Looking for the most comfortable crochet hooks out there? Ergonomic crochet hooks are a lifesaver! Learn all about them here.

I’ll admit, I used to use any old hook out there and have a huge collection of them. It wasn’t until I discovered some of these ergonomic crochet hooks that I changed my tune about what types of hooks I prefer to use.

Once I tried an ergonomic hook I just couldn’t go back to a regular plain one. The handle just feels so much more comfortable and the grip is much better. I can crochet for a lot longer than I could with a regular hook and there is less strain on my hands and wrists.

So, are you ready to find out everything you need to know about an ergonomic hook?

Common Questions about Ergonomic Crochet Hooks

What to Look for in Ergonomic Crochet Hooks

Before we jump into what to look for in ergonomic hooks, let’s take a minute to look at the types of hooks and the difference between ergonomic hooks and regular crochet hooks.

Differences in Crochet Hooks

There are two distinct styles of crochet hooks – the tapered crochet hook and the inline crochet hook. The main difference between these two styles is that the actual hook part of the tapered style sticks out past the shaft of the hook, while the hook of the inline style is in line with the shaft (hence the name inline). 

The most common tapered hook brand is the Boye hook. A tapered hook has a round body and the throat is very smooth. The hook itself isn’t quite as deep as an inline hook. The advantages of tapered hooks are that you can work more quickly, they don’t split the yarn as often due to their rounded head and they can help with wrist pain.

The most common inline hooks are Susan Bates hooks. This type of hook gets its name from the fact that the hook is “in line” with the shaft. The throat has more of a flat shape and the hook is deeper and more pointed. The advantages of inline hooks are that they can create more uniform stitches and that they can help make stitches more even. They can also get into tighter stitches more easily because the head of these hooks tend to be slightly pointed. The disadvantage of an inline hook is that the hook itself can be so deep that it is difficult to pull the yarn through.

The shaft of a regular crochet hook is a uniform thickness. Sometimes there is an indentation where you can rest your thumb. The shaft of an ergonomic hook is much wider. This makes the ergonomic hooks much more comfortable to hold and also protects your hands from injury. 

Crochet hooks also vary based on the material they are made from. There are more than you might think! Some crochet hooks are carved from wood – all different types of wood. Other crochet hooks are cast from resin or metal. Steel and aluminum are the most common types of metal used to make crochet hooks. There is one more common crochet hook material worth noting and that’s plastic. These inexpensive hooks are a good pick for newbies, crocheters on a budget or for teaching children how to crochet. 

For this post we’re going to stick to regular crochet hooks, but there are also some specialty crochet hooks for specific crochet techniques. The two that come to mind are crochet hooks for tunisian crochet and crochet hooks for broomstick lace. Tunisian crochet hooks are much longer than traditional crochet hooks because the tunisian crochet technique requires you to accommodate many more loops on your hook at one time. Broomstick lace crochet hooks are wider than average crochet hooks. You can use them to make stunning lace crochet designs.

What is the Best Ergonomic Crochet Hook?

There are two names that you have probably heard again and again if you have been asking around for the best ergonomic crochet hooks – Clover Amour and Furls. Crocheters love these amazing ergonomic crochet hooks for a number of reasons!

Let’s talk about the Clover Amour hooks. The first thing you will notice about these crochet hook sets are the brightly colored handles and their ergonomic design. Each hook size is a different color. This makes it so easy to quickly locate the size that you need and prevents you from accidentally reaching for the wrong hook. The lightweight aluminum crochet hooks and elastomer rubber handles won’t weigh you down. The smooth shaft of the hook and the tapered style are also a fan favorite. Crocheters swear these hooks make them faster stitchers!

But what about the Furls Crochet hooks? You can always tell them apart from the rest because of their unique shape, shiny finishes and interesting designs. They are absolutely beautiful, and they’re also downright functional. The style combines the best of both worlds of the tapered and inline designs to make a whole new style of hook that everyone can enjoy. Furls Crochet has a number of different materials and finishes to choose from so your crochet hook can be as unique as you are!

Why Use an Ergonomic Crochet Hook?

You might be looking at that trusty crochet hook set you’ve had since forever and wondering why you even need to switch to an ergonomic crochet hook. Sure, a new crochet hook does take some getting used to, but trust me when I say that it’s totally worth it. If you are experiencing any sort of hand, wrist or arm pain when you crochet (or if you want to prevent that from happening) then an ergonomic crochet hook is an absolute must! An ergonomic crochet hook allows you to crochet more safely, for longer periods of time and it can even help you crochet faster! 

