Choosing a crochet hook

Material, head shape, handle and size: what to look for, with a chart of hook sizes.

18 August 2026
A row of colorful crochet hooks, an editorial image

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/h2>
  • 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.

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/h2>
Metric (mm)US size (approx.)
2.25B-1
2.75C-2
3.25D-3
3.5E-4
3.75F-5
4.0G-6
4.57
5.0H-8
5.5I-9
6.0J-10
6.5K-10½
8.0L-11
9.0M/N-13
10.0N/P-15

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

A hook set worth considering

Some links on CrochetSmith are affiliate links, including the one below. Read our affiliate disclosure.

Once you've picked a hook, see how to hold your hook and yarn for a comfortable, beginner-friendly grip.

If you'd rather buy a complete set than individual hooks, the Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set is a boxed set of soft-handled, ergonomic-grip hooks spanning a range of sizes — a reasonable way to cover most everyday projects in one purchase. We have not personally tested this set, so we can't speak to comfort, durability or finish from hands-on use; treat the illustration below as a visual placeholder, not a photograph of the actual product, and check the current listing for exact sizes, price and specifications before buying.

Original editorial illustration of five fanned crochet hooks in different handle colors, not a photograph of the actual product
Illustrative only — not product photography.

Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set

Soft, ergonomic handles in a boxed multi-size set.

  • Cushioned grip handles
  • Boxed set spanning a range of hook sizes
  • Interchangeable with standard hook-size charts like the one above
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As an Amazon Associate, CrochetSmith earns from qualifying purchases. Price, availability and specifications are set by Amazon and change without notice — we have not independently verified current listing details or customer ratings, and this is not a hands-on review.

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