Crochet hooks are the one thing that separates crocheters from every other yarn crafter. When it comes to learning how to crochet, picking the right hook is crucial.
You may have to experiment with a few different hooks to find the perfect fit. Use the information in this crochet hook guide to learn which hook may be the best fit for you. This post covers the best crochet hooks for beginners by category, crochet hook anatomy, and nuances in crochet hooks that make them easier or more challenging to use.
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The U.S. market is generous with crochet hook types, offering different shapes, colors, and handles. Changing one feature of a hook can make the difference between a user loving or hating it. As a crochet teacher, I’ve seen a student go from struggling to finally “getting it” just by changing their tools. Here are some tips on picking the right hook for you from the plethora of options available.
NOTE: I am an inline hook user who crochets right-handed, so my opinion is biased. What I consider “best” may not work for everyone. Experiment with different hooks to see what you like.
Best Crochet Hooks by Category
1 // Best Overall Hooks – Clover Amour
Clover Amours are the darlings of the crochet community. Each set (as shown above) comes with 10 hooks ranging in size from 2.25mm to 6mm. The hooks have a matte aluminum finish with comfortable rubber handles. Each handle is a different color with the size marked with the US letter and metric mm on the handle, making it easy to pick the size you need by color or by text. They are a hybrid style, pulling the best features from tapered and inline hooks into one sleek design.
Notable benefits: comfortable for pencil and knife grip, easily accessible in stores and online, smooth shaft makes for speedy crocheting
7/14/2021 – This hook set is for sale on Amazon.com for $39.99 (46% off!). Shop HERE.
2 // Best Inline Hooks – Susan Bates Silvalume
Introduced in the 1960s, Silvalume hooks are what come to mind when someone says they use Susan Bates hooks. Affordable and accessible with sizes ranging from size 2.25mm to 10mm, Silvalume’s are an easy choice when experimenting with crochet. The hook itself is made from aluminum that undergoes an anodizing process that removes any surface imperfections. The resulting hook is smooth to the touch with a round body and wide, flat thumb rest.
Notable benefits: Rigid aluminum body, inline hook head reduces wrist and hand fatigue, deep hook head is more secure for thicker or slippery yarns
3 // Best Tapered Hooks – Boye Aluminum Crochet Hook
Most crocheters are Team (Susan) Bates or Team Boye. If you’re Team Boye, you can’t get any better than their classic aluminum crochet hooks set. Like the Bates hooks, these are aluminum with a rounded body and flat thumb rest. They feature the easily recognizable tapered throat leading to a rounded hook head with a lip that protrudes slightly further than the handle. The hooks are color-coded in pastels.
Notable benefits: slightly longer handle than Susan Bates hooks, durable and smooth semi-gloss finish, set includes uncommon hook sizes like 5.25mm and 5.75mm
4 // Best Bamboo Hooks – Chiaogoo Bamboo Natural
If you’re interested in a minimal look that won’t sacrifice function, check out Chiaogoo’s Bamboo Natural hooks. Made from Chinese Moso bamboo, these hooks are lightweight, strong, and sturdy. The smooth bamboo is warm in your hands, making crochet feel effortless and natural. Though pricier than other individual hooks on the market, makers swear by the accuracy and even tension of bamboo crochet hooks.
Notable benefits: long-wearing and sturdy bamboo throughout, high-quality craftsmanship means hooks are consistent regardless of when you purchase them, available sizes range from 3.5mm to 25mm
5 // Best Plastic Hooks – Susan Bates Luxite
If you’re on a budget and love the minimal look, Susan Bates’ Luxite hooks are for you. You won’t find any bells and whistles here. Just a sturdy, smooth, all-white plastic hook. The size is etched into the side so it’s easy to identify and the inline style mimics SB’s Silvalume’s without the heft. Though some sizes are pretty strong, I’ve broken several Luxites in the smaller sizes. You may have to sacrifice speed when working with these hooks if you have tight tension.
Notable benefits: very affordable, easily accessible, lightweight
6 // Best Ergonomic Hooks – Furls Wooden Streamlines
To be honest, Clover Amour would be my first choice for the best ergonomic hooks, but, since they’re already mentioned, we’ll give this category to Furls Wooden Streamlines. Furls’ claim to fame is their unique hook design, meant to address common crochet problems. They feature a hybrid hook head with a teardrop-shaped handle, designed to nestle in the palm of your hand (though that doesn’t benefit those using a pencil grip). I chose the wooden Streamlines specifically because they are lightweight and inexpensive compared to the other hooks offered by Furls.
