Best Crochet Hooks: Inline vs Tapered, Ergonomic Handles and Materials
How to choose the right crochet hook for your hands: inline or tapered heads, ergonomic handles, aluminium, bamboo or steel — with the well-known hook styles compared.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- All levels
- Time
- 7 minute read
In this post
- 1. Head shape: inline vs tapered
- 2. Handle: plain or ergonomic
- 3. Material
- Which sizes to buy first
- Our recommendations by situation
- Common questions
- What is the best crochet hook for beginners?
- Are expensive crochet hooks worth it?
- What's the difference between inline and tapered hooks?
- Do crochet hook sizes vary by brand?
"Best crochet hooks" is one of the fastest-rising crochet searches this year, and the honest answer is: the best hook is the one that suits your hands and the way you crochet. The good news is that only three things really matter — the shape of the head, the handle, and the material — and you can figure out your preference in an evening.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
1. Head shape: inline vs tapered
This is the biggest difference between hooks, and crocheters tend to strongly prefer one or the other.
| Inline | Tapered | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | The head is the same width as the shaft, with a deep, straight-sided throat | The head is rounder and wider than the narrowing throat |
| Feels | Grabs the yarn securely; stitches are very even | Glides in and out of stitches quickly |
| Good for | Tight crocheters, amigurumi, people who "point" into stitches | Fast crocheters, loose tension, people who hold the hook like a pencil |
| Classic examples | Susan Bates-style hooks, Furls hooks | Boye-style hooks, Clover Amour, Tulip Etimo |
If you learned on one type and crochet comfortably, you'll probably stay with it. If your stitches feel awkward or slow, try the other.
2. Handle: plain or ergonomic
A plain aluminium hook is thin, which makes you grip harder. Ergonomic hooks add a thicker, soft or shaped handle so your hand can relax. If you crochet for more than half an hour at a time, or have any wrist or hand discomfort, an ergonomic handle is the single best upgrade you can make.
- Soft rubber grips (like Clover Amour or Tulip Etimo) — lightweight, colour-coded by size, a very popular first upgrade.
- Sculpted handles (like Furls) — shaped to the hand, heavier, loved by people who crochet for hours.
- Add-on grips — foam or clay handles you slide onto plain hooks; a cheap way to test the idea.
3. Material
| Material | Feels | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | Smooth and fast | Most yarns; the all-round default |
| Bamboo / wood | Warm, a little grip | Slippery yarns (silk, bamboo), cold hands |
| Steel | Tiny, very strong | Thread crochet (under 2 mm) |
| Plastic / resin | Light | Large sizes (8 mm and up), chunky and jumbo yarns |
Which sizes to buy first
You don't need a 20-piece set. Start with 3.5 mm (E-4) for amigurumi, 4 mm (G-6) for DK yarn and 5 mm (H-8) for worsted — that covers most beginner patterns. Add 5.5 and 6 mm when you start garments. Our hook size chart converts mm to US and UK sizes.
Our recommendations by situation
- Total beginner: a 5 mm ergonomic hook (either style) and a smooth worsted yarn — see best yarn for beginners.
- Hand or wrist pain: a thick, soft or sculpted ergonomic handle, and take breaks every 30 minutes.
- Amigurumi: an inline 3.5 mm gives very even, tight stitches.
- Speed: a tapered aluminium hook with a smooth finish.
- Gift for a crocheter: a matched set of ergonomic hooks in 2.5–6 mm.
Common questions
What is the best crochet hook for beginners?
A 5 mm (H-8) hook with an ergonomic handle. The head style matters less at first; try both inline and tapered once you're comfortable.
Are expensive crochet hooks worth it?
A comfortable handle is worth paying for if you crochet often. Beyond comfort, a smooth finish on the head and shaft is what matters — rough spots snag yarn.
What's the difference between inline and tapered hooks?
Inline hooks have a head the same width as the shaft and a deep throat; tapered hooks have a rounded head and a narrowing throat. Inline grips the yarn; tapered glides.
Do crochet hook sizes vary by brand?
The millimetre size is standard, but US letters above J can differ between brands. Always buy by millimetres.
Team inline or team tapered? Tell us in the comments. 🪝
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