Every craft needs tools and materials to make projects. Crochet is no exception, and you at least need some yarn and a hook to make creations. There are a lot of hooks out there with different shapes, sizes, and materials and, if you are a beginner, it could get really confusing.
In this post I will explain the types of hooks, sizes and materials in a simple way.
Disclaimer: All of the info that I provide in this post is based on what I’ve learned, noticed and understand and it’s by no means perfect. If you think there is some information missing, comment below and let’s help each other! Thank You!
What are Crochet Hooks?
A crochet hook is the primary tool used for crocheting and there is no specific hook a person “must” use on a project. It is true that there are recommendations of which to use on specific things, but that is all they are, recommendations.
The type of hooks a person uses are a preference just like your shampoo or soap. So, before reading, understand that it all comes down to you, your preference, and your way of crocheting. Over time, that preference can change until you find the perfect type for you. The only thing that could remain similar in between crocheters is the size of the hook used on different projects, an even that could vary. BUT don’t worry, I’ll explain more of that in this post.
Let’s start with the most basic thing.
Parts of a Hook
Every crochet hook has the same five parts:
- Head or point
- Throat
- Shaft
- Grip or thumb rest
- Handle
These all vary depending on the type of hook and size, but the names of the parts don’t change.
Types And Shapes
There are generally two types (or shapes) of hooks:
The size of the shaft is the same size of the head. The head is pointier than the tapered hooks and the throat is deeper.
The size of the shaft is narrower than the head and grip. The head is rounder than the inline hooks and the throat is not as deep.
One is not better than the other and the one you choose depends on your preference.
Hook Sizes
The size of the hook is the thing that really affects: the final project, the size of the project and the “tightness” of it. Keep in mind that the result ALSO depends on the crocheter and their tension (which is how tight they crochet each stitch). Two people could be crocheting the same pattern with the same yarn and hook size and still have different results in sizes of the finished project.
That’s why gauge swatches are used before beginning a project. Basically, it helps you match your way of crocheting to they way the creator of the pattern crochets so that you end up with the desired result.
The size of a crochet hook is the diameter of the shaft and it’s measured in millimeters. You can find the size of a hook on their grip or handle, and it can be presented in either Metric size (mm), US size (which is a letter or number), or both.
Hook Size Chart
Here is a handy hook size conversion chart.
The steel crochet hooks (chart on the left) are mainly used for crochet thread and lace-weight yarns, while the crochet hooks on the right chart are used on more common yarns.
Depending on the crochet hook’s brand, the U.S. sizing might differ. That’s why it is recommended to see the millimeter sizes when possible.
As I mentioned before, you should also make gauge swatches and change the hook accordingly. If your gauge swatch ends up too small, then you should crochet with less tension or select a bigger hook. Likewise, if it ends up bigger, then you should use more tension or select a smaller hook. Continue doing so until your gauge swatch matches the one on the pattern or yarn label.
Materials
There are different materials used in the creation of hooks and they can make a small difference in your crocheting. The most common materials are:
- Metal
- Aluminum
- Steel or “lace hooks” – used for crochet thread or lace-weight yarns (they are made of steel so they don’t bend)
- Bamboo or Wood
- Plastic or resin
- Glass
Some examples of those “small differences” I talk about could be:
- Metal hooks have more “slip”, so the yarn moves smoothly on them
- Bamboo or wood hooks give a little “grip” to the yarn so they could be a good option when working on soft yarns that could “slip” too much or too fast.
- Plastic hooks are inexpensive and bigger hooks are commonly made with this material, but they could acquire indentations, or could even break if too much tension is used on them.
Again, it all comes down to preference since you could get any size on any of these materials and the finished project wouldn’t have much of a difference.
Where and how to find the size needed
You can find the size of the hook that you need on:
- The label – the yarn label will tell you the recommended hook size for it and also the gauge swatch so you can adjust accordingly.
- The pattern – if you’re following a pattern, it will also tell you the recommended hook size and gauge swatch.
- By making gauge swatches – depending on your way of crocheting, swatches will help you decide which hook size you need for a project.
I will make a future post with a more in-depth explanation of gauge and swatches.
Handles and Grips
In addition to the normal hooks, you could get ergonomic hooks if you have hand problems or if you’ll be crocheting for a long period of time. Ergonomic hooks are the same as the normal hooks in sizes and parts, the only difference is that they will have bigger or bulkier grips and handles. This help with hand fatigue.
There are lots of places where you can get custom hooks and custom handles with different materials (like Etsy). You could customize your own with silicone or other material like polymer clay if you’re a “more crafty person”. You could even get pencil grips for some hook sizes where they would fit as shown in the previous picture. In the end it’s up to you and your imagination!
And that’s it! I chose not to explain how to hold the hook since there are a lot of posts and tutorials out there doing so, and it ALSO comes down to preference and what you feel comfortable with.
As always, my main source was the Craft Yarn Council and their awesome resources.
If you want to learn about yarns click here. Also, about yarn labels here.
I hope this post helped you to understand the hooks and their types, sizes, and materials. Don’t hesitate to comment your opinion and which ones you prefer!