Edited to clarify: I'm not looking for advice on what I should use.
What size hooks do you use the most?
What kind of projects do you do?
Any hook sizes you'd bought that you think we were wasted purchases?
Any and all hook tips welcomed. :)
It seems this would depend most on what things you want to make. Making socks would take pretty small hooks, (B, C, ...), while making sweaters use hooks ranging in size from F to K.
If you are looking to buy a pack, you may consider the ones with sizes B through K.
And, some people are funny about their hooks (I think I am one of these). Their are not only different brands, but different shapes and mediums used to make the hooks that work well with some yarn and not with others.
I have crocheted (most seriously) since 1976. I prefer Susan Bates aluminum hooks over anything else. I am just learning tunisian crochet, and Susan Bates tunisian hooks are not shaped at the hook part like her aluminum hooks...more like Boyle's. That was disappointing.
Expand your search out of ebay and just see what is around and available. It might help you decide better what you think would suit you.
:) Kathleen
"Just Crochet", I always say.♥
(Natural skin care for natural health and beauty)
Submitted by 2lyesoaps4me on 10 February 2009 - 9:50am.
I have a year-old set of Clover hooks in gold aluminum with plastic handles that I use most. I usually prefer the comma shaped hooks over the slit-in-a-cylinder shape.
Submitted by pauline3 on 10 February 2009 - 11:02am.
I work in miniature a lot so I use my 1.0mm the most. Beyond that I use my f and my G. I don't think I've EVER used my E. but I keep it around anyway :o)
As to the projects I do most ..... I do little sachets and the like the most.
Submitted by Ravenart on 11 February 2009 - 1:17pm.
I use most all of my aluminum hooks but I really use my H-K the most. I love my wooden J and constanly look for patterns for it because it is so nice to work with. However, I make lots of projects that call for smaller hooks too (like fine lace and edgings) so I own some steel ones too. I own all Boye brand metal hooks (what I learned on so it is what I use). I do wish I had more wooden ones... they are so nice to hold.
I love to make scarves and hats (they work up so fast) but I also like afghans (you never can be too warm) but I am not much into wearables (they take too long and I never want them by the time I finish them) but I do make children's wearables (takes less time). I don't make doilys (umless asked for them) but I love to embroider so I do crocheted edging on those projects. I have just gotten into amigurumi so they take some of the steel hooks for accents.
I guess the only mistake in purchasing is that before I really got into crochet I bought a lot of hooks on an as needed basis so I have some duplicate hooks. I also just got a set of steel and aluminum hooks so I have even more duplicates (mostly extra H, I, and J). I also have some steel hooks I hope to never use so they were a waste but they came in the set so I didn't have much of a choice and my husband bought them for me so I will never get rid of them. (Have you seen the size of a 14?!? Can anyone work with that?)
Sorry this is so long but I hope that answers your questions. What do you use most? What do you make?
Submitted by Boupie on 14 February 2009 - 11:20pm.
Boupie, your reply isn't too long. I like hearing what all of you have to say.
I have one hook which I love; it's a copper colour and I would assume aluminum. I think it's a G. I've used it for multiple afghans and one amigurumi owl.
I'd like more hooks and I think I'd prefer aluminum. I want a couple of small for specific amigurumis, but not sure what sizes I need in general. I'd like to try socks and maybe kids sweaters.
Submitted by StealthGirl on 15 February 2009 - 5:53pm.
I purchased the Clover soft touch set of crochet hooks, with the ergonomic grip on the handles, sizes from 2.0 mm to 6 mm. I also bought the Clover soft grip, hook with the ergonoic grip in chunky sizes 6.5 mm, 8.mm & 10.mm. They come in a trio-set in a clear plastic tube They are very comfortable to use and I find that my hands do not ache after crocheting for hours.
I find that the very fine steel needles hurt my hands and I can't get a comfortable grip using them.
The Bamboo hooks that I got free with knitting magazines, I find slip in my fingers and I can't seem to make simple foundation chain or single crochet as I find that the hook slips and sometimes catches on the yarn as I attempt to pull the loop through the chains.
