Steel vs aluminum hooks for thread

[CrochettingMama]

I was wondering what the difference is when using a steel hook for thread?

I know you can use an aluminum hook if it is small enough but what is the difference between the two hooks for thread?

 

I have never ever ventured into thread---until now and I am making bandages.

 

It's tedious IMO because it uses such a small hook.

 

I have a pattern for a bookmark that I want to try now. Small projects seem a little more manageable!!

 

Thanks for any insight!!

[Granny Square]

Smaller hooks need to be made out of steel because plastic or aluminum would bend or break too easily at that skinny size. I've never seen a plastic or aluminum hook in anything smaller than a "B", I think.

 

You can use a B or slightly larger with thicker thread (like 3 or 5). But it looks kind of sloppy (in my opinion...maybe I should say 'very lacy looking' instead) with size 10 or smaller, more commonly used for doilies or bookmarks. For size 10 thread, a 7 hook is commonly used, although I use a 9 hook and you could probably get by with a 4or 5.

[CrochettingMama]

Thank you for the explanation--again!!!

[HomekeepingGran]

I've never seen aluminum hooks smaller than a B. Probably someone makes them somewhere. I've read that during the Irish potato famine poor people who wanted to crochet often would cut out part of the eye of a sewing needle and insert the point into a cork. That was their hook. I hope they managed to file away rough spots on the needle eye because it sounds dangerous, actually.

[hockeymomcrochets]

The set of Susan Bates hooks that I have for thread are steel. I have always liked the depth of the SB hooks for holding the yarn/thread when doing a stitch.

[Gran]

Aluminum hooks do come smaller than B, in 0 and 00. I have some vintage Bates and use them when using two strands of size 10 or those balls of double-strand variegated thread. In that thickness I prefer the aluminum to steel.

 

When thinner, of course, one must use steel.

[MaryPat]

I bought some Aero hooks in .75 mm and 1.0 mm. Can't use 'em for thread. First time I tried, I bent the hook at the neck.