Choosing a crochet hook

The hook is the tool you touch most. The right one makes crochet feel effortless, and the wrong one can make it feel like a chore.

Material

Aluminium: smooth, fast and inexpensive. It suits most yarns, and is a good first hook.
Bamboo and wood: warm and grippy, good for slippery yarns such as silk and bamboo.
Steel: very small sizes for thread and lace.
Plastic and resin: light, but can flex on large sizes.
Ergonomic handles: thicker, softer grips that help some people who crochet for long periods. See our review of ergonomic hooks.

Head shape

An inline hook has a head the same width as the shaft, and makes even stitches with a crisp look. A tapered hook has a rounded head that slips into stitches easily. Try both to see which suits your tension.

Sizes

Metric (mm)	US size (approx.)
2.25	B-1
2.75	C-2
3.25	D-3
3.5	E-4
3.75	F-5
4.0	G-6
4.5	7
5.0	H-8
5.5	I-9
6.0	J-10
6.5	K-10½
8.0	L-11
9.0	M/N-13
10.0	N/P-15

US letters and numbers vary between brands, so use the millimetre size whenever you can.

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