My very first crochet hook was really poor. I had no idea what to look for or how to choose. I thought it didn’t matter which hook I picked — a hook is a hook, right? I grabbed a totally random, cheap one — the ordinary kind. I also bought the whole set with every available size right away. After a while the handle started coming apart and the hook head started wobbling. If I’d known then that it’s better to buy a single hook in the size you need for the project rather than a whole set, and… well, what exactly? Pick the one perfect one? Unfortunately it isn’t that simple, and I’m aware of that. A few years ago I couldn’t find a reliable hook ranking, which is why it took me a long time to find “the one”.
In this article I want to share some general information about the hooks I’ve used so far — their features and the materials they’re made of. I’ll also cover the aspects worth paying attention to when choosing the best tool for crocheting. Alongside the facts, I’ll share my subjective opinion on each model, creating a ranking — from those I think perform worst to those I consider the absolute best. My goal is to help you choose a hook that best fits your needs and gives you comfort for long hours of work.
Most of the hooks described here are available at kokonki.pl or miladruciarnia.pl, or on amazon for those of you outside Poland. Buying through these links supports my site — thank you!
7. Clover Double-Ended hook:
Made of aluminium, slightly shorter than a standard hook, with two different ends — which is undoubtedly tempting because you get two hooks for the price of one. It can be used as a classic hook, including with different yarn weights, and for specialty techniques like Tunisian crochet in the round or when working with two yarn colours. This hook was one of my first. I thought that since I could have two hooks in one, I’d save both space and money. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Couldn’t find exactly the same one on amazon.pl, but here’s a link to a double-ended hook.
Pros:
– works well mainly for Tunisian crochet in the round.
– very lightweight.
Cons:
– not useful for classic crochet — in classic crochet, where you only use one end of the hook to form standard stitches, this model is less comfortable. Two ends get in the way of guiding the yarn precisely.
– not suitable for classic Tunisian crochet either — it’s too short, even shorter than a classic hook,
– no ergonomic grip — 100% aluminium, slightly flattened in the middle.
– availability is very limited.
– higher price — more expensive than regular hooks due to its construction.
Summary:
What tempts people to buy a double-ended hook is the 2-in-1 appeal. You buy one and get two sizes. Unfortunately it’s a trade-off — the build compromises comfort. This type of hook is ideal for more advanced techniques that require working with two colours or both ends of the hook at once. Apart from that use, the Clover double-ended doesn’t offer many advantages — it’s not suitable for classic crochet, it’s hard to find, and its construction makes it less comfortable to use. On top of that, it’s more expensive than standard hooks, and its applications are very limited. Unless you’re planning to work Tunisian-in-the-round, stick with more versatile tools.
6. Rowan hook:
I was tempted to buy this hook mostly by how it looked. They’re beautiful and elegant! A wooden handle and hook in a lovely warm shade of brown. Everything fits together perfectly, giving a very balanced and aesthetic look. The manufacturer emphasizes the material — carefully selected wood — which makes the hook both lighter and more durable.
Pros:
– appearance — very aesthetic and elegant.
– lightweight construction.
Cons:
– hook surface — in my opinion very rough, to the point where I can actually hear the yarn sliding against it. For some people this might just be part of the experience, but for me it’s strongly off-putting.
– the head is sharply and deeply profiled — even with plenty of crochet experience, this makes crocheting harder. The head catches the yarn deeply and the hook itself limits flow.
– no ergonomic grip — the wooden handle is pleasant to the touch but also hard, without any shaping. Definitely not made for long sessions.
– price — much higher than other popular brands (around 36 PLN).
Summary:
Rowan hooks with a wooden handle are an elegant, aesthetically crafted tool that stands out for being lightweight. Unfortunately its price is decidedly too high, and the rough hook surface plus the deeply shaped head can be a downside for many. It also lacks an ergonomic grip, which makes it unsuitable for long sessions. That said, it might be a good choice for people looking for an elegant, lightweight hook who like sharply-tipped heads.
5. KnitPro Gold hook:
I get the sense that the KnitPro Gold is one of the more popular crochet tools — I keep seeing it in other makers’ hands. It’s genuinely elegant, metal with a gold finish. Designed for precise, fluid work. Made of lightweight aluminium with a soft plastic handle meant to provide maximum comfort during long crochet sessions, including for people with joint issues.
