Best Crochet Hooks: 6 Tried-and-True Favorites (2026)

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In this article, I share a detailed guide to the best crochet hooks I’ve used, along with why I chose them.

After more than 35 years of crocheting, I’ve accumulated quite a collection of crochet hooks and, more importantly, countless hours of hands-on experience using them. 

As you can see in this photo of my hook collection, I genuinely love crochet hooks. But for me, they’re much more than a collection—they’re the tools I rely on to do my work and enjoy my favorite hobby. The ones in my hand are my go-to hooks.

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As a crochet designer, I use crochet hooks almost every day to create patterns, test stitch combinations, and make everything from garments and blankets to Amigurumi and home décor projects.

I’m sharing my six favorite crochet hooks after years of trying different brands, hook shapes, materials, and price points. Some of these hooks are budget-friendly, while others are premium options, but each one has earned a place in my collection for a reason.

Because no crochet hook is perfect for every crocheter, yarn, or project, I’ll also share some situations where my favorite hooks go above and beyond, along with a few drawbacks to consider.

My goal is to help you find the hook that best matches your crocheting style, whether you’re making garments, blankets, lace projects, or Amigurumi.

Quick Comparison Table

Rank	Brand	Why I Love It	My Rating	Link
1	Clover Amour	Made for Everyday Crochet	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Check price
2	Tulip Etimo	Perfect for Amigurumi	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Check price
3	Furls Streamline Resin	Beautiful Craftsmanship	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Check price
4	Furls Streamline Metal	Comfort and Craftsmanship	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Check price
5	Susan Bates	Consistent Tension	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Check price
6	Boye	Great Cost-Benefit	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Check price

Why I Chose These Hooks

Let’s take a look at the features that influence my choices and why.

Shape Matters a lot to Me: Tapered vs. Inline Hooks

Over the years, I’ve learned that hook shape affects my crocheting experience more than almost any other feature. While handle style and material certainly matter, the shape of the hook determines how easily yarn moves, how consistent my stitches are, and even which projects I enjoy making the most.

I’ve used both tapered and inline hooks extensively for garments, blankets, stitch tutorials, and Amigurumi. While I generally find tapered crochet hooks to be the best, there are certain projects where an inline hook gives me better results.

Tapered Hooks

Tapered hooks are the style I reach for most often. My Clover Amour hooks have been my go-to choice for years because they’re comfortable to hold and let the yarn slide smoothly through the stitches. I use them for many of my larger projects, including my oversized crochet scarf, as well as textured stitch patterns like the star stitch featured in my crochet kitchen towels.

Why I Like Them:

• The rounded tip and gradual taper allow stitches to move smoothly along the hook.
• The narrower neck helps yarn slide through loops easily, making crocheting feel effortless.
• I find they work particularly well for Amigurumi because they naturally help me create tighter stitches with fewer visible gaps.
• The smooth flow of the hook helps reduce hand fatigue during longer crochet sessions.

Inline Hooks

Although tapered hooks are my personal favorite, I keep several inline hooks in my collection because they excel in situations where stitch consistency is especially important. My favorite inline-style hook is the Furls Streamline Resin, which I used to make this shell-stitch cowl because I wanted the shell pattern to maintain even tension throughout the project.

Why I Like Them:

• The pointed tip and deeper groove hold the yarn securely.
• Because the shaft and throat are the same width, I find it easier to maintain consistent stitch sizes and gauge.
• The hook shape provides excellent control when working textured stitches, lace patterns, or projects that require pulling through multiple loops.
• I often reach for inline hooks when precision is more important than speed.

My Experience with Hook Materials

Crochet hooks are available in several materials, including aluminum, plastic, resin, wood, bamboo, and steel. My favorites are the aluminum ones, but let’s review my takeaways from trying them all over the years.

Aluminum Crochet Hooks

What I Like:
I love them because they provide excellent yarn flow, helping with my speed and performance. I reach for them often, especially my Clover Amour hooks.

What I don’t like:
They can also produce that familiar squeaky sound when my hands get sweaty.

Plastic and Resin Hooks

What I Like:
I rarely use plastic hooks, but I do use my resin ones a lot. They are lightweight and have a polished surface that glides smoothly, especially through cotton yarn.

