Choosing the right Crochet Hook for You

There are so many types of crochet hooks out there – how do you choose the right one for you?

Apart from the size needed for the project (which should be specified in the pattern), the features of the hooks themselves can make a big difference to how you crochet.  And as we all have our own unique style to crocheting, one hook doesn’t suit us all.  Just because your friends prefers one style doesn’t mean you will!  So what are these features to consider?

Firstly – the material the hook is made out of.  The common material hooks are made from include steel, aluminum, plastic/resin, bamboo or other woods.  Steel is often used in the finer hooks to give them strength and greater durability, and aluminum is commonly used for most hooks.   The smoothness of metal hooks makes it easy for them to glide through any yarn.  But they aren’t used in the larger sizes as they can get heavy and bring on crochet fatigue early.   Hence plastic/resin is often used in larger hooks.  Bamboo is also a lightweight material and as it creates friction with the yarn, it’s great for slippery yarn.  Regardless of what material is used, you need to ensure that the finishing is good quality to ensure the yarn slides unimpeded down the shaft.

Second – the shape of the head. The head can be small/large, blunt or sharp.  Each has their place.  Hooks with larger heads generally have a deeper throat/neck making it easier to control the yarn – ie grabs better.  Whereas smaller heads are good for tight work, such as amigurumi.  Similarly a pointed head makes crocheting into tight stitches easier than a blunt head.  If you are using a yarn that easily splits and your stitches are not tight a blunt head may be easier.

Thirdly – the shape of the neck.  Necks can either be tapered or inline.  Inline hooks have a consistent width from the shaft to the head, and often accompany a deeper throat and sharper point. This shape of neck can be helpful to beginners as it assists with keeping the loops uniform and the yarn doesn’t slip off as easily.  It does however require more ‘wrist’ action and I’ve heard many say this slows their crochet down.

Tapered hooks on the other hand have a much narrower neck all around and the head often juts over the shaft.  This is designed to make it easier to pull the hook through the loops, however does require more control of the tension to ensure the size of the stitch is not lost.  Once you master the tension these hooks help you crochet faster.  These hooks often have a shallower throat and a rounder head.  When looking at tapered hooks also consider the length of the neck as some styles have a very short neck, to try and compensate for the tapering.

The shaft – This is the area of the hook that determines the size of your stitches, and this can vary in length.  Be sure to get the size that suits the stitches and yarn you are using.  For example if you are making stitches that need many loops don’t go for a short shaft hook.

Lastly the handle – this is the main area where your personal preference comes in.  For the traditional hooks – often called straight handle hooks – the shaft, thumb grip and handle are all in one.  A small flat area exists for your thumb to hold the hook.  These are generally cheaper and are good all-rounders.  However this can often lead to cramping of your fingers and your wrist.  If you plan to do a lot of crocheting, I certainly recommend a hook with an ergonomic handle.  The ergonomic handle lets you relax your hold more and so your fingers aren’t as cramped, allowing you to crochet longer!  Like the hooks themselves there are a range of handles with different shapes, and lengths and made from different material.  When you are shopping for these hooks, make you can hold one to see how it fits in your hand and the grip you use for crochet.

My favourite hooks are the Clover ergonomic hooks – the tapered neck, long shaft and comfortable handle endable me to crochet for hours!

To help you when you go shopping, here is a handy checklist to tick off the features you desire.

Shop for your hook now