Beginner’s Guide to Crochet Hooks

What are the parts of a Crochet Hook?

A crochet hook consists of five basic parts. The handle, thumb rest, shaft (the part that holds the working loops of yarn), the throat, and head. There are two important variations in the way that crochet hooks are designed. 

Inline vs tapered crochet hooks 

The distinction between the two comes down to the shape of the “throat” of the hook. An inline hook is the same diameter from the shaft to the throat of the hook, while a tapered crochet hook will narrow in width from the shaft to the throat.

In addition, an inline hook will tend to have a deeper mouth (the curved groove that catches the yarn) and pointier tip, but a tapered hook will tend to have a shallower mouth and smoother tip.

Two brands of crochet hooks that are very easy to find both online and in craft stores are Boye (tapered variety) and Susan Bates (inline variety).

What type of crochet hook is best?

I personally have changed my preferred style of hook over the years. As a child, my grandmother taught me to crochet with tapered hooks. When I returned to crochet after a long hiatus, I found that as a re-beginner it was easier to crochet using inline hooks (it makes it easier to grab the yarn when pulling up a loop, as well as making it easier to keep loops at the correct size).  After some time getting reacquainted with crochet, I find that I can use both styles of hooks without issue, although I still have a slight preference for inline hooks.

I recommend experimenting with different hooks before settling on a certain kind. Not all brands of hooks are exactly the same, even if they are the same general type. There are dozens of variations of style and materials to choose from. And your preference may change over time! The best hook for you depends on your level of experience, your style of holding the hook (grip), and finding the hook that allows you to crochet without pain or fatigue.