Learn More - Tech Talk!
What Crochet Hook Material is Best?
October Tech Talk: Crochet Hooks, Part 1
It’s time to discuss crochet hook materials! The three most common hook materials are metal, plastic, and wood. There are several qualities that affect your choice in hook materials: durability, affordability, weight, and texture.
Plastic hooks
Durability: Medium to low (best durability at larger sizes)
Affordability: Usually most affordable (e.g., Susan Bates Luxite) but some manufacturers have nicer hooks in the mid-price range (e.g., Prym Ergonomic). The more expensive hooks have ergonomic handles.
Weight: Among the lightest weight hooks, making them less tiring to use. The weight difference is especially noticeable in the larger sizes, like US L-Q (8-16mm).
Texture: Warm to the touch and tends to have more friction than other materials, which can improve gauge but slows you down. Not ideal to use when there’s high humidity.
Metal hooks (aluminum or steel)
Durability: Extremely durable, especially steel
Affordability: Varies from very affordable (e.g., Susan Bates Silvalume) to mid-price (e.g., Boye Ergonomic, Clover Soft Touch) to expensive (e.g., Addi Swing). More expensive hooks have ergonomic handles.
Weight: Steel hooks (e.g., Clover Soft Touch Steel hooks) are heavier than aluminum, so these tend to be available in the smallest sizes, US 14 – 0 (0.5 – 1.55mm).
Texture: Cool to the touch initially and slippery, which helps you crochet faster but also makes it harder to get consistent gauge. Crocheters with concerns about fatigue or pain will want to choose a style that comes with an ergomic handle (e.g., Boye Ergonomic, Clover Amour, Clover Soft Touch, Prym Ergonomic) or use a removable handle like Susan Bates Cushion Grip.
Wood Hooks (includes bamboo, which is technically a grass)
Durability: Less durable than other materials, more prone to breaking if you sit on them (!)
Affordability: Ranges from mid-price (e.g., ChiaoGoo Bamboo, Lykke Driftwood) to expensive (e.g., Lemonwood)
Weight: Some woods are denser (and therefore heavier) than others. It’s important to hold a wooden hook before you buy it, especially in the larger sizes.
Texture: Wood hooks have a nice texture when holding them, plus they're gorgeous! Wood is stickier than metal but more slippery than plastic; bamboo is about as sticky as plastic.
If you need help picking out a crochet hook, let us know! We can help you find the best hook for your yarn, project and ergonomic needs. Stay tuned for more information on crochet hooks in future newsletters!
Happy hookin' y'all!
P. S. Bashful Armadillo will be in-store on Saturday, November 2 11a-4p. This south Texas indie dyer has hand-painted yarns with a Texas accent!
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Beginning Crochet
Get started crocheting with Moses! You'll learn the four basic crochet stitches (chain, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet) and the skills to do them well. Class is two 2-hour sessions.
Saturday, November 2 & 9, 1pm - 1 seat available