Crochet Hook Materials: The Perfect Hook

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What is the perfect crochet hook? Is it made from metal, plastic or wood? The answer is all three and none of the above. Your perfect crochet hook will depend on your yarn, project and personal preference. But if you are new to crochet or have inherited a large collection of crochet hooks and aren’t sure which hook to start with, check out these pros and cons for each hook material.

Metal Crochet Hooks

Metal crochet hooks are usually created from either steel or aluminum. The smallest crochet hooks are created in steel and have incredible strength, while larger crochet hooks are crafted from aluminum which retains the strength of the metal crochet hook but makes it much lighter than steel. Metal crochet hooks are probably the most popular, and you can find them at most craft stores. They are perfect for beginning crocheters.

Pros

Strength: Metal crochet hooks are incredibly strong. You can drop them, sit on them and run them through the washing machine. Yes, I’ve done all three. The metal crochet hook will remain shiny and ready for your next project. Even your great-grandmother’s hook looks barely used.

Affordable and Easy to Find: Metal crochet hooks are in the craft aisle of your big box store and at your local yarn store—I’ve even found them at my local grocery store. These crochet hooks are incredibly easy to find, and their affordability make them great for beginners.

Slick: Metal is very smooth, making it slick and perfect for yarns like acrylic that can tend to stick a bit when sliding down the hook. The smooth surface is also great for beginning crocheters who tend to crochet a little bit too tight.

Cons

Slick: Yes, I know we just mentioned slick as a benefit, but if you are working with a slick yarn like bamboo, that smooth surface can make it easy for your loop to slide off or make it difficult to grab when working a yarn over.

Weight: Metal crochet hooks, even when worked in aluminum, can be quite heavy when you get to larger sizes. I have never seen a metal crochet hook in size N or P.

Conductivity: Give me a minute to explain this one. We all know that metal is a great conductor of hot and cold. If you are crocheting on a hot day, the metal of your crochet hook will quickly eat up and get sticky and sweaty. Similarly, on a cold day, your crochet hook can be like holding a tiny ice cube.

Related: Anatomy of a Crochet Hook

Plastic Crochet Hooks

The second most popular crochet hook is the plastic crochet hook. While you may personally not have inherited a box of plastic crochet hooks from you grandmother, you will find them in most craft and big box stores. And if you are a fan of fun bright colors and even crochet hooks that light up, you will love the possibilities of plastic crochet hooks.  

Pros

Variety: Plastic crochet hooks come in stunning variety. Not only can you find standard crochet hooks, many Tunisian crochet hooks are also created in plastic. I also have several plastic crochet hooks with even shafts that are perfect for small Tunisian projects. And if you are looking for a fun crochet hook that lights up, is created in a fun color or shape, or that sparkles when it catches the light, plastic crochet hooks are the perfect material.

Weight: Plastic crochet hooks are light. This makes them perfect for the larger size crochet hooks. If your next project calls for T-shirt yarn or roving, browse the plastic crochet hooks for the perfect size.

Cons

Static: Plastic crochet hooks are fabulous at creating static! The friction between the plastic and the yarn, especially when you are working with acrylic yarn, is an excellent source of static electricity. So be careful who you touch when working with your plastic crochet hook.

Snagging: Not a problem with more expensive plastic crochet hook, cheaper hooks can have snags where the molded plastic isn’t smoothed properly.

Wood Crochet Hooks

Wood crochet hooks can be crafted from a wide variety of woods, from hickory and zebra wood to bamboo. Each crochet hook is unique, making your hook one of a kind like a piece of artwork. But don’t worry about crocheting with your little wooden sculptures. Once you begin crocheting with your wood crochet hook, you won’t be able to put it down.

Pros

Feel: Wood crochet hooks have a soft, smooth feel in your hand that is unmatched by any other material.

Conductivity: Remember our discussion of conductivity concerning metal crochet hooks? Wood crochet hooks are the opposite of metal crochet hooks. They are warm in cool weather and stay wonderfully cool in hot weather. A wonderful smooth feel in your hand is a great benefit.

Cons

Cost: Wood crochet hooks can be prohibitively expensive for some crocheters.

Durability: Wood is very susceptible to moisture, which can cause the hook to split. I have had a couple of wood crochet hooks that split after long use. Splitting, cracking and even breaking can also happen if you find yourself in a fight between your yarn and hook. Pull too hard and you can break your wood crochet hook.

Uneven Size: Wood crochet hooks are not created in a mold, which means that the sizes can vary slightly from hook to hook. As we all vary a little bit in our gauge, I’ve never found this to be much a problem, but don’t forget your swatch.

Related: Ergonomics of Crochet

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What is your favorite crochet made from? Or do you reach for different hooks for different projects? Or perhaps we haven’t even mentioned your favorite crochet hook here. You can still find a few antique crochet hooks created from ivory or bone. These crochet hooks might have been passed down from your great-great grandmother or you might find them tucked away in a corner antique store.

Regardless of which crochet hook is your favorite, it is amazing what a tiny tool with a hook on the end can create!

Happy crocheting,
Toni

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