Things to consider before buying crochet hooks
What manufacturers offer in their hook sets differs a lot. It indicates that the various options are meant to cater to all the needs. Consequently, you need to figure out where you fit in as a potential buyer. This should help you find the best set for your needs. Here, we are going to take a closer look at the most important features of crochet hook sets such as the number of the tools in the pack, variety of sizes, tip styles, materials as well as extra accessories.
Number of hooks in the package
Every manufacturer offers a different set of tools. Each set includes anywhere from 6 to 24 hooks in the bundle. With more hooks, you are more likely to find a perfect one for your particular project. It’s also common to have a wider variety of tools at your disposal with larger sets.
For example, the Comecase Crochet Hook Set offers the largest number of hooks among the reviewed products on our list. This is beneficial since each project you take on will have its requirements concerning the hook you use.
Sizes
The sizes are very important because they allow you to complete various tasks and create different patterns. The number of sizes is one of the areas that will be most affected by the number of hooks in the set. As you can see, the Athena’s Elements Crochet Hooks, with its 12 hooks, offers a range of between 2.25mm and 8.0mm.
On the other hand, the Susan Bates Silvalume Crochet Hook Set has half as many hooks, which range between 3.75mm and 6.5mm. Therefore, the choice depends on the project you want to start.
Nevertheless, if you are looking for a particular size hook, you might have to check the product description to see if it is featured in the purchase. Also, a variety of sizes is always welcome since it means you can take on different jobs quite easily.
Tip style
The two main tip styles are the in-line option and the tapered one. Although you don’t often find both types in a single set, there are exceptions, such as the LIHAO Crochet Hooks.
As to whether a tip is tapered or in-line, you can tell by looking at the hook. A tapered option gets thinner the closer it gets to the tip if you look at it from the front. Conversely, in-line options tend to have the same width in the shaft and the neck as it transitions into a hook.
Hook material
Also, the hook material is essential in determining the durability of the toolset. As it stands, most of the products on our list are made of aluminum.
You also have the exception of the Comecase Crochet Hook Set, which is made of stainless steel. However, these are not the only two hook material options available in the market. You can also find wooden or plastic crochet hooks.
Metal hooks are more likely to be slippery, and hence you should take that into account as you take on your next job. Getting a set with non-slip handles can be pretty convenient. They are also faster to crochet than their counterparts.
While wooden options are slower, they might come in handy for a few jobs, and thus, you should not discount them. The plastic options offer a middle ground between the metal and wooden options. Still, the aluminum hooks are more popular among both professionals and beginners. Durability is also another thing that should affect whether you buy the hook set or not.
Handles
For many people, handles are a crucial consideration that influences whether they make the purchase or not. This is because they determine how comfortable it is for a user to hold the tools and also how long they can do it.
Rubber handles are especially popular because the grip is comfortable, and thus hand fatigue is minimized. These are also recommended for carpal tunnel affected users. For example, if you want to buy the hooks for someone who has arthritic hands, you can go for the WooCrafts Crochet Hooks.
Alternatively, you can find some options like the Luxbon Crochet Hooks that feature full aluminum construction.
The manufacturer also tries to minimize the discomfort by including a thumb-rest. This component should as well increase comfort in addition to ensuring that the tool does not slip out of your hands.
Extra accessories
Not all sets come with additional accessories, as is shown by the Luxbon Crochet Hooks. On the other hand, some manufacturers position their products as more productive purchases by adding as many accessories as they can.
Examples include measure tapes, scissors stitch markers, and more. These are all tools that may be of some use during your crocheting journey. As such, it makes sense to plan for them beforehand whether you buy them with a hook set or not.
However, for convenience purposes, it seems like buying a set with more accessories is a better idea. Also, note that extra accessories are likely going to be responsible for the increase in price.
How much do crochet hook sets cost?
Each crochet hook set is unique. Consequently, it is only natural to expect the pricing to vary widely as well. Some of the affordable options can cost close to seven or eight dollars. These sets tend to have quite a limited number of tools available. For example, you can consider LIHAO Crochet Hooks. Here, you will get 22 different hook sizes with various tip styles and also a case for them.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are options, such as the Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set, that cost up to 30 dollars or even more. This price tag is reasonable and is still quite affordable for most potential buyers.
A word of advice is that you should go for the set that satisfies your needs. This way, you won’t need to go back to the drawing board to search for a replacement right after making the purchase.
