Best Crochet Hooks for Beginners
Starting crochet can be intimidating for beginners. Having the right crochet hook makes learning the craft much easier. When selecting a crochet hook, you'll need to consider the size, material, and handle shape that suits your needs as a beginner.
Crochet Hook Sizes
Crochet hooks come in a range of sizes, usually from 0 to 15. The sizes correspond to the diameter of the hook shaft in millimeters. As a beginner, you'll want to start with a medium sized hook in the 5 to 7 mm range. This will allow you to work with worsted weight yarn which is one of the most commonly used weights.
| Hook Size | Yarn Weight |
|---|---|
| 5.5 mm | Worsted Weight |
| 6.5 mm | Worsted Weight |
| 7 mm | Worsted Weight |
As you gain experience, you can branch out into different yarn weights and the hook sizes they require.
Crochet Hook Materials
Crochet hooks come in a variety of materials including:
- Aluminum - Lightweight, inexpensive, and durable.
- Wood - Provides more grip and is lightweight.
- Plastic - Budget friendly option but can flex with thin yarns.
- Bamboo - Smooth finish and eco-friendly choice.
- Steel - Very slick surface allows yarn to glide.
For beginners, aluminum is a good choice as it is affordable and allows the yarn to move easily over the surface of the hook. Wood and plastic are other good options to start with.
Ergonomic Crochet Hook Handles
Look for a crochet hook with an ergonomic handle that fits comfortably in your hand. As a beginner, an inline style handle is a good choice. This style has a tapered end that smoothly connects to the hook shaft. Other handle types include:
- Flat handles - Good for fans of tunisian crochet.
- Pistol grip - Resembles a handgun handle.
- Tapered handles - Thinner at the base and wider towards the end.
Test out different handle styles to find the right fit for your hand size and crocheting style.
Best Beginner Crochet Hook Sets
Rather than buying hooks individually, look for a crochet hook set. Many aimed at beginners include hooks in a range of popular sizes from 4 mm to 8 mm. This allows you to have different sizes on hand for working with various weights of yarn.
Here are some top rated crochet hook sets for beginners:
- Tulip Etimo Crochet Set
- Susan Bates Silvalume Set
- Boye Aluminum Handle Set
- Clover Amour Crochet Set
Investing in a quality beginner hook set means you'll be set for learning the basics of crochet.
Top-Rated Crochet Hook Brands
With so many crochet hook brands on the market, it can be tricky to know which ones live up to their claims of quality and comfort. After testing out dozens of different hooks, these brands consistently rise to the top as the best available.
Clover Amour
The Clover Amour hooks feature ergonomic rubber handles with a gentle tapered shape. The handles come in bright colors like pink, blue, and green so it's easy to quickly identify your hook size.
- Made of light aluminum heads
- Ultra smooth finish helps yarn glide
- Available individually or in sets
The Amour hooks receive rave reviews for their comfort and affordability. They make a great choice for beginners and produce neat, even stitches.
Susan Bates Silvalume
The silicone handles on these aluminum hooks provide a comfortable grip. The heads have a matte finish to prevent yarn from slipping.
- Long tapered handles
- Sets include useful stitch markers
- Durable nickel plating
The Bates hooks glide smoothly and are lightweight for extended crocheting. Their classic design makes them a popular option.
Furls Candy Shop
If you like bold, unique tools, the Furls Candy Shop hooks deliver. The resin handles come in fun designs like doughnuts, candy corn, and more.
- Hand turned wood handles
- Smooth acrylic heads
- Made in small batches
These ergonomic, eye-catching hooks make crochet a delightful experience. The glossy heads nicely grab yarn.
Tulip Hiroshi
The Hiroshi hooks have sleek bamboo handles with brass accents. They come in elegant leather cases for storage.
- Handmade wood handles
- Very lightweight design
- Includes clear hook caps
These stunning hooks make a wonderful gift for crocheters. The bamboo surface provides a good grip.
Boye Crochet
You can't go wrong with these classic aluminum Boye hooks. They have smoothly tapered handles for comfort and are available widely.
- Budget friendly choice
- Good for beginners
- Vibrant color coding
Boye's inexpensive hooks are perfect for learning on. Their handles come in fun shades like purple, green, orange and more.
How to Choose the Right Crochet Hook Size
Selecting the proper crochet hook size for your project is key to getting the right gauge and drape in your finished pieces. Follow this guide to determine what size hook you need based on your yarn and pattern.
Check the Yarn Label
The yarn label or packaging will recommend a hook size or size range to use with that particular yarn weight and fiber. As a general guideline:
- Lace, fingering, and sock yarns - Size 0 to 3 hooks
- Sport and baby yarns - Size 4 to 6 hooks
- Worsted, afghan, aran yarns - Size 7 to 9 hooks
- Bulky and super bulky yarns - Size 10 and up hooks
Pay attention to the recommended gauge listed on the yarn as well. This will help you determine if you need a hook on the smaller or larger end of the range.
