Like all detailed crafts, crochet boasts a wide range of tools you can use to create a yarny masterpiece.
We all seem to start with either a small set of Boye or Susan Bates hooks and begin building our collections from there.
In this article, we will review the different shapes, materials, and techniques for the wide variety of crochet hooks on the market.
Crochet Hook Shapes
In general, most crochet hooks come in one of two shapes: inline and tapered.
Inline Crochet Hooks
The hook in an inline crochet hook is carved directly into the shaft of the crochet hook, so the hook head is directly in line with the shaft.
These hooks often tend to have a point at the top, making them easy to insert between tight stitches. They feature a deep throat that holds the yarn firmly. A popular example is the Susan Bates hooks.
Tapered Crochet Hooks
A tapered crochet hook narrows as the shaft approaches the throat and head of the crochet hook.
This narrowing gives the tapered hook a shallower throat, which some beginners find difficult to work with. The tapered hook generally has a rounded hook head, as well. A common example is the Boye crochet hooks.
Hybrid Crochet Hooks
Many crocheters choose either inline or tapered hooks as their preference, but many others prefer certain aspects from both.
Hybrid hooks boast the best of both worlds: a tapered shaft, a deeper throat, and a pointier head. Furls streamline hooks are an excellent example of hybrid hooks.
Types of Crochet Hooks
Many types of hooks have been invented since the very first hand-carved wooden crooks used by the “shepherd knitters” of the late 1700’s.
Some are designed for a specific purpose, some for comfort, and some for the sheer joy of how they look!
Let’s dive in and check out the options.
Basic Crochet Hooks
The most simple crochet hooks available are the simple aluminum hooks that come with every beginner crochet set.
These hooks are sturdy and reliable, however, they can become quite uncomfortable if you crochet for long periods of time.
The Becraftee set is a good example.
Ergonomic Crochet Hooks
Once you have grown in your crocheting, the time comes to invest in ergonomic hooks.
These comfortable hooks are designed specifically for improved hand and wrist health as you hook up those incredible crocheted blankets and sweaters.
They are available in a wide variety of price ranges, thicknesses, and more. Many ergonomic hooks are available in inline, tapered, and hybrid hook styles.
Check out this article to find the right best ergonomic hooks for you!
Lighted Crochet Hooks
We all know that black yarn is THE WORST (or close to the worst) to work with in terms of seeing your stitches.
Many crocheters swear by lighted crochet hooks for improved visibility when working with dark yarn or in a dark environment without needing extra overhead lighting.
Interchangeable Crochet Hooks
These handy crochet hooks sets come with one or two handles and a full set of hook heads in a variety of sizes. This can be an affordable way to collect a full range of crochet hook sizes.
Check out this set from The Hook Nook.
Tunisian Crochet Hooks
These unique crochet hooks aren’t for traditional crocheting, but for the beautiful style of Tunisian crochet.
This technique mimics knitting, but still retains the thickness of crochet.
These hooks are available as extra long crochet hooks or as cabled crochet hooks. Cabled hooks are basically a normal crochet hook with a long tail to hold the stitches. These are also called Afghan Hooks.
Thread or Steel Crochet Hooks
Steel crochet hooks are extra tiny hooks specifically designed to work with fine threads instead of thick yarn.
Originally, these hooks were made from the same stiff steel wire used to make embroidery needles – on the same machines, even! – so, they are also still called crochet needles.
These extra small hooks range in size from 0.25 mm to 2.75 mm. My favorite set of steel crochet hooks is the Clover Amour Steel Hooks.
Knook Crochet Hooks
Knooking isn’t exactly crochet and it isn’t exactly knitting, it’s the best of both worlds. These long crochet hooks feature a needle-like hole at the end to assist with knooking. If you are interested in learning a brand new way to work with yarn, maybe give knooking a try!
Double Ended Crochet Hook
The double ended crochet hook is used to work Tunisian crochet in the round. You can also use double-ended hooks to create a looser Tunisian fabric by using a unique technique.
Crochet Hook Materials
Crochet hooks come in a wide variety of materials from aluminum to plastic to wood. Each material has pros and cons, so let’s take a look at them.
Aluminum
The vast majority of crochet hooks are made from aluminum. This metal keeps the hooks lightweight and comfortable to use.
You can expect a smooth glide from a quality aluminum hook, however, cheap ones can have burs on the metal that will tear and catch your yarn.
You can find a basic set of aluminum hooks here or a quality set of ergonomic hooks here.
Pewter
Pewter is another lightweight material often used in the manufacturing of crochet hooks. Similar to aluminum, the pewter can be a little strong and a little heavier.
Furls crochet uses pewter for their Furls Odyssey line of hooks.
Wood
Wood hooks are magical! I love the warm comfort of wooden hooks, which come in a wide range of prices, types of wood, and shapes.
Quality wood hooks boast a smooth glide through the yarn, but have a little more grip than aluminum or pewter which makes it ideal for working with slick yarns, like nylon or silk.
Find a simple wood set here or check out these ergonomic wood hooks.
Plastic
Plastic hooks are some of the most affordable crochet hooks on the market.
These hooks can be a little squeaky with most yarns, but are still practical and useful. Smaller sizes of plastic hooks can be prone to breaking.
Check out this simple hook set in beautiful colors.
Resin
A harder, denser form of plastic, resin hooks have taken the crochet hook market by storm.
Whether they are hand poured, carved, or swirled, these beautiful crochet hooks move smoothly through the yarn, but can still be a little squeaky with stiff yarns like cotton.
These hooks aren’t great in smaller sizes (under 4.0 mm), since they can be prone to breaking. You can find a beautiful array of resin hooks at Furls Crochet.
Steel
Steel is used almost exclusively for thread crochet hooks. These hooks need to be extra strong, since the narrow neck of the hook would break easily with a lesser material.
Strong, lightweight, and smooth, steel hooks are an excellent investment if you decide to make lots of lace.
Final Thoughts
In the world of crochet, you can find as many types of hooks as you can find types of people.
I highly recommend playing around with different styles and materials of hooks until you find the ones you love the most!
I mean, if you can’t have enough types of yarn, you also can’t have enough crochet hooks.