All crocheters seem to start with one of two basic crochet hook sets: either Susan Bates or Boye.
This article will look at Susan Bates crochet hooks and review the different varieties available, from the early beginner hooks to the beautiful ergonomic hooks.
Susan Bates Crochet Hooks
All Susan Bates hooks feature their classic inline shape, patented in 1944. Learn more about the difference between an inline and a tapered hook and the different types of crochet hooks here.
Let’s dive into the range and see what Susan Bate’s has to offer.
Silvalume
These beginner-friendly and affordable crochet hooks feature the signature Susan Bates inline hook design to help reduce the amount of wrist movement needed to form stitches.
The hook is made from lightweight aluminum and is anodized to etch away any impurities in the metal, making it smooth and easy to work with.
The extra-deep throat of this crochet hook keeps the yarn from slipping. However, some crocheters complain that it causes the yarn to split. In my experience, the smaller sizes can bend and break with tight stitches – I’ve been through three size D/3.25 mm hooks when making stuffed animals for my kids.
Our View: A great basic to get started with.
Specs:
- Aluminum
- No special grip or ergonomics
- Inline hook with a deep throat
- Color-coded by size
- Perfect for most crochet stitches
- Sizes C/2.75 mm – K/6.5 mm
Silvalume Soft Handle
The classic Silvalume hook gets a facelift with the added soft, silicone ergonomic handle to improve wrist health. The ergonomic handle is thinner than most but is still quite comfortable for those who dislike a “fat” crochet hook.
This streamlined version of an ergonomic hook is perfect for those crocheters who need a little softer cushion but not an oversized ergonomic hook.
Our View: A classic with a softer, more comfortable handle.
- Aluminum with silicone handle
- Slender and soft ergonomic grip
- Inline hook with a deep throat
- Color-coded by size
- Perfect for most crochet stitches
- Sizes C/2.75 mm – K/6.5 mm
Silvalume Super Lightweight
The Silvalume hook is also available with the ultra-lightweight ergonomic aluminum handle.
This lighter version of the Soft Handle features a similar shape but is made from all aluminum.
The handle is firm and hard compared to the silicone version but extremely light for those that struggle with wrist pain.
Our View: Super light option for those with hand pain
- Aluminum
- Slender and firm ergonomic grip
- Inline hook with a deep throat
- Color-coded by size
- Perfect for most crochet stitches
- Sizes C/2.75 mm – K/6.5 mm
Silvalume Bamboo Handle
Warmer than the Super Lightweight and firmer than the Soft Handle, the Silvalume Bamboo handle is a comfortable middle ground between the two crochet hook varieties.
Available as individual hooks in a wide variety of sizes.
Our View: A beautiful take on the classic with a simple wood handle.
- Aluminum with bamboo handle
- Slender and firm bamboo grip
- Inline hook with deep throat
- Color-coded by size
- Perfect for most crochet stitches
- Sizes C/2.75 mm – K/6.5 mm
Silvalume Afghan Hook
These color-coded crochet hooks are extra long for the Tunisian crochet technique. Each one comes with a stopper at the end to hold the stitches in place and identify the size of the crochet hooks.
Our View: A longer-than-usual take on a classic crochet hook for special Tunisian stitches.
- Aluminum
- Stopper at the end to label hook size
- Inline hook with deep throat
- Color-coded by size
- Perfect for small Tunisian crochet projects
- Sizes C/2.75 mm – K/6.5 mm
Silvalume Flexible Afghan Hook
This corded Tunisian crochet hook features a long cable with a stopper at the end to hold even more stitches than the traditional afghan hook, which makes it ideal for large projects like blankets.
This version of the classic hook will hold enough stitches to make even a large afghan.
Our View: Perfect for your bigger Tunisian projects.
- Aluminum with a long cable
- Stopper at the end to label hook size
- Inline hook with deep throat
- Color-coded by size
- Perfect for large Tunisian crochet projects
Crystalites
The classic Susan Bates crochet hook gets a colorful makeover with the Crystalites crochet hooks.
