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Crocheting is fun and easy to learn, and it can be a relaxing, creative hobby. Fabricate an heirloom blanket for a newborn family member or produce cozy wool socks for folks at a homeless shelter. With a collection of high-quality crochet hooks, you can be prepared to complete a variety of handiwork projects whenever inspiration strikes. Keep reading to discover the optimal sizes, materials, designs, and features of the best crochet hooks for your creative ventures. Then start crocheting those chunky scarves and winter hats for your friends.
- BEST OVERALL: Mayboos 72 Pcs Crochet Hooks Set with Accessories
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: BCMRUN 14 pcs Multicolor Aluminum Crochet Hooks
- BEST FOR BEGINNERS: Katech Crochet Hooks Kit with Case, 85-Piece Set
- BEST ERGONOMIC: BeCraftee Crochet Hook Set with Ergonomic Handles
- BEST LIGHTED: Yarniss Lighted Crochet Hooks Set – Rechargeable
- BEST LARGE: Mayboos Huge Crochet Hook Set, 9 Pieces Large Eye
What to Look for When Buying the Best Crochet Hooks
The instructions that come with crochet patterns usually include information about the types of crochet hooks and yarn or thread required to complete the project. Many crochet enthusiasts keep multiple hooks on hand. Ahead, learn about their distinguishing features as well as the pros and cons of crochet hooks in diverse sizes, materials, shapes, and designs.
Size and Material
Crochet hooks are available in a variety of sizes. Size is determined by a measurement of each hook’s diameter in millimeters; hooks with larger diameters produce larger stitches and may be used with thicker yarn. Conversely, hooks with smaller diameters are for thinner yarn or thread, and they produce smaller, more delicate stitches. The most common sizes range from 2 to 10 millimeters, and they’re available in half-size increments.
Some manufacturers label different-size crochet hooks with letters. For example, a B/1 hook is 2.5 millimeters in diameter. A middle-of-the-road H/8 hook measures 5 millimeters, and an extra-large S hook is 19 millimeters.
Crochet hooks are typically made of plastic, aluminum, or bamboo, although wooden and glass options are available. Ergonomically designed crochet hooks feature cushioned handle grips made from silicone or rubber to reduce hand fatigue and cramping.
Inline vs. Tapered
The hooked end of the tool on an inline crochet hook is consistent in diameter from the shaft to the head, and the curved throat and the shank are the same width. Moreover, the head and shank of an inline hook are equal in width, but the curved throat usually is deeper. These features allow the user to have greater control over the yarn, resulting in more uniform stitches. Inline hooks are recommended for beginners. However, inline hooks may cause hand fatigue since the design requires extra movement with each stitch.
On a tapered hook, the throat is narrower than the shaft, and the head is wider than the shaft. Additionally, its throat is more shallow than an inline hook’s. This design allows the stitch to slide easily off the head, so the work goes faster. Tapered hooks offer less control over the yarn, making them more suitable for experienced crocheters.
Point
The tip end of a crochet hook (the hook part) is called the point, tip, or head. The underside of the hook’s head is the curved throat that catches the yarn.
Before a new stitch can be created, the hook head (point) must be inserted into the previous stitch. After the yarn is pulled through, the newly completed stitch must slide off the head.
The head of a crochet hook should be pointed enough to insert easily into the work. If it’s too blunt, it’s more difficult to insert it. On the other hand, a too pointed or sharp head can split the yarn, resulting in damage to the project.
Comfort
Crocheting is a fun, relaxing hobby that offers opportunities for creativity. However, an unintended result may be fatigue and stress in the fingers, hands, and wrists. Repetitive, small-muscle movements and tension can contribute to unpleasant cramping and pain.
Many crochet hooks offer ergonomic designs to minimize hand stress and fatigue. Simple aluminum hooks have flat thumb rests for secure, comfortable gripping. For enhanced comfort, cushioned handles made of soft, spongy materials help ease the stress.
Additionally, a crochet hook’s size can affect users’ comfort levels: Larger hooks are easier to grasp than narrower hooks.
Additional Features
Some crochet hooks come in sets or kits that include additional tools for crocheting, such as stitch markers, blunt-end needles, stitch-gauge rulers, scissors, and more. Other hook sets include compact zippered carrying cases to organize and store all the small pieces of equipment in the set.
Lighted crochet hooks contain hooks with built-in LED lighting powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The hooks are made of transparent plastic, and the light shines through them onto the handiwork.
Our Top Picks
Recommendations for the best crochet hooks on the market include sets in varying sizes, shapes, and materials. Some sets include accessory tools, such as stitch markers and blunt-end needles, while others contain specialized hooks for ergonomic considerations, built-in lighting, and chunky crochet projects.
Best Overall
Mayboos 72 Pcs Crochet Hooks Set with Accessories
This Mayboos set includes 30 aluminum crochet hooks. A subset of 16 slender silver-tone hooks provides small sizes for lace craft and projects with thin crochet thread. The group of 14 colored aluminum hooks ranges in size from 2 to 10 millimeters for crochet projects in wool and acrylic yarn. The set also includes nine hooks with ergonomic, cushioned rubber handles, ranging in size from 2 millimeters to 6 millimeters in graduated half-size increments.
