Best Crochet Hooks: Types, Brands & How to Choose

Crochet hooks are the most basic tool in crochet, but the choice can feel overwhelming. Inline or tapered? Aluminum or wood? Is an ergonomic hook worth the money? After decades of crocheting, I’ve tried just about every style out there. In this guide I’ll walk you through the different types of crochet hooks, the brands I love, and how to pick the right hook for you and your next project.

My quick answer: For most crocheters, I recommend an ergonomic, tapered hook set like Clover Amour. It’s comfortable, easy to find and reasonably priced. If you want a splurge, Tulip Etimo hooks are my absolute favorite to crochet with. If you’re on a tight budget, a basic Boye (tapered) or Susan Bates (inline) aluminum set is a great place to start.

Parts of a Crochet Hook

Every crochet hook has the same basic parts: the tip (or point), the throat, the shaft (or shank), the thumb rest and the handle. The shape of the tip and throat affects how easily the hook slides into stitches and grabs the yarn. The shaft sets the size of your loops, and the thumb rest and handle affect how comfortable the hook is to hold.

New to crochet? Be sure to read my post on how to hold a crochet hook before you start.

Inline vs. Tapered Crochet Hooks

Crochet hooks come in two styles: inline or tapered. The difference is in the shape of the head and throat, and crocheters are pretty passionate about their favorite!

Inline Crochet Hooks

On an inline hook, the head is the same width as the shaft, and the throat is cut straight into the hook. This creates a deep, defined throat that holds the yarn securely. Many crocheters find inline hooks help them make very consistent stitches. Susan Bates is the best-known inline brand.

Tapered Crochet Hooks

On a tapered hook, the head is wider than the throat, and the throat slopes gradually into the shaft. The rounded head glides into stitches easily and the yarn slides off smoothly, which helps many crocheters work faster with less effort. Boye, Clover Amour and Tulip Etimo hooks are all tapered.

Which Style Is Right for You?

Honestly, it comes down to personal preference and you’ll find that crocheters get pretty vocal about their favorite! I love tapered hooks and find inline hooks harder to use, but plenty of crocheters feel exactly the opposite. If you’re not sure, buy one hook of each style in the same size (an H/5mm is a good choice) and crochet a small swatch with each. You’ll know pretty quickly which one feels right in your hand.

Crochet Hook Materials

Crochet hooks come in a variety of materials and each one has a different feel. The material affects how smoothly your yarn glides, how heavy the hook feels and how warm or cool it is in your hand.

Before deciding on the best material for your perfect hook, make sure you know whether you like inline hooks or tapered hooks. The most beautiful crochet hook that everyone else seems to love might not work for you if there is a mismatch in your hook style.

Aluminum Crochet Hooks

Aluminum crochet hooks are easy to find and the most common. They’re lightweight, durable and affordable, and the yarn flows smoothly over them. They come in a wide range of sizes, which makes it easy to build a complete crochet hook set. Many ergonomic hooks, including Clover Amour and Tulip Etimo, have aluminum tips.

Plastic Crochet Hooks

Plastic crochet hooks are lightweight, inexpensive and available in a wide range of sizes, including the very large sizes used for bulky and jumbo yarns. On the downside, yarn doesn’t always slide as smoothly off a plastic hook, and some are so light that they feel uncomfortable during long crochet sessions.

Wood and Bamboo Crochet Hooks

Wood and bamboo hooks have a warm, natural feel that many crocheters find comforting. They’re lightweight and grip the yarn slightly, which can be helpful with slippery yarns. Some wood hooks, like the Furls brand, are designed with ergonomics in mind and can be a nice choice for crocheters with arthritis.

On the downside, Furls hooks tend to cost more, can be harder to find, and small sizes can break more easily. They also are inline hooks and for a tapered hook girl like me, I find myself getting frustrated. If you like inline hooks and don’t mind the cost, the wood Furls hooks are gorgeous!

Steel Crochet Hooks

Steel crochet hooks are made for crochet thread and very fine yarns, so they’re the go-to hook for lace, doilies and delicate projects. Keep in mind that steel hooks are numbered differently: the higher the number, the smaller the hook. Sizing also isn’t consistent from brand to brand, so always check the millimeter size rather than the number on the label.

This can be especially problematic with vintage patterns when you might find the recommended hook size is called something entirely different than what you need to work the pattern. Remember to look at the millimeter size first when you can. If that’s not available then you might need to do some experimenting to get the proper gauge.

One more point: Thin steel hooks can be tiring to hold, so a steel hook with an ergonomic handle is a great investment.

Ergonomic Crochet Hooks

An ergonomic crochet hook has a larger, cushioned or specially shaped handle that fits more naturally in your hand. The wider grip means you don’t have to pinch the hook as tightly, which can reduce hand, wrist and finger fatigue during long crochet sessions.

If you’re having a hard time gripping your hook even after trying a different grip, an ergonomic crochet hook might be just what you need. These are my favorites.

