In today’s how to crochet series, I’ll talk about the types of crochet hooks you may encounter. Unless you are purchasing an entire set of hooks, the type of hook you purchase will most likely correlate with what type of project you’re making..
Please note that not all types of crochet hooks are a right fit for the job. For instance, if you are crocheting jewelry with wire, you wouldn’t want to choose a wooden or specialty hook. Always do your research before you crochet with materials other than yarn.
Types of Crochet Hooks
Steel Crochet Hooks
Steel hooks are typically the smallest types of crochet hooks and are used in filet crochet or with projects such as doilies or lace patterns. These hooks support crochet thread or very fine yarn projects.
Aluminum, Wood, Plastic, and Acrylic Yarn Hooks
Yarn Hooks can come in many materials, depending on the manufacturer. These hooks are typically called yarn hooks, because they have a corresponding size for each thickness of yarn. These type of hooks are appropriate for blankets, clothing, kitchen accessories, and even most amigurumi patterns.
- Aluminum Crochet Hooks – Great for both beginners and seasoned pros. When I first started crocheting, I started with an aluminum hook from a set that I purchased. I do recommend if you are crocheting a large project, or spend a lot of time crocheting, that you invest in some type of cushion or slip to cover the end of your hook.
- Wooden Crochet Hooks – Wooden crochet hooks can come from many different materials: bamboo, oak, rosewood (just to name a few). I’ve used bamboo hooks quite a bit and tend to like to soft feel in my hand.
- Plastic Crochet Hooks – Plastic crochet hooks tend to come in varieties that are both flexible, as well as hard plastic. When I use a plastic hook that does have a bit of flexibility to it, I think it does affect my tension and the sizing of my stitches. I recommend that anyone wanting to complete a larger project with a plastic hook definitely practice with the hook, and periodically check your gauge.
- Acrylic Crochet Hooks – Acrylic crochet hooks are often a lightweight hook that is a comfortable material to hold. I’ve had the best luck with these when using a thicker yarn. You definitely wouldn’t want to use a thin bamboo yarn, or anything that could slide of very easily.
Specialty Hooks
There’s something to be said for hooks that catch the eye. Specialty crochet hooks can be made from many types of materials, but each of them have a different purposes. One of the more popular specialty hooks I’ve used has been the plastic crochet hooks with the light inside them. As a mom, I do a lot of my crochet projects after the kiddo heads to bed, and for a while, this was a great hook for me to use to get caught up. There are also many specialty hooks that you can purchase from Etsy that people create by hand. These hooks are often hand-carved wood, or have a polymer clay handle. I wouldn’t call these beginner hooks, however if that is what it takes for someone to pick up a hook in the first place, I’d definitely recommend it!
Tunisian / Afghan Crochet Hooks
Afghan or tunisian hooks are a very long crochet hook, sometimes with a stopper on one end, or sometimes double-ended. These hooks are meant for a specific crochet stitch called tunisian, which is a similar concept to knitting, in that you keep all loops of your yarn on the hook.
What are the best types of crochet hooks?
My answer to anyone who asks me my opinion on what is the best crochet hook is this. . .whichever you are most comfortable with using to complete a project. After all, that’s the ultimate goal, right? I’d never recommend using a hook that frustrates you, or makes you not want to pick up your project and finish it. Let’s face it, we all have a bit of variance in our crochet: left to right-handed, some people roll the hook while others keep a flat grip, people have different eyesight that might make a pointed hook easier for them than a rounded one.
Frequently Asked Questions
I decided to include a question/answer section in this post to review some of the times my friends have asked me questions and what the answer has been related to what type of crochet hook they are using. If you have a question that you can’t find listed below, please comment and I might just add it to this list.
Q: I’m working on a project (this project happened to be baby boots) where my stitches are tight, and I’m finding it hard to get my hook under the stitches. What can I do to help this
A. Try using a hook with a pointed head, rather than a round one. The point on the head will guide your hook into the stitch better and allow you to poke through much easier. Susan Bates hooks have a more pointed head, and are typically inexpensive.
Q. I’m trying to crochet a scarf using a broomstick lace stitch, and the stitches are uneven and look terrible. Help!
A. Though you can use a standard sized hook and a cylindrical device for this, try using a large plastic crochet hook instead. Your stitches will be more even and you’ll only need one tool rather than two.
Thanks for stopping in, and happy hooking!
