How do you hold your crochet hook?

[Twospaniels]

On most videos I see they hold it like you would a pen, but I hold mine in my fist, - sometimes I feel like I'm ‘digging’ into the stitch!

I do get some hand joint pain so was thinking of getting ergonomic hooks, but wonder if they will work for the way I hold the hook?

Should I persevere with trying to hold it like a pen?

I learnt to crochet using the knife hold, but unfortunately I gave myself RSI and had to stop completely for 18 months. I can crochet now in small bursts but have to be careful. I have read that the pencil grip is less likely to cause RSI so it might be worth persevering, but I just cannot get on with it having learned a different way. In terms of hooks the clover amour are lovely to use.

I use a knife hold. It hasn't caused me any hand issues and I only use bog standard hooks with no handle.

I'm surprised actually as I have had hand issues from years of using a computer mouse.

I hold mine as I would a pen.

OP, when you say, you're holding it with your fist, wouldn't that tense your fingers and wrist?

I actually think I might be a pen hold... I can't remember unless I have an actual hook in my hand 😂

@BakedCam
Well maybe not in my fist, more like holding a knife with your index finger on top.

[quote Twospaniels]@BakedCam
Well maybe not in my fist, more like holding a knife with your index finger on top.[/quote]
Having checked with an actual crochet hook last night, that is exactly how I hold mine. I hold it quite gently though which might be why
I don't get hand problems I guess. I seem to twist the hook about a lot too.

Just between index finger and thumb, light enough to pick up a loop by twiddling the hook and not my wrist. Absolutely no pain problems.

Left thumb OTOH with the pincer grip and the wrist twist is absolute agony if I don't remember to wear a thumb brace.

[quote Twospaniels]@BakedCam
Well maybe not in my fist, more like holding a knife with your index finger on top.[/quote]
Ah that makes sense, Spaniels.