It's good to have a nice collection of different types of crochet hooks, as you can pick & choose which hooks work best with different types of yarns.
I have not purchased the ones that light-up in the dark yet, but many be when I see them 'on offer' on the many yarn websites that I like to browse in, I may treat myself to a set!
And, if only for 'Crocheting sakes', you can never have too-many crochet hooks!
Yes, I think if it is not silver (or steel colored) then it would have to be aluminum. They are very easy to work with but I like the fact that wood never is cold to the touch (I hate all forms of cold).
I want to try socks again but am still afraid of them because of the single sock problem.... I know you are supposed to work both at the same time but that never seems to work out for me. Oh well... I can't wait to see your socks.
Submitted by Boupie on 22 February 2009 - 12:36pm.
I too have been crocheting for more than 30 years, and I am a diehard aluminum hook user, no particular brand, but none of that bamboo stuff! Interestingly I knit with older cellulose needles--go figure. I like my projects to go fast, so I use a N hook alot, for afghans mostly. I have crocheted about 25 bedspread size afghans, 15 or so lapghans, and have at least 20 "in the works" projects to finish sometime this century! I just brought a great amigurumi book home, "Creepy Cute Crochet", and have made a vampire girl and an amazon girl, using an E and B hook each. (Doesn't hurt that I work at the local Library, now does it?!?) In other words, I use whatever hook I feel comfortable with, and have my project come out ginormous or try to go with the gauge listed. What a great question to ask! Helps us all to get to know one another!
I'm afraid I don't know the letters... I normally use my 7mm [largest I own] for general crocheting (scarves, small blankets, potholders), but I use 1.75mm..that's a C/something for small projects like amigurumi. I use such a large hook even for small things because I tend to work very tight knots.
It depends on the project and the yarn. For Amis, in kitchen cotton I use G. In acrylic I use I. I haven't ever used crochet thread, so I've never used those tiny ones. I do have one jumbo that I used for a rag rug. Loved that! Otherwise, I use whatever the pattern says to.
I always use aluminum hooks. I dislike the plastic passionately. The metal slides through the yarn so much more nicely.
Yes, the metal does slide nicely. Except when you start to sweat. then they start to squeak.
ok they still do slide nicely, they just squeak (and bother me) when they do. And I only have some plastics/wood/acrylic s for when I'm on a plane. They won't let me carry the metal. I don't get that.
And I do use the small ones. I've just never seen the small ones in anything other than metal!!
I mainly use the sizes G-K, if I want a size smaller I usually go for the F hook though I have use the D and E. I have never used anythig but the metal hook and once or twice I have tried the hughe white plastic one but I don't truly like it, guess I fear it will fold or collapse with me. I usually make doilies or doll clothers for the larger dolls for my grand-daughters, all the simple things. I mainly use cotton or soft yarns.
I mainly use 3- and 4 mm hooks. For tunisian crochet I use an approx. 2 mm larger hook than called for. However, it is difficult to find tunisian hooks larger than 9 mm (M13).
Talking about hook material, there are mainly metal hooks with handle on the market in Germany. You rarely see bamboo hooks, and there are no wooden hooks available - at least in yarn shops and department stores most european online shops.
I use my steel .75 mm thru 2.5 mm the most often for filet crochet projects. Although the afghan I'm planning calls for a 5.5 mm hook which I have in aluminum and plastic. I like metal over plastic but will use either. When I was crocheting clothing for my daughter I used 4 mm and 4.5 mm quite a lot. Again, either/or with a preference for metal. BTW, the reason metal hooks aren't allowed on planes is the same as for metal or all knitting needles: their use as weapons. Go figure! Check with your airline because each one can have different regs. about what they do and don't allow in the way of hooks and needles.
I have one of the huge white plastic needles and used it to crochet jute baskets many years ago. But I can visualize using it to make a lacy shawl too. Indeed, I seem to recall patterns from the 70's that used this size hook to do just that. I even have a memory of the shawl on the model ... probably the same magazine as the jute baskets. :-D
I also have a US 14/.75mm and have patterns for handkerchief edgings that call for that size. But I have too many other patterns to do before I make myself a pretty hankie!
