Crochet Needles: Types, Sizes, and Choosing the Perfect Hook for Beginners

Are you struggling to start a crochet project and confused about which tool you should use? Crochet needles are what you need to choose here. But the confusion starts in choosing the right crochet needles that will perfectly go with your project needs. 

This is the important part of the crochet project, and the wrong needle can damage your long hours of effort. Don’t worry as we are here with the complete guide on crochet needles. Keep reading till the end and learn the complete steps on crochet needles and how to choose the best one.

Key Takeaways:

• A Crochet needle is the must-have tool for the crochet project.
• Choose a small hook if you want to make stitches tight.
• Plus, a bigger hook is best for the looser stitches.

What Are Crochet Needles? 

A crochet needle is one of the most important tools to complete the crochet project. It is long and thin with a hook at one end. Crocheters use it to pull yarn through loops to create different patterns. You will find the crochet needle in many sizes. This depends on the thickness of the yarn and the project you’re making.

There is the hook in the needle which is mainly used to grab the yarn and you will use it to pull the other loops and make stitches. You can use it to make different types of things, like blankets, scarves, or toys. You will find the hook in different materials like metal, plastic, or wood. As for the different materials, you will feel different in your hand. 

The needle comes in different sizes. A needle that is too small makes tight stitches, while other bigger ones are used to make the bigger stitches that will be looser in form.

What Are the Different Parts Of A Crochet Needle?

A crochet hook consists of 5 main parts. You can use the different parts in a unique way to make the stitches. Let’s take a look at these parts and how they work together:

The Head

The head is mainly the tip part of the crochet hook. It’s where the yarn gets pulled through loops to make stitches. It is a small, rounded hook shape that will normally form the yarn and pull it through the loops. If the head is too sharp, chances are it can easily split the yarn. That’s why it should be in the right shape to catch the yarn without damaging it.

The Throat

Just after the needle, the next section you notice is the throat. It is the important part where the yarn sits before you pull it through the loop. Through this throat, you will get guidance on how to use the yarn and make even stitches. The size of the throat mainly depends on the size of the crochet hook.

The Shaft

The shaft is the long and straight part of the crochet hook that you commonly see connecting the head to the handle. This part is important because it holds the yarn as you work. It mainly helps you get control of the size of the loops you create while crocheting. A longer shaft means there will be more room to pull the yarn.

The Thumb Rest

The thumb rest is a small, curved area on the needle that is usually near the middle or top. It helps to make a firm grip on the hook, especially when you need to hold it for long periods of time. It is mainly designed to make crocheting easier as it helps to prevent slipping of the yarn.

The Handle

The handle is the part of the crochet hook. It mainly helps you to hold the needle. It’s usually thicker and might be made from materials like plastic, wood, or metal. The handle mainly helps you hold the yarn comfortably and make beautiful stitches.

Common Materials Used for Crochet Needles

Crochet hooks come in many materials. Each material offers unique benefits. Here are some common materials you will find in crochet hooks. Have a look and find the best one for you:

Wood Crochet Needles

Wood crochet hooks are smooth enough to glide when you are crocheting. They have more friction which helps prevent the hook from slipping off. With this material type, you can make your stitches even more slowly, but you will get the best control over your yarn. The wood hook is best if you want slow crocheting or if you are just at the beginner level but want to improve in it.

Bamboo Crochet Needles

Bamboo crochet hooks are not entirely similar to wood hooks but have slight differences in functionality. They start with more friction but, over time, become easier to crochet. Bamboo hooks are light and easy to hold, making them a great choice for beginners. As you use them, you can easily increase your crocheting speed.

Plastic Crochet Needles

Plastic crochet hooks are smooth and let you slide the yarn very easily. This is a good option for crocheters who are proficient in crocheting. However, plastic can have small bumps, so you can catch the yarn very easily. Plastic hooks are also flexible and have a higher chance of bending or breaking if you’re not careful with them.

Steel Crochet Needles

Steel crochet hooks are strong and durable. The best part is they won’t break easily and are an excellent choice for completing small projects. But one thing you need to consider is they may feel hard in your hand or have a chance of slipping down if you are crocheting for too long. Steel hooks are great for thread crochet and offer enough comfort as you work.

Aluminum Crochet Needles

Aluminum crochet hooks are light and easy to find in almost all sizes. They slide very smoothly and are affordable, making them a popular choice for beginners. Though they seem easy to use, they can cause hand strain if used for too long. They are perfect for beginners looking for something truly reliable.

