There are so many crochet hook options out there, it can be overwhelming when trying to decide on the best one for you. Whether you’re new to crochet or just looking for the best hook for a new project, we’ve rounded up all sorts of hook styles and info for you.
Where to Start
If you’re new to crochet, narrowing down hook options can be challenging. Start with something affordable and a larger hook size (roughly H/8 [5.00mm] – K/10.5 [6.50mm]). A great place to start is your ball or skein of yarn. Many of the labels include a suggested hook size that will pair well with the yarn. The thicker the yarn, the larger the crochet hook. As for material, aluminum hooks are affordable and readily available at your local craft store. If you find one you like, purchasing a set of varying sizes will keep you ready for any project!
Metal Hooks
Many crocheters prefer metal hooks because of their smooth hook surface that allows for quick crocheting. Metal is generally an affordable option and regular hooks are most commonly made in aluminum, while the smaller thread crochet hooks are made of steel. You may find that all-metal hooks become uncomfortable in your hands after a while, so a metal hook with a cushy rubber or wooden grip is an excellent ergonomic alternative.
Wood and Bamboo Hooks
Bamboo is an eco-friendly hook option that is also strong and light-weight. There will be more friction with your yarn as compared to metal hooks, but bamboo can smooth slightly over time. Wood hooks will be marginally heavier and can be more expensive. If you prefer eco-friendly, look for sustainably harvested wood styles. The wood surface also has friction with the yarn. Because of the increased friction, wood hooks are great for slippery yarns such as silk or rayon. These can come in a variety of different shapes to comfortably fit your hand.
Tunisian Crochet Hooks
If you’re interested in Tunisian crochet, you’ll need a special hook to allow for multiple loops that sit on the handle. While regular crochet hooks are short and have a wider grip area, Tunisian crochet hooks are long with a uniform handle and usually a stopper at the end to prevent loops from sliding off. You can use Tunisian hooks for regular crochet, but not vice-versa. In addition to long straight Tunisian hooks, there are also interchangeable crochet hooks, which come in a set of different sizes, cords and stoppers. These are a nice alternative because the cord is flexible, and you have a range of hooks sizes and lengths for any project.
Specialty Hooks
Of course, there are all sorts of special crochet hooks out there ranging from plastic to clay and glass. Want a set of hooks shaped like magic wands? Those exist! What about a colorful wooden hook with a decorative epoxy and resin tip? Yep, that exists too. If you want to splurge on a special hook, pay attention to which size hook you’re grabbing for most often, then search on ETSY for some fun handmade options in that size.
While in MOST CASES you will need a PROPER Tunisian Hook to do a tunisian project, there are a few instances where you can get away with a regular crochet hook FITTED with a STITCH STOPPER such as you would put on knitting needles. I have crocheted new handbag straps in nylon cording with just such a set-up because straps don't require wide width even when doubled to stitch into a tube as I have. There is also a little "lacey" like "ascot" pattern I have seen (but not yet tried) that is fairly narrow in width and think I could fit onto a regular hook fitted with a stopper. But once you pass around 6" you won;t want to work on a regular hook.
Yes I prefer the aluminum ones. There is rubber to slide on the handles to make ergonomically. This was also informative for those that don’t know.
I agree about the metal hook having less resistance and it's nice to have an ergonomic handle on them. I might add, to think about the way that you crochet, loosely or tightly? Some hooks are rounded and some are tapered so you might have a tendency to get too tight and have a harder time. There are also different angles of the hook. Everybody holds the hook differently, the angle that you hold your hook or grab the yarn with it may work better with one type or the other. Try a Bates hook and a Boye hook to see which suits you better. These are examples of the two main types of hooks. My experience with my first set of steel hooks was disappointing. My grandmother's steel hooks were really well made and even the smallest one could grab and hold the thread so I thought they would all be that way. I found that a lot of steel hooks, because they are so small, are simply not made well enough. They don't have the space in the hook or the definition of the hook to grab the thread and hold it in the hook till you have made all your yarn overs and pulled the thread through. When I bought my second set I tried one first and had much better luck with that set. I saw one set where all the hooks looked the same, no matter what size. You need to look at all the hooks and if you can, try them out before you buy. Happy stitching.
Very informative info - thank you
Is the larger hook for larger stitches.
I much prefer the metal hooks. The plastic ones are too sticky and really slow me down.
This was interesting but will have to experiment before deciding what will work best foe me.