I have a basic set of Clover aluminum hooks - 2.0 thru 6 or 6.5mm. which I inherited from my grandmother whom I taught to crochet when she was in her late 60's. I also inherited all of my other grandmother's hooks which are mostly English steel ones in all the fine gauges. There are also some slightly larger gauge hooks in bone and early plastics, including one double-sided one with a bevelled tool on the other end. Generally, I just bought hooks as I needed them and acquired doubles because I'd lost a project in the workroom and it had the very hook I needed for my new project. I'm sure you know how it goes! :-)
Now I have loads of hooks - lots of duplicates - but I can never have too many. I keep an appropriately sized crochet hook in all of my knitting projects, and I'm primarily a knitter, so there are crochet hooks in every bag and at all the places I sit to knit. I'm pretty sure that a crochet hook topped a recent poll of knitters as the most essential tool to have with them at all times. Even knitters who can't crochet have hooks with them at all times.
The crochet hook is the tool that lets us drop a stitch down to a mistake and then hook it back up to make a correction without ripping out rows of knitting. Knitters who've mastered this technique always carry a crochet hook!
I don't consider any size or type of hook I've bought or inherited as a dud or money wasted. I won't use my gran's bone and plastic hooks because they are probably too delicate, but I'll display them. I'm using many of her steel hooks and displaying the rest. And the big white plastic hook is looking more and more intriguing as I'm thinking about 70's inspired shawls and jute baskets. I suppose I'm a pack rat at heart! But when I get an idea, I like to have the tools I need somewhere close at hand and not tied up in another project. The more hooks and needles, the better!
I finally have the entire set of steel hooks. Size 14 is good for crocheting with sewing thread, by the way. I use sizes 00,0, 7, 9, 10 the most of that set.
As for aluminum hooks, I use my D, E, G, H, I the most. I have wooden hooks, but don't like them as they hurt my hand and one of them broke and that made me sad. I don't like plastic hooks at all as they snag the yarn.
I give my hooks a good cleaning with rubbing alcohol when they start squeeking and then follow up with a rub down using wax paper. It seems to help.
Lotion in the winter for my hands, corn starch between my fingers if its too hot for the yarn to slide through, and a bandaid on my finger when the tip of a tiny steel crochet hook makes it sore, that way I don't have to stop working on my project.
Wax paper rub hugh? after rubbing alcohol. I'll have to try that because, since we've moved, the squeak has gotten worse. Crochet keeps my mind together, but the squeak drives me NUTS!! I'll let you know how it works. Thank you!!
Submitted by Ravenart on 7 September 2009 - 8:02am.
Well, the wax paper worked!! YEAH!!!!!!! I don't know what it is down here in the south that makes it happen more often then it used to. But the wax paper rub worked!!
:o)
Submitted by Ravenart on 8 September 2009 - 7:05am.
I am a newbie and have only turned out a few scarves so far, along with practice swatches of various basic stitches. I've been working with sizes G, H and I, and just started playing around with a J that I'm enjoying very much.
The first hook I bought was aluminum; the next two were plastic, since that was the only material available in the sizes I wanted at the time.
I very much prefer aluminum, as I find it's smooth enough for the yarn to slide along it but not so slippery that the stitches slip off prematurely. Yesterday I found a set of Boye aluminum hooks in sizes D through K at Michael's and bought it so I'll have aluminum hooks handy in the sizes I'm most likely to need.
I'd like to explore wood and bamboo hooks eventually. I like the idea of holding a warmer material between my fingers, especially during the winter.
Submitted by boisfarine on 9 November 2009 - 12:33pm.
"Just Crochet", I always say.♥
Natural skin care for natural health and beauty
Good day, stealthgirl:
It seems this would depend most on what things you want to make. Making socks would take pretty small hooks, (B, C, ...), while making sweaters use hooks ranging in size from F to K.
