The humble crochet hook is one of the two most important crochet tools you need. Technically, if you have your hook and some yarn, you are good to go. But there are a TON of options of hooks out there. Which ones to go with….
I recommend aluminum hooks because of their functionality and durability when looking at the standard sizes (not for thread or super bulky yarns).
For ergonomic aluminum hooks (hook and shaft aluminum, handle built-up rubber), I recommend Clover Amour Crochet Hooks available in a pack of 10 sizes from Amazon.
For a more budget option (hook, shaft, and handle aluminum), I recommend Susan Bates Silvalume Crochet Hooks available in a pack of 6 sizes from Amazon.
Clover Amour Crochet Hooks
The Clover Amour Crochet Hooks (Amazon) are very nice. They offer a very smooth aluminum shaft that slides through the yarn easily and a hook that catches the yarn easily.
The grips are soft and comfortable to use. They also are warm, so it is nice if you have trouble with the fully aluminum hooks being too cold to work with.
The build-up handles can help decrease or prevent wrist and hand pain that can be associated with the narrower handles of other hooks.
The handles also have the size (both US and Metric) engraved into the rubber which means it will not rub off leaving you guessing what hook you are using. They are also different colors, so if you can remember the color that goes with each size, you don’t even have to look at them! (I can never remember the colors though!)
These hooks are also visually appealing. Of course, this doesn’t affect the function, but it is nice to work with pretty tools when creating pretty things.
These hooks are available in multiple places. Through Amazon, you have the option of purchasing the 10-pack without a carrying case or the same 10 hooks with a carrying case if you prefer. At Michael’s, you can also purchase the 10 pack without a carrying case, and with a coupon, you may find a better price (depending on available coupons at the time of purchase).
This is a large pack of hooks, as most packs only come with six. The smallest hooks in this pack will allow you to do some lace work (though not the thinnest/finest lace work), which is nice if you are just wanting to give it a try. You won’t have to purchase more hooks.
Susan Bates Silvalume Crochet Hook
The Susan Bates Silvalume Crochet Hooks (Amazon) are definitely a more budget-friendly option than the Clover Amour ergonomic hooks. They are still a SUPER high-quality hook.
They are made fully of aluminum and are very durable. They have a nice-shaped hook that doesn’t tend to split the yarn. The hook and shaft are smooth and do not snag the yarn.
The shape of the hook is designed to easily grab the yarn and prevent your stitches from sliding off the hook.
The handle does offer a thumb rest to make it more comfortable to hold. They obviously have a much smaller handle than the ergonomic hooks, so if you are prone to wrist/hand pain, you may want to splurge a bit on the above hooks.
These hooks, though, are fantastic for beginners and for experienced crocheters who prefer the more traditional aluminum hooks! I use aluminum hooks all the time and love the ease of them.
The same 6 pack of these hooks are available in multiple places. The three main places are Amazon, Michael’s, and Hobby Lobby. When writing this, Hobby Lobby has the best price. Added to that, you can usually use a coupon at Hobby Lobby, which will make these EXTREMELY affordable.
Recommended Small and Large Crochet Hooks
In crochet, sizes F through J (3.75 mm through 6 MM) are considered more of the “standard sizes.” You will see some packs go down to B (2.25 mm) and some go up to K (6.5 mm). Once you get smaller or larger than those, though, you start having some differences.
Small Hooks
Smaller hooks are meant for crocheting thread to make lace. These hooks should be made of steel because they are so thin that they can bend easily with other materials.
For lace/steel hooks I recommend Addi Steel Crochet hooks. They are durable and well made with smooth hooks and shafts that prevent catching of your thread. They are not available in a pack that I have found, but you can order the individual sizes from Amazon or directly from Addi’s website.
Susan Bates also offers the lace/steel hooks. They do come in a pack and are available on Amazon or at Michael’s. These hooks are also good quality and should not snag your thread. There are a few complaints that I found of the hook tip splitting the thread, but I have not found this to be an issue.
Large Hooks
Larger hooks are meant for crocheting bulkier yarns. These are typically made of lighter-weight materials because they can get heavy really quickly and be hard on your hands. Typically, they are made of plastic, though you also see acrylic and bamboo options.
For large crochet hooks, I recommend Clover Amour Crochet Hooks for thick yarns, sizes K through N (6.5 mm through 10 mm) available as a pack from Amazon. These ergonomic hooks have a plastic hook and shaft with a rubber, built-up handle. They have excellent reviews and are very durable.
For a less expensive option, I recommend this Large Hook Kit from Amazon. These are not a “name brand,” but they do have great reviews!
Most larger crochet hooks are sold individually, and you could definitely go with any of the Clover Amour Large sizes individually if you didn’t want to spring for the whole pack. I personally like just having what I need on hand, so I like the multi-packs, especially since they will last for a really long time.
Why Stick With Name Brand Crochet Hooks?
I know. These can get expensive. I am all about finding a deal! The problem is, sometimes you get what you pay for. Why do I recommend staying with the name-brand crochet hooks?
The main reason is, that they are one of your two essential tools for crocheting. You will use them for every project. You want them to be comfortable to work with and to last a long time.
Note that, especially on Amazon, you will see other recommendations that may be much cheaper, and look the same, as my recommendations.
The problem with these options is that the hooks are likely to be the wrong size (not as labeled), bend easily, have jagged spots on them that catch and ruin your yarn, or have grips that fall apart or break.
You will end up with projects the wrong size if the hooks are sized incorrectly. If they bend or break, you are just going to have to spend more money to replace them. If they have jagged spots or don’t glide smoothly through your yarn, you will end up very frustrated and probably having to replace some yarn! All of these are horrible, and are going to end up costing you more money!
For these reasons, I HAVE TO recommend staying with the “Name Brand” options. They will last you a VERY long time, if not forever. You really should only have to replace them if you lose one.
