Whether you’re just starting off on your crochet journey or reconsidering your starter set of hooks after years of wear, we gathered some of our favorite crochet hook brands based on our experiences and the reviews of other fellow crocheters.
We’ve taken into consideration those who may be left-handed and have presented a few different styles of crocheters, those with arthritis or other wrist and joint pains. We hope you find an option right for you!
Considerations Before Buying Your Crochet Hooks
When investing in crochet hooks, there are a few things to consider before making the purchase. More often than not, you only need one set of hooks and you’ll be set in your hobby. So, take some time to think about what’s important to you before you get your set!
Parts Of a Crochet Hook
Knowing the different parts of the crochet hook will help you understand the different style choices available. If you’re unfamiliar with these terms, don’t worry – we’ve laid them all out for you here.
Starting at the top of the crochet hook, we have the head. This is where the actual hook shape is.
Next is the throat of the crochet hook. There are different styles of hook, based on how the throat connects to the head – inline or tapered (we’ll review these options in the next section).
The shaft is a shorter part of the hook, right before the grip, which is where you keep your thumb and index finger. The rest of the hook is the handle, which can be the part that looks the most different from style to style.
Types of Hook Shapes
Inline and Tapered are the two main styles that you will find when working with crochet hooks. An inline hook has a very distinct throat and shaft, with a “sharp” hook that securely holds the yarn in place. This makes it less likely for the yarn to slip out, causing loose stitches.
Because of the straight throat and sharp hook, inline hooks are great for beginner crocheters as you’re less likely to lose your yarn.
The more comfortable you get with crocheting, though, the more likely you will find a tapered hook easier to use.
Tapered hooks have a shaft and neck that slowly taper down, rather than the straight and distinct angles of an inline hook.
You also won’t see as sharp a hook, but rather a smooth head that allows you to move quickly through the stitches. Tapered hooks are much easier to use when you are confident in your crochet skills and able to crochet quickly.
Types of Handles
When it comes to the style of the handle on your crochet hook, there are two types to choose from: standard vs ergonomic.
Standard handles are what’s typically found in big box stores like Walmart or Target, where limited crochet supplies are sold. They are rounded and have the same width as the hook, and are usually made from aluminum or plastic.
Standard hooks are easy to find and affordable, but aren’t the most comfortable for frequent and extended use.
Ergonomic handles, on the other hand, are round and thicker than the rest of the hook so as to create a better grasp and comfort for extended use. They often have more of a cushion feel allowing for a better grip and easier movement.
Ergonomic hooks are often more expensive, but definitely worth the investment if you’re a regular hooker who enjoys crocheting for hours at a time. These soft handles will help you avoid wrist pain!
Materials Used
The last factor to consider before you buy a set of hooks is the materials used to make them. Aluminum hooks are the most common, as they are cheaper to make, last longer, are lightweight, and aren’t easily broken.
Plastic hooks are another budget-friendly option that can often be found in stores like Walmart, but they aren’t quite as long-lasting as aluminum. You may also find that they don’t crochet quite as easily as aluminum.
Wooden crochet hooks are aesthetically pleasing, work with most yarn types beautifully, and are soft and warm to the touch. However, wooden hooks are usually at a higher price point and are definitely breakable – especially for thinner hooks.
Lastly, you may find thinner steel hooks. These are commonly used for thread work such as doilies and lace and aren’t a great option for beginners.
Size Range
If you are buying a set of hooks, most will come in a range of sizes, most sizes B to J. America uses a letter size system, with the smallest hook being a size B and the largest being a Q size.
Crochet hook sizes are decided by the millimeters of the circumference of the hook. B-crochet hook sizes are 0.75 mm around, while Q-sizes are 25mm.
Our Top Five Recommendations for Crochet Hooks
Based on experience, research and reviews, we've picked some of the best hooks to get you started on your crochet journey. Most can be purchased on Amazon or through other online retailers, and also in most craft stores. Happy shopping!
Clover has been making quality crafting tools and supplies since the early 1900's. Their needles are well known and loved within knitting, sewing and crochet communities for decades.
With a smooth tapered shaft and hook, Clover crochet hooks are smooth to work with and won't easily snag or break your yarn. The rounded silicone grip handles make for a comfortable hold no matter which way you prefer to grip your hook.
These hooks are great for those who crochet for long periods or who might have arthritis. With ten hook sizes available, you can get the whole pack for almost any projected needed!
