7 Important Things to Know About Crochet Hooks

Hey y’all!

Crochet hooks are an essential tool for crocheting. Without them, it basically wouldn’t exist. (Except for the type where you can crochet a blanket with thick yarn with your hands.) These hooks come in various shapes, materials, and sizes, each offering unique advantages and disadvantages. We’ll dive into everything you can know about crochet hooks, exploring their types and characteristics so that you can choose which one is right for you.

Read on for the 7 important things to know about crochet hooks!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links and I may receive a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.

Anatomy of a Crochet Hook

Head: The head, or hook, is the curved portion at the end of the crochet hook that catches the yarn during stitching. It’s also what gets inserted into the crochet stitches, and is most of the time slightly pointed.
Throat: The throat is the space between the head and the shaft. It holds the stitches as you’re working with them, guiding them on and off the hook.

Shaft: The shaft is the long, slender part of the crochet hook. Its diameter can vary, affecting the size of the stitch. It also holds the loops it you’re working with multiple.
Handle: The handle is the grip area of the crochet hook. It can vary in length and thickness, catering to different preferences. It can help make a crochet hook ergonomic.

If you’d like a more in-depth explanation, OffTheBeatenHook has a great post about it.

Different types of crochet hooks

There are many different variations that a crochet hook can have. From the material used to the hook’s shape and style. Steel crochet hooks are for small, delicate crochet items, while plastic crochet hooks can be quite large and used for jumbo yarn. Bamboo crochet hooks are environmentally friendly and provide some friction, while aluminum crochet hooks can be super smooth.

This list will go more in-depth on which crochet hook is right for you.

6 Most Popular Crochet Hook Materials:

Aluminum Crochet Hooks

Aluminum crochet hooks are lightweight, durable, and affordable. Because of this, they’re a very popular choice among crocheters. Their low price makes them super beginner-friendly.

If you’re just starting crochet and are not sure if you’ll enjoy it, I recommend starting with a cheap set of aluminum crochet hooks off of Amazon, and then you can upgrade to nicer hooks in the future when you know it’s a hobby that you want to continue with.

Steel Crochet Hooks

Steel crochet hooks are used when crocheting with smaller sized yarn, such as lace yarn and crochet thread. They’re perfect for crocheting delicate things like doilies and lace edges, which require a lot of precision and control.

One important thing to note about steel crochet hooks is that their sizing is different than other hooks. They use numbers for sizes as opposed to letters, and the higher the hook number, the smaller the hook is. So a size 0 steel hook is larger than a size 5 steel hook.

If you’re looking for a set of steel hooks, I recommend these off of Amazon. They may be a bit pricey, but Clover Amour crochet hooks are my personal favorite. Their handles keep my hands from hurting like they do with the cheap hooks. And with delicate yarn, your hands tend to hurt faster than with other yarn, so they’re worth it in my personal opinion.

Plastic Crochet Hooks

Plastic hooks are a fantastic option for those who prefer a lightweight and budget-friendly crochet hook. They’re a bit flexible, which makes them more gentle on your hands than metal hooks. Plastic hooks are typically available in larger sizes because they’re made of plastic instead of metal. And you can find them in fun colors and patterns.

However, they may not be as durable as other materials, can produce static when working with acrylic yarn, and the really cheap ones can snag on the yarn if the plastic isn’t fully smooth.

Bamboo Crochet Hooks

Bamboo hooks are a great choice if you want to help the environment, as bamboo is a sustainable resource. They’re very lightweight and comfortable. If you’re working with yarn that tends to slide out of control, a bamboo crochet hook can help prevent that. And they’re not easily breakable.

If you’re looking to get a set of bamboo crochet hooks, I recommend these off of Amazon. It includes a hook case and 20 bamboo crochet hooks (including the small steel ones!).

Ergonomic Crochet Hooks

Ergonomic crochet hooks typically have handles that are larger and softer than traditional hooks. These handles are designed to fit comfortably in your hand, reducing the strain on your fingers and wrists. They often have soft, non-slip grips that make them easy to hold for extended periods. The larger handles distribute the pressure more evenly across your hand, minimizing strain on specific areas.

These hooks are crafted with smooth joints and transitions between the head, throat, and shaft. This ensures that the yarn glides effortlessly, preventing snagging and reducing the need for excessive wrist movement.

