Heklenåla

Heklenåla, often translated as crochet hook, is a tool used in crocheting, a needlework technique that creates fabric by interlocking loops of yarn or thread. The tool typically consists of a shaft with a hook at one end. The size of the hook varies widely, corresponding to the gauge of the yarn or thread being used. Larger hooks are used with thicker yarns for projects like blankets or sweaters, while smaller hooks are used with finer threads for delicate lace or doilies.

Crochet hooks are commonly made from materials such as metal (aluminum, steel), plastic, or wood. Each material offers different properties; metal hooks are often smooth and durable, plastic hooks are lightweight and can be brightly colored, and wooden hooks provide a warmer feel and can offer more grip. The design of the hook's head, including the depth and angle of the throat, can also affect the ease with which yarn is pulled through loops. Specialized hooks exist for specific techniques or yarn types, though the basic design remains consistent. The primary function of the heklenål is to catch and pull a loop of yarn through another loop, forming the characteristic stitches of crochet.