How to Choose Crochet Hooks

If you are new to crocheting, or picking it back up after a long hiatus, you may be surprised by the plethora of crochet hooks that are now available. From aluminum to wood, there is a crochet hook for every budget and every taste. Learn how you can choose the best crochet hooks for your projects.

Instructions

1. Collect a wide range of hook sizes, if you plan on doing a tremendous variety of crochet projects. They range from .5 mm (used for fine thread and filet crochet) to 19 mm and also are sold by a corresponding letter size. The metric and letter sizes are typically listed on the packaging.

2. Review the different hooks. Different hook materials available include bone, wood, ivory, aluminum, plastic and steel. The smaller thread crochet hooks are made of steel. Aluminum, wood and plastic hooks are available for projects that use yarn.

3. Look for quality hooks. Quality is not a necessity, however, it does make for a more enjoyable crocheting experience. While plastic hooks are cheaper than aluminum, consider the weight of the hook in your hand, and also the type of yarn you are using. Plastic hooks sometimes have leftover burrs on the seam of the hook which will cause a plethora of annoying snags as you work your project.

4. Focus on the feel of the crochet hook. If you're new to crochet, it will be easier for you to adapt to whatever you pick up, so try out several different types to see what feels best in your hand. Weight varies between manufacturers and between material types, with plastic being the lightest and aluminum being heaviest. Check how it feels when working the yarn. Some hook heads are formed differently and pick up the yarn with more ease than others.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want fancy-schmancy....it's out there, and it's breathtaking! Just do an image search for Crochet Hooks, and you'll see a host of exquisitely designed hooks that will catch your eye!

• There are handy sets of hooks in an assortment of sizes, which are cost effective if you need many different sizes.

• If you have Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, there are special wrist and hand braces you can buy for support.

• Yarn is a drug. Use with caution. Don't believe me? Check out Stitch Witch (see Resources)!