Want to be a crocheter? You need to know your crochet hooks types.
Here’s everything you need to know about different crochet hook types.
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Table Of Contents
Two Types Of Crochet Hooks
Here are the two main types of hooks for crochet.
Tapered Hooks (Boye Hooks)
- It gets its name from the throat being tiny compared to the rest of the hook
- The hook heads have a smooth finish and are curved
- The narrow shape of the throat keeps the tension tight
Inline (Susan Bates Hooks)
- The throat is the same diameter or ‘inline’ as the rest of the hook.
- They’re comfortable and easy to use, the right choice for beginner crocheters.
- These are the most popular choices
Try both to determine what hook shape is best for you, whether tapered crochet hooks or inline hooks.
Tuula Maaria has an excellent video on how to choose a crochet hook.
Different Types Of Crochet Hooks
Circular Crochet Hook
These unique crochet needles are designed for Tunisian crochet in the round.
Want more on these? See here.
Double Ended Crochet Hooks
Used for Tunisian crochet or crocheting in the round with two colors. These long tools have two hooks, one at each end.
Available in a variety of materials and styles.
Would you like to know more? Here’s the full article.
Ergonomic Crochet Hooks
This crochet hook is designed for those with wrist pain or stress injuries. They’re larger and different from the usual hook style, so keep this in mind.
They come in every size of normal models. They can be expensive.
Intrigued? Check out my post.
Knook Crochet Hooks
Did you know it’s possible to create a crocheted fabric like knitting? The tool is called a knook.
They’re long and have a small hole drilled in one end. You use this hole to thread a separate piece of cord through to hold the crochet stitches.
Keep your crochet tools organized with my crochet hook stands post.
Lighted Crochet Hooks
These are almost the same as regular versions, but they light up! The glow is concentrated around the hook end.
Want to learn about this? Read more.
Luxury Crochet Hooks
These are almost always handmade, with meticulous attention to detail.
Want a bit of luxury in your life? Check out my post.
Tulip Etimo Crochet Hooks are a wonderful option.
Novelty Crochet Hooks
For people who want something unique. Some creative makers produce special ones.
Add a bit of variety to your crocheting. See here.
Steel Crochet Hooks
These look like to your average version but made of steel and smaller.
They’re designed for lace crochet and tablecloths or dollies. They can create beautiful, delicate, and intricate stitches. They’re easy to grip, and don’t slip.
Looking for more information? Check it out.
Tunisian Crochet Hooks
Tunisian crochet is a unique type of crochet. It needs a specialized tool. A Tunisian crochet hook is also known as cro hooks or afghan crochet hooks.
There’s three types of tunisian crochet hooks.
- Long versions of normal hooks
- A hook at both ends of the stick
- A cable connecting two ends, both with a hook
The best places to buy yarn are listed here.
CraftingWithClaudie shares her experience with some different styles of crochet hooks, and what she uses each one for.
Looking for crochet hook sizes and steel crochet hook sizes? See here.
What Are Crochet Hooks Made Of?
Usually aluminum, but they’re also made of plastic, bamboo, and steel. More luxury versions are made of wood, clay, glass, and others.
Here’s a list of the crochet hook styles.
Acrylic Crochet Hooks
- Bright colors
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Good for beginners
Want more info? Read my article.
Aluminum Crochet Hooks
- The most common type, also known as basic crochet hooks
- Perfect for beginners
- A variety of sizes
- Suited to almost any type of project
(Note: If you don’t like the feel or look of the aluminum hooks, use bamboo or plastic.)
Looking for more details? You can find it here.
Bamboo Crochet Hooks
- Light
- Bamboo hooks are affordable
- Smooth
- Renewable
(Note: Sometimes the whole hook is bamboo, other times, it’s only the handle.)
Interested? Satisfy your curiosity with my guide.
Glass Crochet Hooks
- Handmade
- Expensive
- Gorgeous
- Beautiful colors
- Not widely available
Unable to believe you can crochet with these? See for yourself.
Gold Crochet Hooks
- Two types – gold plated metal, and gold-colored aluminum
- Expensive, but worth it
- Difficult to find
Interested in learning more? It’s available in this post.
Metal Crochet Hooks
- Affordable
- Widely available
- Metal hooks are usually made of aluminum
- Perfect for speed crochet
Ready for super fast crocheting? Read my article.
Plastic Crochet Hooks
- Light
- Hollow
- Comfortable to hold
- Useful for extreme crochet or when you’re crocheting something bulky
- Plastic hooks don’t strain the wrists
Kickstart your venture into gigantic projects here.
Polymer Clay Crochet Hooks
- Hooks with a polymer clay handle baked on
- Ergonomic
- Comfortable to use
- A variety of beautiful colors and patterns
- You can make one!
Discover the gorgeous options with this guide.
Silver Crochet Hooks
- Smooth
- Gorgeous
- Comfortable to use
- Often a collector’s item
Investigate these unique tools here.
Wooden Crochet Hooks
- Smooth
- Wood hooks are always warm to the touch
- Beautiful
- Often handmade
- A comfortable alternative to metal
Note: Choose sustainable woods.
Find out more about these.
Crochet Hook Anatomy
Knowing the anatomy is essential. Here’s a breakdown.
The Handle
This rests in your palm if you have a knife-grip. If you have a pencil grip, it rests against your index finger. Sometimes, the handle is made from the same material as the shaft.
In others like Ergonomic hooks, a different material is used.
The Thumb Rest (Not All Have One)
It’s the area on the hook where you rest your thumb, hence the name.
It’s the same size as the shaft or bigger.
Mostly, models with one are more comfortable, but it’s up to your personal hook preference.
The Shaft
The area between the handle and the head
Some stitches require lots of ‘loading,’ many loops bunched together. These need a long shaft.
Check the length and which stitches you do most to make a decision.
The Throat
A tapered hook has a thinner throat.
An inline hook has a throat the same width as the shaft.
The Head
The head is three parts, the tip, the groove, and the lip.
The tip or the point is right at the end of the hook. They can be rounded or pointy. The easiest to use is semi-blunt or semi-rounded.
If it’s too blunt, it’s hard to get into stitches. If it’s too sharp, it could split your yarn.
The groove holds the yarn stitches you’re working on. They’re either straight or rounded and function better or worse for different people.
The shape of all these depends on whether the instrument is inline/bates or tapered/boye.
If it’s inline, the head is round but the same size as the shaft. The lip overhangs the shaft. The groove is deep and has a steep incline inwards.
If it’s tapered, the head is oval-shaped, the lip overhangs from the shaft. The grooves are smaller than inline ones.
Q&A
Why Is The End Of A Crochet Hook Pointed?
It’s pointed so you can create stitches easily without splitting the yarn.
Can You Crochet Without A Hook?
Yes, with finger crochet, where you use your fingers instead of a hook.
What Are Crochet Sticks Called?
Crochet hooks, hooks for crochet, crocheting hooks, and crochet needles.
Are There Different Types Of Crochet Hooks?
Yes! Several.
What Type Of Crochet Hooks Are Best To Use?
Use aluminum if you’re a beginner. Try wood if you don’t like it.
How Many Crochet Hooks Are There?
Many kinds! The amount featured in this post is 21.
Hope you found this helpful information on different crochet hooks useful!
Did you learn something? Let me know in the comments.
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