If you are looking to buy a pack, you may consider the ones with sizes B through K.
And, some people are funny about their hooks (I think I am one of these). Their are not only different brands, but different shapes and mediums used to make the hooks that work well with some yarn and not with others.
I have crocheted (most seriously) since 1976. I prefer Susan Bates aluminum hooks over anything else. I am just learning tunisian crochet, and Susan Bates tunisian hooks are not shaped at the hook part like her aluminum hooks...more like Boyle's. That was disappointing.
Expand your search out of ebay and just see what is around and available. It might help you decide better what you think would suit you.
:) Kathleen
"Just Crochet", I always say.♥
(Natural skin care for natural health and beauty)
Just to clarify: I'm not asking what I should use. I'm curious what other people use most.
I use B through K.
:) Kathleen
"Just Crochet", I always say.♥
Natural skin care for natural health and beauty
I have a year-old set of Clover hooks in gold aluminum with plastic handles that I use most. I usually prefer the comma shaped hooks over the slit-in-a-cylinder shape.
I work in miniature a lot so I use my 1.0mm the most. Beyond that I use my f and my G. I don't think I've EVER used my E. but I keep it around anyway :o)
As to the projects I do most ..... I do little sachets and the like the most.
Oh, sizes. F, I think. Never thought much about it. Size 7 for thread work.
I use most all of my aluminum hooks but I really use my H-K the most. I love my wooden J and constanly look for patterns for it because it is so nice to work with. However, I make lots of projects that call for smaller hooks too (like fine lace and edgings) so I own some steel ones too. I own all Boye brand metal hooks (what I learned on so it is what I use). I do wish I had more wooden ones... they are so nice to hold.
I love to make scarves and hats (they work up so fast) but I also like afghans (you never can be too warm) but I am not much into wearables (they take too long and I never want them by the time I finish them) but I do make children's wearables (takes less time). I don't make doilys (umless asked for them) but I love to embroider so I do crocheted edging on those projects. I have just gotten into amigurumi so they take some of the steel hooks for accents.
I guess the only mistake in purchasing is that before I really got into crochet I bought a lot of hooks on an as needed basis so I have some duplicate hooks. I also just got a set of steel and aluminum hooks so I have even more duplicates (mostly extra H, I, and J). I also have some steel hooks I hope to never use so they were a waste but they came in the set so I didn't have much of a choice and my husband bought them for me so I will never get rid of them. (Have you seen the size of a 14?!? Can anyone work with that?)
Sorry this is so long but I hope that answers your questions. What do you use most? What do you make?
My favorite size hook is a J. As far as brands go I have never met a hook I didn't like. I have a few of the hooks in my collection on my blog.
My favorite projects are potholder, dishcloths and shawls.
Emily
Hooklady
Crochet Hook Historian & Collector
blog: http://hooklady.blogspot.com
Boupie, your reply isn't too long. I like hearing what all of you have to say.
I have one hook which I love; it's a copper colour and I would assume aluminum. I think it's a G. I've used it for multiple afghans and one amigurumi owl.
I'd like more hooks and I think I'd prefer aluminum. I want a couple of small for specific amigurumis, but not sure what sizes I need in general. I'd like to try socks and maybe kids sweaters.
I purchased the Clover soft touch set of crochet hooks, with the ergonomic grip on the handles, sizes from 2.0 mm to 6 mm. I also bought the Clover soft grip, hook with the ergonoic grip in chunky sizes 6.5 mm, 8.mm & 10.mm. They come in a trio-set in a clear plastic tube They are very comfortable to use and I find that my hands do not ache after crocheting for hours.
I find that the very fine steel needles hurt my hands and I can't get a comfortable grip using them.
The Bamboo hooks that I got free with knitting magazines, I find slip in my fingers and I can't seem to make simple foundation chain or single crochet as I find that the hook slips and sometimes catches on the yarn as I attempt to pull the loop through the chains.
It's good to have a nice collection of different types of crochet hooks, as you can pick & choose which hooks work best with different types of yarns.
