The Ultimate Guide to Crochet Hooks

As a crochet designer and fellow crochet lover, I understand the importance of having the right hook in your hand. Whether you’re a long-time crocheter or just starting your journey in this wonderful craft, navigating the world of crochet hooks can feel overwhelming.

So many options, so many numbers and sizes.

Choosing the perfect hook for your project, for your hand or your yarn weight is crucial, that is why I am giving you here a guide so you can crochet with fun and most importantly without pain

** Some of the links in this post may include affiliate links. Purchasing one of these links pays me a small referral fee at no added cost to you. These small fees add up and help me keep the blog running. View our Disclosure and Privacy Policy for more information.

What is a Crochet Hook?

If you’re new to crocheting, the crochet hook is your must-have! It’s the item that helps you make crochet stitches, which are basically loops of yarn. These loops, when joined together, become the building blocks of your crocheted creations, like blankets, scarves, and even toys!

Getting Familiar with Your Hook:

Just like any other tool, the crochet hook has different parts that work together to make crocheting easier and more enjoyable. Let’s take a look at each part:

• Throat: This smooth area sits right behind the hook. Its job is to guide the yarn smoothly into the part of your project you’re working on.
• Point: This is the sharp tip of the hook. You use it to poke into existing loops and stitches, allowing you to move the yarn and create new stitches.
• Grip: This is the area where you hold the hook comfortably. It often has a special rest for your thumb and might even have a label telling you the size of the hook.
• Shaft: This is the smooth part between the grip and the hook. The thickness of the shaft determines the size of the hook, which in turn affects the size of the loops you create with your yarn.
• Handle: This is the part you hold onto while crocheting. Handles come in different shapes and materials, so you can find one that feels comfortable and fits your hand well.

Are you ready to start crocheting?

Crochet Hook Styles

Two Types of Crochet Hooks: Inline and Tapered

There are two main types of crochet hooks you’ll encounter: inline and tapered. Both help you create beautiful stitches, but they have slight differences in their shape.

Inline Crochet Hooks:

• Imagine a straight line from the tip of the hook to the handle. This is what “inline” means. The hook point and the shaft (the smooth part) are the same size.
• Some crocheters find these hooks easier to control and create consistent stitch sizes with.
• They often have a deeper throat (the space behind the hook) and flatter thumb rest.

Tapered Crochet Hooks:

• Unlike inline hooks, the tip of a tapered hook doesn’t follow a straight line with the shaft. It’s slightly rounded and sits a bit above or below the shaft’s line.
• These hooks often have a rounded head, which some crocheters find helpful when working with yarns that tend to split easily.
• They usually have a longer shaft and a shallower throat compared to inline hooks.

Crochet Hook Sizes: Numbers, Letters, and Beyond

The size of your hook is important because it affects the size of your finished project. Using the right hook size for your yarn weight is key to getting the look and feel you want.

Crochet hooks come in a diverse range of sizes, designated by various systems that can initially appear confusing. The most common systems are:

• US system: Utilizes numbers, with smaller numbers indicating smaller hooks and vice versa (e.g., size 4, size 8).
• Metric system: Employs millimeters (mm), with smaller numbers representing smaller hooks and vice versa (e.g., 2mm, 5mm).

Here’s a handy chart that serves as your personal translation guide:

What Crochet Hook Sizes Should a Beginner Buy?

As a beginner, starting with a basic set of hooks is the ideal way to begin your crocheting journey. There are a few materials that hooks are made of, wood, metal, resin, plastic, aluminum, combinations you name it! In the end, you will find the one that feels more comfortable to you!

Remember: do not buy whole sets with all sizes, try a few first and you will see that the most sizes used are:

Sizes H/8 (5.00 mm) and I/9 (5.50 mm): These versatile sizes are suitable for a wide range of yarn weights and projects, allowing you to explore various techniques and projects confidently.

Size G/7 (4.00 mm) (optional): This size is perfect for working with finer yarns and creating delicate projects, like amigurumi or lacework.

Remember, these are just suggestions. The best way to discover the perfect hook size for you is to experiment with different sizes and materials.

Explore, practice, and find what feels comfortable in your hands and creates the desired results in your projects.

What If My Crochet Hook Size Is Not Labeled?

If your crochet hook, whether a vintage treasure or a mystery find, does not have a size label, we can handle it!

You can easily determine its size using a crochet hook gauge. These affordable tools come in various formats, such as rulers with marked increments corresponding to hook sizes or small cards with holes of various diameters representing different hook sizes.

Insert your hook into the appropriate hole to identify its size. and that is it! you have your hook size in minutes!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully navigated the world of crochet hooks. Now you’re equipped with the knowledge to choose the perfect hook for your needs, explore different materials and sizes, and conquer any unlabeled hook you encounter.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and experiment! Don’t be afraid to try different hooks and techniques, as your personal preferences and skills will develop over time. Embrace the learning process, and most importantly, enjoy the creative journey that crochet offers. Happy crocheting!

Do you want to save this post for later? Pin it!

P.S. Do you have any favorite crochet hooks? Share in the comments below and let’s build a supportive community of crocheters who love to learn and grow together!

Want more crochet resources?

Check out my Freebie Page

Crochet Row Tracker