How do I know which hook to use?
Because hook sizes are represented differently around the world, most hooks you see in the store will have 3 different bits of information – a letter, and number and millimeters, ex. G-6 (4 mm). You will need to read the label on the yarn you want to use and look for at least one of these size representations. In the United States, we go by the letter, but there is a lot of great yarn made all over the world! You cannot expect to always find a letter hook size. Unless you have a pattern telling you otherwise, go with the hook suggestion on the skein of yarn.
Unfortunately finding the right hook is not always that easy. I went to the craft store the other day and saw skein upon skein of yarn with nothing about a crochet hook. Some yarns are marketed for knitting, and do not suggest a crochet hook at all. If that is the case for the yarn you want to use, find where it tells you the millimeter size of the knitting needles, and find a crochet hook with the same or approximately the same millimeter size.
Another very important thing to consider is the brand of hook you use. I prefer Boye Aluminum Hooks
Boye Crochet Hook Set
for their shape and feel but there are many crocheters who prefer the shape and feel of Susan Bates Aluminum Hooks.
Susan Bates Crochet Hooks
Be sure to try each one to see which one works better for you. Sometimes when you are having trouble learning to crochet, changing hooks can make a big difference. As you become a much more experienced crocheter (and I know you will) there are many more styles of hooks to try. To see all the hooks we have available visit: Hooks at Maggiescrochet.com. If you have any advice on hooks to share we would love to hear from you.
Happy Crocheting
Maggie
6 responses so far ↓
1 Darlene // Jul 28, 2008 at 4:31 pm
I agree about the Boye hooks they are my favorite too.
2 Carolyn A. // Jul 28, 2008 at 4:37 pm
I have been actively crocheting for 38 years. My first crochet hook, a Bone H, was given to me by an old German lady who taught me the basic stitches and told me to practice … a lot. Then I taught myself to read and follow my first pattern. Now I have the complete set of steels and aluminums … and some spares. I also retired the Bone H, but it is still my favorite hook and brings back so many memories. xxoo
3 Robin // Jul 29, 2008 at 10:28 am
I recently started using the rosewood handle hooks. They have aluminum hooks,and , of course, rosewood handles. They are for persons with artheritis, which I do not have (yet) but they feel great anyway. The handles are a little fatter and round. TIP: Puppies like them, so make sure you always put them in your hook case…and HIDE the case!!
4 Tonya S. // Jul 29, 2008 at 12:31 pm
I love Brittany Birch hooks and needles, if you have arthritis they are quite a find, metal takes heat away from the body and doesn’t give it back wood reflects heat to the body…plus brittany birch hooks/needles have american size and mm on same needle/hook so you know what you are reaching for no matter what the pattern calls for this for me is critical as I use English patterns and american.
5 Maggie // Jul 31, 2008 at 7:13 am
Carolyn A - can you elaborate on the “bone” hooks. I have never used one and I get confused in old patterns when they call for a bone hook #4 for example. We are working on a hook size chart.
Robin - what are the Rosewood hooks you are referring to in your comment? I have not seen these.
Tonya - thank you for the infomation about body heat and hooks.
Thank you for posting
Maggie Weldon - Maggiescrochet.com
6 Robin // Aug 4, 2008 at 10:30 am
I don’t know off hand the maker of the rosewood hooks, but I get them at Hobby Lobby. The hooks and shaft are aluminum, but the handles are rosewood. As with the birch, they reflect back the heat. Hobby Lobby also has hooks that are entirely Rosewood, hook, shaft and handle. These are a little more expensive and I havent tried them. They are a little more ornate and really pretty.
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