Ergonomic hooks are made from a variety of materials, including soft rubber, silicone, and plastic. These materials are chosen for their ability to provide a comfortable and secure grip while working on your projects.

These clover amour crochet hooks are my favorite. I love how smoothly the yarn glides and how nice the grip is. But other ergonomic hooks might be more tailored to your hands.

Interchangeable Crochet Hooks

Interchangeable crochet hooks have a single handle, with a collection of interchangeable hook heads in various sizes. These sets come in organized cases, ensuring that all your hook heads are neatly stored in one place.

Investing in an interchangeable crochet hook set might seem like a larger upfront cost, but in the long run, it can save you money as you won’t need to buy individual hooks for every size.

Interchangeable sets often come with comfortable, ergonomic handles that are kind to your hands during extended crocheting sessions.

I recommend this set on Amazon. It comes with a light up base so that you can crochet in the dark much easier.

Popular Crochet Hook Materials Table

Material	Benefits	Potential Drawbacks
Aluminum	Lightweight, durable, and affordable	If they don't have a handle, they can cause wrist and hand pain
Steel	Great for crocheting small and delicate things like doilies	Only come in very small sizes. Sizing can be confusing.
Plastic	Lightweight, budget-friendly, and flexible. Come in very large sizes.	May not be as durable. Can produce static. The really cheap ones can snag on the yarn if the plastic isn't fully smooth.
Bamboo	Sustainable resource, very lightweight, comfortable, helps prevent yarn sliding too much, not easily breakable.	Can be quite expensive. Can be too much friction when the hook is new.
Interchangeable	All hook sizes used with the same handle.	Can be more expensive up front.

Crochet Hook Shapes and Styles

Inline Hooks

Inline crochet hooks, also known as Susan Bates hooks, have a distinct design that sets them apart from traditional tapered hooks. The most noticeable feature of inline hooks is their elongated and more pronounced head, which remains in line with the shaft. This design results in a consistent diameter throughout the hook, offering a range of advantages for crocheters.

Advantages of inline crochet hooks

The inline design of these hooks helps maintain consistent tension in your stitches, and it helps prevent changes in stitch size, resulting in a more even and professional-looking finished project.

The elongated head of inline hooks lets you be very precise when putting the hook into stitches. This makes intricate stitch patterns and techniques like filet crochet or Tunisian crochet easier to do.

Due to the inline design, there’s less chance of splitting the yarn while working. This is particularly helpful when working with delicate fibers or intricate stitch patterns.

Beginners often find inline hooks helpful as they encourage consistent tension and minimize confusion between stitch sizes.

Inline hooks are wonderful for thread crochet and the delicate stitches that comes along with that.

Tapered Hooks

Tapered crochet hooks, also known as pointed hooks, are a staple in many crocheters’ toolkits. What sets them apart is the gradual transition from the head to the shaft, creating a conical shape that tapers down from the wider head to the narrower shaft.

Advantages of tapered hooks

The gradual transition of a tapered hook allows for smoother entry into stitches. This feature is particularly useful when working with thicker yarns or textured stitches.

Tapered hooks are incredibly versatile, accommodating a wide range of yarn sizes and types. Whether you’re working on delicate thread crochet or chunky yarn projects, these hooks seamlessly adapt to your needs.

Many crocheters appreciate the rhythmic sensation of using tapered hooks. The tapered design facilitates a steady and comfortable stitch motion, allowing you to crochet for hours without strain.

Tapered hooks are often recommended for beginners due to their forgiving nature. The gradual taper makes it easier to insert the hook into stitches accurately, leading to fewer mistakes and smoother progress.

The tapered design contributes to even tension throughout your work. This is essential for maintaining consistent stitch sizes and creating a balanced fabric.

Pointed Hooks

Pointed crochet hooks, as the name suggests, feature a fine and sharp tip that makes it easier to insert the hook into stitches with precision. This design sets them apart from standard hooks and brings a sense of finesse to your crocheting. They’re perfect for intricate stitches and fine yarns.

Advantages of pointed hooks

Pointed hooks excel in creating intricate stitches and fine details, making them a favorite among crocheters who enjoy lacework, filet crochet, and other delicate techniques.

The sharp tip of a pointed hook allows for accurate stitch placement, which is especially valuable when working on patterns that require precise stitch alignment.

The ability to work with smaller loops and stitches contributes to better tension control, resulting in neater and more uniform fabric.

