
I’ll admit it – I’m a bonafide crochet hook addict. I’m constantly on the search for the best ergonomic crochet hooks which means I buy A LOT of hooks. At last count I had about seven 4mm hooks alone. Seems like overkill right? If I see a hook I’ve never tried before, I buy it immediately – it’s my achilles heel. I think I’m one of the only yarn crafters who buys more hooks than yarn! I’ve had a few people asking what my go to hooks are and the truth is, I use so many different styles of hooks I can’t even count, but I do have a few favourites.
I’m naturally a very twitchy person – I don’t sit still for very long – and this behaviour translates with crochet hooks as well. If I’ve been using a Clover Amour all day designing something in the Crochet Coach studio and I want to switch to another project, I’ll often change to a different style of hook too just to mix it up. It’s like exercise – if you run 5km every day your body eventually gets used to it and you need to change your exercise routine to incorporate something different.
A Few Notes About Crochet Hooks
I will do a full post on the whole shebang of hooks but for now you just need to know that there are basically two kinds of hooks and most brands are based on these kinds of hooks.
In Line Hooks/Bates Hooks
The Important Bits
- Have a straight edge that does not taper near the hook part
- Generally have a sharper, pointier head
- The groove of the hook is often much deeper than tapered hooks
- The hook is in line with the handle of the crochet hook
What I’ve Heard About In Line Hooks
- Good for beginners as the deep groove can help keep the yarn in place
- The sharp head is GOOD for inserting the hook into projects as it allows precision
- The sharp head is BAD for inserting the hook into projects as it can snag
- The point of the hook is too sharp and snags the yarn
Tapered Hooks/Boye Hooks
The Important Bits
- Have a narrowing at the throat of the hook (where your working loop hangs out most of the time)
- Generally have a rounder, softer tip
- The hook is not inline with the shaft of the hook
What I’ve Heard About Tapered Hooks
- They’re not ideal for tight crocheters because the tapered throat allows the working loop to slip even smaller and tighter as you’re crocheting
- They’re better for wrist pain as the inline hooks require more movement to get yarn loops on and off them. The taper in tapered hooks means slightly less yarn wrangling because it’s meeting you half way.
My Thoughts
I’m Australian and I didn’t realise there were two kinds of crochet hooks until I ordered a hook from Happy Hooks and randomly chose a Bates style hook. In Australia, most hooks on sale are tapered /Boye style hooks. In fact most retailers like Spotlight or Lincraft only sell Boye hooks so it seems like we’re a nation of default tapered hook users.
When I got my Bates hook in the mail I was totally flummoxed – crocheting with it felt so weird it was like learning to crochet all over again. Eventually I got the hang of it and I quite like it but I’m definitely a Boye gal. I don’t think it’s because Boye is better, I think it’s because I happened to pick up a Tapered/Boye hook first and was a well established crocheter before I tried a Bates/in line. I honestly don’t think you need to stress out over what kind of hook person you are – if you like both, use both. If you like one over the other, keep doing that. The best ergonomic hook in the world is the one you don’t notice while you’re crocheting.
1. Clover Amour
I have a nostalgic soft spot for Clover Amour as my first ever set of ergonomic crochet hooks was a set of Clover Amours. I very quickly snapped up a full set of them because I love them so much.
The Important Bits
- Soft curved point Boye style point
- Tapered
- Comfort grip
- Each size is a different colour which is great when you’re trying to remember what hook you were using for which project
- Very smooth metal shaft and throat – I have a cheap ergo hook and the metal is kind of bubbly which is endlessly annoying when my yarn snags on it
The Less Important Bits
- My personal preference shouldn’t really come into anyone else’s crochet hook experiences but I’m a Clover Amour gal through and through. I use and love a variety of crochet hooks but if I have the choice, I generally reach for a Clover every time!
2. Birch Crochet Hook
The Important Bits
- Cheap and easy to use
- Good starter point for beginner crocheters
- Round, even handle good for pen and knife grip crocheters
The Less Important Bits
- I really like cheap little Birch hooks. They’re better than the full metal ones (for some reason those ones just don’t mesh with me) and they’re really affordable. I have several because I like to keep my hook with the project so I don’t forget which hook I was using so I actually have 2 size 4 Birch hooks. No complaints.