Notable benefits: lightweight, wise investment if these hooks work for you, designed with hand health in mind
7 // Best Jumbo Hooks – Clover Amour Large Hooks
Not like you can’t tell or anything, but I am a big Clover hook fan. Their large hooks are sold separately and in bundles, and they are a great choice for jumbo hooks. They even offer a 7mm size, which is especially tricky to find in the U.S. You’ll find that the jumbo hooks are shaped like the smaller hooks and have the same rubber handle, but their body is made from lightweight, sturdy plastic. You won’t have to worry about these hooks breaking on you.
Notable benefits: sold individually so you can get only the sizes you need, offers 7mm hook size, colorful handles make finding the right size easy
8 // Best Crochet Thread Hooks – Clover Amour Steel Hook
Clover really covered all of their bases when it came to creating the ideal crochet hook collection. The steel hooks are made for working with crochet thread, a 100% cotton yarn that is incredibly thin. The steel hooks come with individual sheaths to protect the delicate hook heads. To further drive the point home that these are dainty hooks, the handles are a muted pastel rainbow. While the hooks themselves are small, they are incredibly strong, with a steel hook set into the rubber handle.
Notable benefits: color-coded handles, rubber grip for comfortable crocheting, one set includes all the sizes you need for tiny crochet stitches
9 // Best Indie Hooks – BQueen Collection Blend Hooks
Some of the best crochet hooks I’ve used can’t be found in stores. They’re made and sold by small, independent business owners. BQueen Collection’s Blend hooks are made by a crocheter, for a crocheter, and it shows. The ornate, unique handles are perfectly sized, even for my large hands. BQueen’s hooks used to be hand-carved, but they now offer Clover Amour hooks “blended” with their hand-turned handles. The combination is luxurious and efficient, two values of any dedicated crocheter. WARNING: BQueen Collection’s hooks are very expensive when compared to the other hooks on this list, but, you get what you pay for. Please keep that in mind when considering adding these hooks to your collection.
Other notable indie hook makers: CroChic Styles, DL Family Workshop, and KnitBrook’s Hook BBs
What Else Should I Know About Crochet Hooks?
Just like learning about yarn, learning about crochet hooks and which works best for you is a journey. Thankfully, there are some universal features of crochet hooks that you can start to gravitate toward when building your crochet hook collection.
Crochet Hook Anatomy
Every hook from traditional to ergonomic and novelty will feature these characteristics. The combination of those characteristics coupled with your unique crochet style will influence your preferred hook type.
- Head – The hook head includes the throat (the backside of the hook leading to the tip), the point (the top-most tip of the hook), the lip (the lower point of the head that hovers over the bowl), and the bowl (the hallow created by the lip, allowing the yarn to be caught by the hook). The hook head is the first point of contact you have with your stitches when crocheting. Common issues result from the tip being too sharp or too dull/rounded, or the bowl being too shallow/deep.
- Shaft/ Shank – this is the part of the hook that leads to the body of the hook and is just above the thumbrest (if there is a thumbrest present).
- Grip/ Thumbrest – this is a portion of the hook designed for your thumb to rest comfortably. This area varies in shape and width depending on the hook. Choosing to use the thumbrest can take your hand closer or further from the hook head, thus altering your crocheting style.
- Handle – this is the remainder of the hook past the thumbrest. This part of the hook nestles into your hand when crocheting with the knife hold, or hovers over your hand when crocheting with the pencil hold.
Inline Vs. Tapered Vs. Hybrid
While all hooks have the same anatomy, the slight differences in that anatomy put them into 1 of 3 categories: inline, tapered, or hybrid. Being in a particular category doesn’t make one hook better than the other – it all comes down to preference and which hook style fits the way you move.
The differences between inline, tapered, and hybrid all come down to the relation between the hook head and the shaft:
- Inline: all features of the hook head are in line with the shaft from the shank to the point.
- Tapered: the throat tapers down as you reach the hook head and the lip extends beyond the shank.
- Hybrid: some unique combination of the two styles.
