crochetguideClover
Clover Amour crochet hook, 4 mm
Your pattern calls for a 4 mm hook and you prefer a soft, shaped handle.
- Sizes: 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6 mm
- 4 mm
- Grip: elastomer rubber, latex-free
Crochet hooks by type: grips, heads, sizes and sets
Choose the size first: the millimeters on the yarn label or in the pattern. Then choose the handle that suits your hands, and whether you want one hook or a set. There is no best hook for everyone; these are the types, and the hooks we’ve reviewed.
Cushion grips
A soft rubber handle spreads the pressure of your fingers. Many people find them easier on the hands over a long evening; try one before buying a whole set.
Tulip
Tulip Etimo Red cushion-grip crochet hook set
You want a compact set of fine to medium hooks, with matte tips that don’t catch the light.
- Sizes: 1.8, 2, 2.2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5 mm
- Includes: ruler, 2 tapestry needles, case
- Grip: elastomer cushion
Tulip
Tulip Etimo Rose cushion-grip crochet hook set
You want hooks from 2.0 to 6.0 mm, plus scissors, yarn needles and a case. Add yarn separately to make it a complete starter gift.
- Sizes: 2, 2.2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6 mm
- Includes: 10 cushion-grip crochet hooks, scissors, 2 yarn needles, case with tassel
Wide, flat handles
A flat thumb rest helps a knife grip and hands that dislike a thin shaft.
Clover
Clover Soft Touch crochet hook, 4 mm
You value a light, stable handle and an easy-to-read size label.
- Sizes: 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6 mm
- 4 mm
- Grip: wide ABS-resin handle
Weighted metal handles
A thick solid-metal body has some weight in the hand and a polished finish that slides through yarn.
Furls Crochet
Furls Silver Streamline metal crochet hook
You prefer a heavier metal hook with a wide handle. Compare the weight for the diameter you need.
- Sizes: 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, 10 mm
Inline heads
The head is as wide as the shaft, with the throat cut in. It suits crocheters who push the hook straight into tight stitches; a tapered head, narrower than the shaft, slides in at an angle. Neither is better: they suit different hands.
Susan Bates
Susan Bates Silvalume crochet hook set of 4
You prefer an inline head and need small yarn-hook sizes from 2.75 to 3.75 mm.
- Sizes: 2.75, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75 mm
- Head: inline
Large hooks for chunky yarn
Hooks from 8 mm up for chunky, super bulky and jumbo yarn, often with a long handle to balance the head.
Tulip
Tulip Etimo Grandhook giant crochet hooks
You crochet with thick yarn or cord and want an 8, 10, 12 or 15 mm hook you can hold like a pencil or a knife.
- Sizes: 8, 10, 12, 15 mm
- Grip: long elastomer cushion
Steel hooks for thread
Steel hooks run from about 3.5 mm down to well under 1 mm, for crochet thread, lace and micro crochet. Their numbers run backwards and differ between brands, so choose by millimeters. We haven’t reviewed a steel hook yet; the hook size chart lists steel sizes.
Tunisian hooks
A Tunisian (afghan) hook is long, with a stopper at the end or a flexible cable, so a whole row of loops fits on it. Choose one or two sizes larger than you would for ordinary crochet. We haven’t reviewed a Tunisian hook yet; see how Tunisian crochet works.
How to choose
Match the millimeters to the yarn and your swatch. A hook that feels good in the shop can tire your hand after an hour, so a single hook in the size you need is a cheaper test than a set. Sets make sense once you know the handle you like and work in several yarn weights.