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If you are a crocheter like me, you know it already that there are so many different crochet hooks to choose from.
I created this post just to show you the main types of hooks and add my personal experience and opinion.
When I started crocheting in 2017, I started off with a basic set of cheap aluminium hooks. I think almost all of the new crocheters doing the same as they are just starting their new craft journey and don’t want to invest a lot in it at the very beginning. As they get more and more into the craft they start to explore the difference between them and buy more expensive ones which suit their needs and preferences better. This happened to me too, and by now, I tried out many different brands, types and materials so I can share my experience with you all. Let’s start! 😊
General information
Size: Crochet hooks and sets come in different sizes and they can be measured by letters, numbers or millimeters depending on where are they originally from. For example, American sizing is usually letters or numbers but European brands use metric measurements in millimeters. Luckily, most of the brands include the letters, numbers and also the millimeters on the hooks so you won’t get confused.
An average crochet hook set usually contains 8 or 9 hooks starting from 2 mm up to 5 or 6 mm. This can be varied by brands but they all contain the general, most used sizes.
Hook throat: There are 2 types of hook throats, tapered or inline. Inline hook throats are flat and the head of the hook is ‘in line’ with the shaft. They are also more pointy at the head and the throat of the hook is a bit deeper. The tapered ones are more rounded and the hook head is extented out past the shaft and also, their throat are not as deep.
There’s no good or bad choice regarding the hook throats, it’s just a personal preference. Some may work better with inline hooks, others prefer using tapered ones. For me, tapered hooks work better then inline and I only use this type as I found the other a bit difficult to work with. For you, it might be the opposite, you have to try and experience yourself! 😊 💕
Crochet hook types
1. Basic crochet hooks
A basic crochet hook is simple and can be made from bamboo, plastic or aluminium. Beginners usually tend to choose aluminium but any of these materials are good for a start. They can be inline or tapered as most hooks. The most common brand for inline basic crochet hooks is Susan Bates and for tapered is Boye. There are also tons of cheap, basic crochet hooks available to buy online. My first set was a basic aluminium hook set and I loved using it until I found a better option. However, I don’t think I could use them again after my experience with better, more comfortable hooks. 😅
2. Ergonomic crochet hooks
Working with basic crochet hooks for a longer period of time can be tiring for the hands and it can cause pain. To make crocheting more comfortable, there are crochet hooks with ergonomic handles. People with conditions like carpal tunnel or arthritis also like to work with this type as the ergonomic handle creates a better, more comfortable grip. The most known brands with ergonomic handles are Tulip, Clover, Knit Pro or Addi. My all time favourite is Tulip and Clover! The handles are so soft, the hook is so lightweight, it’s a dream to work with. When I decided to change from my basic crochet hook set, I decided to buy a Clover hook and I didn’t regret it for a second.
3. Luxury crochet hooks
Luxury crochet hooks are more expensive than average crochet hooks and they are made from unique materials (wood, resin etc.) to ensure great comfort and high quality. They are also ergonomic so many crocheters love using them. The most known brand is Furls but there are others too.
For a long time, I was not thinking about buying this type of hook as I was satisfied with my Clover and Tulip hooks but I got curious. The price also made me to think twice before I ordered my first Furls hook.
I am so happy I finally did! I got my first two Furls Streamline crochet hooks made from teak a few weeks ago and I absolutely love them! I also ordered a Furls Odyssey in turquoise color with nickel head but I didn’t get it yet so I can’t show it. 😊
4. Special crochet hooks
There are some special crochet hooks too, let me show you some examples.
Thread crochet hooks:
These special type of crochet hooks are used when crocheting with thread instead of yarn and they are often made from steel. They are also much smaller than an average yarn hook and the steel material makes it much harder to bend and it also prevents deformation.
Light-up crochet hooks:
Light-up crochet hooks come in handy when you are crocheting at night but you don’t want to keep the lights on as others are asleep. They are like regular crochet hooks but they light-up right at the tip so you can see where your next stitch supposed to go. Personally, I don’t use them as I have a flexible neck lamp to use at night which is really nice with my favourite hook but others prefer using these kind of hooks.
Tunisian crochet hooks:
Tunisian crochet is using a different set of stitches and it has a special crochet hook, called tunisian crochet hooks or afghan crochet hooks. These hooks are much longer than regular yarn hooks and they can often have a cable at their end or there are tunisian hooks with heads at both ends.
I hope you found this guide useful and thank you so much for reading!
Remember! There’s no good or bad choice when it comes to crochet hooks. Choose the ones which you find comfortable to use, it’s all about your personal preference!
Happy crocheting!
Krisztina 💕
As an expert and enthusiast, I have a wide range of knowledge on various topics, including crochet hooks. While I don't have personal experiences or opinions, I can provide you with information based on this article. Let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article:
Crochet Hook Sizes
Crochet hooks come in different sizes and can be measured using letters, numbers, or millimeters. American sizing typically uses letters or numbers, while European brands use metric measurements in millimeters. Most brands include the letters, numbers, and millimeters on the hooks to avoid confusion. An average crochet hook set usually contains 8 or 9 hooks, ranging from 2 mm up to 5 or 6 mm, although this can vary by brand.
Hook Throat Types
There are two types of hook throats: tapered and inline. Inline hook throats are flat, with the head of the hook in line with the shaft. They are more pointy at the head, and the throat of the hook is a bit deeper. Tapered hooks, on the other hand, are more rounded, with the hook head extended out past the shaft, and their throats are not as deep. The choice between tapered and inline hooks is a personal preference. Some people find inline hooks work better for them, while others prefer tapered hooks.
Types of Crochet Hooks
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Basic Crochet Hooks: Basic crochet hooks are simple and can be made from materials such as bamboo, plastic, or aluminum. Beginners often start with aluminum hooks, but any of these materials are suitable for a start. Basic crochet hooks can be either inline or tapered. Susan Bates is a well-known brand for inline basic crochet hooks, while Boye is known for tapered hooks. There are also many cheap basic crochet hooks available online.
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Ergonomic Crochet Hooks: Working with basic crochet hooks for a long period of time can be tiring for the hands and may cause pain. To make crocheting more comfortable, there are crochet hooks with ergonomic handles. These hooks are especially beneficial for people with conditions like carpal tunnel or arthritis. Some popular brands that offer ergonomic handles are Tulip, Clover, Knit Pro, and Addi. Tulip and Clover are mentioned as personal favorites in the article.
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Luxury Crochet Hooks: Luxury crochet hooks are more expensive than average crochet hooks and are made from unique materials such as wood or resin to ensure great comfort and high quality. They are also often ergonomic, making them popular among crocheters. Furls is a well-known brand for luxury crochet hooks, but there are others as well. The article mentions the author's positive experience with Furls Streamline crochet hooks made from teak.
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Special Crochet Hooks: There are also special types of crochet hooks for specific purposes:
- Thread Crochet Hooks: These hooks are used when crocheting with thread instead of yarn. They are often made from steel and are smaller than average yarn hooks. The steel material makes them harder to bend and prevents deformation.
- Light-Up Crochet Hooks: Light-up crochet hooks are useful for crocheting at night when you don't want to keep the lights on. They have lights at the tip to help you see where your next stitch should go.
- Tunisian Crochet Hooks: Tunisian crochet uses a different set of stitches, and it requires special crochet hooks called Tunisian or Afghan crochet hooks. These hooks are longer than regular yarn hooks and may have a cable at one end or heads at both ends.
Remember, the choice of crochet hooks ultimately depends on personal preference and comfort. It's important to try different types and brands to find the ones that work best for you. Happy crocheting!