I have not purchased the ones that light-up in the dark yet, but many be when I see them 'on offer' on the many yarn websites that I like to browse in, I may treat myself to a set!
And, if only for 'Crocheting sakes', you can never have too-many crochet hooks!
Lilian Geraldine Guyers
Skelm West Lancs
UK
Thanks StealthGirl!
Yes, I think if it is not silver (or steel colored) then it would have to be aluminum. They are very easy to work with but I like the fact that wood never is cold to the touch (I hate all forms of cold).
I want to try socks again but am still afraid of them because of the single sock problem.... I know you are supposed to work both at the same time but that never seems to work out for me. Oh well... I can't wait to see your socks.
Hello, Stealthgrrl,
I too have been crocheting for more than 30 years, and I am a diehard aluminum hook user, no particular brand, but none of that bamboo stuff! Interestingly I knit with older cellulose needles--go figure. I like my projects to go fast, so I use a N hook alot, for afghans mostly. I have crocheted about 25 bedspread size afghans, 15 or so lapghans, and have at least 20 "in the works" projects to finish sometime this century! I just brought a great amigurumi book home, "Creepy Cute Crochet", and have made a vampire girl and an amazon girl, using an E and B hook each. (Doesn't hurt that I work at the local Library, now does it?!?) In other words, I use whatever hook I feel comfortable with, and have my project come out ginormous or try to go with the gauge listed. What a great question to ask! Helps us all to get to know one another!
I always see beauty products reviews then i will purchase...
I'm afraid I don't know the letters... I normally use my 7mm [largest I own] for general crocheting (scarves, small blankets, potholders), but I use 1.75mm..that's a C/something for small projects like amigurumi. I use such a large hook even for small things because I tend to work very tight knots.
from what hooks I have; It looks like it is about .25mm pr English alphabet letter. But I don't know for certian.
It depends on the project and the yarn. For Amis, in kitchen cotton I use G. In acrylic I use I. I haven't ever used crochet thread, so I've never used those tiny ones. I do have one jumbo that I used for a rag rug. Loved that! Otherwise, I use whatever the pattern says to.
I always use aluminum hooks. I dislike the plastic passionately. The metal slides through the yarn so much more nicely.
:)
There's nothing finer than a man in a kilt.
Yes, the metal does slide nicely. Except when you start to sweat. then they start to squeak.
ok they still do slide nicely, they just squeak (and bother me) when they do. And I only have some plastics/wood/acrylic s for when I'm on a plane. They won't let me carry the metal. I don't get that.
And I do use the small ones. I've just never seen the small ones in anything other than metal!!
:o)
I mainly use the sizes G-K, if I want a size smaller I usually go for the F hook though I have use the D and E. I have never used anythig but the metal hook and once or twice I have tried the hughe white plastic one but I don't truly like it, guess I fear it will fold or collapse with me. I usually make doilies or doll clothers for the larger dolls for my grand-daughters, all the simple things. I mainly use cotton or soft yarns.
Boupie, I just used a Size 15 hook to crochet a lacy shawl. I don't know how to show you here, but it's on Flickr.
I mainly use 3- and 4 mm hooks. For tunisian crochet I use an approx. 2 mm larger hook than called for. However, it is difficult to find tunisian hooks larger than 9 mm (M13).
Talking about hook material, there are mainly metal hooks with handle on the market in Germany. You rarely see bamboo hooks, and there are no wooden hooks available - at least in yarn shops and department stores most european online shops.
I use my steel .75 mm thru 2.5 mm the most often for filet crochet projects. Although the afghan I'm planning calls for a 5.5 mm hook which I have in aluminum and plastic. I like metal over plastic but will use either. When I was crocheting clothing for my daughter I used 4 mm and 4.5 mm quite a lot. Again, either/or with a preference for metal. BTW, the reason metal hooks aren't allowed on planes is the same as for metal or all knitting needles: their use as weapons. Go figure! Check with your airline because each one can have different regs. about what they do and don't allow in the way of hooks and needles.