Image source: WeCrochet
Pro Tip: If you’re trying to decide if you’re an inline (Team Bates) or tapered (Team Boye) person, get one of each hook from your local craft store and see which one is easier to work with. The difference will likely be very obvious once you get going.
Crochet Hook Grip
Crochet hook grips are as unique as their users. There are many different nuances in the way you hold your hook to compensate for your crochet style. As you continue to practice crochet, experiment with the different grips or move your fingers onto different places in the hook to see what hold works best for you.
In general, most crocheters fall into 1 of two camps:
- Pencil Grip: the hook is held like a pencil with the handle floating above your hand.
- Knife Grip: the hook is held like a knife with the handle nestled in your palm.
Image source: WeCrochet
Crochet Hook Types
The craft of crochet has a lot of different applications, from amigurumi (doll and toy making) to broomstick lace, Tunisian crochet, and many more. Different types of crochet require different crochet hooks. Here are a few types of hooks you’ll see around the crochet aisle.
- Traditional (left): these types of hooks typically have no adornments or special styling on the handle. Both Boye and Susan Bates make a hook like this. Benefits: inexpensive and easy to find. Disadvantages: taxing on the wrist and hands, finish will wear off with time and use.
- Ergonomic: (middle) ergonomic hooks have some sort of adornment in the handle meant to aleviate the pain and stress that crochet can cause. This can be a softer material in the handle, a different handle shape, or some combination of these features. Benefits: focus on hand health, adds to beauty and unique look of hook. Disadvantages: pricier than traditional hooks, might take costly trial an error to see if an ergonomic style actually works for you.
- Hand carved (right): more and more independent crochet hook makers are entering the scene and offering hand carved wood handled hooks. These hooks typically begin as a long block of wood and are whittled with hand tools or a lathe into a finished shape. Benefits: unique hooks, allows you to support a small business. Disadvantages: can be fragile, costs significantly more than traditional hooks.
- Novelty (left): handmade hooks aren’t just for woodcarvers. Makers are getting creative with designing crochet hooks, adding polymer clay to the handles or fashioning the whole hook from resin and glitter. A quick search on Etsy will pull up many small businesses doing fun things with crochet hooks. Benefits: one of a kind hooks for your collection, a special find for a gift or holiday. Disadvantages: quality varies signicantly from shop to shop, hooks can be fragile.
- Steel: (middle) steel hooks are the go-to tool for crocheting with very fine lace yarn. Often called crochet yarn, fine cotton yarn was historically used to make knock-off lace. In more recent history, such fine yarn and steel hooks were used to crochet heirloom home goods and garments. Presently, steel hooks are still used for intricate lace patterns, but more ambitious crocheters are venturing into mini amigurumi and intricate crochet portraits.
- Tunisian crochet hooks (right): Tunisian crochet is a hybrid craft that lives somewhere between knitting and crochet. Loops are collected onto the hook for the forward pass and worked off of the hook for the return pass. The resulting fabric is dense with a unique look to either knitting or crochet stitches. Benefits: can be used as traditional crochet hooks as well, more accessible as popularity increases. Disadvantages: often sold in sets which can be expensive, these hooks rarely have thumbrests.
Crochet Hook Materials
Crochet hook materials are about more than aesthetics. Different materials apply more or less tension to your work while you’re crocheting. Consider these points when purchasing your next crochet hook.
// Aluminum hooks are the most common and can be found in most big box stores. They come in a range of sizes and typically have a smooth finish from the tip to the handle. Because of their smooth finish and low friction, aluminum hooks are a good choice for high-tension yarns like animal and plant fibers.
// Wooden crochet hooks are typically made of wood like bamboo, pressed wood, or even sticks from trees. Wood hooks have a natural warmth to them and are sturdier than they look. High-quality wood hooks have a smooth exterior and work well with low-tension yarns like acrylic. The grain in the wood slows the slippery yarn from moving up and down the hook too fast. High-quality, smooth wood hooks are a great choice for crocheting with just about any type of yarn.
// Plastic hooks come in all shapes and sizes and the crochet experience with them can vary greatly. While plastic hooks are easily accessible and inexpensive, they have a tendency to bend and/or break. Look for sturdy plastic hooks like the ones made from resin sold by Furls and Prym. A common phenomenon in crocheting is plastic-on-plastic vibration. The motion of acrylic yarn on plastic hooks can emit a barely perceptible vibration that makes itself known through pain in the joints anywhere between your hands and shoulders. If you experience pain while crocheting, try switching to an aluminum or wood hook.