Clover Amour Crochet Hooks

Are you looking for an affordable crochet hook with all the features of more expensive hooks? Look no further than Clover Amour crochet hooks!

Clover Amour hooks have a tapered aluminum tip and a soft, rubbery handle that’s color coded by size. They’re perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike. I recommend these hooks to every crocheter and personally own more than one set! They’re very comfortable to use, the yarn slides nicely off the hook, and they’re easy to find in local craft stores and online.

Tulip Etimo Crochet Hooks

Tulip Etimo crochet hooks take ergonomic hooks to the next level because they’re made for speed, too! They have a sleek, tapered tip that’s polished so smoothly the yarn just glides off the hook, even if you crochet quickly or with a lot of tension in your fingers.

A question I get a lot: are Tulip Etimo hooks inline or tapered? They’re tapered, similar to Clover Amour hooks.

Crocheting with Tulip hooks is a dream, and I have to confess… I may like them even more than my beloved Clover hooks (shhh… don’t tell anyone). Here are the sets I own and love:

Tulip Etimo Rose: The pink and silver Tulip Etimo Rose Crochet Hook Set is gorgeous, and I love crocheting with it. There are no US letter sizes on these hooks, which might be hard to get used to. Everything is in millimeters, which doesn’t line up exactly with a traditional US hook set. But I actually see this as a benefit since the measurement of the actual hook is far more important the the number “label” of it. It took me awhile, but now I refer to my hook sizes in millimeter instead of letters.

Tulip Etimo Gray: The Gray Tulip Etimo Crochet Hook Set includes the most common US sizes, and you can easily pick up a B and C hook to fill the two extra spots in the case. I don’t love the gold tone on these hooks (call me a creature of habit, but silver is just easier on my eyes), but this set is the best value if you want all the most common US sizes in high-quality hooks.

My New Favorite: Tulip Etimo Murasaki Crochet Hooks

I have a new crochet hook crush, and it’s purple! Purple has always been my favorite color, so when I discovered the Tulip Etimo Murasaki crochet hooks, I didn’t stand a chance.

The cushioned handles come in graduating shades of purple, so when you line the hooks up by size you get a beautiful ombre effect. Even the polished metal tips have the faintest hint of purple to them. They’re available in 15 sizes, so you can build out a complete set of these beauties.

“Murasaki” is the Japanese word for purple, and the color has a special history in Japan, where it has long been considered a noble color. That makes these hooks feel extra special in my hands. Best of all, they aren’t just pretty. They crochet just as smoothly as the rest of the Etimo line, with the same tapered tip and comfortable grip I’ve come to love.

Best Crochet Hooks for Arthritis and Hand Pain

If crocheting leaves your hands achy, look for a hook with a thick, cushioned handle so you don’t have to grip as tightly. A lightweight hook helps too. Clover Amour and Tulip Etimo hooks are both great options, and ergonomic wood hooks like Furls are another favorite among crocheters with arthritis. Whatever hook you choose, take regular breaks and stretch your hands. If the pain doesn’t improve, it’s worth checking with your doctor.

Popular Crochet Hook Brands

When most people picture a basic crochet hook, they picture Boye or Susan Bates. These aluminum hooks are affordable, easy to find, and come in a wide range of sizes.

Boye Crochet Hooks

Boye crochet hooks are one of the most popular tapered hook brands on the market. The Boye company has been making crochet hooks for over a century. Their aluminum hooks are the most popular, and they also make an aluminum hook with an ergonomic handle that many crocheters enjoy.

If you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-find tapered hook, a Boye crochet hook set belongs at the top of your list!

Susan Bates Crochet Hooks

Bates is one of the oldest crochet hook makers in the United States. Every Susan Bates crochet hook has the inline shape, so if you prefer inline hooks, you’ll love a Bates set!

Their Silvalume aluminum line is the most popular. These hooks are color coded by size, so it’s easy to tell the difference between a blue H hook and a pink I hook, for instance.

Over the years, the head shape of Bates hooks has changed. Depending on when and where your hook was made, it may have a pointier or rounder head and a deeper or shallower throat. Some crocheters find the pointier tip more likely to split the yarn, while others find it helpful for getting into tight stitches.

Boye vs. Susan Bates: Which Is Better?

Neither one is better. They’re just different. The biggest difference is the shape: Boye hooks are tapered and Susan Bates hooks are inline. If yarn tends to snag on your hook, or you like a hook that glides, try Boye. If you like a deep throat that holds the yarn securely, try Bates. Both are affordable, so it’s easy to try one of each.

Specialty Crochet Hooks

Lighted Crochet Hooks

If you’ve ever tried to crochet with dark yarn in a dimly lit room, you know why a lighted crochet hook might come in handy. After all, you can’t exactly crochet with one hand and hold a flashlight with the other!

Lighted hooks have a small light built into the handle that shines through the hook, making it much easier to see your stitches with dark yarn or in poor lighting. My sister loves her lighted hook for evening crochet time. A lighted hook or two in your favorite sizes might be a must for your crocheter’s tool kit!

Tunisian Crochet Hooks

Tunisian crochet is a style of crocheting with multiple loops on the hook at the same time, similar to knitting. It requires a special long Tunisian crochet hook with a stopper at the end to keep the stitches from slipping off. The result is a beautiful, dense fabric that combines the best of knitting and crochet.

Tunisian crochet is also known as Afghan Stitch, Railroad Knitting, Shepherd’s Knitting or Cro-hooking. This beautiful Tunisian Crochet Hook Set by Clover is just lovely to have on hand whenever a Tunisian project calls to you!

How to Choose the Right Crochet Hook

As you’ve probably gathered, there’s no single “best crochet hook.” The best crochet hook is the one that feels comfortable in your hand and works for your project. Here are a few things to consider.

Match the Hook to Your Yarn

Start with the hook size recommended on your yarn label or pattern. Thicker yarns need larger hooks, and thin yarns and thread need smaller ones. My yarn weights chart shows which hook sizes go with each yarn weight, and my crochet hook size chart converts between US letters, millimeters and UK sizes. If your finished piece needs to be a specific size, always check your gauge.

Match the Hook to Your Project

• Amigurumi: Amigurumi uses tight stitches so the stuffing doesn’t show through, so you’ll usually go down a hook size or two from what the yarn label suggests. A tapered, ergonomic hook makes those tight stitches much easier on your hands. If you’re just getting started my Amigurumi Ebook if you’re just getting started.
• Blankets and larger projects: You’ll be crocheting for hours, so comfort matters most. An ergonomic handle is well worth it.
• Lace, doilies and thread work: You’ll need small steel hooks. Look for ones with a comfortable handle.
• Bulky and jumbo yarn: Large plastic or wood hooks are lightweight and easy to handle in big sizes. But if I can find a larger hook, like a 6.5mm in an ergonomic metal hook like Clover or Tulip, I go for that every time.

Consider How You Hold Your Hook

Crocheters who use the knife grip (holding the hook like a knife, over the top) often like a longer ergonomic handle that rests against the palm. Crocheters who use the pencil grip often prefer a slimmer handle with a comfortable thumb rest. Neither grip is wrong, so choose the hook that feels natural for the way you crochet.

Crochet Hook Comparison

Hook	Style	Handle	Best For	Price
Boye aluminum	Tapered	Basic	Beginners on a budget	$
Susan Bates Silvalume	Inline	Basic	Inline fans, consistent stitches	$
Clover Amour	Tapered	Ergonomic	Everyday comfort, amigurumi	$$
Tulip Etimo	Tapered	Ergonomic	Speed, smooth yarn flow, amigurumi	$$$
Tulip Etimo Murasaki	Tapered	Ergonomic	A beautiful splurge (and purple lovers!)	$$$
Lighted hook	Varies	Light-up	Dark yarn and low light	$
Tunisian hook set	Varies	Long with stopper or cord	Tunisian crochet	$$

Where to Buy Crochet Hooks

You can find crochet hooks at craft stores, big-box retailers and online. For the best selection, it’s worth shopping around, especially for specialty hooks like Tulip Etimo. I always recommend buying a single hook first and trying it out to see how it feels in your hand before investing in a complete crochet hook set.

Crochet Hook FAQs

What is the best crochet hook for beginners?

An H/5mm hook is the most common beginner size because it works with worsted weight yarn, the easiest yarn to learn with. For the hook itself, I recommend an ergonomic tapered hook like Clover Amour. A basic Boye or Susan Bates hook is a great budget-friendly option.

What are the four types of crochet hooks?

Crochet hooks are commonly grouped into basic (standard) hooks, ergonomic hooks, steel hooks for thread, and Tunisian hooks. Within those groups, every hook is either inline or tapered and made from a material like aluminum, plastic, wood or steel.

Are Tulip Etimo hooks inline or tapered?

Tulip Etimo hooks are tapered, similar to Clover Amour hooks.

Is Boye or Susan Bates better?

It depends on your preference. Boye hooks are tapered and Susan Bates hooks are inline. Try one of each to see which you like better.

Are ergonomic crochet hooks worth it?

For most crocheters, yes! If you crochet for long stretches or have any hand discomfort, the thicker, cushioned handle makes a real difference in comfort.

Final Thoughts

The best crochet hook is the one that works for you. Some hooks are better suited to certain projects, but in the end it usually comes down to what feels most comfortable and natural in your hand. I hope this guide has helped you narrow down your search for the perfect crochet hook!

Now that you’ve found your hook, it’s time to put it to work! Browse my free crochet patterns, brush up on your skills with my crochet stitch tutorials, or find your next project in my Etsy pattern shop.

I love hearing about your favorite hooks! Share them with me on Instagram by tagging @crochet365knittoo, or stop by the Crochet365KnitToo Club on Facebook.