From complete crochet beginners to seasoned pros, we all start with that essential tool – the humble crochet hook!

Advertisement

In fact the very word crochet comes from the French word for hook! There are a few different styles of crochet hook available, but really it all comes down to personal choice when finding the best crochet hook for you.

From simple hooks to fancy ergonomic crochet hooks, we'll show you a wide range of crochet hooks to help you find your perfect style, and if you've really got the crochet bug we've also included our favourite crochet hook sets too!

Get started!

Looking for more crochet advice? You can find everything you need to get started in our crochet guide for beginners.

How to crochet for beginners

15 of the best crochet hooks to buy in 2023

Now that you know where to buy crochet hooks, you also need to know which are the best crochet hooks for you! Below you'll find our handy list of our favourite crochet hooks, which includes a few different types so that you can find the perfect hook for you


Pony Aluminium Crochet Hook

Pony_aluminium_crochet_hook

Pony aluminium crochet hooks are proof that a cheaper product doesn't mean having to compromise on quality! These hooks have been the starting point for many a crocheter, as they're ridiculously affordable and readily available!

While many people prefer hooks with handles for improved grip, plenty of crocheters actually find that the simple style of these Pony hooks makes them the best crochet hooks for strength and consistency.

They feature a nice flattened portion which does allow you to grip the hook better than if it was completely cylindrical, and at such an affordable price it won't cost you the world to get all the different sizes you need!

More like this

Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hook

Clover_soft_touch_Crochet_hook

These Clover Soft Touch crochet hooks prove particularly popular with the crochet pros! Their flat handles help to give extra precision when it comes to positioning the hook, which is essential if you're working on some complicated stitches! The hook is really lightweight and as well as the smooth plastic handle it also features a nice rubber thump grip.

Many crocheters find that these sort of flat hook are the best crochet hooks for amigurumi and intricate crochet projects, as well as making a great all-round crochet hook for every day projects too. They're available in every size you would need for most crochet projects, covering your usual 2mm - 6mm sizes, but they are also available in incredibly small sizes such as 0.5mm too!


Prym Ergonomic Crochet Hook

Prym_ergonomic_crochet_hook

If comfort is your main concern when choosing a crochet hook, then the Prym Ergonomic crochet hooks have you covered!

These award-winning ergonomic crochet hooks are designed specifically to give you the best and comfiest grip possible. Made from high quality plastics which are smooth and warm to the touch, the hook will glide through your stitches, while the rubber handle will give you maximum grip!

Many crochet hooks also have the size printed on them which can wear off over time, however Prym have engraved their sizes at the base of the hook - a small but clever detail which means you'll always know which size you're using. These hooks go down particularly well with those with arthritis or that suffer hand cramps, so if you're feeling the strain from your crochet then these might be the best crochet hooks for you!


Pony Easy Grip Crochet Hook

pony_easy_grip_hook

Here's another fabulous and affordable crochet hook from Pony. Their Pony easy-grip crochet hook range features the same sturdiness as their normal aluminium hooks, but with a plastic handle designed to take the strain off your hands and wrists. The handles have a flat thumb rest and grooves to give you extra grip, and each hook is colour coded so you'll easily be able to find the right hook for your project!


Susan Bates Soft Handle Crochet Hook

susan_bates_crochet_hook

Susan Bates is a name UK crocheters may not be quite so familiar with, but our experienced crocheters from over the pond in America will almost certainly have come across them before! This Susan Bates crochet hook features a lovely round soft handle, helping you to hook up those stitches in comfort.

Don't forget your yarn!

Now that you know all about the best crochet hooks, make sure you've got your yarn right too by learning all about choosing the best yarn for crochet.

How-to-choose-yarn_colours

Sirdar soft grip crochet hook

sirdar_soft_handled_crochet_hook

You probably already know that Sirdar make some fabulous yarn, but did you know that they make crochet hooks too? These Sirdar soft grip crochet hooks have a super-comfy soft-grip handle and a strong aluminium hook head.


Clover armour crochet hook

clover_armour_crochet_hook_

Here's another hook from the respected Clover brand, but unlike their flat handled hooks the Clover armour crochet hook comes with a soft-grip round handle with a flattened thumb rest, as well as coming in bright colours - making your hooks easier to find should they fall down the side of the sofa!


Addi Swing Ergonomic Crochet Hook

Addi_swing_ergonomic_crochet_hook

The Addi Swing crochet hook is another range of ergonomic crochet hooks that have been designed to flawlessly fit in your hand! These are the best crochet hooks for if you prefer the strength of metal hooks but find them a bit too fiddly to hold.


