We're about to kick off BiCrafty Bootcamp: Beginner Crochet Lessons for Knitters. Sign up now (it's free the sign up makes sure we know where to send you updates.) Lessons begin on September 1st. However, we wanted to get you prepped now by giving you a beginners guide to crochet hooks. That way you're all set to go with our first set of lessons!
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Your Basic Guide to Crochet Hooks
When you first begin to knit, there's a lot that you need to learn about knitting needles. Luckily, crochet hooks aren't quite as complicated. Whereas knitting needles have straights, and circulars, and DPNs, in crochet a hook is pretty much just a hook. There are a few things you'll want to learn, though, as you begin to learn to crochet basics.
In our First BiCrafty Bootcamp Crochet Edition Video, we show you all different kinds of brands and give you some thoughts on them. You can watch that here.
Crochet Hook Sizes
Like knitting needles, hooks are sized by mm. Bigger mm gives you bigger loops. Typically, with heavier yarn, you'll use larger size crochet hooks.
Whereas knitting needles have a number + mm (for example, size 8 – 5 mm needles), crochet hooks have a letter + # + mm (for example, size I9 – 5 mm). But the gist is the same. As a knitter, you already know about gauge and tension. For example, you know that if you're knitting too tight for gauge, then you might need to go up a knitting needle size. It's the exact same thing in crochet. That's why it's good to order a set of crochet hooks rather than just buying one to start.
You can learn all about crochet hook sizes and the recommended yarn weights for them from our handy crochet hook size chart. It's an excellent supplement to the rest of this guide to crochet hooks.
Crochet Hook Anatomy
There are five basic parts to a crochet hook. The top of the hook is called the point. Then you have the “throat”. After that comes the shaft. There's a thumb rest, followed by the rest of the handle.
There are basically two different types of crochet hooks in terms of anatomy:inline and tapered. Inline hooks are so-named because the hook point is “in line” with the shaft. Therefore the space between the hook and shaft is deeper than with tapered hooks. The point is pointier than with tapered hooks. The name comes from the fact that the hook tapers down to a thinner throat. This creates a shallower gap between hook and throat. The point is rounder.
Many people refer to the two most common brand names of crochet hooks to described the difference between hooks: Susan Bates crochet hooks are inline whereas Boye hooks are tapered. Neither is necessarily better than the other, even for beginners. It's just a matter of figuring out what you like. For example, you've probably knit with some needles that are pointier and others more blunt; it's a matter of practice to figure out which is right for you.
Crochet Hook Materials
Your knitting knowledge will serve you well here as you consider which type of crochet hook material you want to choose. Just like with knitting needles, crochet hooks come in metal (aluminum as well as steel, the latter usually only used for thread crochet), bamboo and other wood, plastic, etc.
Just like with knitting, the material somewhat affects the ease of working with the yarn. Yarn typically moves more smoothly and quickly on metal hooks than wood ones, for example. However, it's interesting to note that this is much more of an issue with knitting; the effect is subtler in crochet.
We here at the Marly Bird team are working with WeCrochet hooks. These are light aluminum hooks that are encased in a latex-free plastic rubber that makes them easier to grip.
If you want to learn about other brands for each type of crochet hook material; here's a comprehensive post that provides that detail.
Ergonomic Crochet Hooks
As you get used to crocheting, you'll figure out which hooks you like. Some people find that crocheting too long is hard on their hands. If this happens to you, or if you already have hand issues, then you might want to consider exploring different ergonomic crochet hooks. These have a wider handle for better grip. We recommended Too Shay Crochet Hooks.
You can learn all about ergonomic crochet hooks here.
Crochet Hook Handles
Other than ergonomic handles, most crochet hook handles are the same. Specifically, handle lengths are usually pretty similar across all brands. There are certainly exceptions. However, as a general rule of thumb, you don't typically have to worry about hook handle length when choosing crochet hooks. This is important for knitters to know. After all, each different type of knitting needle has different lengths; and you add in cables for circulars and it really gets complicated. In contrast, with crochet you aren't holding any live stitches on your hook. Therefore, hook handle length doesn't matter as much … there are different lengths and you might find some that you like more than others but it's not as critical to the craft as in knitting.
Note that there are some exceptions for advanced crochet techniques. Tunisian crochet uses its own unique type of hooks, which are longer. Likewise, you'll use a longer tool to hold live loops if you ever explore broomstick crochet. But these are advanced techniques that you may or may not ever worry about. For a basic guide to crochet, you don't have to worry about crochet hook handle length.
How to Hold a Crochet Hook
We'll go over this in more depth in BiCrafty Bootcamp Crochet Edition Lesson One. But for now, check out our previous post on “crochet terminology” which goes into additional depth about some of the stuff in this guide. It covers the basic “pencil grip” vs “knife grip” question that new crocheters usually ask about.
You Might Also Like:
- Get All The Info on BiCrafty Bootcamp Crochet Edition Here
- Ergonomic Crochet Hooks on the Podcast
- Wood Crochet Hooks on the Podcast
- Are Interchangeable Crochet Hooks a Thing?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between inline and tapered crochet hooks?
So here's the thing… inline hooks have the point “in line” with the shaft, making the space between them deeper and the pointier. Tapered hooks, like Boye, have a hook that tapers down to a thinner throat, creating a shallower gap and a rounder point. It's really just about what feels best in your hands, kind of like knitting needles!
Do the materials of crochet hooks really make a difference?
Honestly… it's not as big of a deal in crochet as it is in knitting. Yarn does tend to glide a little smoother on metal hooks compared to wood ones. We're using these super comfy WeCrochet hooks right now that have aluminum but are covered in a grippy rubber… they're great!
What are ergonomic crochet hooks and why would I use one?
Yes! If your hands ever get tired or achy when you crochet for a while, you might want to check out ergonomic hooks. They have a wider handle which makes them much easier to grip. My friend over at Too Shay Crochet Hooks makes some really nice ones!
Is crochet hook handle length really important?
For most basic crochet, not really… The handle lengths are usually pretty similar across brands, and since you're not holding live stitches on your hook like with knitting needles, it's not as critical. Now, if you get into Tunisian or broomstick crochet, you'll use longer hooks, but for everyday stuff, don't worry too much about it.
How do I know what size crochet hook to use?
Think of it like knitting needles… bigger mm means bigger loops. Generally, you'll use a larger hook with heavier yarn. You can find all the details and a handy chart with recommended yarn weights on our crochet hook size chart page!
