Crochet Knife Grip vs Pencil Grip: Which Should You Use?

This post was originally published in November 2023 and has been updated in May 2026.

There are certain questions that come up again and again when people are learning to crochet, and “am I holding my hook the right way?” is near the top of the list. It is also one of the questions with the most reassuring answer: there is no right way, and both of the main grip styles – the knife grip and the pencil grip – are used by experienced crocheters around the world.

That said, the two grips do feel genuinely different to use, and understanding what each one offers is worth your time – particularly if you are working on larger projects like blankets, where you will be crocheting for long stretches and hand comfort matters a great deal.

What is the knife grip?

With the knife grip, the hook handle rests in the palm of your hand and your fingers wrap around it from above – in much the same way you would hold a table knife. Your thumb sits on the flat section of the hook shaft, providing stability, while the hook itself is guided by the movement of your whole hand and wrist.

I use the knife grip myself. It is simply the grip I started with when I first picked up a hook, and it stuck – which is probably how most crocheters end up with their preferred grip. There was no conscious decision involved; it just felt natural, and my tension became consistent with it over time.

For blanket crochet in particular, the knife grip tends to suit long sessions well. Because the handle is supported by the whole hand rather than the fingertips, the effort is distributed more evenly, which can make it easier to sustain over extended periods. This is worth considering if you are planning a larger project.

Many crocheters find inline hooks pair naturally with the knife grip, though this is worth experimenting with for yourself.

What is the pencil grip?

The pencil grip is held much as the name suggests: between the thumb, index finger, and middle finger, close to the throat of the hook, with the remaining fingers supporting the underside. The movement comes from the fingers rather than the wrist and arm, giving it a lighter, more pinched quality.

Crocheters who have come to the craft from knitting or drawing often find this grip feels instinctively familiar. The finer finger movements it allows can be helpful for more detailed work, though it does place more demand on the thumb and fingers – something to keep in mind if you are prone to hand or joint discomfort.

Which grip should you use?

Whichever one you find most comfortable – and whichever one you can use consistently throughout a project. That second part matters more than people often realise.

Switching between grips mid-project can affect your tension in ways that are difficult to spot as you go. You might find your stitches become looser or tighter overall, or that the change shows up in only one direction – for example, the height of your stitches rather than their width. Over a blanket, those small inconsistencies can accumulate.

The most straightforward approach is to try both grips with a short swatch, notice which one feels more settled after a few rows, and then stick with it. If you are new to crochet, your tension will naturally become more consistent over time regardless – that is simply a matter of practice and making more stitches. The grip is a foundation, not something to worry over.

Some crocheters land on something in between the two, shifting subtly depending on the hook or yarn. That is fine too. What matters is that your hand is relaxed, your tension is even, and you can sustain the grip without discomfort.

Hook type and how it relates to grip

The construction of your crochet hook has more bearing on grip comfort than people often realise.

Inline hooks (where the tip sits in line with the shaft – Susan Bates is a well-known example) have a deeper throat and a more pronounced hook angle. They tend to suit the knife grip, and many tapestry crocheters find them helpful because the deeper throat seats each stitch more firmly as you work.

Tapered hooks (where the shaft narrows gradually toward the tip – Clover Amour is a popular example) have a gentler angle and work comfortably with either grip. The rounded head releases stitches easily, which can make for a smoother rhythm once you find your pace.

Hook material also has an effect. Metal hooks move quickly through yarn, which helps with speed. Bamboo and wooden hooks have slightly more surface friction, which can be useful with slippery yarns. Ergonomic hooks – those with a wider, moulded or cushioned handle – are designed to reduce strain during longer sessions, and are worth trying if you have noticed any discomfort in your hand or wrist.

If you do experience pain or joint problems when crocheting, it is worth speaking to a health professional. Switching to an ergonomic hook and checking that your grip is relaxed rather than clenched is a sensible first step.

A note on tension

Grip and tension are more closely connected than they might seem. A tight, clenched hold – regardless of which style you use – tends to produce tighter, denser stitches. Loosening your grip (without losing control of the hook) usually results in a more even fabric.

If your tension has been inconsistent and you are not sure why, it is worth paying attention to how firmly you are actually holding the hook. Many crocheters, particularly when concentrating, hold on more tightly than they need to.

More crochet tips and resources

If you are putting together your first blanket project and thinking through materials and technique alongside grip, the Crochet Blanket Resource Hub is a good place to browse – it brings together guides on sizing, yarn, stitch choice, and more in one place.

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About Catherine

Catherine is a crochet designer and educator based in Surrey, UK, specialising in blankets, tapestry crochet, and colourwork. Her patterns have been published in crochet magazines, and her design work is featured in the book 100 Crochet Tiles. She has also designed in collaboration with Sirdar and WeCrochet.

You can find her full pattern collection on Etsy and Ravelry, and her step-by-step video tutorials on YouTube.