Pony Bamboo Crochet Hook

Pony_bamboo_crochet_hook

As well as being more environmentally friendly, many crocheters prefer the added flexibility that comes from these wooden crochet hooks. Bamboo is a popular choice when it comes to the best crochet hooks made from wood, as they're particularly lightweight and feel nice to hold, and these Pony Bamboo Crochet hooks are exactly that.

However, if you crochet very tightly you may find bamboo hooks don't quite have the strength you need - remember that every crocheter is different, and it's important to consider what will really be the best crochet hooks for your own crochet style.


Prym bamboo crochet hook

Prym_bamboo_crochet_hook

If you like the ideas of a lightweight bamboo hook, then the Prym bamboo crochet hook is another fine option for you. Bamboo hooks are very light and smooth to work with - perfect if you hate that slight squeaking that you can get from metal hooks!


Furls Crochet Hooks - Wood Streamlines

Furls_crochet_hook

If you're looking for wooden crochet hooks with a bit more strength, then the stylish Furls crochet hooks might be best for you! They come in a choice of different wood varieties, and these smooth handmade hooks have become incredibly popular with all types of crocheters.

There are lots of different types of Furls crochet hooks available, some with some quite expensive price tags, but these streamlines crochet hooks come in at an affordable price if you fancy treating yourself.


Divit Shilp Streamlined ergonomic crochet hook

divit_streamline_crichet_hook

If you like the look of the gorgeous furls hook but think they're a bit out of your price range, then these Divit Shilp Streamlined ergonomic crochet hooks might be the best crochet hooks for you!

Made from hand polished wood sourced from strictly regulated forests, these smooth and lightweight hooks will have you crocheting with ease... and in style!


KnitPro Tunisian Crochet Hook

knitpro_tunisian_crochet_hook

KnitPro are known for producing high quality knitting and crochet accessories, and their lovely multicoloured wooden crochet hooks are some of our favourites.

As well as a huge range of normal hooks, they also make some fabulous KnitPro Tunisian crochet hooks, an essential for the Tunisian crochet technique that any new crocheter will want to try before long!


Light Up crochet hook

Light up crochet hook

If you want to combine a bit of tech with your crochet, then you'll love these light-up crochet hooks. The clear plastic tip of the hook lights up, meaning you can keep on crocheting well into the evening. Whether you're hooking in low light or complete darkness, you'll still be able to see those stitches with this clever lighted crochet hooks.


Jumbo wooden crochet hooks

giant_crochet_hooks

Bigger yarn equals faster makes! So if you really want to take your crochet super-size, then you'll need some super-size hooks!

This set of 3 large wood crochet hooks comes with a 15mm, 20mm and 25mm hook (which is realistically the largest you'd ever need). If you've never tried super-sized crochet before then definitely give it a go, it's loads of fun (prepare for a full body workout though)!


Now that you know which are the best crochet hooks, maybe you fancy something a bit more special. Check out our list of the top 10 luxury crochet hooks, or keep reading for our pick of the top 10 crochet hook sets.

If you're launching into your first crochet make, you might find our How to read a crochet pattern useful, as well as our Crochet abbreviations and conversions guide.

Struggle to see your stitches?

We're seeing an increasing number of crocheters using these flexible round neck lights to help them see better, especially when working with black yarn or in low light. They fit snuggly and comfortably around the back of your neck, shining light upon your hands meaning you can crochet late into the night!

neck_light_for_crochet

10 of the best crochet hooks sets to buy in 2023

Once you've got the hang of crochet and start following patterns, you'll quickly find that you need quite a few different sizes of hook. There are many crochet hook sets available in a wide range of styles and materials, and it's often cheaper to buy a set than individually buying each different size of hook. To help you find the best set for you, here are some of the best crochet hook sets for beginners.

Hook set - 14 aluminium hooks, sizes 2mm-10mm

Best crochet hook sets H&S

This bargain hook set contains all of the main sizes a beginner will ever need, and come in some funky colours too!


Knit Pro Waves Soft Grip hook set - 9 aluminium & plastic hooks, sizes 2mm - 6mm

knitpro-waves-crochet-hook-set

KnitPro hooks are a favourite among beginners and expert crocheters alike, and the waves hook set features some lovely soft-grip handles and a fab fluorescent pink case!