Types Of Crochet Needles You Should Know About

There are different types of crochet hooks. Each hook has its unique benefits and considerations. Here are some popular types of crochet hooks you should know about:

Inline Crochet Needles

Inline crochet hooks typically have a hook that is almost the same width as the shaft, which makes it look sharper and easier to operate. The tip of an inline hook is almost at the top point, and you can easily go deeper with the hook. Also, it will help you to hold the yarn very easily. Inline hooks are good when you are working with even stitches and tighter stitches. The hook is perfect for making projects like scarves or gloves where each stitch needs to be clean and even.

Tapered Crochet Needles

These types of hooks have a rounded head and a lip that sticks out from the shaft. This unique shape makes it easier for you to slide the stitches quickly. If you are working on a bigger project like a blanket and want to crochet fast without damaging your work, we recommend you go with this hook.

Tunisian Crochet Needles

Tunisian Crochet Hooks are typically longer than regular hooks and have a stopper at the end. They are used in special stitches where you want to keep the stitches on the hook, like knitting. Tunisian hooks are great for bigger projects like blankets or shawls.

Ergonomic Crochet Needles

As the name suggests, these crochet hooks are designed to be easy on your hands. Here, typically, you will find bigger, cushioned handles that make it easier for you to hold the hook for a long time without hand pain. The best part is you’ll see ergonomic hooks in both inline and tapered styles. If you crochet for a long time and your hands are truly getting tired, these ergonomic hooks are a comfortable choice.

Knook Crochet Needles

These types of hooks are unique hooks as you can use them to make projects like knitting! Typically, the hook has a small hole at the end, which is mainly used to hold the nylon cord. As you are working, you will move the stitches onto the cord, and it will almost give a similar look to knitting. 

These hooks are a great choice to make all the amazing projects for crocheters who already have a basic idea of stitches and want to try something that looks like knitting.

How to Choose the Best Crochet Needle?

The success of your crocheting mainly starts with choosing the right crochet hook. You will find different types of crochet hooks in the market, which can also confuse you, especially when you are just starting as a beginner. Don’t worry, as we are going to bring some insight soon for you. Here are some of the special considerations you should keep in mind when you are about to choose the crochet hook for your projects.

Consider the Hook Size

The size of the hook plays a big role in which type of stitch you want. If you want a tighter stitch, a small hook will work well. On the other hand, if you want a looser stitch, you need to go with a bigger hook. There’s another hack as well.

For example,

If you’re working with thin yarn, you might need a smaller hook. For thicker yarn, a bigger hook will work better. However, we recommend you check your project instructions for the recommended hook size to ensure the right hook for your projects.

Think About the Material

As we have already mentioned, hooks come in different materials, ranging from sturdy wood to handy plastics. Now you will have to choose which you want. If you want something sturdy in the hook, go with the metal option.

Plus, if you desire something lightweight and good for beginners, choose the plastic one. Wooden hooks also feel comfortable in your hand.

Match the Hook to Your Project

Before you finalize one, make sure to match your hook with the project needs. For example, if you need a scarf, a smaller hook with a lightweight material will work well. Besides, if you are going to start a blanket, you may need a bigger hook with a tougher material. Some projects, like Tunisian crochet, need special hooks. This is how you can select your hook.

How to Hold a Crochet Hook?

Generally, there are different ways to hold a crochet hook, and each offers its own unique styles. Here, we are going to introduce some of the unique steps that you can try out to hold the crochet hook at your convenience:

Knife Grip

The knife grip is the type of crochet hook grip that allows you to hold the crochet hook like you would hold a knife. To try this grip, you need to place your thumb on one side of the hook and your fingers on the other side. 

Now, your hand will almost wrap around the hook, and your fingers will help you in each of your stitches. The grip will give you the best control, which helps you to work easily with thicker yarns or tougher stitches. Also, this grip is highly suggested if you are looking for the power to make the right stitches in your project.

Pencil Grip

Another common grip is the pencil grip, which almost looks like you are holding a pencil. To use this grip, you need to put your thumb and pointer finger on the thumb rest. 

The other fingers will be relaxed around the hook. You need to keep your hand more open than usual crochet hook holding and keep it looser than usual. This grip is great if you want to start crocheting at a slow pace or if you are just at the beginner level. Also, with this grip, you can easily work for a longer period without any complications.

In Closing 

The right crochet needle makes a big difference in your project! Now that you know the different types of crochet hooks to use in the project, choose the best one according to your needs. Make sure to choose the comfortable material in the hook that will fit right for you. 

Take your time, try a few types, and find what feels best in your hands. If you are just a beginner, start with the lightweight materials in hooks. Happy crocheting!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)