// Polymer clay wrapped hooks are usually wood or metal traditional hooks that have polymer clay wrapped around the handle in a decorative way. Clay is a beautiful medium for adding your personal flair to crochet hooks. Search for polymer clay hooks online or make your own with a tutorial (like this!).
// Steel crochet hooks are made of steel (obvs, lol). Since the hooks are so small, the weight of steel doesn’t become a factor. Instead, the strength and resistance of steel mean these hooks will last forever.
Crochet Hook Sizes
Crochet Hook Conversion Chart
UK | Metric | US | Recommended Yarn Weight (yarn category) |
14 | 2.00mm | B/1 | Lace (0) |
13 | 2.25mm | – | Lace to superfine (O-1) |
12 | 2.5mm | C/2 | Superfine (1) |
11 | 3.00mm | – | Superfine (1) |
10 | 3.25mm | D/3 | Superfine (1) |
9 | 3.5mm | E/4 | Superfine to fine (1-2) |
8 | 4.00mm | G/6 | Fine (2) |
7 | 4.5mm | 7 | Fine to light (2-3) |
6 | 5.00mm | H/8 | Light (3) |
5 | 5.5mm | I/9 | Light to medium (3-4) |
4 | 6.00mm | J/10 | Medium (4) |
3 | 6.5mm | K/10.5 | Medium to Bulky (4-5) |
2 | 7.00mm | – | Bulky (5) |
0 | 8.00mm | – | Bulky (5) |
00 | 9.00mm | – | Bulky to super bulky (5 to 6) |
000 | 10.00mm | – | Super bulky (6) |
Crochet hook sizes are represented in numbers, letters, and metric measurements depending on your preference and, usually, where you live. Use this chart if you’re ever confused when reading patterns from a different country or when buying crochet hooks online.
Hook size recommendations are subjective. It really comes down to the type of fabric you’re trying to create. The recommendations in this chart assume you’re looking to achieve a medium tension using basic stitches. Know that using a larger hook than recommended will give you a looser fabric and using a smaller hook will give you a tighter fabric.
When working from a pattern, try the hook recommended first. If you’re not working from a pattern, try the hook recommended in the chart above and adjust your hook up or down to get the drape and tension you’re looking for.
Crochet Hook Q&A
What are the best crochet hooks?
In my opinion, the best crochet hooks are Clover Amour. They come in every size from teeny steel hooks to jumbo Q hooks and everything in between. They’re easily accessible and can often be found on sale. They have a hybrid hook head, making them good for those who prefer inline as well as those who go for tapered hooks. Investing in a good set of crochet hooks early will prevent hours of frustration down the line. Wait until there is a craft store coupon to potentially get the full set for 50% off.
What is the best crochet hook size for beginners?
The best crochet hook size for beginners is anything from 5.0mm to 6.0mm. This size hook works well for a 4 – medium/worsted or 5 – bulky weight yarn. This combination of yarn and hook size means it will be easy to see your stitches and insert your hook into the right place.
Are inexpensive crochet hooks worth it?
I find it to be unnecessarily risky to learn how to crochet with inexpensive, often inferior crochet hooks. Cheap crochet hooks sets on Amazon and elsewhere typically have an uneven finish and vary widely in craftsmanship. To avoid the frustration of bad tools, get your hooks using the links in this post or drop into a big box or local craft store.
What is the most comfortable crochet hook?
Ergonomic crochet hooks are designed with hand health in mind. They typically have some kind of cushion or design in the handle that makes them easier to use for longer periods of time. Purchase a single ergonomic hook of your choice to give it a try before investing in a whole set.
Do ergonomic crochet hooks help?
Absolutely, yes! Not all ergonomic crochet hooks are created equal. But high-quality ergonomic hooks like Clover Amour, Furls Streamline, and Prym crochet hooks all aid in the comfort of crocheters. You’ll notice a major difference if you’re a marathon crocheter (someone who crochets for hours or days on end).
Are Furls crochet hooks worth it?