Each hook is a beautiful translucent color, so you can quickly locate the size you need with minimal searching.
These consistently smooth hooks produce an even stitch and glide effortlessly through your yarn.
Available in a set of sizes G, H, I, J, K, or gorgeous jumbo sizes.
Our View: A colorful and fun take on a classic
- Translucent plastic
- Slender hook with no ergonomic grip
- Inline hook with deep throat
- Color-coded by size
- Perfect for traditional crochet projects
- Sizes G/4.0 mm – P/11.5 mm
Luxite
These plastic crochet hooks come in a uniform white color. Each one is smooth and glides gracefully through the yarn. The slight flex to the hook helps ease wrist tension, providing a comfortable experience.
Our View: A sleek, minimalist design with a classic hook.
- Plastic
- Slender hook with no ergonomic grip
- Inline hook with deep throat
- All one color
- Perfect for traditional crochet projects
- Sizes G/4.0 mm – P/11.5 mm
Steel Crochet Hooks
Designed specifically for tiny thread, classic steel hooks like the Susan Bates have been passed down through generations.
In fact, I have my grandmother’s set of Susan Bates steel hooks in my case, and I am honored to use them!
This set is durable, strong, and won’t bend or break with tight stitching. The smooth, lightweight metal glides effortlessly against cotton thread without pulling or squeaking.
Our View: The tiniest of hooks for the smallest of stitches.
- Steel
- Tiny hook with no ergonomic grip
- Inline hook with deep throat
- All one color
- Perfect for tiny lace stitches and working with thread
- Sizes 0/2.55 mm – 10/1.15 mm
Susan Bates Crochet Hook Extras
The Susan Bates line is known for its excellent quality of hooks, but they also have a range of accessories to help you improve your skills.
Learn to Crochet Kit
The Susan Bates Learn to Crochet Kit includes a complete set of crochet hooks, sizes G, H, I, J, and K, a gauge ruler, scissors, and other accessories.
The kit includes a book that includes basic stitches, diagrams, several stitch patterns, and beginner-level patterns to get you started.
This kit is not only a fantastic gift for someone wanting to learn to crochet, but it’s also a great reminder kit if you are picking up the craft again after years of disuse. I purchased this kit right after graduating from college as a refresher course on several techniques.
Related: Learn to crochet kits
Crochet Hook Comfort Grips
Many of us still have our original set of basic crochet hooks, but extended use causes wrist and hand pain cramps.
Susan Bates knew we would eventually need something to add to our hooks to improve comfort as we make beautiful baby blankets and bedspreads.
You can now purchase the Comfort Grips in a set for sizes F-J or smaller hook sizes, even for steel crochet hooks.
Buyer’s Guide: Why Susan Bates?
A long history of quality
You can’t go wrong with the tried and true Susan Bates hooks.
When you consider that the first crochet pattern was published in 1845, the fact that Susan Bates has been manufacturing hooks since the 1870s makes them one of the oldest hook makers in the world.
With that much experience, you know you are getting a quality product that will stand the test of time at a price you can’t beat.
Who benefits from an inline hook?
These hooks are excellent for beginners or those who tend to drop their stitches since the deep throat of the inline hook holds the working yarn firmly.
Common complaints
Some crocheters claim that the inline style of hook slows them down since the hook throat is so deep.
Personally, I find the deep throat tends to split my yarn, and I find my work progressing slowly. However, I prefer the deep inline throat of Susan Bates for steel hooks and working with thread.
Final Thoughts
My top picks from the Susan Bates line are the steel crochet hooks and the soft touch hooks since I find them the most comfortable and the most useful. These products are the stuff crochet history and heritage are made of.
Whether you are just starting with crocheting, picking up the hobby again after many years, or just need to add to your hook collection, you can’t go wrong with these sturdy, smooth, and comfortable hooks.
Related
You might also be interested in our guide to Boye crochet hooks.