3. Addi Comfort
The Important Bits
- Colour coded so it makes it easier to remember which hook you were using
- Round handle – great for knife grip and pencil grip crocheters
- Grooved handle to help with grip
The Less Important Bits
- I bought this from a knitting store that carries only Addi
hooks so I was kind of forced into buying it but I quite like it. It’s a 2mm so I use it for amigurumi and it’s a top notch little hook. I prefer these to the Addi Swing
so if you’re going to budget for an Addi hook, try this one first, especially if you’re a pencil grip crocheter. I can’t quite imagine how a pencil grip crocheter would hold and Addi Swing. If anyone can point me to a video of it being done, I’d love to see it!
5. Addi Swing
The Important Bits
- Deep curved ergonomic handle
- I’m a knife grip crocheter and found it fine to use the Addi Swing
but I’m pretty sure a pen grip crocheter would struggle – they look to me like they’re designed for knife grippers.
The Less Important Bits
- They look like toothbrushes to me. I know I’m fussy but I look at crochet hooks for about 8 hours a day and I like them to look nice. I don’t think these are the worst looking ergonomic crochet hooks by a long shot (the earwax coloured Clover Soft Touches are pretty hard on the eye) but there’s something very medical about the way they look.
- I didn’t take very well to using the Addi Swing
. I’m very glad I tried it and after a while it was quite comfortable but it took some practice.
- Having said that, I know some crocheters who swear by Addi Swings – I’d recommend giving them a go just in case they’re your perfect hook.
5. Happy Hooks
The Important Bits
- They’re gorgeous
- Available in both Boye and Bates
- Available in long and short handles
- Look beautiful in Instagram photos if that happens to be something you’re into
- The handle isn’t ergonomic per se, it’s just built up with polymer clay to give it a handle. I think this is a plus though because it’s inclusive of all crocheters. Both pen and knife grips can use them.
The Less Important Bits
- They’re more expensive than commercial hooks but I think $30 for a hook that brings you total joy is an absolute bargain
- I have a Bates hook from here which is okay but I’ll be ordering Boye hooks from now on from there – the good news is you can pick which one you like!
- I’m part of their referral program so if you want 20% off your first Happy Hook you can use this link here. They’re so worth it I love mine even though it’s a Bates.
The Important Bits
- Super cheap
- A good starting point for switching to ergonomic crochet hooks
- A bit weird but actually very awesome
The Less Important Bits
- I bought this on a whim from Bendigo Woolen Mills and it had been on the shelf for so long it had dust on it. Nonetheless I bought it – it was only $5 and I wanted to try it. I was a bit wary of the large handle – it’s enormous and I’ve never crocheted with anything quite so bulky before. I’ve used it once, and I have to say, I really love it. I will defineitely be seeking out more of these.
7. Cheap no-name Ergonomic Crochet Hook
I bought this on Amazon and it has no information on it at all. It has a paddle-like handle and a Boye style hook. It’s fine for a back up. I wish it had a brand name or more information with it because I probably wouldn’t buy it again. The handle is starting to peel and it’s a bit sticky and gross. I’m not a hook snob by any means (Pony hooks rock!) but I would recommend being a bit careful with buying ergonomic crochet hooks that are on the cheaper side because they usually have a few draw backs.
What are your favourite ergonomic hooks?
Send me a link to your favourites – I love discovering ones I haven’t tried before.
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40 Comments
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Thank you for posting pictures of the hooks in an actual grip – exactly the kind of review I was looking for. I use a knife grip, too, and think I need something bulkier at the base of the handle (i.e., pinky and ring-finger area). Your images really helped me narrow my search – thanks!
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Author
Oh you’re so welcome! Let me know which ones you go for – I use a variety but I really am a clover gal at heart but that might just be because they were the first hooks I ever bought!
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I totally agree with your favorite, I’m a clover gal as well, and live boye hooks all the way💜 I’ve tried a lot of different hooks too, since there seems to be new ones popping up lately, I ordered the Happy Hooks Crochet hook also, but ordered it in the regular size hook in boye of course, but am exchanging it for the long size style, happy crocheting 🤗
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Author
I love my Happy Hooks crochet hook! I’ll definitely be getting more but I am a clover gal at heart.