What I don’t like:
My resin hooks are of very good quality, but I’ve cracked one when I accidentally dropped it on the floor.

Wood and Bamboo Hooks

What I Like:
I have a few handmade wood hooks in my collection. They are very well-made and so beautiful, but honestly, I don’t use them often.

What I don’t like:
In my experience, acrylic yarn doesn’t glide as smoothly on wood as it does on aluminum. They also tend to be much more expensive than mass-produced hooks.

Steel Crochet Hooks

Steel hooks were the first crochet hooks I ever used. In fact, my very first crochet project was a doily made with cotton thread that my grandmother spun herself.

What I Like:
I still reach for my Boye steel hooks whenever I’m working with fine crochet thread or delicate lace projects because they pass through the tiny stitches easily.

What I don’t like:
Because they’re thin and made of metal, I find them less comfortable for extended use. 

Does Cost Matter?

Based on my experience, not always.

Over the years, I’ve used everything from budget-friendly hooks to premium brands. For example, I own a set of Furls Odysseys, often considered a luxury crochet hook. They’re beautiful, but I rarely use them because I find them heavier and bulkier than what feels comfortable in my hands.

I’ve learned that crochet hooks are highly personal. A hook that one crocheter loves may not work for another, regardless of the price.

My Take: Expensive doesn’t always mean better. Some of my most-used hooks are reasonably priced, while some of the most expensive ones spend most of their time in my collection. When choosing a crochet hook, I recommend focusing on comfort, hook shape, and reviews from other crocheters rather than price alone.

Understanding the Anatomy of a Crochet Hook

The diagram below identifies the main parts of a crochet hook and explains what each of them does.

I’ve learned with time and experience that small differences in hook design can affect comfort, tension, stitch consistency, and overall performance. The parts of a crochet hook that I pay the most attention to are the handle and the head. 

Why does the handle matter? Because they let me have control of my movements. For that, I love my hooks with ergonomic rubber handles. As an example, my crochet Amgurumi bee required tight stitches and had lots of details, my rubber handle ergonomic hook made all the differente.

Why is the head shape important to me? I pay attention to well-shaped hook heads because they push through the stitches more smoothly. For tiny projects made of think yarns, like my crochet angel pattern, those are the ones I go-to.

Crochet Hook Sizes

Choosing the right crochet hook size starts with the yarn you’re using, but the recommended size on the yarn label is only a starting point.

After years of designing patterns and testing different yarns, I’ve learned that the best hook size often depends on your personal tension and the type of project you’re making.

For example, when I crochet Amigurumi, I almost always use a smaller hook than the yarn label recommends. Smaller hooks create tighter stitches, which helps prevent the stuffing from showing through and gives the finished piece a cleaner, more polished look.

A good example is my Amigurumi Elephant. Although the mercerized cotton yarn label recommended a 4.0 mm (G) hook, I used a 2.75 mm (C) hook instead. The smaller hook created tighter, more uniform stitches that were perfect for an Amigurumi project.

My Take: Don’t be afraid to experiment with hook sizes. The recommended hook on the yarn label is a guideline, but adjusting your hook size can help you achieve the look, drape, and stitch definition you want for a specific project.

Reviews of Each of My 6 Favorite Crochet Hooks

Now that you know what to look for in a crochet hook, let’s explore my six favorite crochet hooks and why they made the list.

Hook #1: Clover Amour Hooks

I’ve used Clover Amour hooks for at least 15 years now, and they’re the ones I reach for most often. I use them for everything from garments, accessories, and blankets to stitch tutorials because they’re comfortable for long crochet sessions. I especially love how the tapered tip slides smoothly through both cotton and acrylic yarns.

You can see this hook in action in this photo of my hand holding a 4.00 mm (G) Cover Amour hook to crochet my Chicken Potholder pattern sample:

What I Love:

• Comfortable ergonomic grip
• Smooth yarn glide
• Durable: my first set still looks like new
• Available individually or as a set

Things to Consider:

• More expensive than basic aluminum hooks
• The handle can feel bulky for some crocheters

Best For:

They work perfectly for garments, blankets, and everyday crochet.