Are you trying to start a war out here?! lol Crocheters are fiercely loyal about their Furls crochet hooks, but, as with all things craft, it comes down to preference. Furls offers several different types of hooks made of different materials and shapes. Those differences make them a great fit for some and an awful fit for others. My recommendation is to wait for a sale and get your preferred hook types in your most used size to give them a try.
Are metal, wood, or plastic crochet hooks better?
Of all the hooks available, the current consensus is that metal hooks, especially aluminum, are the superior hooks, followed closely by wood with plastic trailing behind. But this is not a hard and fast rule. I’m a big fan of CroChic Styles resin hooks but I have a tough time using Furls Odyssey aluminum hooks. It’s all a matter of preference – try them all and see what you like personally.
Brenda Solomon says
Hi Toni, Can I say “Fantastic” I’ve learned so much just in the last three days!
Thanks so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge!❤
Alek Felis says
By the way your video about testing hooks is how I found you on YouTube and one of my favorite!
I have metal and plastic set and now will collect wood one. But I have metal hooks from different brands that says that both are 3,5mm, but they have small but visible difference in their loops dimension, very awkward.
Lorraine McKenzie says
I’ve had my eye on the BQueen Collection hooks for a couple months now. One day I’ll get my act together and order in time for their monthly orders.
Gio says
Thank you so much for this information. I am learning a lot and to be honest I had only the chance to use metal one.
Also, do you recommend those hooks that has an interchangeable head?
Toni L. says
Hi! I unboxed some hooks like that and had mixed feelings. You can check out the video here.
Kylie P Wirebach says
During my earliest crochet days, I just got a cheap ergonomic set on Ebay, and when I watched your hook review videos my initial reaction was “Those are lovely, but why would you need/want to spend so much money on fancy hooks?” But now I’ve come across more and more lovely indie hooks across Etsy and other places, and now, I get it…. I get it. :~)
Michelle T. says
As a note on the Furls crochet hooks, consider the size of your hands. My hands are small and I’ve found Furls hooks to be too unwieldy and uncomfortable (and the Odyssey model too heavy). Sadly I’ve had to sell all my Furls hooks, but hopefully they went to happier owners.
Barb says
You’ve obviously put sooooo much work into this FREE series. Thank you! You rock!
Cathy L Byrd says
Another great post!!
Zady says
Toni, you out did yourself. Love love all your explanations and yes Clover hooks are by far the best. Thanks again
Zady
Leah says
Wow- a wealth of great information! Thank you!
Elaine Walsh says
Thanks so much! I also learned some of this from your YouTube videos last year. I had no idea there were tapered and in-line. My Clover with a comfort grip is my absolute favorite. My question is about Tunisian crochet. What would you recommend for a Clover girl? I bought cheap aluminum Tunisian hooks, and I can create the stitches. But the feel of thee hook in my hand is not pleasing. Would a better Tunisian hook make a difference? Which material feels best in your hand, if you are accustomed to a comfort grip?
Toni L. says
Hi! I’ve got a video on choosing and using the best Tunisian crochet hooks for you. You can check it out here.
Kris Allen says
Hook choice has definitely made a difference in my crocheting. I need the ergonomic but I also have big hands for a woman. (No Seinfeld jokes please.) I tried Tulip hooks. Great for short projects but they dug into my hand on longer sessions. Prym is awesome on most yarns but can be sticky with some. My partner spoiled me with a set of Furls Odyssey, and they are my favorites by far.
Lavonne says
Another great day of information! Toni, thank you for this!
Marilyn Tentler says
Love all the knowledge you are sharing with us. Who knew there was so much to crocheting. I wish we could all get together and crochet. You are the best!!!
Sayrona Gifford says
I found you when I first started and like Alek, who commented above, your crochet try out from Amazon got me hooked. I love knowing about the the different hooks as well as their differences. This is definitely a master class. Thank you for sharing your gift. I can not wait to continue.
Karen says
Why is it that 7 mm hooks are so hard to find?
Toni L. says
They’re just not used much here in the states. The 7mm is found more easily in Europe, it seems.
Dawn says
So I agree with your email post that I thought *too* that you were going to do a live broadcast everyday instead of a blog. (Frankly, I’m sorely disappointed and feel like I’ve been scammed.) If I had known that, I wouldn’t have bought all four kits. Your live broadcasts are where the fun is. I don’t know how you are going to teach someone over the next several days enough to know how to crochet a washcloth when we haven’t even learned how to chain yet. But we will see.