Pros:
– lightweight construction — aluminium body reduces hand fatigue,
– aesthetic look — the gold finish lends it an elegant appearance.
– price — very affordable, around 11–12 PLN.
Cons:
– hook surface — a bit rougher than other metal hooks. The gold, anodized finish gives it a slightly textured feel, which affects how the yarn slides. For some people this is an advantage, as it keeps stitches from slipping off accidentally; but with very delicate or slippery yarns (e.g. mercerized cotton) it can create a bit more resistance.
– durability — with more intensive use the gold colour can wear off.
– no ergonomic grip — although the hook has a plastic grip, it isn’t shaped like on typical ergonomic hooks. The handle has only been flattened.
– the head is fairly sharply tipped — a sharply shaped hook makes catching the yarn and entering stitches precise, but at the same time it can split fibers, especially on delicate yarns like mercerized cotton, mohair, or alpaca. For me, it’s too sharply tipped and I count that as a downside.
Summary:
KnitPro Gold hooks stand out for their elegant look and lightness, which makes them look attractive without weighing on the hand. Unfortunately, in my opinion those are their only advantages. The hook has a rougher surface than other metal hooks, which can complicate working with certain yarns. On top of that, its fairly sharp tip can split strands, and the handle, while relatively soft, isn’t fully ergonomic, which affects comfort on longer sessions. The result is that KnitPro Gold looks striking but doesn’t match the best models on the market for everyday use.
4. KnitPro Waves Single Ended hook:
KnitPro Waves is a popular series of hooks that stand out with their metal head and colourful handles, which make it easy to quickly grab the right size. The grip is made of soft, soft-grip plastic. The whole thing looks fairly interesting and fresh. The manufacturer emphasizes comfort and durability — is it actually as good as they claim?
Pros:
– lightweight construction — the aluminium hook makes it light and comfortable to use.
– hook surface — in KnitPro Waves it isn’t as rough as in the KnitPro Gold, which means yarn slides more smoothly and doesn’t catch as easily.
– colourful handles — a nice touch: each size has a different colour, which makes it easier to quickly grab the right one.
– wide size range — a broad range of sizes lets you match the hook to different projects.
– approachable price — compared to other ergonomic hooks, KnitPro Waves is relatively inexpensive (around 11–12 PLN).
Cons:
– no ergonomic grip — like the KnitPro Gold, the handle is covered in plastic, fairly soft but flat in shape, so it won’t sit perfectly in everyone’s hand.
– sharply tipped hook — the tip is just as sharp as in the Gold, which can be an advantage for precise work but also demands care, especially with delicate yarns that might split. I definitely prefer more rounded heads — they make the work flow more easily.
– can bend — in thinner sizes the hook can be less resistant to deformation.
Summary:
KnitPro Waves is a decent choice for anyone looking for a light, colourful, affordable hook. The aluminium hook gives smooth work, and its surface isn’t too rough, though the sharp tip can occasionally split yarn. They definitely lack an ergonomic handle. That said, in their price bracket they offer good comfort and a broad range of sizes. If I have to choose between KnitPro Gold and Waves, I reach for the Waves more often.
3. Clover Soft Touch hook:
A friend recommended the Clover Soft Touch to me, so I was tempted to try it. The manufacturer emphasizes comfort and high quality of manufacture, making this hook a great choice for both beginners and advanced crocheters. They also mention the ergonomic grip and a precisely shaped head that provides comfort over long hours of work.
Pros:
– lightweight construction — the hook is light, which helps with precise manoeuvring.
– hook surface — perfectly balanced: neither too rough nor too slippery, so there’s no resistance while crocheting and it prevents stitches from slipping off. The head is nicely shaped — slightly rounded, so it doesn’t disrupt the flow.
– aesthetic look — to my eye, a cool retro feel.
– easy to find in many sizes.
– price in line with the quality (around 17 PLN).
Cons:
– handle — made of plastic covered with a rubbery coating, and my impression is that the material quality is fairly mediocre. The shape of the handle itself isn’t quite right for me — unlike other hooks, the tip of the handle is narrower and the grip zone is thicker and more bulbous. I definitely prefer having more support for my palm and a dip under the fingers (I hold the hook like a knife).