The Mayboos set contains nine large blunt-eye steel yarn sewing needles. Twenty stitch markers, two metal stitch holder pins, and one knitting gauge round out the set. An attractive zippered carrying case makes it easy to organize, store, and transport the 71 pieces of equipment.
Best Bang For The Buck
BCMRUN 14 pcs Multicolor Aluminum Crochet Hooks
The 14 crochet hooks in this economically priced BCMRUN set are made of aluminum and color-coded in vibrant hues to help users distinguish size. The hooks range in diameter from 2.0 to 10.0 millimeters in graduated half-size increments; size is clearly marked on the thumb rests.
Each hook is 6 inches long and has a flat thumb rest. These hooks are comfortable to hold, and the thumb rests facilitate hand movements. The inline design allows users to enjoy enhanced control of the yarn, helping them create uniform stitches.
Best For Beginners
Katech Crochet Hooks Kit with Case, 85-Piece Set
This set from Katech features 12 aluminum crochet hooks ranging in size from 2.0 to 8.0 millimeters in graduated half-size increments. Bright individual colors help users distinguish among the 12 sizes.
A subset of nine ergonomically designed hooks features cushioned easy-grip handles that reduce hand stress and fatigue. These are also brightly colored for convenient identification, and they range in size from 2.0 to 6.0 millimeters in graduated half-size increments.
This set supplies extra tools, including 14 plastic ring markers, 20 stitch markers, six plastic yarn needles, four needle-point protectors, three bow-shaped needles, two sweater pins, two row counters, two yarn threaders, a ruler, one tape measure, a yarn remover tool, and a pair of scissors. A colorful zippered case helps organize and store the tools when not in use.
Best Ergonomic
BeCraftee Crochet Hook Set with Ergonomic Handles
Many crochet enthusiasts, especially those with arthritis, experience hand fatigue and cramping. The comfortable soft rubber handles of these BeCraftee crochet hooks reduce the physical stress from crocheting. Housed in an attractive zippered carrying case, this set includes nine crochet hooks with cushioned handles. Their sizes are marked with both letters and numbers. They range in size from B1 (2.25 millimeters) to J10 (6.0 millimeters). The aluminum tips are firmly attached to the rubber-grip handles.
Additional accessories include two stitch holders, a gauge measure ruler, 10 locking stitch markers, six plastic yarn needles, a row counter, scissors, and a tape measure.
Best Lighted
Yarniss Lighted Crochet Hooks Set – Rechargeable
Crafters who crochet in the evening, in dim lighting, or with dark-colored yarn sometimes experience eyestrain. Enjoy well-lit working conditions at all times with this Yarniss rechargeable LED crochet hook set.
The set includes nine interchangeable hook heads that fit a rechargeable handle that emits LED lighting in both dim and bright settings. The included lithium-ion battery in the lighted handle recharges via an included USB cable. It takes only 15 minutes to fully charge the battery, resulting in 7 to 9 hours of runtime.
In addition to lighting, the cushiony silicone handle provides ergonomic comfort. The nine interchangeable hook heads are made of durable polycarbonate (PC) transparent plastic, so the LED light shines through. These interchangeable heads range in size from 2.5 to 6.5 millimeters in graduated half-size increments. A zippered carrying case provides a way to organize and store the set.
Best Large
Mayboos Huge Crochet Hook Set, 9 Pieces Large Eye
Some crochet projects, such as rug macramé, blankets, and scarves, call for bulky yarn or multiple strands of yarn, which require large crochet hooks.
These Mayboos oversize plastic crochet hooks are 12, 15, 18, 20, and 25 millimeters in diameter to produce extra-large crochet stitches. Moreover, wide-diameter crochet hooks are easier to hold than smaller hooks. Crochet enthusiasts with arthritis or other hand and wrist impairments may find it easier to use these extra-large easy-to-grasp hooks.
The set provides additional accessories for crochet projects, including 20 stitch markers, nine large-eye blunt needles, and two jumbo bent-tip tapestry needles.
FAQs About Crochet Hooks
Whether new to crochet or expanding on a well-loved hobby, having a collection of crochet hooks on hand can inspire exciting projects. The answers to the following questions may assist both beginners and experienced crochet enthusiasts in selecting the best crochet hooks.
Q. Which is easier, knitting or crocheting?
Both crafts are fairly easy and fun to learn. Some participants find crochet is easier because it utilizes only one hook instead of two knitting needles. Additionally, crochet involves only one live stitch on the hook at any time rather than the entire row of stitches that crafters keep on a knitting needle. This makes it easier to correct mistakes in a crochet project.
Q. What is the most common size crochet hook?
The H-8, 5-millimeter crochet hook is the most common size, and it serves for many projects.
Q. What kind of crochet hooks are the best for beginners?
A quality set of standard crochet hooks with a wide array of hook sizes is an ideal starter kit. Inline crochet hooks usually are easier for beginners, but you don’t have to start with a specialized type of crochet hook.