Bamboo Crochet hook set - 15 hooks, sizes 3mm - 25mm

bamboo_15_piece_crochet_hook_set

If you find working with metal hooks hurts your hands or wrists, then maybe it's worth trying some bamboo hooks - you get a lot more flexibility out of the hook, and this wooden crochet hook set even includes a whopping 25mm hook for if you fancy trying some jumbo crochet!


Pony Crochet Hook Set - 6 aluminium hooks, sizes 2mm - 5mm

pony_crochet_hook_set

This handy pack of Pony aluminium hooks contains the most common sizes that are needed in a crochet set for beginners - it's the perfect set for if you're just starting out on your crochet journey!


Beginners crochet hook set - 11 soft touch hooks, sizes 2mm - 8mm + scissors, stitch markers and case

beginners_crochet_hook_set

If you fancy getting a crochet hook set that contains more than just your hooks, then you might like this fab Luxebell hook set, which as well as a handy carry case also includes a pair of lightweight spring-loaded scissors, stitch markers, tape measure and yarn needles.


KnitPro Symfonie single ended crochet hook set, sizes 3.5mm - 8mm

knitpro_symfonie_hook_set

You'll love crocheting with these KnitPro Symfonie hooks almost as much as you'll love their appearance! Made from polished wood to give you a smooth crochet glide with handy grooves for added grip, these gorgeous multi-coloured wood hooks are a must-have for any serious crocheter!


KnitPro Symfonie Rose Deluxe crochet hook set, sizes 3.5mm - 8mm

knitpro_symfonie_rose_deluxe_hook_set

If you liked the look of the KnitPro Symfonie hooks, but want to treat yourself to something extra special, then how about the Symfonie Rose Deluxe crochet hook set!

These gorgeous densified and polished wooden hooks come in their own special monogrammed storage box, and as well as the gorgeous marbled wood effect each hook even has it's own glittering European crystal embedded in it too - oooh fancy!!!


Pony Easy Grip Crochet Hook Set - 9 steel hooks with polymer handles, sizes 2mm - 6mm

pony_easy_grip_crochet_hook_set

Here's another fab crochet hook set from Pony, The easy grip handles not only feature a flattened portion but also clever grooves to give you the best hold possible on your hook. It also includes all those half size hooks that not all sets include.


KnitPro Zing Crochet Hook set - 9 metal hooks, sizes 2mm - 6mm

knitpro_zing_crochet_hook_set

The Zing crochet hook set from KnitPro is another lovely aluminium set, but with some clever little details! They're incredibly lightweight which will help you crochet for longer, and while they come in a lovely range of colours the point is left uncoloured, meaning it's always easy to see where you're putting your hook no matter what colour of yarn you're using!


Where to buy crochet hooks

If you're just starting your adventure into crochet, then 'where to buy crochet hooks' is likely to be something you've never even thought about before. Fortunately there's plenty of options out there!

Many people find the weight and feel of a hook to be very important in regards to how comfortable they feel while crocheting, so finding the best crochet hooks for you can make a real difference.

Most decent local yarn stores will stock a range of crochet hooks - even if you can't see them on the shelves it's worth asking, as they may be behind the counter! You'll also find many of the best crochet hooks stocked at some larger department stores, as well as from a wide range of online retailers.


Finding your favourite hook

As much as some crochet hooks are more popular than others, finding your favourite type of crochet hook is a very personal thing. Some people don't like handles, others can't use a hook without them. Likewise some people prefer luxury wooden hooks, however we know plenty of designers who prefer a plain, no frills, cheap metal hook. It's all about how it feels for you personally, and as many of us crochet for hours on end, by far the most important factor is how comfortable you feel using your hook.

Advertisement

Choosing the right crochet hook for your project

Picking the right type of hook is important for your comfort, but it's also important to choose the right size hook for your project too! Find out everything you need to know with our guide to choosing crochet hook sizes from Gathered.

guide to crochet hook sizes UK US

Authors

Matt SpiersDigital Assistant, Gathered

Matt Spiers is a crochet artist and designer who has been overseeing Gathered's crochet articles for over 2 years. He previously worked as Digital Assistant for Simply Crochet magazine and is our in house video editing pro. What started as a hobby a decade ago led to Matt developing a passion (and then a career) with crochet. As well as still regularly writing and designing for Simply Crochet magazine, Matt is a crochet artist in his own right, having displayed and created crochet installations at festivals and fibre events across the UK. You can keep up to date with Matt at @onemancrochet on Instagram.

Comments, questions and tips

Rate this recipe

What is your star rating out of 5?

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Overall rating

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement