I have been asked many times, “what is the best crochet hook to use?” The better question would be, how to choose the best hook for you? Well, you are the only one that can answer that question. Hopefully, this article will help you find the answer.
One thing to consider is the style or design of the hook. These are just a few of the different designs of hooks that I have in my own collection. Let’s explore these.
ALUMINUM HOOKS
A. The most common of all the hooks.
B. These are usually inexpensive and light weight.
C. There are two main types, tapered and in-line.
D. These are very durable. My experience has shown that they can last for decades.
ACRYLIC HOOKS
A. These are available in various colors.
B. They are usually inexpensive.
C. These usually are not very smooth. Some even have an obvious seam along the side that may snag your yarn.
ERGONOMIC HOOK W/ ALUMINUM TIP
A. These are my favorite styles of hooks.
B. They come in various shapes and colors.
C. All feel very comfortable to use.
D. The aluminum hooks are very smooth.
E. These can range in price. Boye sells a 12-piece set for around $22. Clover Amour set ranges from $40-90 depending on where you purchase it. I purchased mine from Joanne’s with a 40% off coupon. Clover Soft Touch sells for $7-9 per hook. I purchased my set from Amazon for about $40. I have seen a lot of imitations of this style on Amazon, be careful. The Tulip Etimo set is the most expensive set I own. I paid about $60 for the set.
ERGONOMIC HOOK W/ ACRYLIC OR PLASTIC TIP
A. These are pretty hooks. They come in a variety of colors and have this cute decoration on the side.
B. They are ergonomic. Very comfortable to hold.
C. The tip is plastic or acrylic. This would not be my first choice. I prefer an aluminum tip. Aluminum usually glides smoother through the yarn than acrylic. Admittedly, these are very smooth.
LIGHTED HOOKS
A. These hooks are mainly used for black or dark colored yarn. They make it easier to see your stitches even in low lighted rooms.
B. I don’t care for the light. The lights tend to be very bright. It hurts my eyes after a while. I have read that there are some lighted hooks that have 2 settings so you can choose your brightness. I have not tried those yet. Some people love, love, love their lighted hooks and would never give them up.
C. Once again, these have an acrylic/ plastic tip.
BAMBOO HOOKS
A. These also can range in price from inexpensive to quite expensive.
B. The inexpensive ones may have splinters that can be sanded down with an emery board.
C. These are very light weight.
D. You can choose from an all-bamboo hook or an aluminum hook with a bamboo handle.
E. I like using bamboo hooks when I am crocheting with very sleek yarn. The roughness of the hook seems to grip the yarn better than the aluminum. (Sleek yarn=bamboo, or acrylic hook. Rough yarn=aluminum hook.)
JUMBO HOOKS
A. These are used for working with bulkier yarns or roving yarns. They can be used for making rugs, baskets and blankets. I used the largest one for a multi-strand basket.
B. They are usually acrylic or plastic.
C. They are very lightweight and easy to use. (I included a Clover Amour 5.5mm hook in the photo to show the size difference.)
SPECIALTY HOOKS
A. There are many kinds of specialty hooks. Two of the 3 I have pictured are ergonomic.
They are meant to be more comfortable than the straight handled hooks.
B. The other is an interchangeable hook set. This was a gift to me when I was traveling a lot. These are very nice if you don’t have much room for your hooks.
In conclusion, selecting the right crochet hook is a journey filled with options and considerations. From exploring the myriad of hook styles to understanding the nuances of materials like aluminum, wood, or acrylic, the choices can seem overwhelming. Yet, amidst all these choices, remember that your comfort and ease of use should guide your decisions.
Whether you are intrigued by the idea of trying out a lighted hook or pondering the merits of ergonomic versus standard designs, take the time to explore and experiment. And perhaps most importantly, remember the sage advice: start with a hook tailored to your current project. Let your stitches flow and your creativity thrive, and soon you will find the perfect hook for you in your crochet life.
So, whether you are a seasoned crocheter or just starting out, may your hook be swift, your yarn be endless, and your creations be nothing short of marvelous.
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