions you would like clarification or information about.  Perhaps you will see it in another Rag Rugs by Erin Blog.

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Until next time happy rag rugging!

Erin