Hooked! A Guide All About Crochet Hooks

To get started with crochet, there are only really two things that you need to get started. Yarn or thread and a hook. If you are using very bulky yarn you can use your finger to crochet, but for most cases you will need a crochet hook. It’s your magic wand! The most important tool in your arsenal and your favorite partner. Every crocheter has their favorite. Looking to make your first choice or to expand your collection, here is a guide to everything you will need to know about crochet hooks. From all the various sizes and types to the parts of the crochet hook and other valuable information.

Part of a Hook

There are a few key parts to the crochet hook. Each one has their purpose and vary from hook to hook.

Tip/Point/Head/Hook

The tip or point is the hook part of the crochet hook. This is the end that is inserted into your crochet stitch. If your point is too sharp it can cause your yarn to split, and if the tip is too rounded it might not be able to glide through the stitch easily.

Throat

This is the part right under the hook and connects the hook to the shaft. This is where the yarn will be caught as the hook slides into your stitches. There are two different types of throats. It can either be inline or tapered. This is the style of flatness to the crochet hook. Inline hook will tend to have a deeper throat so they will give you more control over your yarn, while tapered hooks will tend to have a shallow throat that will make crochet faster as the stitches glide off easier. Which is better is completely personal preference. Most crocheters will have a favorite which has sparked the debate between Susan Bates (Inline) or Boye (Tapered) hooks. Many will switch between the two based on the type of yarn they are using, as some can split easier than others.

Shaft

The part between the throat and the grip of the hook is known as the shaft. This is where the yarn is wrapped around the hook and loops are held while you work on your crochet. The shaft is the size of the crochet and will determine the size of your stitches. The measurement of the circumference of the shaft is the size of your hook. For example, if the shaft measures 5.5 mm, that means you have a 5.5 mm hook.

Grip

This is the handle of the crochet hook. It rests in your palm if you have a knife grip, or against your index finger if you have a pencil grip. The grip can be made from the same material as the shaft, or it can be made of something different. In some cases the grip can have a thumb rest where you can, as the name implies, rest your thumb. It is up to personal preference to which grip you find most comfortable in your hand.

Materials

Crochet hooks come in many different materials. Most come in plain aluminum but can be easily found in wood, bamboo, plastic, acrylic and other materials. When dealing with crochet thread hooks, these tend to be made with steel to prevent the hook from bending and warping when you are working with them.

Bamboo

Crochet hooks made of bamboo tend to be inexpensive and readily available. These lightweight hooks are eco-friendly and sustainable. Compared to aluminum hooks, these are warm to the touch and can allow for a comfortable grip as they do not slide in your fingers. They might need a bit of sanding when they are first purchased if they are rough. This can catch yarn. However, they get smoother over use and are less expensive than a wooden hook.

Plastic

Crochet hooks made with plastic are inexpensive and lightweight. They are available in many fun colors. They have a moderate grip on the yarn.

Metal

These hooks are the heaviest out of the bunch when compared to wood, bamboo and plastic. Metal hooks are very strong and durable. They are cold and can be a little harder to hold. There is less grip on the yarn, which allows for quick crocheting.

Wood

These lightweight hooks have much in common with bamboo hooks, except they tend to be much more expensive. They may not be labeled with the hook size, which could lean to confusion. Pay attention to the type of wood used to create the hook, as some may not be as sustainable as others.

Special Features

Hooks can come with other features that might be a great investment based on your crochet needs. Some hooks are more ergonomic, which means they are designed for to be comfortable for long periods of time. They have been design for people with wrist pain, carpal tunnel, tendinitis, arthritis and other stress injuries. Other hooks have built in lighting. These hooks either light up around the hook end or even glow in the dark. Perfect for those late night crochet settings or to see your stitches as you watch TV.

Where to Buy

Crochet hook can be found in many places: Craft stores, department stores and even your local dollar store. They are also available online. Try places like Joann, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, Amazon and Walmart.

Hook Sizing

Millimeter Range (mm)	U.S. Size Range
2.25 mm	B-1
2.50 mm
2.75 mm	C-2
3.125 mm	D
3.25 mm	D-3
3.50 mm	E-4
3.75 mm	F-5
4 mm	G-6
4.25 mm	G
4.50 mm	7
5 mm	H-8
5.25 mm	I
5.50 mm	I-9
5.75 mm	J
6 mm	J-10
6.50 mm	K-10 1/2
7 mm
8 mm	L-11
9 mm	M/N-13
10 mm	N/P-15
11.50 mm	P-16
12 mm
15 mm	P/Q
15.75 mm	Q
16 mm	Q
19 mm	S
25 mm	T/U/X
30 mm	T/X

What hook is best for Beginners?

My recommendation for beginners is to get two hooks: one inline and one tampered. Find an inexpensive hook in both varieties to find what you prefer. Everything is up to trail and error to find that you love most. It’s perfectly normal to have many crochet hooks and change hook styles based on your project. Just make sure that you don’t change hook during a project to maintain even stitches.

If you are limited in budget and can only purchase a single hook, start with an inline hook to keep your stitches uniformed.