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What make of crochet hooks is the best?

(36 Posts)
Poppygirl Thu 14-Nov-24 09:43:05

My daughter (25) would like to start crocheting. I would like to give her a set of crochet hooks for her birthday, or at least start her out on a collection of good ones, if they're very expensive. What makes are considered the best these days, for ease of use and longevity?

Baggs Thu 14-Nov-24 11:39:24

I have a large number of crochet hooks, many of them inherited from my grandmothers. I find the all metal, 'old-fashioned' ones perfect in all sizes from ultra-tiny to ultra-fat.

Some people prefer wooden ones, some like ones with thick 'handles'. I think you have to find what suits.

I would suggest getting your daughter a few different kinds in, say, 3.50mm or 4mm size and some double-knitting wool to start with until she finds what's comfortable for her.

Allira Thu 14-Nov-24 11:48:34

I've tried various makes and styles and the best ones for me are Cover Amour.

They have a handle and are smooth and comfortable to use.

Some people do prefer the long straight ones but it depends how you hold the hook, too.

Knitpro wooden ones would be good, I think, if she prefers the long straight ones, as the Knitpro knitting needles are excellent.

Allira Thu 14-Nov-24 11:49:02

Not Cover Amour - Clover Amour.

Rosie51 Thu 14-Nov-24 12:01:19

There is a very wide variety of crochet hook styles, and most people come to have a favourite or two. I'd advise against buying a whole set, and would endorse buying two or three different styles. I like Clover Soft touch, Clover Amour and Tulip Etimo. Some people love the Addi swing crochet hooks but I couldn't get on with them.
I love Knitpro knitting needles but have no experience of their crochet hooks.
Of course you she might prefer to try just using basic aluminium hooks until she discovers whether or not crochet is to her liking.

Rosie51 Thu 14-Nov-24 12:03:19

*sorry not sure how that 'you' got in there in the final sentence.

Primrose53 Thu 14-Nov-24 15:27:31

I use Clover Amour hooks with the latex grip. I even converted my Mum to them in her 80s.

bilal Thu 14-Nov-24 20:39:26

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Primrose53 Thu 14-Nov-24 21:29:02

I made a mistake in my earlier post.🤭

I use Knit Pro Waves crochet hooks with soft touch grips.

They are similar to Clover Amour but without the bump near the shaft.

Allira Thu 14-Nov-24 21:31:59

Yes, I have some of those too, Primrose53
They're comfortable to use.

Primrose53 Thu 14-Nov-24 21:47:12

Allira

Yes, I have some of those too, Primrose53
They're comfortable to use.

Because they don’t have their make on the hook I got confused but I found one still in the Knit Pro wrapper.

Allira Thu 14-Nov-24 22:01:55

Nor do the Clover Amour hooks have the name on them, but I found my order.

I was trying to remember the name of the ones I bought which had the size on the metal part of the hook and it didn't go through the yarn easily.

Primrose53 Fri 15-Nov-24 10:07:30

I like that the Knit Pro hooks have the size printed on the coloured rubber part. Mine are many years old and the sizes have not rubbed off which I thought might happen.

Allira Fri 15-Nov-24 10:10:30

Yes, and the Clover ones have too.

Greyduster Fri 15-Nov-24 10:21:56

The ones I have are metal Aero brand ones. My mother used Aero too. I don’t crochet but they are invaluable for picking up dropped stitches when catastrophes occur!

NonGrannyMoll Fri 15-Nov-24 15:51:29

I love Aero hooks - very smooth and a nice weight. But don't concentrate so much on the maker as the feel, weight and quality (some of the cheaper ones can be flimsy and it's not unusual for them to have little tabs that catch on the wool). Run the hooks through your fingers - you'll easily work out which ones are "catchy". On the whole, I'd recommend going into a wool shop to ask the counter staff - the hooks may be a bit more expensive than on EBay but you'll be able to see what you're getting. A whole set is probably too many just for a beginner, so start her off with a couple of average-size hooks (3.50mm, 4mm or 4.50mm) and a ball or two of good DK (check on the ball label to see which size is recommended). Also see if you can find a good instruction book (with clear diagrams) aimed at beginners. I hope she takes to it, as it's a really useful skill to have.

Retread Fri 15-Nov-24 21:56:46

I’d advise against buying wooden or bamboo ones. You want a hook that “slides” easily, and therefore metal ones are best. My daughter bought me a set of shiny metallic ones with chunky grips that I really like, and a handy fabric storage case - similar to a jewellery roll.

MiniMoon Fri 15-Nov-24 22:09:08

I have a set of aero hooks in a case. I also have a set with ergonomic grips that I bought from Amazon.
I don't recommend bamboo hooks as they don't let the yarn slide very well.

Ailidh Sat 16-Nov-24 06:26:26

I've used Knitpro Waves for years but have recently been given a set of Clover Softouch, which are also lovely.

It might matter how she will hold her hook: if she holds it like a pen, you can get all sorts of fancy hooks with beautiful, turned handles. I hold mine like a knife, with my thumb flat on the handle (looks more like a baby shovelling food to me but they call it "knife grip"), so the handles have to be flat. 🧶

Etoile2701 Sun 17-Nov-24 12:43:14

I definitely prefer the all metal ones.

Davida1968 Sun 17-Nov-24 13:03:59

I've bought quite a few crochet hooks (made from different materials; bamboo, wood, & metal) in charity shops. Worth a look?

Twopence Sun 17-Nov-24 14:50:19

I prefer the standard type of metal hooks. I've had a couple of the soft touch ones but found the rubbery handles went sticky with time.

glammagran Sun 17-Nov-24 14:50:24

As this is a thread about crochet may I ask at what age could a child learn the basics? I’d like to learn with my grandaughter who is 6 who is into crafts (unlike me!). And if ok which size hook and which yarn. Apologies for hijacking your thread Poppygirl.

catla Sun 17-Nov-24 16:20:05

I find the Susan Bates style of crochet hooks the easiest to use. Metal are good, but if she's going to crochet on a plane get the plastic ones.

pen50 Sun 17-Nov-24 16:26:48

Another vote for Clover Amour - and I crochet a lot!