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Nice post, I love Knitpro hooks, they are really comfortable and wrists and fingers do not pain at all.
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Author
I’m a fan of Knitpro! 🙂
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I love the actual hook of Clover. They are the best hook shape to work with. However, I use a knife grip and I have long fingers (8.5″ from wrist to tip of middle finger) so I use polymer clay and add about 3/4” to the end. I slightly refashion the shape of the handle to fit better with my hands.
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Author
I’m a knife gripper too! I like the look of Clover but I wish they came in plain colours like grey or black. I just love them to look good on instagram! 🙂
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I love the Pony hooks! Easy on my hands ( I’m 75, and crochet addict!) some of the others didn’t work well with the knife hold I use.
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Author
I quite liked the Pony hook – the hook bit was a tad sharp but I got used to it after a while.
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What do you think of the Furls hooks?
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Author
I havne’t tried them yet but I’d love to. To be honest, I think they look a bit bulky for me, especially as I work with Clovers most of the time. Will definitely give them a go one day though.
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Furls sre the way to go! The balance is amazing!
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Author
Okay I’m convinced! I need one now. 🙂
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I just tried out Furls Odyssey crochet hook and its to die for! Literally.
Currently writing a blog about it…its that good.-
Author
Oh so lovely to hear! I’ll have to add one to my birthday list! :- )
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Author
Let me know when you’ve written the post I’d love to read it!
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Hi Carly – I love your blog! I am a great fan of Prym hooks and have been using the aluminium hooks with soft handles for a long time. They have also released a new ergonomics series that feel great. (Prym is the same company that makes KnitPro needles).
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Author
Oh that’s a great recommendation! I looked at your site and I’d love to get one but I’d like a 3mm or 4mm – do you have either of those in stock?
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Hi Carly, thank you so much for visiting my website! The Prym Ergonomics are currently only available in sizes 6mm – 15mm. For sizes 2.5 – 4.5mm use Prym Aluminium Crochet Hook with Soft Handle. I have just done a cardigan with one of those in size 4mm – really nice and comfortable to hold and the hook worked extremely well.
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Prym Ergonomic you can get now in the small sizes also, but I think the yarn don’t run smooth on the needle
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Have you ever heard of Tooshay crochet @ etsy. Oh my goodness yummy and beautiful and functional and a variety! You’ve got to check it out.
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Any recommendations for Tunisian crochet hooks for a fellow Clover Amour fan? Just getting ready to try Tunisian and having trouble picking out a set that hopefully won’t be too uncomfortable…
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Author
I have the Denise Interchangibles which I quite like but they’re not super pretty. I’ve got my eye on the Symphonie Knit Pro set which I think is gorgeous. Tunisian is a totally different movement so comfort hooks aren’t as essentail. x
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I’ve only ever used all metal hooks as my grandmother gave them all to me in every size. I’m keen to try a different one so this has given me some great ideas.
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Author
I read somewhere that metal hooks can cause cramping because they take the heat out of your hands. Not sure if that’s true but I do think about it everytime I crochet with a metal hook! I prefer metal to bamboo though because it’s slidier.
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As a knife-grip hooker, I’ve found the opposite to be true about tapered head hooks–rather than letting the stitches slide and tighten more as I work, they slide and loosen up so I have gawdawful floppy loops on top of my stitches. I’ve finally realize the reason my one lone Furls hook is my favorite of all of them (as well as my Bates, though the lack of ergonomics and the failed attempts to solve that irk me). The Furls is an ergonomic inline and the stitching goes like a knife through butter.
I suspect that tapered styles probably work well for pencil-grip knitters, whereas inline styles work well for knife-grippers. If I could afford it, I’d have a whole fleet of Furls, but the search for the perfect ergonomic inline affordable hook continues.
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Author
I found I needed to make my movements huge to work with inline hooks – isn’t it funny how different hooks work for different people?
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I am a pen holder and I use the Birch hooks as I find my hand gets sore quickly using the plain metal pony hooks. I was looking at the Addi hooks yesterday in Spotlight but thought they looked uncomfortable to hold. I am glad you posted this review and now know they would be better off used by knife holders. It is the 5th of August 2018 and Addi hooks are currently about $20 each if any knife holders are interested in them.