Summary:
Clover Soft Touch is a light, aesthetically pleasing hook with a perfectly balanced hook surface, delivering a smooth work experience. Its price is in line with the quality, and the wide range of sizes is a big plus. However, the handle quality leaves a little to be desired, and its shape won’t suit everyone. Despite these small downsides, it’s a nice hook and worth trying.
2. Tulip Etimo Rose:
When I stumbled across Tulip Etimo Rose hooks by accident, I felt that I’d finally found “the one”. It’s one of the most highly regarded ergonomic hook ranges, combining high quality, comfort, and aesthetic design. These hooks stand out thanks to their matte aluminium head and a soft, rubberized handle. The whole thing is in a delicate pink shade, which adds a lot of charm.
Pros:
– ergonomic handle — soft, rubberized, and well shaped, so it sits in the hand beautifully. The palm has stable support and the thumb rests in a dip that provides a firm, controlled grip — for me it’s the perfect combination.
– matte hook surface — neither too slippery nor too rough, supporting smooth work with the yarn.
– lightweight construction — the hook is well balanced and doesn’t tire the hand.
– hook — in my opinion perfectly rounded and shaped, which lets me work smoothly. I very rarely work with very fine yarns and generally don’t go below 2.5 mm, but for those who work with very fine yarns it might feel less precise.
– aesthetic look — the delicate pink makes the tool look very elegant.
– available in sets — you can buy single hooks or whole kits in an elegant case.
Cons:
– higher price — one of the pricier hooks on the market (around 40–50 PLN), which can be a downside if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative.
– the pastel handle can get dirty — the pink coating can gradually grey slightly with heavy use.
Summary:
Tulip Etimo Rose is a hook for those who value comfort, quality, and an elegant look. It’s well designed, light, and ergonomic, which makes it great for long crochet sessions. The high price can be a downside, but in return you get a durable, comfortable tool that turns work into pleasure. If you’re looking for a premium hook to serve you for years, Tulip Etimo Rose is definitely a very good choice. It’s one of my two favourite hooks — the ones I reach for most often.
1. Tulip Etimo Red:
Tulip Etimo Red is my absolute favourite hook, taking first place on my list! It genuinely stands out from the crowd both in terms of comfort and quality. It’s a tool that combines ergonomics, precision, and aesthetic design — perfect for long crochet sessions.
Pros:
– ergonomic handle — exceptionally comfortable and well shaped, preventing hand fatigue during long crocheting. To my feel, Etimo Red and Rose share the same handle — the palm has proper support, and the thumb lands in a natural dip that further stabilizes the hand while crocheting.
– precise hook — the shape and profile of the head are the same as in the Etimo Rose — distinctly more rounded than in KnitPro hooks.
– high quality of manufacture — solid materials and attention to detail make this hook truly durable. I’ve been using these hooks regularly for several years and I’ve seen no signs of wear.
– aesthetic look — the elegant red handle makes the hook look genuinely lovely and professional.
– lightweight construction — very well balanced, ensuring comfort and precision during crocheting.
– excellent grip — the hook is neither too slippery nor too rough, so yarn slides smoothly without resistance.
Cons:
– higher price — this is a premium-tier hook, so it may be too pricey for anyone looking for a cheaper alternative (around 40 PLN).
Summary:
Tulip Etimo Red is a hook that combines elegance, comfort, and excellent quality. Although the price is higher than other models, it’s absolutely an investment that pays off. The ergonomic handle, precisely shaped hook, and high durability turn crocheting into pure pleasure. If you’re looking for a tool that will give you comfort for long hours of work, Tulip Etimo Red is a choice genuinely worth considering.
How to choose the right hook for you?
Picking the perfect hook is very personal — everyone has different preferences and needs. Some people prefer hooks with a sharp head, others with a rounded one. For some, an ergonomic handle is essential, while others don’t pay attention to it at all. There are people who value lightness and minimalism, and others who can’t imagine working without a well-balanced, solid hook.
My ranking is based on comfort, quality, and the flow of work, but everyone should try different models on their own and find their ideal. Maybe you prefer lightweight KnitPro Waves, classic Clover Soft Touch, or — like me — you’ll fall in love with Tulip Etimo Red. Whichever hook you choose, what matters most is that it works well for you and brings you joy! 😊