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What make of crochet hooks is the best?

(37 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?

Diggingdoris Mon 18-Nov-24 13:41:52

I was gifted a set of Aero ones in a zip up case donkeys years ago. Problem is that I find my thumb gets sore where the size is proud when I'm doing lots of crochet.

Poppygirl Mon 18-Nov-24 07:36:39

Thank you very much for all your helpful replies. You've certainly given me something to work with.

DeeDe Sun 17-Nov-24 20:10:17

Tried a few my favourite is the Clover Soft touch.

Chardy Sun 17-Nov-24 19:11:17

Whatever you buy, buy something to keep them in!

Primrose53 Sun 17-Nov-24 17:45:24

Twopence

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.

Mine are years old and used all the time. One or two of the bigger ones have felt a bit sticky through lack of use I think. I just rub a bit of talc on them and they’re fine.

Allira Sun 17-Nov-24 17:28:59

Thank you!

Just finished one project, nearly finished another so I'll investigate.

Fleurpepper Sun 17-Nov-24 17:25:40

Here is a demo of Tunisian crochet

youtu.be/lWl_MRBpPBQ?feature=shared

Allira Sun 17-Nov-24 17:23:38

I've only just mastered simple tapestry crochet!

Fleurpepper Sun 17-Nov-24 17:17:59

Well, sort of. Been watching videos. The hook is much longer, like a knitting needle, but the technique is like crochet, on one hook. There are also circular versions.

Allira Sun 17-Nov-24 17:13:34

I've heard of Tunisian crochet but not really investigated.
Is it a cross between crochet and knitting?

Fleurpepper Sun 17-Nov-24 16:37:57

Anyone tried a Tunisian crochet hook. Looks interesting.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

I definitely prefer the all metal ones.

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. 🧶

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

Yes, and the Clover ones have too.

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 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.