Gauge Specified in Pattern
Patterns will specify a gauge to match based on stitches and rows over a certain dimension, usually 4 inches. Be sure to crochet a gauge swatch with the recommended hook size and yarn type.
If your swatch doesn't match the pattern gauge:
- Too many stitches - Go up a hook size
- Too few stitches - Go down a hook size
Keep swatching with different hook sizes until you match the gauge in the pattern.
Consider the Drape
The drape of your finished project also helps determine hook size. For garments and accessories meant to have more structure and less drape, choose a smaller hook. For flowy fabrics with lots of drape, opt for larger hook sizes.
Hook Material
The material your hook is made from can impact gauge as well. Try both metal and wood hooks in the recommended size if you aren't getting the expected results.
Remember that hook sizes are just a guide. Don't hesitate to experiment to find your perfect fit!
Ergonomic Crochet Hook Handles for Comfort
Crocheting for long periods can put a lot of strain on your hands. Choosing an ergonomic hook handle designed to minimize fatigue and pain can make all the difference in your comfort level. Here are some features to look for.
Lightweight Design
Heavy steel or wood hooks may end up feeling uncomfortable to hold after crocheting for an extended time. Look for lightweight crochet hooks made from materials like aluminum, plastic, or bamboo instead.
For example, the Clover Amour and Tulip Etimo hooks weigh only ounces each. Their light aluminum heads and tapered resin handles reduce hand strain.
Tapered Shape
An ergonomic handle will taper from narrow at the base to wider towards the end that meets the hook head. This shape mirrors your grip and allows your fingers to curl naturally around the handle.
Inline style handles that form a smooth continuous shape are excellent for comfort. The Susan Bates Silvalume hooks have long tapered handles ideal for an ergonomic grip.
Thumb Rest
Some handles include a specifically shaped thumb rest or indentation. Resting your thumb in this groove helps promote proper hand alignment and takes pressure off your joints.
The Furls Streamline hooks have wide handles with a curved thumb rest. The shape guides your grip and reduces ache in your thumb joint.
Soft, Tactile Handles
Rubber, silicone, resin, and other soft grip materials add tactile comfort to crochet hook handles. They allow you to hold the hook without having to squeeze tightly, reducing hand tension.
Boye crochet hooks have cushy rubberized handles in bright colors. The soft grip helps alleviate pressure on tender hand joints.
Non-Slip Surfaces
Handles made from rubber, silicone, foam, or textured wood provide friction that prevents the hook from slipping in your hand. This avoids having to maintain an overly tight grip.
The tactile resin handles on Tulip Etimo hooks have tiny ridges for a no-slip grip. This helps reduce grip strain when crocheting intricate patterns.
Padding and Cushions
Some ergonomic handles include extra padding material or rubber cushions for comfort. These help absorb pressure and make the handle easier to hold onto.
Addi Swing crochet hooks have a patented squishy cushion on the thumb rest for optimal ease of grip.
Choosing a crochet hook handle designed with ergonomics in mind helps relieve hand fatigue so you can stitch in comfort.
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Crochet Hooks Material Guide - Metal vs Wood vs Plastic
Crochet hooks come in a variety of materials, each with their own properties. Choosing the right material for your crafty needs and comfort is key. Here is an overview of popular options.
Metal Crochet Hooks
Metal hooks like aluminum and steel provide a smooth, durable tool. Benefits include:
- Lightweight feel
- Smooth yarn glide
- Inexpensive
- Wide range of sizes
Aluminum is budget-friendly while steel provides more weight for tensioning yarn. Sizes range from fine thread hooks to giant novelty hooks.
Wood Crochet Hooks
Wood hooks made from oak, maple, and bamboo have a warm, natural appeal. Pros include:
- Natural material
- Provides good grip
- Lightweight feel
- Unique designs
The smoothness of wood can vary so test different hooks. Hand-turned woods like olivewood have a silky polished finish.
Plastic and Acrylic Crochet Hooks
Plastic and acrylic hooks offer brightness and budget pricing. Features include:
- Fun, vivid colors
- Low cost choice
- Range of handle shapes
- Very lightweight
Acrylic and plastic can flex with thin yarns so go for thicker hooks. Great for kids and beginners.
How to Choose
Consider factors like:
- Your budget
- Weight - light or heavy feel
- Yarn type used
- Grip preference
- Fine detail or novelty work
Try a variety of materials to find your ideal hook. Many crafters have collections featuring different favorites.
Crochet Hook Sets to Start Your New Hobby
As a new crocheter, a quality crochet hook set provides everything you need to get stitching. Choosing a set designed for beginners jumpstarts your new hobby.
