Steel Crochet Hooks – A Guide To The Best Steel Crochet Hook

By Jodie Morgan

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These crochet hooks are super small and fine, for crochet lace or making things with crochet thread. Why are they steel? That’s the only material strong enough in such a small size. Read my reviews of the best in this crochet hook material.

Fine lace crochet on a wooden surface

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Steel crochet hooks (crochet hooks) are labeled with numbers. The larger the number, the smaller the hook. From 00 or 0 (the biggest) to 14 (the smallest).

I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on April 19, 2023

Table Of Contents

Steel Crochet Hooks Sets

Boye Steel Hooks

Boye Steel Crochet Hooks

This package contains a crochet set of six silver steel crochet hooks in assorted sizes. The fine hooksare tapered and hook head is pointed. The range gives flexibility in the sorts of projects you can crochet.
My view is the thumb rest is a comfortable distance away from the top. There is enough room on the shaft to hold stitches.
After a long time I’ve experienced hand cramps because the stitches are so small. To combat this I recommend doing fine crochet lace in short bursts and make sure to do hand exercises.



Features

  • Sizes Included – US-0 (3.25mm) US-1 (2.75mm) US-7 (1.65mm) US-8 (1.5mm) US-9 (1.4mm) and US-10 (1.3mm)
  • Length – 5 inches

Pros

  • Perfect size to make snowflakes, doilies, and other crochet thread projects.
  • Comfortable to crochet fine projects

Cons

  • With very fine work, your hands can tire out quickly. Be sure to take rests and do hand and finger stretches.
Check Price On Amazon

Susan Bates Steel Crochet Hooks

Susan Bates Steel Crochet Hook Set at Yarn Shop 4U Etsy Store

These single ended hooks are made of the finest nickel-plated steel for crocheting the finest crochet thread lace projects. Includes a 3.5″ x 7″ vinyl case for easy storage. Similar to the Boye steel version they are 5″ long. The 6 sizes:

  • 0 (2.55 mm)
  • 1 (2.35 mm)
  • 7 (1.50 mm)
  • 8 (1.40 mm)
  • 9 (1.25 mm)
  • 10 (1.15 mm)

These differ to Boye hooks as they have the thumb rest further away from the top and the hook head is inline. When creating tiny stitches there’s a tendancy for your fingers and hands to feel fatigue, not to mention your eyes getting tired with such concentration!
As I mentioned above, take lots of breaks and be sure to stretch.



Pros

  • Excellent quality
  • Both mm and US sizes are imprinted on the thumb rest

Cons

  • Hand and finger fatigue after prolonged use.
  • No good for people who have nickel sensitivities

Clover Steel Crochet Hooks

Here is a quick guide to the clover steel range.

Clover Soft Touch Steel Crochet Hooks

Clover Soft Touch Amour Steel Hook

Steel crochet hooks have a patented ergonomic soft-touch handle for easy crocheting. They are used for beading, jewelry making, and lace making. The product material is perfect for fine threads. The hook comes with a protective cover for safe storage.

The addition of the handle is wonderful for crocheting for a longer time. Crocheters are give these tools great praise. It rests comfortably in your palm and the thumb rest is slightly cushioned for extra comfort.



Pros

  • Lovely ergonomic handle
  • The handle is a durable resin

Cons

  • No other color options

Clover Amour Steel Crochet Hooks

Crochet Amour Steel Hooks Yarn Shop 4U etsy store

These amour steel crochet hooks have the same soft-grip handle for the other Crochet Amour Hooks. The colors of the handles are pastel. These smaller sizes are perfect for amigurumi, lacework, and intricate designs with fine thread. 

Sizes Available

  • No. 0 (1.75mm)
  • No. 2 (1.50mm)
  • No. 4 (1.25mm)
  • No. 6 (1.00mm)
  • No. 8 (0.90mm)
  • No. 10 (0.75mm)
  • No. 12 (0.60mm)

Pros



  • Pastel-colored handles
  • Smooth steel 

Cons

  • The pastel color shows up dirt and oil so be sure to keep your hands clean and dry. I recommend having a soft towel nearby to dry your hands occasionally if needed.

Clover Amour Steel Pastel Bright New Crochet Hooks Set

It seems this used to be available online, but is no longer, unfortunately. If you know where it’s available for purchase, please let me know in the comments.

Tulip Steel Crochet Hooks

Here are some of the best tulip etimo steel crochet hooks supplies.

Tulip ETIMO Rose Steel Crochet Hook

tulip etimo steel crochet hooks at 
kimonomomo etsy store

The elastomer cushion grip makes crocheting more comfortable and less stressful on your hands. I simply adore the different pinks. It makes the sizes easier to identify after you’ve committed that association to memory. Even if you don’t do that, the size is easy to read on the handles.
Favored by many crafters for you can crochet small stitches for longer. The smooth surface of the shaft and hook make tiny stitches a breeze!