Hook #2: Tulip Etimo Hooks

Tulip Etimo crochet hooks are my go-to choice for Amigurumi. I love how comfortable they are and how easily they create tight, even stitches. While they’re pricier than beginner hooks, I think they’re an excellent upgrade for crocheters looking for a high-quality tool.

Here is a photo of my Amigurumi Bunny, made with a 3.5 mm (US E) Tulip Etimo hook:

What I Love:

• High-quality polished aluminum or steel
• Comfortable soft rubber handle in red, pink, and gray
• Beautiful silver or gold-plated heads
• Clear, easy-to-read sizing is printed on

Things to Consider:

•  More expensive than most basic hooks
• The shaft is on the short side

Best For:

I use them mostly for Amigurumi. But they can also become your go-to for everyday crochet.

Hook #3: Furls Streamline Resin

After trying other Furls crochet hooks, my Streamline resin ones are a better fit for my crocheting style than some of the brand’s pricier options.

Here is my Crochet Cowl pattern sample, made with one of my Streamline Resin hooks. 

What I Love:

• The shape feels like a nice balance between a tapered and an inline hook.
• The hook head catches the yarn easily without splitting fibers.
• It’s lightweight, perfect for long crochet sessions.

Things to Consider:

• They’re expensive. At the time of this review, a single hook costs about $26 USD.
• Resin is durable for everyday use, but it can crack or break if dropped on a hard surface.

Best For:

Works especially well with slippery yarns, such as bamboo, rayon, and mercerized cotton.

Hook #4: Furls Streamline Metal

The Streamline Metal hooks have the same shape as the Streamline Resin hooks, so they perform very similarly. The biggest difference is the weight. I find the added weight gives me a little more control and helps me maintain consistent stitch tension, especially on larger projects.

Here is an unfinished blanket design I’ve been working on with one of my Furls Streamline Metals:

 

What I Love:

• The ergonomic shape feels comfortable in my hands
• The added weight provides excellent control and stitch consistency
• The polished metal surface is perfect for coarse yarns
• Available in beautiful metallic finishes
• Easy to clean with a soft cloth

Things to Consider:

• The extra weight may feel tiring during long crochet sessions.
• The larger handle may not be ideal for crocheters with small hands or those who prefer a pencil grip.

Best For:

Projects where consistent stitch size and tension are especially important.

Hook #5: Susan Bates

I think every crocheter should own at least one Susan Bates hook. They’re affordable, widely available, and have been one of those in my collection I always find something to use them on. Despite their budget-friendly price, they feel sturdy and well-made.

Here is another granny square blanket that’s a work in progress. I’ve been using my 9.00 mm (US M/13) Susan Bates hook with a wooden handle to work with the bulky yarn, which makes the process so easy.

What I Love:

• Color-coded sizing makes it easy to find the right hook.
• Durable aluminum construction that holds up well over time.
• Both US and metric sizes are clearly marked on the hook.
• The inline design helps me maintain consistent stitch size and gauge.

Things to Consider:

• The deep inline throat may feel less comfortable if you crochet very tightly.
• The pointed tip can occasionally split yarn, especially softer fibers.

Best For:

Crocheters who prefer inline crochet hooks and projects where stitch consistency is crucial. I also like the ergonomic version for longer crochet sessions because it helps reduce hand fatigue.

Hook #6: Boye Crochet Hooks

Boye hooks are yet another affordable option, made of high-quality aluminum that lasts forever. They also feature a perfectly sized handle.

What I Love:

• The thumb grip fits perfectly in my hand
• The smooth, tapered throat makes my crochet sessions a breeze
• It has a perfectly rounded head that prevents yarn from fraying

Things to Consider:

• The tip may feel too blunt, making it difficult to push through tiny stitches.
• Since it’s a tapered hook, some people may find it hard to maintain consistent stitch tension.

Best For:

Its compact size is perfect for when I travel and want to take my crochet with me.

FAQs About Crochet Hooks

My Final Thoughts

While these are my personal favorite crochet hooks after years of crocheting and designing patterns, your perfect hook may be different—and that’s okay.

My advice is to use these recommendations as a starting point and experiment with different shapes and materials. After all, the best crochet hook is the one that makes you excited to pick up your yarn and create.

Have a favorite crochet hook brand? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what works best for you!

Happy Crocheting! 🧶

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