Toni L. says
Funny you feel scammed when the whole event is free. But ok. And the washcloth doesn’t come until Week 3. I’m getting the impression that you skimmed literally all of the important information I sent out. That might me the source of your sore disappointment.
Janny says
I am loving all this new information – Thank you Toni
Nancy Barricklo says
Thank you!!! I’m excited to become a real crochet-er!
B says
Really helpful & detailed info! I started crochet with cheap hooks but had a lot of hand and wrist pain. When I tried ergonomic hooks I was blown away! Your video reviews of different hooks were really helpful. I bought Furls (on sale) & like them but they are so expensive. I then tried Prym and was really really happy with the way they feel (no wrist pain!) and the price. I was able to find them through Wool Winders (a local yarn shop) – even better! Thanks for the great post!
Michael Collins says
I inherited my mum’s hooks a couple of years ago. TAhey were well used and looked after by her as she always had a project on the go. I don’t know what I can do with the 0.25 mm hook in the set (or the other smaller ones). I don’t think I will be crocheting cobwebs any time soon.
kisha haynes says
You are an Amazing teacher. Thank you for sharing your God given talent with us. We really appreciate this
Janny says
QQ – the Prym crochet hook link takes you to Furls, is that supposed to happen?
Janny says
Sorry its the link under the topic “Do ergonomic crochet hooks help?”
Leslie McCafferty says
Wow Toni! This was so extremely informative. Aside from not truly understanding crochet stitches, learning how to hold a crochet hook has also been challenging. Learning the different parts of a hook and how they can vary and how they can impact how it feels to stitch is an eye opener. The big difference in knitting needles for me was just straight or circular (I’m a circular gal). I will now pay way more attention to which crochet hook I like best as I try out new ones. Thanks again!
Alison says
Today’s blog post is another reason I’m hooked on Crochet Academy! Couldn’t resist.
Chuck says
I’ve been using Boyle aluminum hooks, because that’s what I have! I think I purchased them a long time ago, but haven’t really crocheted until recently. One of the hooks is labeled “U.S.A. J 55 cents”. It must be old!! Recently I purchased the Clover set from Amazon, and the difference in quality, and ease of use is amazing!! The head/shaft are super smooth making stitching almost effortless! And, for some reason, I find easier to maintain a uniform tension. An excellent investment!!
Fran A says
Toni, this was great! I do have a question. I just bought a Bamboo J-10 6mm hook but the Boye hook I have is J-10 5.75mm why is there a difference in the two? Thanks for this wonderful information.
Toni L. says
Hi! That’s a proprietary thing with Boye. The standard is a J/10 6mm.
GLORIA M says
Toni the wealth of your knowledge and the finesse that you use to share it is beyond words! This has been the most informative three days I’ve had in a long time.🌹🧶
Linda Johnson-Towles says
Loving Crochet Academy. So very informative. Thank you
Easter says
Hi, I have a lot of experimenting to do with hooks. It may take me a while to determine which is best for me. Thanks for the information.
Elin says
Thank you for the in-depth explanation of how important different crochet hook materials are. The fact about plastic on plastic vibration blew my mind!
Lisa says
Toni, As ALWAYS, giving great info!!! Thank you again for giving such great info and refresher to those of us that may have never known or fogot such important factors
Gloria Mc says
Toni, I just have to say that I have learned a lot in these three days, even though I am not new to crochet. Until today, I thought I was holding my crochet hook incorrectly. Now I know I’m a knife grip hook holder. Thank you so much!🥰
Kim says
I’ve seen so many of your videos that I hear your voice while reading your blog posts. Lol Loving the academy!
Kimberly says
OMgoodness….me too!!! Lol!!
Dede says
So glad I took the time to review this section. I’ve inherited quite a few aluminum hooks, but have been wanting to purchase a few ergonomic ones to give my hands some variation. This information is helpful.
Rebecca says
Thanks for this great information! One thing, though, I noticed that the link to the Prym crochet hooks in the “Do ergonomic crochet hooks help?” section leads to the Furls website, was that intentional? I watched the video where you review various crochet hooks and gush about the Prym hooks, and I wanted to look at getting a set for myself.