Sizes Available –



  • 0 – 1.75mm
  • 2 – 1.50mm
  • 4 – 1.25mm
  • 6 – 1.00mm
  • 8 – 0.90mm
  • 10 – 0.75mm
  • 12 – 0.60mm
  • 14 – 0.50mm
  • 15 – 0.45mm
  • 16 – 0.40mm

Pros

  • Super comfortable
  • Crochet tiny stitches with ease
  • Less hand and finger fatigue

Cons

  • There is a thumb rest bump which may take some getting use to

Milwards Steel Crochet Hooks

Milwards Crochet Hooks at Di Vintage Blessings Etsy store

Very Vintage steel hooks by Milward, made in England. These are perfect for those who love Vintage tools.

  • Sizes Available – Sizes 2/0 through 16.
  • Length – 5 inches

Pros

  • Great for collectors of vintage crochet tools

Cons



  • Some of them are not in pristine condition
  • No good for people who have nickel metal sensitivities

Knitters Pride Soft Feel Steel Crochet Hooks

Knitter's Pride Soft Feel Steel Crochet Hook, 1.75mm Check Price On Amazon

Knitter’s Pride Soft Feel Crochet Hooks-An innovative product with an ergonomically designed handle. Smooth handle and grip is ideal for crocheters of all skill levels. Steel bodied hook is strong and durable.

This product brand also offers material wood hooks but they aren’t suitable for fine work.

  • Sizes Available – 0.5mm, 0.75mm, 1.0mm, 1.25mm and 1.5mm

Pros

  • Ergonomic handles
  • Able to crochet for more extended periods on fine projects
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Only available in 5 sizes

Vintage Steel Crochet Hooks- Different Single Sizes by Reputable Seller

Boye 1940s Crochet Hooks at Di Vintage Blessings Etsy Store

Boye produced hooks with this marking style from the 1930s through the 1940s. .Various small sizes.
These hooks show wear appropriate to their age. Some are stained, a few are a bit less than straight. The seller is a crocheter, too, so be confident that she won’t send you anything she wouldn’t use.



Pros

  • If you love vintage Boye Steel hooks, this is for you 

Cons

  • As they are vintage, they show their age

FAQs About Steel Crocheting Hooks

What Are Steel Crochet Hooks Used For?

Steel crochet hooks are used for delicate crochet work, bead crochet, doilies, and lacework.

Steel Crochet Hooks Material

Steel crochet hooks are made from steel or nickel plated steel.

Standard Vs. Steel Crochet Hooks

Standard Crochet Hooks have larger diameters and are made from various materials- aluminum, bamboo, wood, resin, plastic, and steel crochet hooks are small diameters made from steel.



Which Steel Lace Crochet Hooks Is Best?

As they are used for very fine crocheting, a steel hook with an ergonomic handle is best. This helps make crocheting more comfortable.

What Are The Best Steel Crochet Hooks For Thread?

If you’d like to purchase a set of commonly used sizes, Boye makes a set that’s good for getting started.

Who Makes The Best Steel Crochet Hooks

The Best Steel Crochet Hooks are those with an ergonomic handle.

Where To Buy Steel Crochet Hooks

It’s pretty easy to pick up steel crochet hooks at a yard sale or thrift store, as they were very popular years ago and haven’t changed much! 

What Is A Size 6 Steel Crochet Hook?

A size six steel crochet hook is 1.8mm in diameter.



Where Can I Buy Steel Metric Sized Crochet Hooks?

You can buy these sizes online and in craft stores. 

Conclusion

I hope this helped you find the best steel crochet hook. Do you use these crocheting hooks? If so, what for, and what’s your favorite brand? I’d be interested to hear your thoughts.

READ NEXT – Want more info on hooks and their types? See here.

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About The Author

Jodie Morgan From Crochet Penguin

Jodie Morgan (Author & Founder)

[email protected] | Lives In: Regional Australia

Author: Jodie Morgan is a passionate crocheter and blogger with 17+ years of experience currently living in regional Australia. Taught by her mother, she fell in love with crocheting after her first child was born. When she’s not crocheting, you’ll find her enjoying a cup of coffee with cream, or sharing helpful resources and tips with the online crochet community. Please say hello, or see what she's making on socials.

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Comments

  1. I have done thread work for 50 years and was never aware of the discrepancy in sizes! I have many old patterns for doilies and now I understand why I often have trouble making the doily true to size.

    I use an overhand grip that I learned from my grandmother and most of the ergonomic styles cause me more trouble. I prefer Bates hooks to Boye hooks, but I want to work with wire and I can see that a tapered hook may work better. The finger space on the shaft where the size is comes in handy in wire work, so I don’t want to lose that feature!

    Reply
    • Thanks so much for sharing your crocheting experience with different hooks. It is always wonderful to hear from someone with so much experience. That’s interesting to learn that the grip you use doesn’t work well with ergonomic styles. Thanks again. Cheers Jodie

      Reply
    • I use that same overhand grip (!) that my Bubbie taught me over 60 years ago, and I have also worked with wire — challenging but fun. I can’t/won’t use today’s “ergonomic” hooks; they aren’t ergonomic for me.

      Reply

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