Susan Bates is another well known name within the fiber arts community. Making both knitting and crochet needles and a plethora of other useful crafting tools, Susan Bates crochet hooks set the standard for what a classic aluminum hook should look and feel like.
Coming in 6 different sizes and bright colors, these aluminum hooks have a tapered shaft and hook that makes them the perfect beginners set.
These were the hooks I learned to crochet on as a child and the ones I continue to love most today. I find them easy to work with rarely get my yarn snagged.
With a full beginners crochet set that includes tapestry needles, scissors, a ruler and crochet hook case, Tulip has made a great first-time hook set that's great for the average crocheter.
The hooks themselves come in 8 different sizes, ranging from size D - J (3.25mm = 6mm), which are the most commonly used sizes.
Although they don't sport the bright colors other brands use, Tulip gives us a bright golden hook with a warm gray ergonomic handle and the sizes marked on each hook.
The handle widens up towards the top of the grip, making it comfortable for those with wrist pains and interchangeable between different types of holds.
If you're looking for qaulity wooden hooks, look no further than KnitPicks. This company has perfected the art of making beautiful wooden needles for both knitting and crochet.
Made with laminated birch, KnitPicks hooks are so smooth to work with and feel light and warm to the touch. They also add beautiful and vibrant colors to the wood layering, making unique colorways that are different with each batch made.
Being wood, these are of course much more susceptible to breaking, especially if sat on. KnitPicks has excellent customer service though and will replace the hooks for you.
Lastly, with a very lovely price point, a hook case, stitch markers and a few other crafting tools, we can't NOT mention the #1 Best Selling hooks on Amazon. Brought to you by the Yarniss Store, these hooks are at an extremely affordable price and come in sizes B - N.
With an ergonomic handle that provides comfort and extra length that makes it easier for movement, these hooks are a great option for those with wrist pain or arthritis.
The bright colorful handles make it easy to tell the hook sizes apart, and the silver aluminum hooks have a tapered shaft and hook that makes working with yarn smooth and easy.
FAQs
Should I buy single hooks or sets?
When you buy a set, you save money. Buying hooks individually ends up costing more to get a full-size range of hooks.
Of course, if you find you always crochet with the same two sizes, it would make sense to buy individual hooks with multiples in the same size. However, if you use a variety of yarn weights, it’s more financially savvy to buy a set with a range of sizes.
Where Can I Buy Crochet Hooks?
There are plenty of retail stores where you can find crochet tools, such as crochet hooks. From Walmart and Target to Lions Brand, JoAnns, and Michaels.
Also, don’t forget to look up your locally-owned yarn store – they’re sure to have variety, along with experts to help you find what you like best!
Know what you want already? Order on Amazon and get it shipped to you!
How Do I Safely Store Crochet Hooks?
There are many fun and creative ways for storing your crochet hooks when not in use! Check out the many hook storages you can buy or create on your own!
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Send me your email address and I will send you a lighted hook. Only used once and slightly unloved. ;-)
@Bev – That’s so generous!!
I would love to know where you can buy the glow-in-the-dark susan bates hooks(not the light up ones) I love crochet & anything glow in the dark.
I have a gorgeous hand blown glass handled hook that my husband bought me on vacation several years ago. The head/shaft are smoothest wood (don’t know what kind) in size G and I LOVE it. It really spoils me for most other hooks because it is a longer handle.
@Keri – That is a terrific gift! I’m going to have to spoil myself with some good hooks sometime soon!
My favorite Tunisian hooks are the Stitchberry’s I got here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001W3520W. I use my Denise hooks quite a bit for Tunisian when I have a larger project or am working in the round, but I prefer the bamboo actually. I find the Tunisian aluminum hooks very hard on the hands.
Susan Bates Crystallite hooks sizes G through I break very easily, but the larger sizes are OK.
@Norah – Thanks for the feedback on that. Very good to know.
Wolfenwood is another you may want to try, their’s is similar to rparishwoods, but they are ebay, I think I am curious about the glass crochet hooks!
I have been crocheting with Addi hooks for two years now, and I can say that they are the best hooks!!! Once you try the ergonomic crochet hooks, you NEVER want to go back to the other simple one. I love my Addi hooks!!!!
I have every size in the bamboo and I hate them. They snag the yarn.
I have several hooks made of Corian, the countertop material. They are amazing.
I would’ve to have number 10, 20 or 23. Great selection !!!!