Toni L. says
Thanks for the heads up! Just updated the link 🙂
Lettie says
Hi Toni,hope you are good,
I’m enjoying the topics so much, most importantly I like that I can come back and re-read when I’m stuck.
Thank you.
Yjuania F Baskerville says
Thank you! Great presentation and very informative.
Nikki says
I didn’t know I still can’t believe about Susan Bate hooks until watching your videos! Game changer- hooks matter. I’m also super into my new Furls hooks. They really help with larger ge projects.
Abi M says
I have spent my entire life preferring Boye hooks and not knowing why I didn’t like the Susan Bates one I have. Thanks for giving me actual terms to talk about the difference! It’s also nice to know that the shapes aren’t necessarily a brand-specific thing, now I feel more comfortable about potentially branching out with my hooks because I’ll know what to look for!
Carol says
Toni, great information! Received my four Lion Brand kits today. It’s like Christmas in July 🎄 Thank for all you do!
Malak says
The amout of knowledge i have gained in the past three days!! THANK you so much. Really appreciate your effort in making this❤️
Mary says
Thank you once again, Toni, for the great info. I have a set of Dreamz Tunisian crochet hooks I bought when I followed one of your videos to learn Tunisian crocheting and I do like them, but I just ordered the Clover Amour crochet hook set using your link. I am excited to try them with the Lion Brand Yarn kits for the CAL!!
msrobin says
Another fabulous lesson today! Thanks for the breakdown on the crochet hooks.
Gail says
So much information! Thank you for this comprehensive look at hooks!
Arlinda says
Great information Toni! I’ve seen your video on crochet books but this is even more detail. I’m really enjoying the crochet academy!
Marie says
Fabulous explanation of all things hooks! I love it!
Tania says
Hi Toni, thank you for explaining the importance of the correct hook. I think that is something newbies don’t always look out for. I went for the affordable option – it is called Elle ( ergonomic ). Actually quite nice and extremely gentle on the wrist. But I must say, I am totally in love with the Furls Odyssey hooks. They are absolutely gorgeous! Thank you again for this academy and sharing your wisdom with all of us!!
Penny says
You’ve reaffirmed hook information I’ve gleaned over the years. I have a varied set of Clover and Elle hooks (similar to Clover, but the grip is longer) and Bamboo hooks. My Tunisian hooks are Bamboo…love them! We don’t have the variety that you have, so it all makes interesting reading! 🤔
Jeffre says
This was the most informational “lesson” for me so far. I am in the boye camp, but am really wanting to try the clover amour hooks. I have a few plastic hooks but did not like how they felt with a acrylic yarn. Felt sticky is the best way I can describe my experience. Thank you so much. You taught me a lot I didn’t know about hooks and I’ve been crocheting many years!
Alberta says
Hey! I started following Toni on YouTube . Toni you have taught me so much up to this point about the importance of the right hook for the right job. I watch your hook tutorial. I learn right away to give up the hooks that are painful to use. I am keeping Grammies hook she gave me years ago (G) for sentimental reasons but that doesn’t mean I have to use it. It is the perfect size for small hands to learn small crafts (I have a grandson).
Bring on more Lady Toni!!!!
Michele says
Thanks, Toni. Very informative. I have been using ergonomic hooks made by Leither Co. They are the matt finish clover hooks with a hand turned wooden handle. Not only are they comfortable, they are gorgeous! Ashley Leither is an Indy dyer and her husband Eric turns the hooks. They are my favorite, by far. I have tendinitis in my right wrist and arthritis in my right thumb. These allow me to crochet virtually pain free.
Sheila says
I have many (too many) different types of hooks, and, of them all, Clover hooks are my absolute favorite. I just love the way they “ grab” the yarn and glide thru stitches. Your lessons are so seriously good, Toni. You are indeed the Queen of crochet as far as I am concerned.
Asma Clementine says
This was the best one yet, Toni! I have some Clover Amour as well as the Tulip Etimo set. I think Im one of the few people that prefer the Tulips over Clover. The Clover hooks are so smooth but the little Clover logo on the front rubs my hand funny so using them irritates my skin after awhile.
I love my Furls! That said…the Odyssey and I are not having the best time. My hand tends to drift down the hook to where I’m holding it very close to the shank and it feels awkward. That said the hook itself is beautiful and very sharp.
