Learn Crochet · Beginner

Hooks & Needles: A Complete Guide for New Crocheters

Aluminium, bamboo, ergonomic, in-line, tapered — let's demystify the magical stick that makes crochet possible.

Let’s make sense of it Explain the words

By Micky · 4 min read · UK terms + US translations

Crochet yarn and practice swatches — editorial illustration — Learn it. Try it. Make it yours.Illustration for inspiration; labelled teaching diagram below.

Start here · a little extra help

Give each tool a job

A crochet hook has a tip that catches yarn. A yarn needle has an eye and is used for sewing pieces or hiding ends. Knitting needles are different tools for a different technique; they do not replace a crochet hook in an ordinary crochet pattern.

Millimetres describe hook diameter. Letter and number sizing systems vary, so the millimetre measurement is useful when comparing tools. Handle shape is about comfort: try holding a hook gently and check that its shaft gives your loops enough room.

Your small practice goal

Find the size marking on your hook. Record the millimetres with your yarn label and practise making loose, comfortable loops.

Picture it

A repeatable learning route: choose materials, make a small sample, check it, then begin the project. A small sample can save a lot of undoing.

Select the diagram to open it at full size. Use the written steps for the actual hook movements.

Words you’ll meet

No need to memorise these. Keep them nearby and look up a word whenever you need it. This guide uses UK names, with US equivalents explained.

Open the plain-English word guide · 5 terms

Round · rnd

A complete trip around a shape. It may be joined at the end or continue in a spiral.

Tunisian crochet

Crochet using a forward pass to gather loops and a return pass to work them off the hook.

mm · millimetres

A unit of length: ten millimetres make one centimetre. Hook diameter is often shown in mm.

Hook shaft

The straight part of the hook behind the shaped tip. Its diameter helps set the size of the loops.

Stitch marker

A removable clip or scrap of contrasting yarn used to mark a stitch or place in the work.

Full crochet A–Z · UK / US translation card

Crochet hook anatomy 🪝

Every crochet hook has the same basic parts:

Head — the very tip that pokes through stitches.
Throat — the curvy bit just below the head that catches the yarn.
Shaft — the straight section that decides your stitch size.
Thumb rest — flat area where your thumb sits.
Handle — the long bit you grip.

Types of hooks

1. Aluminium hooks

The classic — cheap, smooth and great for everyday yarn. Susan Bates and Boye are popular brands.

2. Bamboo / wooden hooks

Warm, light, and a little grippy — perfect for slippery yarns. Quiet on your hands too. ✨

3. Ergonomic hooks

These have chunky rubber handles that are much kinder to your wrists. If you crochet for a long time (like I do!) get a set of these — Clover Amour and Furls are amazing.

4. Tunisian / Afghan hooks

Extra long with a stopper at the end. Used for Tunisian crochet — a cool style that looks a bit like knitting.

In-line vs tapered

This is the secret crocheters love to argue about! 😄

In-line (Susan Bates style) — the head is the same width as the shaft. Great for tight, even stitches.
Tapered (Boye / Clover style) — the head is rounder. Easier to push through stitches; my personal favourite.

How to hold your hook

There are two main grips:

Knife grip — like holding a butter knife. Stronger and more controlled.
Pencil grip — like holding a pencil. Gentler on your wrist for long sessions.

Try both — there's no "right" way! Whatever feels comfy is correct.

What size hook should I buy first?

If you're starting fresh, grab a set of ergonomic hooks from 3mm to 8mm. You'll cover almost every beginner project with that range.

Pro tip: keep a tiny stitch marker on your hook bag so you can mark the start of rows in the round. Lifesaver! 💜