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Author
I just can’t see how they’d work for a pencil gripper… if you have the chance to try one, go for it – I’d love to hear your thoughts but just by looking at them I can’t figure out how it would work.
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I don’t have a link but I love the bamboo handle hooks from Hobby Lobby. I think the are so comfortable. I understand Susan Bates sells them, also.
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I have been a Boye gal for years; but because I am a crochet addict I had to find a hook that will ease the wrist pain because I can crochet for hours. I had gave Clover Soft a try and let me tell you the comfort and you don’t realize you are still crocheting. I love the Clover Soft hook but I will always be a Boye gal.
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VIRTUALLY ALL hooks are made with the knife grippers in mind. There’s always that flattened area that is not right for us pencil types. The only truly suitable hook for pencil grippers is a perfectly cylindrical handle placed not too far from the business end of the hook. Or a Furls style, of course.
So, I bought an Addi Comfort with the grooves, made of olive wood, just one to try it out. The grooves are too sharp & thus are mighty uncomfortable, even painful, at least for a pencil person. So I taped the grooves with white tape and the result is a pretty nice hook – at least grip-wise. (I would have preferred a more inline hook, but what can you do…)
If you like the working end of a hook but the part you hold is wrong for you, your only hope is to make a clay handle suitable for your grip style.
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I love the Clover soft touch hooks – I have carpal tunnel syndrome and find these very easy to work with
https://www.joann.com/clover-soft-touch-crochet-hooks/8215295.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&source=TIS-S&WT.srch=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqL-S6-7s4QIVhqDsCh34Vg4XEAQYBCABEgIjh_D_BwE -
I love the Furls wood streamline hooks. In my opinion they are worth every penny because they make it possible for me to crochet for long periods of time without experiencing hand pain.
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Hi Thank you for your reviews. I have been crocheting for 48 years and am a pencil hold crocheter. I love the inline Bates hook, it’s what I used for years. Whenever I try a boye brand shape, the hook itself sticks out so far I always snag on pull through. Having the beginnings of arthritis, I needed some comfort and tried Tulip Etimo first because I saw a video of a pencil hold crocheter using one and thought I can use that. Then for variety I tried Clover Armour. I can use and LOVE both Etimo and Armour and switch between the two on the same project with no difference in gauge. Their “hook” itself doesn’t stick out as much from the shaft as Boye. If I’m showing a person how to do a stitch on their work and they have a boye brand hook, I have to remove their hook and use one of mine. I wish Bates made a cushioned handle like the Etimo and Armour handles. Bates brand handles, in my opinion, are made for knife grip crocheters – further back than us pencil hold crocheters can use. I agree about the Addi Swing, totally useless for a pencil hold. I tried one belonging to a friend.
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I love my Tulip Etimo Crochet Hooks. I suffer from cramps in my hands and these are quite comfortable. I also use the Amour.
Tulip TP1166 Etimo Crochet Hook Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0045QHTU4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_i-M-Cb5PZRKNM -
The inexpensive, nameless hook from amazon looks like a Knitters Pride hook, which are not exactly inexpensive! I have a full set, my first set of ergonomic hooks. They are mostly comfortable, but yes, they can get sticky, especially when you try to clean the handles off, as they pick up dyes from the darker yarns and quickly look dirty. As a matter of fact, I was doing a search on how to clean them when I found your very interesting blog!
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I have been trying for years to find a crochet hook that has the 1 inch metal hook I hold my hook nearer the hook so sometimes my fingers are sore from gripping the end of the cover
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Here’s one not on your list: The Prym Ergonomic crochet hooks. They’re not available in really tiny sizes, but I love them. They have a grip that looks and feels like it’s made of silicone, so they don’t slide in your hands, and you don’t have to grip tightly. The covering also provides a bit of cushioning. The hooks are the easiest to use that I’ve ever found. They grab a loop and keep it there, but make it let go when you need that, and they have an actual point on them, so placement of the stitch is more accurate. I love mine!
https://hobbii.com/ergonomic-crochet-hook
https://www.marymaxim.com/catalog/product/view/id/39649/s/prym-ergonomics-crochet-hooks/