Comments on: What’s Your Favorite Crochet Hook Material and Brand?

By: Samantha

Samantha — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:19:42 +0000

I am definitely a fan of the aluminum and bamboo hooks. I inherited all of my grandmothers crochet and knit tools when she was moved into a hospice for care and as such have found very little need to buy any other hooks (except when traveling via plane). Due to air port security where I fly out, there are no metal, wood or bamboo hooks & knitting needles allowed so I went and bought some of the Susan Bates plastic ones.

The plastic ones do snap very easily with long use if you are using the hooks that are H or smaller. The hooks larger than that do very well though and have enough give so that my young yet computer tortured hands don’t spasm and ache after a couple of hours.

My grandmothers set of hooks consist of both Boyle and Susan. I have noticed that with the Susan hooks they seem to move more fluidly in my hand and rarely catch. When looking at the hook it appears to have been filed down better (deeper and smoother) than the Boyle hooks until I get down to the very tiny, lace making hooks.

For the lace making hooks, I prefer the Boyle over the Susan hooks so far. The “better filing” becomes a hindrance for me with the Susan hooks at this size and I end up catching too many strands/loops sometimes. With the Boyle hooks I work more smoothly at this level.

By: RedTheHick

RedTheHick — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:00:52 +0000

A few years ago, my husband got me the best hook EVER for my birthday. From a couple of people who make them by hand from wood. Greydog Woodworks. They usually sell stuff on ebay, but I think they are on hiatus right now. If you can afford to get 1 of their hooks, you’ll be HOOKED! (Some are quite pricey, but I have simple tastes so the lower end are more than fine for me.) Otherwise, I either use the bamboo or whatever I have handy in the size I am looking for. I tend to avoid the metal ones when I can. I press too hard, so where the “thumb rest” is, leaves and imprint on my thumb.

By: Jean

Jean — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 07:06:25 +0000

I learned to crochet with thread and Boye hooks when 12 years old. As an adult, I prefer Bates for the yarns. I can use Bates for thread, but still prefer Boye, it hooks the thread better. I tried Soft Touch, found the hook is not deep enough to hold my yarn, so gave them up. I now use bamboo handle Bates for my yarn projects. They are 1 inch longer than without the handle, I needed the extra length. Also, I don’t have to grip the hook so tight and I find I crochet looser and more relaxed now.

By: Emily

Emily — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:58:10 +0000

I usually use Boye aluminum hooks. I’ve tried other metal ones (I believe I’ve tried Susan Bates) and they just… Didn’t work for me. I have also tried plastic hooks and don’t like them, no matter what brand they are.
I want to try bamboo crochet hooks. I knit more than I crochet and always try to use bamboo needles because they just seem best for me to work with, so I’m curious if it would be the same way with crochet hooks.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:42:21 +0000

I bought a lighted crochet hook the other day in the bargain bin. I think it was $4. I really liked it. It helps to light up the area when you are trying to crochet front or back loops only.
One of my favorites to use is a size F aluminum hook with the knitting needle on the back. I guess I like it because it is longer.
Has anyone ever made clay handles for your hooks? There is a video on you tube showing a lady making different ones. She even squeezed the clay to make one that conformed to her hand. They also have a video about using squishy pencil covers. They look comfortable also.
I am rather new here, so if this has been discussed before, sorry to repeat the idea. I’m just
excited to try the clay thing because my 29 year old daughter works with clay so this gives us something in common.
I love working with plarn. I like to try different thicknesses. I make big tote bags out of wide loops plarn and little barbie purses out of loops I cut to about 1/4 inch.
The other day at Michael’s, I was able to buy a pair of Fiskar spring scissors for half price. I got the $30 scissors for $15. They are so nice for cutting plarn loops.
Finally, I think everyone should try a lighted crochet hook just to see the difference.

By: Metta Nicewarner

Metta Nicewarner — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:49:51 +0000

I have a massive collection of hooks, both Boye and Bates…but I must admit that I do prefer the Susan Bates hooks for most projects. They just seem to grab and hold onto the yarn better than the Boye’s do. I haven’t had much experience with plastic hooks…until I flew to San Antonio over the Thanksgiving holidays! I bought a cheap set of the main sizes to carry on the plane. Started using the required size H on a project on the plane, and broke the hook before I got there! So, I pulled out the G hook and tried to continue crocheting loosely, and it worked….until it snapped on the 2nd day of my visit! Had to go to Joanne’s and buy another one to finish my project with! So far, it has remained intact! I do hate the way the plastic ones feel, though. Too light and kinda of draggy….not as smooth as my aluminum ones. I’ve never tried wooden or bamboo hooks, though they probably are quite nice, as I love the feel of smooth polished wood! I have one lighted hook, but haven’t used it yet…hope it doesn’t break on me when I do!

By: Meg

Meg — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:16:07 +0000

I’m a Clover Soft Touch fan because of the handle, not the hook/shaft. I like metal hooks, but I taught high school English for 20 years and all that writing/grading has done a number on my hands and wrists, especially thumbs. I have carpal tunnel and another variety of tendonitis, so holding a pencil is very difficult. HOWEVER, with the Clover Soft Touch (and another, new, Japanese brand, the Tulip) handle style, I can crochet for hours with no hand problems at all!!!

By: m

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:35:46 +0000

Boye hooks are my favorite – nice and slippy, and I like the pointy tip. Especially my grandmother’s old ones! The plastic ones I hate, but am stuck with if I’m using an extra large hook… can’t seem to find metal hooks in a large size around here. I haven’t tried bamboo, but I think I probably wouldn’t like them – my daughter uses bamboo needles for knitting and likes those because they hang onto the yarn better, and that would drive me nuts.

Cotton yarns are my favorite to crochet with – just the act of crocheting. Lily Sugar n’ Cream, and Lion Brand Organic.

By: Rachael

Rachael — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 03:39:13 +0000

I am a college student and a very poor one at that, so I use plastic ones because they are cheaper and when I lose them I don’t feel so guilty. I am always crocheting in between classes and work so a lot of times I drop my hooks when I’m rushing around so the plastic ones are good enough for now.

By: Debbie

Debbie — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 01:24:49 +0000

Oh boy, I love to crochet with any hook I get my hands on. But I do use the plastic hooks for when I’m on the airplane. They only allow plastic. And I have to keep busy when flying so as not to get scared! But really, I could probably use a crochet hook made out of stone if that were the only one I had. Happy Holidays to everyone!