What to Look for in a Beginner Set
Beginner crochet hook sets include useful features like:
- Range of sizes - Usually from 4mm to 8mm hooks for worsted yarn.
- Aluminum hooks - Lightweight and affordable material.
- Ergonomic handles - For comfort while learning.
- Instructions - Helpful for crochet newcomers.
You want all the essentials without unnecessary extras until you progress in skill.
Top Beginner Crochet Hook Sets
Here are popular set options to consider as a starting crocheter:
Tulip Etimo Crochet Set
- 5 aluminum hooks from 4mm to 8mm
- Smooth inline resin handles
- Crochet guide included
Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set
- 5 color-coded aluminum hooks
- Comfy rubberized grips
- Handy stitch markers
Susan Bates Silvalume Learn to Crochet Set
- 6 essential crochet hooks
- How-to crochet booklet
- Yarn needle and stitch markers
Boye Learn How Crochet Kit
- Colorful aluminum hooks
- Easy crochet guide
- Affordable low price
Individual Hooks vs. Sets
While buying hooks individually allows customization, beginner sets provide useful learning tools. You can always supplement with more hooks as you progress.
Choosing the right starter set helps begin a fun, fulfilling crochet journey!
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Cleaning and Caring for Your Crochet Hooks
Like any tool, crochet hooks require proper maintenance to keep them in top condition. Follow these cleaning and storage tips to keep your hooks working smoothly for years.
Regular Cleaning
Get in the habit of giving your hooks a quick cleaning between projects to keep yarn wax and dirt from building up.
- Use mild soap and warm water to wash the shaft and handle.
- Dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.
- Rub gently with a silicone crochet hook cleaning pad.
Take care not to submerge wooden hooks in water. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe any grime away.
Deep Cleaning
For a deeper clean, use a crochet hook cleaning solution:
- Spray hook with cleaning solution and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Rub residue away with cleaning pad.
- Rinse under warm water.
- Air dry completely.
Steel hooks can be scrubbed with a tiny brush to remove stuck-on fibers.
Sanitizing
Metal, plastic, acrylic, and silicone hooks can be sanitized by:
- Soaking in rubbing alcohol for 10 minutes.
- Spraying with an alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Washing with hot, soapy water.
Take care not to soak wood or bamboo hooks as it can damage the material.
Proper Storage
Keep hooks in good condition by:
- Storing hooks upright in cases or jars.
- Hanging hooks on a carabiner or pegboard.
- Placing point caps on hooks when not in use.
Avoid tossing hooks loosely into a bag. Proper storage preserves the shape and finish.
With regular care and cleaning, your crochet hooks will last for many enjoyable years of stitching.
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How to use your Amazon Prime to buy Crochet Hooks
As an Amazon Prime member, you can take advantage of free fast shipping and other benefits when purchasing crochet hooks. Follow these tips for finding the best crochet hook deals with Prime.
Search for Crochet Hooks
Use the Amazon search bar to search for "crochet hooks." You can also narrow your search by material, brand, hook size, or type of set. For example:
- "aluminum crochet hooks"
- "Clover Amour crochet hooks"
- "crochet hooks set"
Browse through the search results and product listings to find the specific hooks you need.
Filter by Prime Eligible
Be sure to check the "Prime Eligible" filter on the left side of the search results page. This will show only crochet hooks eligible for Prime shipping and benefits.
Compare Options
Click through to view product details and compare different crochet hook options. Look at factors like:
- Price
- Prime delivery date
- Number of sizes included
- Material
- Ratings and reviews
Add to Cart
When you find crochet hooks that fit your needs, add them to your cart. The delivery date with Prime shipping will show at checkout.
Proceed to Checkout
At checkout, confirm your Prime membership is selected to get free shipping. Review your order details before completing checkout.
That's all there is to it! With your Amazon Prime membership, you can conveniently order crochet hooks and receive them in just a few days.
Understanding Crochet Hook Sizes
Crochet hook sizes are determined by the diameter of the shaft of the hook. The smaller the hook size, the smaller the letter (US terms), or the smaller the mm size, the smaller the hook (UK/metric terms). Crochet hooks come in a wide range of sizes, but you will find yourself reaching for some hook sizes more often than others. The most commonly used crochet hook sizes are H-8 (US) or 5mm (UK) for worsted weight yarn. For beginners, it is recommended to buy a set of crochet hooks ranging from sizes E-J (US); 3.5mm - 7mm (UK). Steel crochet hooks have a different numbering system than regular hooks. In the US, you will find that the higher the number, the smaller the hook. The best crochet hooks for beginners are usually the sizes H/8 5 mm, I/9 5.5 mm and the J/10 6 mm crochet hooks.