How to Hold Ergonomic Crochet Hooks

There are two main types of ways that people tend to hold their crochet hooks. The first is called the knife hold. This overhand hold is distinguished by the extended pointer finger along the top of the crochet hook. There are a couple variations to the knife grip. 

Some folks who use the knife grip like to get their other hand (usually the one holding the yarn) involved, too. They will use their opposite hand to wrap the yarn around their hook. Still others who use the knife hold like to do all their crocheting with their dominant hand. They use the same hand to both hold the hook and wrap the yarn around the hook. These crocheters are sometimes referred to as “wrappers” (not to be confused with “rappers”) and a lot of them learned to knit before they learned to crochet. #oldhabitsdiehard

One other variation of the knife hold is called the saber hold. As with the knife hold, the saber hold is an overhand hold. Instead of leading with the pointer finger, the crocheter leads with their thumb. The other four fingers remain wrapped around the hook. En garde! If you are used to the knife hold, then it can be fun to give the saber hold a try since they are so similar. 

Here’s the last knife hold variation. Think of the shape that you make with your hand when you go in for a handshake. No curl your fingers gently toward your palm and hold your crochet hook nestled equally between all 5 fingertips. This crochet hook hold is called the piano claw or the cupped hold. 

The other main type of crochet hook hold is the pencil grip. It’s pretty much how it sounds – just like holding a pencil. This is an underhand hold that relies on wrist and arm movements to do most of the work. Hmm, maybe I should try this hold out and give my poor fingers a break. If you are experiencing pain while crocheting it can be helpful to adjust your hold. It will feel awkward at first but you will get used to it!

Ok, ready for the pencil grip variations? First up is the pinky fly hold, which is probably the coolest name of any hold on this list (except maybe the saber hold). Make the ok sign with your hand, then bring your middle finger down next to your pointer finger. Keep the ring and pinky finger on the fly. Move your middle and pointer finger away from your thumb enough to snuggle your crochet hook in there. This underhand hold is similar to how you hold a teacup or a paintbrush.

The other pencil grip variation is called the chopstick hold. This hold is more common among sushi lovers…just kidding. This hold feels the most natural for people who play instruments or type a lot. Since the middle finger plays the biggest role in this crochet hook hold, it feels the most comfortable for crocheters who have long middle fingers.

Who knew there were so many different ways to hold a crochet hook?? I’m curious, which way do you hold your crochet hook? I love how each crocheter brings their own unique style to the craft.

The Best Ergonomic Crochet Hooks for Every Budget

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Where to Buy Ergonomic Crochet Hooks

There are many places to buy a quality hook that doesn’t break the bank. Here are some of my favorites:

Amazon

Of course! Amazon has most all of the major brands of crochet hooks, plus some very inexpensive ergonomic ones. The only thing I would caution about buying the really inexpensive ergonomic hooks is that the metal isn’t always smooth, so the yarn may get snagged on it. I’ve never had this happen with a Furls or Clover hook.

JoAnn or Michael’s

Sometimes I want to buy a hook right now and I don’t want to wait a day or two to get it. Luckily we have both JoAnn and Michael’s stores nearby where I live, so I can conveniently pick up a hook if I need to. (Anyone else tend to lose their hooks?) You can find the Clover Amour and Soft Touch hooks there and other ergonomic styles.

Etsy

Here you can find unique and one of a kind ergonomic hooks! I really love buying unique hooks for my Instagram feed, so I head to Etsy when I want a hook that’s different from the norm. You can find hand carved wooden hooks, hooks with handmade handles and more. Try some out – you never know which is going to be your favorite!

Which Ergonomic Hook is Best for You?

Who knew there were so many different ergonomic crochet hooks out there to choose from? I hope that this article has made it easier for you to compare and contrast all the different brands of ergonomic crochet hooks so you can make an educated decision. If you are having a hard time deciding – I totally get it! I encourage you to try all the different crochet hooks you can get your hands on so you can start figuring out what you like.

If you really want to take the guesswork out of it, then you look at reviews of crochet hooks on the web. You will see that there is a strong personal preference among a lot of crocheters for certain brands. You really can’t go wrong with a Furls Crochet Hook or a Clover Crochet Hook. The other brands just don’t quite measure up to their standard of quality, comfort and style. Your hands will thank you! 

I’d love to know which hooks you end up picking. Let’s chat in the comments! Also, please feel free to recommend other brands of ergonomic crochet hooks that you have tried. Share the love!

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Happy Crocheting!
Amanda