Sheila Sweet says
I began to use the Crochet Amour after you recommended them. Thank you!!!! For a person with joint pain, these babies are the best! I can crochet for so much longer now. Loving Crochet Academy. Sending hugs…
Laurie Fisher says
Love this blog post with its wealth of information on hooks! I am an experienced crocheter and I learned a lot. I totally agree that you really do just need to try out different hooks and see what works for you. I am one of those crazy Furls devotees and I just wanted to share my Furls advice. As a person who has arthritis, the Furls have been a lifesaver for me and my crochet addiction. LOL! The resin hooks are great but I have broken them in smaller sizes. I would not go smaller than a G+ in the resin and also do not use them to make amigurumi because of the tightness of your stitches (I have broken two Furls resin hooks doing amigurumi.) I have the Furls Odyssey in every size available and love them all. They are a heavier hook but, despite my expectations when I first started using them, I find that they are really comfortable in my hand. And boy do I love my hot pink ones!! I have a few wooden Furls but find that I do not reach for them as much. They are lovely, though, I just prefer the Odyssey or the resin. Their tunisian crochet hooks and knitting needles are gorgeous, too! Thanks, Toni, for Crochet Academy and everything you do to educate the world about crochet!
Nikki says
Today I learned a lot more toward understanding inline vs tapered vs hybrid. I am excited to get out my hooks and see what I have been gravitating toward. I never knew that difference! I also have noticed that I currently prefer hooks that don’t have the thumb rest, while when I started, I liked it. I wonder if that will change back and forth over time, or if I like it better one way with certain projects and the other way with others. Thank you, Toni!
Summer says
Hooks are 100% preference. I am a Boye girl but my hands were aching after crocheting for hours on end. I tried an original Furls and couldn’t even begin to use it because of the end. Finally switched the resin Streamline Furls and I love them with my whole heart!
Shabnam Eftekhar says
What I like best about your advice and reviews is that you give your honest opinion and that you are unbiased. Thank you!
Anke says
Dear Toni,
I am also a huge fan of Clover Amour hooks! It is so comfortable to use them for a longer time. When I started out crocheting, I tried cheaper hooks. Now I see and especially feel the difference!
Thanks for your great tips!
Anke
Jacqueline says
This info on hooks was a full course meal!
Thanks for feeding me so well!!!!
Crystal says
woah I had no idea about the plastic hook/acrylic yarn thing. I don’t use plastic hooks anyway but still, that’s crazy 😮
I had a whole set of Boye hooks but after trying Clover I’m never going back lol.
Janalyn Johnson says
I quickly bookmarked this day’s lesson for all the cool links! I paused the lesson to go drool over FURLS! I’m learning, so right now I’m solid Team Bates for now. However, once I get a bit better, I’ll be investing in some ergonomic hooks. THANKS AGAIN for this academy!
Carrie says
This post was very helpful. I love using the Clover and Boye hooks.
Carrie Scott says
This post was very helpful. I love using the Clover and Boye hooks.
Carrie Scott says
Thank you for taking the time to provide us with this information. It is helpful. I like using Clover and Boye hooks.
Mayra says
The crochet hooks chart is really handing and and I never used a plastic crochet hooks except for Denise (my boyfriend got it for valentine’s day gifts). I have used metal and trying bamboo.
Jodi says
I’ve been using a set of super cheapie hooks since I started crocheting a few months ago. They looked like Clover Amour hooks and I was bamboozled, dazzled by their tiny price tag. Since I got a 50% off coupon from JoAnn’s, I sped to the store and picked up a set of *real* Clover Amour hooks. HOLY LIGHTWEIGHT GLIDE BATMAN!! They are a COMPLETELY different crocheting experience. You are so right. Don’t waste $ on cheapo hooks!
T Silver says
I definitely want to try the Furls hooks. I’m #TeamBates. I like for the head to have a point and I think it’s because I’m a tight tension crocheter. I always have to go up a size or two. This post answered the all of my questions about hooks. Thanks Toni!
Laura says
Thanks to this detailed information, I am going to try a wooden hook for my next project with slippery yarn! I am really enjoying reading through this series 🙂
Annie B. says
This article just totally changed my learning. I ordered some Susan Bates and it’s like magic. thank you so much!