Pointed hooks are highly favored by thread crocheters who work with delicate and lightweight yarns. The fine tip effortlessly glides through the tiny loops of thread, creating delicate and intricate designs.

When working with finer yarns such as lace weight or crochet thread, pointed hooks ensure that your stitches are well-defined and accurate.

Amour Hooks

Amour crochet hooks, also known as Clover Amour hooks, are easily recognizable by their distinct heart-shaped head. These hooks are part of the Clover family of crochet hooks and are very popular because of their ergonomic design and eye-catching appearance. The heart-shaped head provides a good grip on the yarn and facilitates smooth stitching.

Advantages of amour hooks

The heart-shaped head of Amour crochet hooks is more than just an aesthetic feature. It provides a comfortable and secure grip on the yarn, preventing slipping and ensuring smooth stitching.

Amour hooks are designed with an ergonomic handle that fits comfortably in your hand. The handle’s soft grip and shape reduces strain on your fingers, making crocheting more enjoyable, especially during longer sessions.

The polished aluminum shaft of Amour hooks ensures a smooth glide through your stitches. This feature reduces friction and allows the hook to move effortlessly through various yarn types.

Amour hooks come in a variety of vibrant colors, making them not only functional but also visually appealing. Each color corresponds to a different hook size, allowing for easy identification.

The ergonomic handle and heart-shaped head make Amour hooks beginner-friendly. They encourage proper hand positioning and tension control, making them an excellent choice for those new to crocheting.

How do I know what size crochet hook to get?

What size crochet hook you should buy depends on the project that you’ll be working on. Different patterns require different hook sizes. For amigurumi, hook sizes are typically smaller than what the yarn package recommends.

For other projects, (such as hats, scarves, blankets, et cetera), the hook sizes will typically be what is recommended on the yarn package.

This means that what size crochet hook you should buy is entirely dependent on whether or not you’re looking to make amigurumi or other projects, and also what type of yarn you will be using (Light, Medium, Bulky, et cetera).

You can always find crochet packs that come with every size hook. I started out with this one on Amazon.

I have a size chart for the recommended hook sizes for each yarn weight for both amigurumi and other projects below.

Crochet hook size chart for amigurumi

Amigurumi projects typically use smaller hook sizes than what the yarn package recommends. This is so that the gaps in between the stitches are smaller, keeping the stuffing in better and giving the project a different shape. You should size your hook down about 1mm from what the yarn suggests. But your crochet pattern should also include a hook size.

I’ve included this helpful amigurumi crochet hook size chart for reference.

Yarn Weight	Yarn Type	Yarn Name	Hook Size for Amigurumi
0	Thread and Lace	Lace Weight or Light Fingering	1.5mm (US size 8 steel)
1	Super Fine	Sock, Baby, or Fingering	2mm (US size 4 steel)
2	Fine	Sport or Baby	2.5mm
3	Light	Light Worsted or Doubleknit (DK)	3.25mm (US sizeD-3)
4	Medium	Worsted Weight, Aran, or Afgan	4mm (US size G-6)
5	Bulky	Craft, Chunky, or Rug	5.5mm (US size I-9)
6	Super Bulky	Super Chunky or Roving	6mm (US size J)
7	Jumbo	Roving	8mm (US size L-11)

Crochet hook size chart for most projects

Unlike amigurumi projects, most other projects you’ll want to use the crochet hook size listed on the yarn. But if you’re following a pattern, they will have the hook size listed. But here’s a table of typical hook sizes based on yarn weight.

Yarn Weight	Yarn Type	Yarn Name	Hook Size
0	Thread and Lace	Lace Weight or Light Fingering	2.25mm (US size B-1)
1	Super Fine	Sock, Baby, or Fingering	3.25mm (US size D-3)
2	Fine	Sport or Baby	4mm (US size G-6)
3	Light	Light Worsted or Doubleknit (DK)	4.5mm (US size 7)
4	Medium	Worsted Weight, Aran, or Afgan	5.5mm (US size I-9)
5	Bulky	Craft, Chunky, or Rug	6.5mm (US size K-10.5)
6	Super Bulky	Super Chunky or Roving	9mm (US size M/N-13)
7	Jumbo	Roving	15mm (US size P/Q)

7 important things to know about crochet hooks

More Crochet Guides:

How to Crochet a Flat Circle for Beginners – Free Coaster Pattern

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