Best Crochet Hooks for Beginners

First, let's start off with the basics. The best way to go over the types of hooks available (at least the majority of what you'll find in the crochet section of a craft store or online) is by video. Many are visual learners and so it makes sense to show you while explaining.

Our in-house crochet expert Chris will walk you through some of the most common hooks you can use and the pros and cons of each, along with when or when not you might want to use them. Once you watch this video, scroll for more specific details on the best hook beginners want to use, both size and type.
 

As a beginner, it’s recommended that you use an H-8 (5mm) hook. Beginners crocheting using 5mm needles/hooks will find it works for most projects they'll undertake.

This is a medium-size, right in the middle. If you use one that’s too small, it will be difficult for you to see your individual stitches as you go, Marie from Felt Magnet says.

Large hooks present the opposite problem. The medium size is also simply more comfortable to hold, making it easier for a beginner to adjust to the movement.

All of the different ways to label sizes can be confusing, however, if you don’t know what exactly you’re looking at.

1. Letters: If you’re looking at the letter, basically the further into the alphabet you go, the bigger the hook, with B being the smallest and Q being the largest. However, in typical American fashion, the U.S. is the only place that uses the letter system.
    
2. Numbers: There are often numbers that correspond to the letters. The letter B corresponds with the number 1, and so on. They aren’t always exact matches — for example, G corresponds with 6 and H corresponds with 8, leaving 7 without an exact letter match — but they do follow the general rule of the larger the number, the larger the hook size.
    
3. Millimeters: The most exact way to measure would be in millimeters. Letters and numbers can be a bit arbitrary and vary from brand to brand, but when you’re measuring in an exact unit, it’s generally the same across the board.

Once you pick a size, you have to decide what kind of material you want your crochet hook to be made out of. There are lots to choose from, and you’ll definitely want to experiment to figure out which one is right for you.

1. Metal: Usually made from aluminum, get a metal hook if you’re not prone to wrist pain and want a durable, general hook. Most experts, like those over at Knit Simple, recommend starting with one of these.
    
2. Plastic: Plastic hooks are great for people on a budget, like apprehensive beginners who haven’t quite decided if they’re all-in on crochet yet. Because they’re lighter than metal hooks, they’re also ideal for crafters worried about wrist pain, Ashley Little from Craftsy says.
    
3. Bamboo: Like plastic crochet hooks, bamboo hooks are lightweight, and much warmer in your hand than metal ones. Opinions differ on whether they’re a good tool for beginners, however. Ashley Little recommends using bamboo hooks if your stitches keep slipping, but Marie from Felt Magnet says this can lead to your yarn sticking too much, which might be frustrating for newcomers.

One subtle difference you might not notice at first is the difference in the actual hook. Tapered hooks are more rounded and inline hooks have sharper angles. People have opinions on which is better, but there is no right or wrong.

Our friends at I Like Crochet have a helpful page that goes into detail about these two hook types and why it doesn't really matter which one you choose as long as it works for you.
 

The size of your stitches and how comfortable the hook is in your hand aren’t the only reason hook size matters.

What weight of yarn you’ll be using in your project is the biggest determining factor for how big or small your hook should be. As a beginner, you'll want to stick to a worsted weight yarn.

1. Sock/Baby/Fingering: 2.25–3.25mm or B-1–E-4
2. Sport/Baby: 3.25–3.75mm or E-4–7
3. DK/Light/Worsted: 3.75–4.5mm or 7–I-9
4. Worsted/Afghan/Aran: 4.5–5.5mm or I-9–K-10½
5. Chunky/Craft/Rug: 5.5–8mm or K-10½ –M-13
6. Bulky/Roving: 8mm and larger or M-13 and larger

So now that you know what kind of crochet hook you need and which yarn to use, it’s time to get started crocheting! You may already have a specific project in mind, and that’s great.

If you’re still searching for inspiration, though, any one of these adorable crafts would be perfect for you.

• Simple Striped Coasters
• Football Can Cozy
• Crochet Neck Warmer Pattern
• Two Tone Baby Sweater
• Super Star Applique
• Summer Joy Crochet Hat
• Easy Classic Granny Square
• Boho Light Crochet Shawl
• 1 Skein Farmer's Market Bag
• Rainbow Granny Square Blanket
• 30 Minute Newborn Beanie Hat