You’ve just discovered this wonderful crochet learning guide, but you are confused as to which crochet hook you should take home. Well, if you feel that you’re going crazy with too many options in stores, be assured that you can get confused, especially if you’re a beginner. I’ll provide your complete guide. Here it is!

A crochet hook is the most important in working with precise stitches in crochet projects like scarves, blankets, and lacework to achieve uniform stitch size as well as ease of handling. One usually finds crochet hooks available in different materials and sizes suited for different yarn types, therefore making it an important tool in achieving good quality, looking results.

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What is a Crochet Hook?
A crochet hook is a kind of needle. This is used to create the stitch in yarn or thread with which you make the items, such as blankets, scarves, hats, etc.

It has a handle on one side and a hooked end on the other side that helps grab the yarn and pull it through loops to create a stitch. Of course, this makes it quite impossible to crochet without a crochet hook because literally, you would be holding nothing if you were to assume its absence; hence the derivation of the word “hook.”.

The size and material, apart from the design of crochet hooks differ. All these can affect the outcome of your crochet project. Whichever the thickness of your yarn, however fragile or thick thread you might be working with, there is a suitable crochet hook available for whatever task you intend.

History of Crochet Hook
This craft has a long history, which is interesting. The word “crochet” comes from the French word. Its meaning is “small hook.” However, no one can point to when exactly this craft was invented. It is believed that crochet hooks had already existed in Europe back in the 19th century as early hints.

That was the time when crochet hooks were unheard of, but there were bones, wood, or ivory made for use. Women of the Victorian era popularized it greatly by using crochet hooks for lace, doilies, and even more intricate work. Nowadays, people from every nook and corner of this world love crocheting with endless selections in crochet hooks.

Standard Crochet Hook Sizes
Similarly, crochet hooks also have crucial sizes. The proper size of a hook determines the size of stitches, which in turn forms the size of the project to be produced. The following table shows some standard sizes of crochet hooks according to the US and metric scales:

Size (US) Size (Metric – mm)
B-1 2.25 mm
C-2 2.75 mm
D-3 3.25 mm
E-4 3.5 mm
F-5 3.75 mm
G-6 4.0 mm
H-8 5.0 mm
I-9 5.5 mm
J-10 6.0 mm
K-10.5 6.5 mm
L-11 8.0 mm
M-13 9.0 mm
N-15 10.0 mm
For beginners, it is a good rule of thumb to start with a hook size that is middle-of-the-road, for example, a 5.0 mm (H-8) which works well for most mediums-weight yarns and is easy to work with as well.

Types of Crochet Hook
The crochet hooks differ in many ways. It depends on the various types of needs they fulfill. Your hook choice depends on the type of yarn to be used. The kind of your project also affects the choice. Here are some different types of crochet hooks:

1. Aluminum Crochet Hooks
These crochet hooks - liked by people for the lightweight body and durability.
Aluminum crochet hooks – liked by people for the lightweight body and durability. In addition, it allows the yarn to slide smoothly without sticking and is therefore particularly suitable for just-starting-out beginners. Because of their solid construction, they can be used long and are available in all sizes for all kinds of yarn weights.

Pros & Cons of Aluminum Crochet Hooks:
Pros Cons
Lightweight and easy to handle Can feel cold to the touch
Durable and long-lasting May slip too easily with some yarns
Smooth surface for fast stitching Not as comfortable for extended use
Affordable and widely available May cause hand fatigue without an ergonomic grip
Works well with most yarn types Can be noisy due to metal clinking
2. Plastic Crochet Hooks
These crochet hooks are quite cheap and available in multiple colors and various sizes. These are very light in weight.
Plastic crochet hooks are quite cheap and available in multiple colors and various sizes. For those who are very budget-constrained or beginners, these come in handy.

The plastic hook is also relatively very light, light in weight, but for extended periods of use, it might not be as long-lasting as the aluminum or wooden ones.


Pros & Cons of Wooden Crochet Hooks:
Pros Cons
Warm, comfortable feel in hand Usually more expensive than plastic or aluminum
Provides good grip with slippery yarns May create more friction, slowing down stitching
Lightweight and eco-friendly Usually more expensive than plastic or Aluminium
Quiet, no clicking sounds when crocheting May not glide as smoothly with certain yarn types
Natural material, appealing aesthetic Limited size options compared to metal hooks
4. Steel Crochet Hooks
These are short and strong. It is very especially ideal for making lacework or doilies kind of detailed projects, and it is ideal for making crocheting using thread rather than yarn.
Steel crochet hooks are short and strong. It is very especially ideal for making lacework or doilies kind of detailed projects, and it is ideal for making crocheting using thread rather than yarn. For being this size, it is commonly used for delicate, intricate designs as the precision stitches have to be made carefully.


How to Use a Crochet Hook?
Hook utilization is pretty fast once you get used to it. Now, here are the general steps on how to use a crochet hook:

How to Hold Your Crochet Hook?
The first thing a beginner should learn is the proper way to hold a crochet hook. There are two ways to hold a crochet hook. It all depends on what works most easily for you. How you hold the hook won’t make any difference whatsoever in your stitches. Give both a try. Feel free to stick with what’s working best for you.



Method 2: Pencil Grip
The pencil grip is a hold similar to holding a pencil when we are writing. It is preferred by users for its longer sessions of crochet since it positions one's hand in a relatively relaxing position.
The pencil grip is a hold similar to holding a pencil when we are writing. It looks like this:



Which Grip is Better?
There’s nothing “right” or “wrong” in holding the crochet hook itself. Both the knife grip and pencil grip are perfectly good. It all depends on one’s preference. Some prefer the knife grip because it feels more stable. Some like the pencil grip for its flexibility.

If you are a beginner, try practicing with both grips to see which one feels more natural. You can also switch back and forth between grips as you work. It is just that you should feel comfortable crocheting without forcing your hand or wrist.

How to Select the Right Crochet Hook?
The choice of the right crochet hook depends on many factors: