Best Crochet Hooks for Beginners: What to Buy First
Which Crochet Hook Should You Buy First?
Your first crochet hook matters more than owning twenty of them. This guide compares four sensible beginner options—from one comfortable everyday hook to a small starter set—so you can spend less time shopping and more time learning.
For most beginners, start with one comfortable 5.0mm hook and a smooth medium-weight yarn. Our overall starting pick is the Clover Amour 5.0mm. Choose Tulip ETIMO Red if you want a more premium cushioned option, Susan Bates if you prefer a small multi-size starter set, or Prym if you want a lightweight ergonomic alternative.
The Best Beginner Crochet Hooks at a Glance
There is no single hook that feels perfect in every hand. The useful question is not “Which crochet hook is objectively best?” but “Which one makes learning easier for the way I naturally hold and move the hook?”
| Our Pick | Best For | What Stands Out | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clover Amour 5.0mm | Most beginners | Comfortable grip, aluminum hook, smooth everyday feel | Amazon → |
| Tulip ETIMO Red 5.0mm | Premium choice | Cushioned grip and matte-finish hook tip | Amazon → |
| Susan Bates Silvalume Set | Learning several sizes | A compact starter collection instead of a huge accessory kit | Amazon → |
| Prym Ergonomics 5.0mm | Alternative ergonomic feel | Light synthetic construction and distinctive ergonomic shape | Amazon → |
1. Clover Amour 5.0mm Crochet Hook
If you want the simplest answer, this is where we would start. Clover combines an aluminum hook with a soft elastomer grip, giving beginners a comfortable middle ground between a bare metal hook and a heavily sculpted ergonomic design.
The 5.0mm H size is especially practical because it appears frequently in beginner-friendly projects using common medium-weight yarns. More importantly, buying one useful size lets you discover how you actually crochet before investing in a full set.
2. Tulip ETIMO Red 5.0mm Crochet Hook
Tulip ETIMO Red is the option to consider when you want a refined cushioned grip and are willing to spend more on a single hook rather than buying a large inexpensive set.
Tulip lists its 8/0 hook as 5.0mm. The ETIMO Red line uses a cushioned grip, while the red hook tip has a matte finish designed to reduce distracting reflections under light.
For a beginner who often crochets under a lamp or simply prefers a more polished tool, those small details can make long practice sessions feel more pleasant.
3. Susan Bates Silvalume Crochet Hook Set
Some beginners genuinely do want several hook sizes. If that is you, a focused hook set makes far more sense than buying a giant “crochet kit” filled with counters, rings, pom-pom makers and accessories you may never use.
The advantage here is flexibility. As you move between beginner patterns and yarn weights, you can try different sizes without immediately buying another individual hook.
The trade-off is simple: you are buying multiple hooks before you know which size and handle style will become your favorite. If you are unsure whether crochet will become a regular hobby, one good 5.0mm hook is still the safer first purchase.
4. Prym Ergonomics 5.0mm Crochet Hook
Prym is the most different option in this comparison. Its 5.0mm ergonomic hook uses lightweight high-performance synthetic material instead of the more traditional aluminum-hook-plus-soft-handle combination.
Prym describes the 5.0mm version as 16cm long, with an ergonomic slip-resistant handle and polished shaft designed to help stitches move easily.
That unusual construction is precisely why it belongs in this guide. A beginner who dislikes the feel or balance of conventional metal hooks may prefer something lighter and warmer in the hand.
How to Choose Your First Crochet Hook
The packaging is less important than four basic decisions: hook size, handle comfort, hook-head style and the yarn you plan to use.
Is 5.0mm Really the Best Crochet Hook Size for Beginners?
It is a very useful learning size, but it is not a universal rule. Hook size should ultimately follow the yarn and pattern.
We use 5.0mm repeatedly in this comparison because it gives us a fair way to compare individual hooks without changing both the hook design and the size at the same time.
If your first pattern calls for 4.0mm, 5.5mm or another size, buy that size instead. The goal is not to own a 5.0mm hook at all costs. The goal is to begin with one appropriate tool and learn what you like.
Ergonomic vs Regular Crochet Hooks for Beginners
Ergonomic handles can make a hook easier to hold, but “ergonomic” does not automatically mean “better for every hand.”
Some crocheters like a thicker cushioned grip. Others prefer a slimmer hook because it allows more freedom to rotate the tool. Your grip style—knife hold, pencil hold or something in between—also changes how a handle feels.
This is another reason we prefer buying one thoughtfully chosen hook before purchasing a full premium set.
What We Would Not Buy First
A beginner usually does not need a 50-piece or 100-piece crochet kit. Large kits can look like good value because the product photo is full of accessories, but quantity does not tell you whether those accessories solve a problem you actually have.
We would prioritize a suitable hook, smooth yarn, scissors, a yarn needle and a few locking stitch markers. Everything else can be added when a project gives you a reason to need it.
We explain this in more detail in our guide: 10 Crochet Tools You Don’t Actually Need — And What to Buy Instead .
Our Final Recommendation
If you want one answer, start with the Clover Amour 5.0mm. It gives most beginners a sensible balance of comfort, familiarity and simplicity without forcing you to buy an entire set.
Choose Tulip ETIMO Red if you want the premium option, Susan Bates if you specifically want several sizes from the beginning, and Prym Ergonomics if a lightweight synthetic ergonomic hook appeals to you.
None of these hooks will replace practice. The best beginner hook is ultimately the one that lets you concentrate on stitches instead of constantly thinking about the tool in your hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What crochet hook should a complete beginner buy?
Start with the size required by your first pattern. If you are practicing with common medium-weight yarn, a comfortable hook around the middle-size range such as 5.0mm is often a practical place to begin.
Should beginners buy a crochet hook set?
Not necessarily. One suitable hook is enough for one project. A small set becomes useful when you know you will work with several yarn weights or patterns requiring different sizes.
Are ergonomic crochet hooks better for beginners?
They can be more comfortable, especially if you tend to grip tools tightly, but handle preference is personal. Try one ergonomic hook before investing in an expensive full set.
Is Clover or Tulip better for beginners?
Both are strong options. Clover Amour is our general starting recommendation, while Tulip ETIMO Red is our premium alternative for someone who values a cushioned grip and matte hook finish.
Do expensive crochet hooks make crochet easier?
A well-designed hook may feel smoother or more comfortable, but price cannot replace tension control, stitch recognition and practice. Beginners do not need an expensive hook collection to learn well.
Create Better. Buy Smarter.
Explore more practical crochet guides from Rihalo before spending money on tools you may not need.
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