I have one of the huge white plastic needles and used it to crochet jute baskets many years ago. But I can visualize using it to make a lacy shawl too. Indeed, I seem to recall patterns from the 70's that used this size hook to do just that. I even have a memory of the shawl on the model ... probably the same magazine as the jute baskets. :-D
I also have a US 14/.75mm and have patterns for handkerchief edgings that call for that size. But I have too many other patterns to do before I make myself a pretty hankie!
I have a basic set of Clover aluminum hooks - 2.0 thru 6 or 6.5mm. which I inherited from my grandmother whom I taught to crochet when she was in her late 60's. I also inherited all of my other grandmother's hooks which are mostly English steel ones in all the fine gauges. There are also some slightly larger gauge hooks in bone and early plastics, including one double-sided one with a bevelled tool on the other end. Generally, I just bought hooks as I needed them and acquired doubles because I'd lost a project in the workroom and it had the very hook I needed for my new project. I'm sure you know how it goes! :-)
Now I have loads of hooks - lots of duplicates - but I can never have too many. I keep an appropriately sized crochet hook in all of my knitting projects, and I'm primarily a knitter, so there are crochet hooks in every bag and at all the places I sit to knit. I'm pretty sure that a crochet hook topped a recent poll of knitters as the most essential tool to have with them at all times. Even knitters who can't crochet have hooks with them at all times.
The crochet hook is the tool that lets us drop a stitch down to a mistake and then hook it back up to make a correction without ripping out rows of knitting. Knitters who've mastered this technique always carry a crochet hook!
I don't consider any size or type of hook I've bought or inherited as a dud or money wasted. I won't use my gran's bone and plastic hooks because they are probably too delicate, but I'll display them. I'm using many of her steel hooks and displaying the rest. And the big white plastic hook is looking more and more intriguing as I'm thinking about 70's inspired shawls and jute baskets. I suppose I'm a pack rat at heart! But when I get an idea, I like to have the tools I need somewhere close at hand and not tied up in another project. The more hooks and needles, the better!
I use "I" the most. I bought a size Q hook 2 years ago and have yet to use it for anything. LOL. Maybe some day.
I finally have the entire set of steel hooks. Size 14 is good for crocheting with sewing thread, by the way. I use sizes 00,0, 7, 9, 10 the most of that set.
As for aluminum hooks, I use my D, E, G, H, I the most. I have wooden hooks, but don't like them as they hurt my hand and one of them broke and that made me sad. I don't like plastic hooks at all as they snag the yarn.
I give my hooks a good cleaning with rubbing alcohol when they start squeeking and then follow up with a rub down using wax paper. It seems to help.
Lotion in the winter for my hands, corn starch between my fingers if its too hot for the yarn to slide through, and a bandaid on my finger when the tip of a tiny steel crochet hook makes it sore, that way I don't have to stop working on my project.
"Seven days without crochet makes one weak"
http://yoursandi.blogspot.com
Wax paper rub hugh? after rubbing alcohol. I'll have to try that because, since we've moved, the squeak has gotten worse. Crochet keeps my mind together, but the squeak drives me NUTS!! I'll let you know how it works. Thank you!!
UGH!!! I HATE that squeaking noise!! I'll have to try that. I almost always use steel hooks. I prefer them.
Well, the wax paper worked!! YEAH!!!!!!! I don't know what it is down here in the south that makes it happen more often then it used to. But the wax paper rub worked!!
:o)
I am a newbie and have only turned out a few scarves so far, along with practice swatches of various basic stitches. I've been working with sizes G, H and I, and just started playing around with a J that I'm enjoying very much.
The first hook I bought was aluminum; the next two were plastic, since that was the only material available in the sizes I wanted at the time.
I very much prefer aluminum, as I find it's smooth enough for the yarn to slide along it but not so slippery that the stitches slip off prematurely. Yesterday I found a set of Boye aluminum hooks in sizes D through K at Michael's and bought it so I'll have aluminum hooks handy in the sizes I'm most likely to need.
I'd like to explore wood and bamboo hooks eventually. I like the idea of holding a warmer material between my fingers, especially during the winter.